Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has designed, constructed and commissioned a full-scale, three-phase, outdoor 138 kV substation at its High-Voltage Laboratory in Lenox, Massachusetts.

The research substation includes all the key components of a utility substation: transformer bushings, an SF6 circuit breaker, a disconnect, buswork, arresters, post insulators, and composite poles.

The substation is operational, with the transformer bushings both energized and subjected to high current.

The new research facility allows knowledge gathering on how new substation components (such as new, oil-free bushings) perform over time and how on-line monitoring technologies (such as on-line bushing monitoring and on-line partial discharge detection) respond to a wide range of scenarios.

The Lenox location provides conditions for the assets to experience cold winters with ice and snow, warm springs, and summers with fog from the adjacent river. A spray system has also been installed to increase the wetting rate.

In collaboration with member utilities, EPRI has already developed and started to execute test protocols for a wide range of studies. Utilities can contact EPRI and discuss their specific testing needs.

Source: T&D World