This on-going research evaluates various insulators, conducts feasibility studies on new designs, identifies key parameters that alter performance regardless of the vendor, and recommends standard design requirements that reduce the risk of damages or failure, optimize the use of materials, and improve grid resiliency. Deflections, stresses, strains, and failure data are collected during the test, simultaneously in three directions.
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Using the HighBay Structures Lab at EPIC, both braced and unbraced insulators are configured, attached, and loaded at full scale just as they will be installed and loaded in the field. Beginning almost five years ago and with continuing support from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), faculty and staff at EPIC evaluate the physical load-carrying capabilities and failure mechanisms of various insulators. These differences among vendors make it more difficult to establish a standard design protocol across the industry and may be leading to more (or less) conservative designs. Also, improved computational capabilities allow vendors to analyze their insulators in more detail and customize their products in terms of base material, weathersheds, and end fittings. For example, as insulator materials and geometries change, so do failure mechanisms, thereby effecting design requirements. New polymer materials being used to manufacture insulators require a thorough experimental evaluation before they can be used with confidence in the grid. Mechanical Load-Carrying Characteristics and Failure Mechanisms of Composite Insulators Utilizing the resources of the EPIC High Bay Structures lab and associated specialty labs, large-structures research on transmission and distribution designs, materials characterization and development, and performance monitoring are performed. See below for more details and examples of recent research activities. Strategic Development & Faculty Liaison.With the ability to use dedicated full-time staff that report to an ADoR and by recruiting faculty from UNC Charlotte and outside institutions, EPIC is able to successfully tackle cross-cutting, multidisciplinary, large research projects. Through focused corporate engagement and government leverage from corporate funds, EPIC Research Verticals empower EPIC Assistant Directors of Research (ADoR) to complete research deliverables on an industrial client’s schedule. EPIC has developed an extramural-funded research program that is “additive” to existing departmental activities.
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