PPL recognized for implementation of downed wire detection technology

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) presented PPL Electric Utilities with a Technology Transfer Award on Feb. 11 during its meetings in Dallas, Texas, for its application of advanced approaches for detecting live downed lines.

“Innovation is a key ingredient in providing a safer, stronger, and more resilient grid for our customers,” Steph Raymond, PPL’s vice president for Distribution Operations, said. “We thank EPRI for recognizing our commitment to safety and reliability and for partnering with us on research and development.”

EPRI supported PPL in implementing high-impedance fault detection technology on its distribution system, resulting in the successful demonstration of the ability to detect downed power lines. The technology is installed on about 3,100 relays on the PPL grid.

PPL also developed a system that works with fault detection technology to automatically cut power to downed lines. The system saw four successful operations in 2019 and is deployed on 1,500 devices on PPL’s grid. PPL plans to expand the technology across its entire distribution grid.

“The 2019 Technology Transfer Award recipients lead by example, elevating the societal value of EPRI’s collaborative R&D by deploying advanced energy technologies across the power industry,” EPRI President Arshad Mansoor said. “Their contributions are essential to transforming electricity generation, delivery, and use for the benefit of energy customers around the world.”