This project will develop non-destructive conductor assessment to analyse the condition of ACSR and AAAC OHL conductors.
Benefits
The main benefits of the project will be:
- Reduction in costs associated with network downtime
- Greater visibility of conductor condition
- Greater understanding of conductor condition
- Reduced network downtime
- More efficient condition surveying, with less disruption to local community
- Safely extending asset life/reducing asset risk of failure through more effective assessment
Learnings
Outcomes
The principal outcome of Project Conan (T2) is the development of a fully functional prototype condition assessment device for ACSR and AAAC overhead line conductors. The device integrates electromagnetic response measurement with data processing and visual inspection capability to enable a more objective and evidence-based assessment of conductor condition, reducing reliance on age-based or subjective inspection methods.
The prototype has been proven in both laboratory and operational environments, including successful trials on the SP Transmission network. All defined success criteria relating to measurement capability, standards compliance, and usability have been achieved.
A key quantitative validation activity was the comparison of Conan measurements against the established Cormon device on Lynx ACSR conductor at the Keltbray trial facility (May 2025). Results demonstrated strong correlation between the two systems, with Conan exhibiting improved sensitivity at higher zinc thickness levels. Independent validation against conductor samples with known zinc thickness (determined via X-ray diffraction) confirmed that both systems provide accurate measurements, with Conan showing enhanced performance in the upper measurement range.
In addition, the project has demonstrated the capability to assess aluminium cross-sectional loss in AAAC conductors, for which there is currently no widely adopted or directly comparable assessment method. Following refinement of detector head alignment, consistent and repeatable measurements were achieved on Poplar AAAC conductor, providing confidence in the robustness of the approach.
The project has established a novel, integrated scientific method for conductor condition assessment and has advanced the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the Conan system from an early conceptual stage (TRL 2–3) to a validated prototype demonstrated in relevant and operational environments (TRL 6–7).
From an industry perspective, the project addresses a key gap in current asset management practices by enabling a more systematic and data-driven approach to prioritising conductor replacement. This has the potential to improve decision-making, optimise investment planning, and reduce unnecessary replacement of serviceable assets.
The outcomes of the project provide a strong foundation for further development. Opportunities for future work include reducing system weight and size to enable alternative deployment methods (such as drone-assisted installation), extending capability to fully support live-line operation, and further refining the measurement system for broader conductor types and conditions. These next steps would support progression toward full commercialisation and large-scale deployment across transmission and distribution networks.
Lessons Learnt
The principal lesson from Project Conan (T2) is the effectiveness of the staged NIA development model when applied to novel sensing technology. Progressing systematically from concept selection through to network trials enabled design challenges to be identified and addressed at each stage before advancing further, resulting in a coherent and robust prototype.
Early engagement with network users and trial participants proved particularly valuable. Iterative refinement of the prototype in response to operational feedback ensured that the device evolved not only to meet technical requirements, but also to be practical, reliable, and user-friendly in a real network environment.
The project has demonstrated the feasibility of developing a multi-sensor condition assessment device that combines electromagnetic response measurement with high-definition visual inspection into an integrated system suitable for field use. This provides a more structured and quantitative approach to conductor condition assessment than is currently available in standard practice.
As expected for an NIA-funded project, the Conan prototype is not yet fully commercialised. However, it provides a strong and well-evidenced platform for further development. Key areas for future work include reducing system weight to enable alternative deployment methods (e.g. drone-assisted installation) and extending operational capability towards live-line applications.
Given the scale of the conductor asset management challenge faced by network operators, and the current reliance on visual inspection and time-based replacement strategies, the likelihood of future adoption and development is considered strong.
