Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative - Enhanced insulation materials

Ask an Expert

The age of “Strategic” undergrounding, as a source of the lowest life-cycle cost and achievement of resiliency and reliability targets, is here!

"Ask an Expert" is based on a UG innovation & transformation tools chart in PDi2's The Age of Undergrounding study. To Ask an Expert, choose the area of interest from the lists below and select from the available topics. Then choose who you'd like to contact and "Ask the Expert."

Undergrounding Innovation: Materials Science

Innovation: Enhanced insulation materials

Description/Definition: Increased cable life under both normal and adverse conditions.

Impact: Increased Life & Reduced Maintenance Costs: Materials testing shows significantly longer life under accelerated wet-aging conditions where cables can last 100 years, far beyond a 50-year wood pole life.

Ben Lanz Director of Applications Engineering

IMCORP (Osmose)

Ben is a senior member of IEEE PES and ICC, leading technical committees on power system reliability, protection, and testing, with over 100 papers, articles and technical conference contributions published on power system reliability; asset management; longevity and diagnostics.

Bob Hobson, Associate Technical Consultant

Burns & McDonnell

Bob is a high voltage and medium voltage power systems specialist who excels working with customers, consultant and suppliers on complex electrical power projects to generate cost effective solutions.

Patrick Coplen, Application Development Engineer,Wire & Cable

Borealis Compounds Inc.

Patrick has over 35 years experience in the cable industry with a focus on material and compound development, lab testing and cable manufacturing. He is an active member of IEEE-PES ICC.