Powerline Conductor Accelerated Testing Facility (PCAT)
Topic:
The Powerline Conductor Accelerated Testing (PCAT) Facility evaluates the performance of novel overhead conductors in a real-world environment. Additionally, the facility evaluates advanced sensors and methods for evaluating conductor performance and condition. Equipped with an extensive measurement suite, PCAT provides a platform to validate conductor computer models and assess the performance of novel conductors.
PCAT performs accelerated lifetime testing of overhead conductors and line monitoring equipment using a DC power supply. Conductor manufacturers can then provide these independent test results to utilities, accelerating acceptance and deployment of novel technologies in the field.
Uniqueness and capabilities
- Thermal cycling: Tests and verifies that overhead conductors and accessories can survive repeated exposure to extreme changes in temperature and tension.
- Current & temperature ramp: Measures the conductor knee point that represents when heat causes the aluminum strands of a conductor to lose tension or compress.
- Current & temperature step and hold: Provides information to verify the conductor’s transient response.
- Constant current & temperature: Provides information on the steady-state thermal rating of a conductor.
Technology resources
- 2,400 ft. of overhead test conductor in a loop arrangement across two 600-ft. segments.
- Five 161kV-rated steel transmission poles that have extensive support to ensure mechanical stability.
- A 2.25MW controllable DC power source provides 0 to 5,000 ADC and voltages from 0 to 400 DC.
- Extensive measurement suite composed of 128 Type T Thermocouples, a load cell per test line, a weather station, a radiation sensor, and a forward-looking infrared camera.
- Programmable testing procedure: Testing and data acquisition performed using National Instruments LabVIEW and PXI platform.
