Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Abstract:
The electrical grid can be described as an interconnected machine which depends on the integrity of power line connectors to deliver safe and sustainable electric service. Improper selection, installation or lack of routine inspection & maintenance can lead to premature connector failure potentially resulting in wildfires, major capital costs, and even loss of life. Preventative maintenance begins with proactive testing and knowing the health of connectors in-service.
This webinar provides insights into the importance of power connectors and how to effectively harden the electrical system against risk events, such as wildfires, using both field and laboratory-based inspection techniques. Specifically, we will address:
- 1. Selection and testing of connectors during front-end system design
- 2. Installation and testing of connectors in the field to identify and implement proper QA/QC parameters
- 3. Field based diagnostic testing for identification and assessment of the “general health” of connectors while in-service
- 4. Laboratory based failure investigation and condition assessment – a “reactive” step that can help to improve inspection and maintenance techniques
- 5. Causal factors & root cause analysis of failed connectors
Presenter:
Genti Gorja graduated from the University of Tirana with B. Sc. Hons. in Electrical Engineering. His employment experience includes Albanian Power Corporation, Implo Technologies Inc., and more recently Burndy Canada Inc. (part of Hubbell Construction and Energy Group) in the role of Engineering and Production Manager for IMPLO® products. His expertise has been responsible for the development, design, testing and field support for implosive connectors.
Since joining Kinectrics in February 2019, Mr. Gorja has been primarily involved with the mechanical and electrical testing of Transmission and Distribution Overhead Line Components as well as Substation and Grounding Connectors. As a Principal Engineer, he specializes in the laboratory type testing, condition assessment and failure investigation of electric connectors for use between conductors used in overhead electrical conductors.
His training has included Energy Management in Japan and PLS CADD, PLS Pole for Emergency Restoration Tower design and installation at Tower Solutions Inc.
He is a current a member of CSA C57 Subcommittee overseeing the development and maintenance of Electric power connectors for use in overhead line conductors and the associated hardware. His special interests include the field application of connectors in the context of power transmission systems.
