Reflectometry injects a signal into the cable and monitors the reflected signal. The difference between reflectometry techniques is the type of signal injected into the cable

Cable was artificially aged and monitored using spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR). Graph shows a shift in the peaks indicating a change in velocity of propagation caused by a change in dielectric constant due to aging.

William (Bill) Berger is principal engineer for CurrentEng. He has 45 years experience in the nuclear industry as an electrical engineer. Provide consulting services to the nuclear industry specifically aimed at cable testing to support second license renewal and evaluate aging of materials for life extension. Recently completed research project analyzing aged cables using spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR). Evaluated motor control center components for extended life at elevated temperature and radiation.

He retired from Fauske & Associates, Burr Ridge, Illinois as Senior Vice President of Engineering. Over the years he was involved with risk analysis, evaluation of nuclear plant operation under severe accidents. Related to the nuclear industry he worked on defining alternate methods for measuring water level in boiling water reactors. A majority of this work was performed internationally. As Senior Vice President he was directly involved with field testing of cables using frequency domain reflectometry and tan delta. Qualification of cables was also performed for the AP1000 and for cables to operate power operated relief valves. He also developed a super magnetic stirrer for the chemical laboratory which was sold commercially. Prior to joining Fauske & Associates Mr. Berger worked for Sargent & Lundy in Chicago, Illinois. He left the company as an Associate and while at the company he was involved with new plant design and modifications to operating nuclear power plants. This work involved design of plant power distribution systems, protective relaying and voltage drop/ short circuit analysis.

Education

• MSEE Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
• BSEE Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Relavent Publications

• W. E. Berger and Cynthia Furse, “Spread Spectrum Techniques for Measurement of Dielectric Aging on Low Voltage Cables for Nuclear Power Plants” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., vol 28, no.3, pp 1028-1033, June 2021
• W. E. Berger,”BWR Vessel Water Level Response,”ANS Nuc. Plant Inst. & Control Conf.(NPIC), 1996

william.e.berger@ieee.org