Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

Andrew J Philips

Mary C Marshall

Joseph N Mitchell

Ralph Henry Hill, Jr

Mark E Van Dyke

J Mark Major

Stephen J Hudak, Jr

Dennis S Rushforth

Richard Lordan

Henry W Oviatt, Jr

Spring M Haby

An apparatus and method for measuring geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to measure GICs temporarily flowing in high-voltage, 60 Hz power transmission conductors, and includes a securing means for securing the apparatus to the power transmission conductor. The apparatus further includes a flux concentrator having a toroidal ferrite core and winding wound around the core configured to capture a magnetic field from the power transmission conductor; a hall-effect sensor assembly configured to receive the magnetic field from the flux concentrator and produce a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic field; and an electronics module configured to receive the voltage signal from the hall-effect sensor assembly, conduct measurements, and transmit the measurements to a local access point.

Apparatus and method for measuring geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in high voltage transmission conductors

A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and connected with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is positioned within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway or diffuse through the housing. The activated dopant then creates a deposit or stain on the outer surface of the insulator housing. The dopant comprises an oil-soluble dye, an indicator, or a stain compound that can either be visually identified, or is sensitive to radiation at one or more specific wavelengths. The dopant could also be formulated by a nanoparticle enabled material. Deposits of activated dopant on the outer surface of the insulator can be detected upon imaging of the outer surface of the insulator by appropriate imaging instruments or the naked eye.

Indicators for early detection of potential failures due to water exposure of polymer-clad fiberglass

A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and fitted with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics correlating to those of water, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is placed within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway. The activated dopant then creates a deposit or stain on the outer surface of the insulator housing. The dopant comprises a dye that is sensitive to radiation at one or more specific wavelengths or is visually identifiable. Deposits of activated dopant on the outer surface of the insulator can be detected upon imaging of the outer surface of the insulator by appropriate imaging instruments or the naked eye.

Chemically-doped composite insulator for early detection of potential failures due to exposure of the fiberglass rod

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

Andrew J Philips