Greater Pittsburgh utility Duquesne Light Company and HeroX, a crowdsourced solutions platform, launched the Monitoring Electrical Cable Challenge.
This effort will try to create a more reliable and safer underground electric network by finding methods for monitoring electrical cable health to allow for proactive maintenance and provide a safe environment for utility workers who maintain electrical power for today's connected society.
Worldwide, there are have hundreds of millions of miles of electrical cables underground, and these cables support the critical infrastructure electricity users rely on each day to power homes and businesses. However, as these cables age, it is important to proactively monitor their health so there is consistent access to electrical power.
“In today’s connected society, electricity is an invaluable resource,” said Josh Gould, director of innovation, DLC. “While our cables are well maintained, we want an innovative system that will guarantee their longevity and improve maintenance efficiency, which will ultimately lead to cost savings. We are excited to see the new insights and technologies that this challenge will generate.”
The challenge will source novel solutions for monitoring and detecting precursors to failure in underground cables. The winning designs will be awarded a share of the $750,000 prize purse.
“We are excited to see DLC tap the power of the crowd to innovate in a much-needed space,” said Kal K. Sahota, CEO, HeroX. “Without a doubt, our extensive network of problem solvers will generate ideas that will have significant impact on our cities and beyond.”
This challenge will consist of three phases. Phase 1 will be an ideation including a concept and initial design. Phase 2 will be a proof of concept and include a prototype demonstration. Phase 3 is a live field test with a pilot deployment. The challenge will provide funding to selected teams through to pilot deployment.
The utility and partners encourage people to respond to the challenge at this website.
