LAT

What LAT does

Laboratório de Alta Tensão (LAT) is a high-voltage electrical engineering research laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil, in operation since 1975. LAT operates a portfolio of seven specialized facilities — the Salão de Alta Tensão (SAT, capable of 600 kV AC and 750 kV impulse), the Current Impulse Generator Laboratory (LGIC, 100 kA impulse), the Partial Discharge Laboratory (LDP), the Materials and Electrical Equipment Laboratory (LMEE), the Electrical Insulation Laboratory (LABIS), the Applied Electronics Laboratory (LEASE), the Multiphysics Simulation Laboratory (LSM, using COMSOL), and the Power Quality Laboratory (LQE). Combined equipment value exceeds USD 3 million across roughly 1,050 m² of constructed area on the UFCG campus.

LAT's technology stack includes COMSOL-based finite element multiphysics simulation, dynamic contact resistance measurement with wavelet-transform classification for circuit-breaker diagnostics, UHF bio-inspired microstrip antennas for partial discharge detection (developed with the University of Huddersfield), and fiber-optic instrumentation of 230 kV hollow-core insulators for transmission-line monitoring (TECCON II project). The lab holds three patents covering optical-fiber instrumented insulators, biofilm monitoring systems on insulators, and polymeric insulation coatings, and runs an Internet of Things Excellence Center covering low-power sensors, energy harvesting, cloud platforms, and AI-based analytics for industrial and agricultural applications.

Revenue is generated through contracted R&D projects (often funded via ANEEL-mandated utility P&D programs), laboratory and field testing of transformers, insulators, cables, surge arresters, and switchgear at voltage classes from 15 to 500 kV, power quality measurement campaigns for wind and solar generation facilities, grounding measurements across northeastern Brazil, engineering consulting (insulation coordination, grounding design, EMF studies per ANEEL Resolution 398/2010), and retail of electrical PPE. Primary customers are Brazilian electric utilities and power-sector companies (Chesf, Energisa, Light S.A., Termopernambuco, Cepisa, TBE, Neoenergia Celpe, Eletrobras Eletronorte) plus Petrobras, with secondary demand from universities, manufacturing industries, and public administration and judicial experts. Services are scheduled via the website's formal request form and reviewed by LAT's management committee.

Name

LAT

Legal name

Laboratório de Alta Tensão

Website

https://lat.dee.ufcg.edu.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Laboratório de Alta Tensão (LAT) is a high-voltage electrical engineering research laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Brazil, providing testing, R&D, and consulting services to Brazilian electric utilities and power-sector companies since 1975.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

High Voltage Electrical Engineering Testing & Research Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Commissioning, testing & energization services (HVT, relay testing, SAT) (EUADAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Testing, Commissioning & Energization Services (HV) (EUAEABAI), Testing, Commissioning & Energization Services (T&C) (IMAFAHAK), Cable Fault Location, Testing & Repair (MV/LV) (EUAEACAM), Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH)

Keywords

• High voltage testing
• Electrical equipment testing
• Power quality measurement
• Grounding systems engineering
• Insulation diagnostics research

Headquarters

HQ city

Campina Grande

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Testing and Laboratory Services: LAT performs electrical tests and inspections (in laboratory and field) on power system equipment including transformers, cables, insulators, surge arresters, switches, circuit breakers, voltage regulators, reactors, and crossarms, at voltage classes from 15 to 500 kV. Tests include impulse voltage, industrial frequency withstand, artificial pollution and rain, partial discharge measurement, dielectric loss factor and capacitance, no-load losses, load losses, temperature rise, and insulation resistance.
2. Measurements: Power quality measurement campaigns for solar and wind parks and large enterprises; grounding measurements (soil resistivity, grounding resistance, touch voltage, step voltage) across northeastern Brazil; partial discharge measurements in the field.
3. Studies and Consulting: Technical studies and consulting in grounding system and substation design, power quality, insulation coordination, electric and magnetic field analysis per ANEEL Resolution 398/2010, and protection studies. Delivered as reports, technical opinions, and expert evaluations.
4. Equipment Rental / Service Access: Access to LAT equipment and infrastructure by external users (companies, universities, judicial experts, public bodies). Compensation arrangements may include acknowledgments in academic work and IP sharing (for research groups/universities) or fee payments (for companies), used for facility maintenance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

LAT provides high-voltage electrical engineering testing services (in laboratory and field), power quality and grounding measurement campaigns, and engineering consulting studies for the Brazilian electric sector. It also conducts R&D projects with electric utilities and sells electrical safety equipment (insulating gloves, helmets, rods, ladders, voltage detectors). All services are anchored by specialized laboratories, including a 600 kV AC/750 kV impulse high-voltage hall and a 100 kA current impulse generator.

