A Novel Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) Technology for Solving Transmission Challenges

Abstract

As electric grids face mounting pressure from increasing renewable integration, rising peak loads, and extreme weather events, upgrading transmission infrastructure efficiently and cost-effectively is more critical than ever. This presentation introduces the Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) solution—an innovative grid-enhancing technology designed to address key challenges in transmission line capacity, clearance, and resilience.

CICA leverages advanced material science and structural engineering to fundamentally improve both internal and ground clearance, double mechanical strength, and enhance dynamic line rating (DLR) potential. The technology allows utilities to unlock existing line capacity without replacing conductors or expanding right-of-way, significantly reducing construction downtime, permitting needs, and total capital expenditure.

Real-world applications from Canada, Chile, the UK, Spain, Brazil, and Belgium demonstrate CICA’s ability to deliver measurable benefits: capacity increases of up to 76%, ground clearance gains of up to 10 feet, and project cost reductions of up to 86% compared to traditional upgrades or rebuilds.

CICA fully complies with IEEE Standard 2833-2024 and relevant IEC standards, supporting retrofit and greenfield projects. It stands as a “no-regret” solution for transmission modernization, offering reliability, resilience, and sustainability at scale.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00 PM EDT to 1:00 PM EDT

Speakers:

Eric Moal of Shemar Group. Eric Moal serves as the Chief External Insulation Technical Expert at Shemar Group, where he leads the development and standardization of advanced insulation solutions for high-voltage transmission and distribution systems. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Eric is a globally recognized authority on external insulation for overhead lines and substation apparatus.

Justin Jin of Shemar USA. Justin Jin is the Chief Executive Officer of Shemar USA, where he leads the company’s North American operations and strategic expansion in the high-voltage transmission and distribution (T&D) sector. With a strong focus on innovation, grid modernization, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

For more information and to register for this event, follow the link below:

A Novel Composite Insulated Cross-Arm (CICA) Technology for Solving Transmission Challenges
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/483758

Stability Modelling and Analysis of Converter-Driven Power Systems

The Akron PES Chapter is pleased to host Bikash Pal is a Professor of Power Systems at Imperial College London (ICL). He is research active in power system stability, control, and estimation. Currently, he is leading a six-university UK-China research consortium on Resilient Operation of Sustainable Energy Systems (ROSES) as part of EPSRC-NSFC Program on Sustainable Energy Supply.

The number of power electronics converters connected to electrical networks has been growing exponentially as they are part of almost all new generation connected to the grid. While the rapid control and fast electronic switching available with this technology offer flexibility in network operation, the dynamic interactions between several of them threaten the operational stability of the transmission grid is a concern. It is required to develop a methodology for identifying the risks associated with the stability and control interaction before a new power electronic device (e.g. solar farm, wind farm, interconnector, STATCOM, SVC) is introduced to the network.

The talk will focus on an analytical framework in the impedance domain to quantify the interaction between the new plant and the rest of the network for setting additional grid connection study specifications, which will include detailed technical studies to check and mitigate the risks associated with new power electronics interfaced generation. The framework developed is to support MMC technology, control delay, system strength and FRT capability of dynamic voltage support devices and wind farm through technical case study conducted at the research group of Bikash Pal at Imperial College London. Future research challenges and opportunities will be highlighted.

Date: 22 May 2025
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM EDT

This is a virtual meeting. Additional information and registration is available through IEEE’s vTools at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/481478

NOMINATE THE NEXT LEADERS OF THE IEEE AKRON SECTION — AUGUST DEADLINE

IEEE is a non-profit technical professional association with more than 361,000 members in 170 countries and 340 sections worldwide. The Akron Section has approximately 475 local members. IEEE depends on the dedicated service of its volunteer members to advance its mission to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

The IEEE Akron Section Nominating Committee is now soliciting nominations for the following local leadership positions:

• Chairman
• Vice-Chairman
• Secretary
• Treasurer

TERMS AND MEETINGS

Elected officers assume their two-year terms on January 1, 2026, and participate in the Section Executive Committee that meets monthly, except during the summer months. Additional duties, unique to each office will also need to be performed by the successful officers.

NOMINATIONS

Anyone may submit a nomination for the above-listed positions, but candidates must meet the qualifications noted below. Self-nominations are encouraged.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must be of an IEEE membership grade as shown in the table below and be in good standing (membership dues must be paid and membership maintained in good standing for the term of office).

Section Officer and Voting Eligibility

IEEE Membership Grade	Eligible for Section Office	Eligible to Vote for Section Officers
Student Member	No	No
Graduate Student Member	Yes	Yes
Associate Member	No	Yes
Member	Yes	Yes
Senior Member	Yes	Yes
Life Member	Yes	Yes
Senior-Life Member	Yes	Yes
Fellow Member	Yes	Yes
Honorary Member	No	No
Affiliate Member	No	No

Click the link below to submit nominations via email or to ask any questions about these positions:

Email Nominations/Questions to Dean Philips
Dean Philips, P.E.

University of Akron students looking for Co-op positions – can you help?

Students from The University of Akron’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (EEET) program will be graduating and looking for employment in May. With the COVID pandemic, the process may be somewhat different for both employers and perspective employees this year. Students in our program are graduating with either Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in EEET. Employers can post positions and review resumes on the university Handshake system.

If you have a position announcements for the program bulletin board or to share them electronically with students you can forward the information to Professor Andrew Milks P.E. at aem36@uakron.edu. The EEET programs are now part of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and we are housed in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. More information about the EEET and other departmental programs can be found at https://www.uakron.edu/engineering/ece/.

Canton Engineer for A Day Program Needs Computer Company Sponsors

The Canton Joint Engineering Council (CJEC) is looking for computer related companies (employing computer engineers) located in the Canton, Ohio area to participate in an Engineer for a Day program which offers Senior High School students opportunities to spend part of a day with an engineer during Engineers Week in February. We find that there are more and more students interested in computer engineering but not many companies available to accommodate one or more students in this discipline. If you know of a company or someone who works for a company in the Canton area that hires computer engineers, please contact Brian Werner at brian.werner@timken.com. Thanks for any input.

Executive Committee Meeting (EXCOM)

The next ExCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13.

ExCom meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm at the Waterloo Restaurant in Akron, or on Zoom when necessary. Please contact Jim Dowey at jldowey@msn.com if you wish to participate. All members are welcome to attend.