Context

High voltage conductor cable is the main element constituting our power transmission lines, since this is used to convey electricity from one tower to the next and thus from one point to the next throughout territories. 

In order to do so effciently and without energy loss, conductor cable must be in good condition. However, because it is exposed to environmental conditions, it is contaminated with salt, dust, sand and chemical residue (from industrial plants), among others. These factors accelerate conductor cable corrosion, affecting its properties and service life, mainly in saline environments  with non-existent rainfall (northern Chile). Over time, this can cause threads to break and even sever conductor cable, thus leading to power supply loss.

Conductor cable is presently monitored on a regular basis to identify condition. Depending on the extent of broken threads, the company procedes to install preformed cable or replace conductor cable in the affected section. We are also starting to use greased conductor cable to retard the effects of corrosion.

Challenge

This challenge explores solutions focused on extending the service life of high voltage conductor cable and cutting related replacement costs. The following dimensions are to be analyzed: 

• Extending the service life of conductor cable.
• Preventing conductor cable corrosion.
• Analyzing different solutions for corrosion.
• Monitoring and controlling corrosion and aging.
• Predicting the right time for conductor cable replacement.
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What we’re looking for

This challenge is to find physical solutions ranging from conductor cable type to existing maintenance types that reduce the impact of corrosion. We are looking for materials, coatings, robots, chemicals, monitoring systems, models, techniques and applications. 

We also hope to analyze and study the effectiveness of alternatives for fighting corrosion, while monitoring and controlling corrosion that affects existing conductor cable.

Driving questions

How can we extend the service life of high voltage conductor cable?
How can we monitor corrosion level and remaining service life for conductor cable?
How can we prevent and/or reduce conductor cable corrosion?
We can we know the best time to replace conductor cable?
How can we cut high voltage conductor cable replacement costs?
How can we efficiently maintain the cost of our conductor cable?
How could we maintain our conductor cables automatically?