Technical Webinars: Electrical & Electronic Engineering - The Unexpected Complexity of Converting Overhead Lines to Underground Cables: Part 2

This webinar series provides a structured examination of real-world engineering challenges. Each session will address specific, technically focused topics relevant to professional engineers. The shift from overhead transmission to underground cabling is often perceived as a straightforward modernisation project, yet the reality is far from simple. This two-part session unpacks the multifaceted engineering challenges encountered when converting existing overhead lines into underground systems. Participants will explore technical, operational, and environmental aspects, including thermal constraints, insulation coordination, fault management, and grounding complexities. Drawing on real-world field cases, the webinar reveals hidden interactions between cable systems and network protection schemes that often surprise even seasoned engineers. Key takeaways from this webinar: - Understand the key electrical, mechanical, and environmental factors influencing the design and operation of underground cable systems. - Evaluate the impact of transitioning from overhead to underground networks on system reliability, fault performance, and maintenance strategies. - Analyze case-based failures to identify how soil thermal resistivity, sheath bonding, and transient overvoltage affect performance. - Appreciate the broader planning and cost implications of cable conversion projects in modern smart grids. Presenter: Emeritus Professor Akhtar Kalam BSc, BScEng, MS, PhD, FIET, CEng, FAIE, FIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE(Aus), PEV, MCIGRE, Life Senior Member of IEEE. Professor Akhtar Kalam is a supervisor of EIT’s Doctoral students. He has worked at Victoria University since 1984 and recently associated with the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. He is the Editor in Chief of Australian Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Further, he has Distinguished Professorship position in many national and international institutions. He has been recognized internationally and nationally for his research. He is regularly invited to deliver lectures, work on industrial projects, and examine external theses overseas. Professor Kalam is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Victoria (PEV), Fellow of EA, IET, AIE, a life Senior Member of IEEE, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aus) and a member of CIGRE AP B5 Study Committee. __ The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) is one of the only institutes in the world specializing in Engineering. We deliver industry-focused professional certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, undergraduate and graduate certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Engineering to students from over 140 countries. -- FOLLOW US! Website: www.eit.edu.au Instagram: www.instagram.com/eit_engineering_training Facebook: www.facebook.com/EngineeringInstituteofTechnology LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/school/engineering-institute-of-technology Twitter: https://twitter.com/enginstoftech -- All content in this video is current as of the date of upload. -- EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971 -- #eit #engineeringinstituteoftechnology #engineering #engineeringstudent #studyengineering #electricalengineering #mysteries #undergroundsystems #insulation #faultmanagement