EPRI to develop transmission line insulator inspection robot.

Press Release Summary:



EPRI initiated development of an Insulator Crawler with integrated camera and EPRI prototype live working NCI Tool, which assesses integrity of polymer insulators as they are installed. Although there is a long way to go, project is revealing that use of robotics has significant advantages. Robot will enable implementation of emerging contact insulator inspection technologies at 345 kV and above, and will increase safety by enabling personnel to be removed from energized situations.



Original Press Release:



EPRI Insulator Robot Development



Robotic technologies are an innovative way to assist utilities in their asset management programs.

The Electric Power Research Institute is developing a robot that will inspect insulators for transmission lines.

The Need

Existing and emerging inspection technologies to assess the condition of transmission line insulators often require close proximity or contact with the insulator string. The traditional approach would be to utilize a hotstick to implement the new technology or an existing technology such as a video camera. At Extra High Voltage levels this is potentially challenging due to the length of the hotstick required. Electric Power Research Institute researchers identified this as an appropriate application for robotics as a transport mechanism for these inspection technologies.

A Robotic Solution

As a result of this need, EPRI initiated the development of an "Insulator Crawler." This robot would take the "detector technology" as a payload. In 2010, a feasibility study and a detailed design was completed, and in 2011, a technology demonstrator was constructed and tested on I-string, Vee-string and dead-end de-energized insulators with success. A camera and an EPRI prototype live working NCI Tool, which assesses the integrity of polymer insulators as they are installed, was then integrated into the insulator crawler and tested. It showed very promising results with improved repeatability over measurements made by an operator using a hot stick. Although there is a long way to go on this challenging development, the project is revealing that the use of robotics in the future has significant advantages, including more repeatable measurements, addressing ergonomic issues and increasing safety by enabling personnel to be removed from energized situations.

Features and Value

The insulator robot will enable the following:

1. Enables the implementation of new emerging contact insulator inspection technologies at EHV voltages, (EHV=extra high voltages 345kV and above)

2. Much better evaluation of the insulator since we are doing it really close up and in a more repeatable manner

3. We remove the operator from close proximity of energized conductors

4. Reduces the physical stress on operators. Rather than using a heavy long hotstick.

EPRI Experience

EPRI has explored the potential of robotic technologies for a number of years. For example, the company has looked into ways to expand transmission line inspection capabilities and increase cost-effectiveness, and began development of a transmission line inspection robot that can be permanently installed on these lines, and traverse 80 miles of line at least twice a year, collecting high-fidelity information that utilities can act on in real time. As the robot crawls along the transmission line, it uses various inspection technologies to identify high-risk vegetation and right-of-way encroachment, and to assess component conditions.

Nicknamed "Ti," EPRI has put the prototype through a series of tests at its laboratory in Lenox, Massachusetts and is compiling data that will lead to further refinement of the design.

EPRI technical expert for transmission robotic technologies is Andrew Phillips.

About EPRI

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together experts from academia and industry as well as its own scientists and engineers to help address challenges in electricity generation, delivery and use, including health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.

All Topics