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INSTRUCTORS:
Nancy (Meihuan) Fulk
Aaron White, P.E.
Jillian Edwards, P.E.
Kishor Kumar, P.Eng.
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Electrical Transmission & Substation Structures Conference 2025.
Arm Dampers: An Engineered Damping System to Secure Davit Arms (22 minutes)
This presentation introduces an engineered damping system specifically designed to mitigate wind-induced vibrations affecting davit arms on transmission structures. The speaker explains how davit arms, which often have long, slender geometries, are particularly susceptible to excitation from vortex shedding and may experience long-term fatigue if left unmitigated. Attendees will learn how the development of arm dampers provides a more reliable solution than traditional field fixes, offering predictable damping performance and improved durability. The session covers the engineering principles behind damper design, including characterization of vibration modes, energy dissipation mechanisms, and installation considerations. Real-world applications and test results demonstrate how the damping system significantly reduces vibration amplitudes and extends the service life of the structure. The presentation concludes with guidance on integrating these dampers into existing line designs and maintenance practices.
Grain Belt Express Reliability: Managing Galloping through Innovative OPGW Design (22 minutes)
This presentation explores how novel OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) designs can help reduce galloping-related risks on long-distance transmission corridors such as the Grain Belt Express. The speaker outlines the challenges galloping poses to line reliability, including large-amplitude motions, conductor clashing, and potential damage to fiber-optic systems. Attendees will learn how unique OPGW constructions, such as improved aerodynamic profiles and layering techniques, enhance stability under icing and wind conditions that typically cause galloping. The presentation highlights the engineering process behind prototype development, mechanical testing, and aerodynamic evaluation, demonstrating how the new design performs under severe weather. The session also reviews the reliability benefits realized through this innovation, including reduced outage risk and improved communication line resilience. By the end, participants will understand how tailored OPGW design can be a proactive strategy for mitigating motion-related reliability challenges.
Development and Deployment of Interphase Spacer (IPS) for 240kV Double Circuit Line with Twin Bundle “ACCC” Conductors (18 minutes)
This presentation discusses the engineering, testing, and field deployment of interphase spacers (IPS) for a 240 kV double-circuit line equipped with twin-bundle ACCC conductors. The speaker begins by outlining the need for IPS devices to prevent conductor clashing, reduce galloping amplitude, and maintain phase separation under dynamic loading. Attendees will learn about the design process, including mechanical loading requirements, compatibility with composite core conductors, and installation constraints unique to bundled configurations. Laboratory tests and prototype evaluations are presented to show how IPS units were validated for strength, durability, and long-term performance. The session also examines field installation procedures and lessons learned from deploying IPS on an energized line segment. Overall, participants will gain insight into how IPS systems enhance reliability and improve performance in modern high-capacity transmission designs.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe how wind-induced vibrations affect davit arms and why engineered dampers provide improved mitigation.
- Explain the design principles, installation considerations, and performance benefits of an engineered davit arm damping system.
- Identify how galloping affects OPGW performance and the reliability of transmission systems.
- Explain how innovative OPGW design features can reduce galloping risk and enhance system resilience.
- Describe the purpose and functional benefits of interphase spacers on high-voltage transmission lines.
- Discuss how IPS design, testing, and deployment support safe operation of twin-bundle ACCC conductor systems.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Utility Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Consulting Engineers
- Contractors
- Suppliers & Manufacturers
- Researchers & Educators
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]