Product overview

LAT (Laboratório de Alta Tensão) is a research and testing laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) in Brazil, operating since 1975. The laboratory offers a comprehensive portfolio of services centered on high voltage electrical engineering, including laboratory testing (SAT capable of 600 kV AC and 750 kV impulse), field testing, power quality measurements, grounding measurements, and engineering consulting. LAT also operates multiple specialized facilities (LMEE, LDP, LABIS, LEASE, LSM, LQE, LGIC) and sells electrical safety equipment (insulating gloves, helmets, blankets, operating rods). The laboratory conducts R&D projects with Brazilian electric sector companies and provides testing and consulting services for equipment including transformers, insulators, cables, lightning arresters, and switchgear.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ensaios e Testes em Laboratório (Laboratory Testing Services) Laboratory testing services for transformers, insulators, switches, potential transformers, lightning arresters, current transformers, cables, and reactors, including high voltage tests up to 600 kV AC and 750 kV impulse. Tests are performed on equipment voltage classes from 15 to 500 kV.
• Ensaios e Testes em Campo (Field Testing Services) On-site testing services for transformers, reactors, cables, insulators, and lightning arresters including partial discharge measurement, insulation resistance, winding resistance, and dielectric loss factor measurements at customer sites.
• Medições de Qualidade da Energia (Power Quality Measurement Campaigns) Pre-operational, post-operational, and monitoring power quality measurement campaigns for solar and wind parks and large enterprises, following ONS and ANEEL regulations with geographic coverage across northeastern Brazil.
• Medições de Aterramento (Grounding Measurements) Ground resistivity and ground resistance measurements using certified equipment, with touch and step voltage measurements using ABNT-compliant instruments across northeastern Brazil.
• Estudos e Consultorias (Engineering Studies and Consulting) Engineering consulting services including electric and magnetic field simulations per ANEEL Resolution 398/2010, grounding grid projects, insulation coordination studies, and protection studies for substations. Delivered as reports, technical opinions, and expert evaluations.
• Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) Elétricos (Electrical Safety Equipment) Sale of electrical safety equipment including insulating helmets, gloves (500V-36kV), sleeves, blankets, operating rods, rescue poles, insulated ladders, voltage detectors, and liners, with unit prices publicly disclosed in Brazilian Reais.
• Salão de Alta Tensão (SAT) - High Voltage Testing Hall High voltage testing hall capable of applying up to 600 kV AC and 750 kV impulse voltages, housing a 600 kV AC cascade voltage source and 750 kV voltage impulse generator. Access is provided to external users via formal service agreements.
• Laboratório do Gerador de Impulso de Corrente (LGIC) - Current Impulse Generator Laboratory Current impulse testing laboratory capable of generating impulse currents up to 100 kA and square wave currents up to 500 A for testing electrical equipment and systems.
• Laboratório de Simulações Multifísicas (LSM) - Multiphysics Simulation Laboratory Multiphysics simulation laboratory using COMSOL software to estimate thermal, electrical, and magnetic behavior of power equipment components via finite element method (FEM).
• Laboratório de Qualidade da Energia (LQE) - Power Quality Laboratory Power quality laboratory conducting studies, measurement campaigns, and developing equipment for measuring power quality indicators, serving wind and solar generation parks across northeastern Brazil.

Quantifiable outcome

• Has conducted high voltage electrical tests for over 25 years, supporting the development of equipment used throughout the Brazilian electrical system.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Eletrobras ChesfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChesf (Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco) is a major long-term R&D partner. LAT has conducted multiple P&D projects with Chesf including controlled switching of transmission lines (2014–2016), ZnO surge arrester monitoring (2005–2010), fiber optic sensors for transmission lines, automatic disturbance diagnosis software, and grounding system assessment. Chesf was LAT's founding partner in the 1970s through international cooperation agencies.
• EletrobrascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEletrobras is the parent company of Chesf and Eletronorte, providing institutional support and P&D program funding through ANEEL-mandated programs.
• EnergisacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergisa group companies (Paraíba, Pernambuco, and others) collaborate with LAT on grounding system condition assessment and monitoring for distribution substations, including development of computational tools for grounding mesh monitoring (2009–2020).
• Light S.A.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLight (Rio de Janeiro) has collaborated with LAT on research and testing projects related to the Brazilian electrical system.
• PetrobrascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPetrobras collaborates with LAT on monitoring and diagnosis of polymer insulators and power equipment asset management, with LAT coordinator Patrício Fernandes de Castro working as Maintenance Coordinator at Petrobras.
• University of Huddersfield (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership established in 2018 for development of UHF bio-inspired microstrip antenna sensors for partial discharge detection in high voltage equipment. Includes joint PhD and master's supervision, student exchange, joint publications, and patent development.
• INESC TEC (Portugal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINESC TEC is a partner in the 'Smart Electric Networks Based on Fiber Optic Sensors' project, contributing to instrumenting electrical structures and components in power systems. Joint project with INESC P&D Brasil.
• INESC P&D BrasilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINESC P&D Brasil partners with LAT on smart electric networks based on fiber optic sensors for monitoring electrical structures.
• ANEEL (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazil's electricity regulatory agency that mandates P&D projects by utilities. ANEEL's regulatory framework creates demand for LAT's research services as utilities must allocate P&D budget through programs like those LAT participates in.
• ONS (Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazil's National System Operator. LAT's power quality measurement campaigns must comply with ONS standards for generation facility connection (pre-operational, post-operational, and monitoring campaigns).
• PaqTcPB (Parque Tecnológico da Paraíba)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParaíba Technology Park as a regional innovation ecosystem partner, supporting LAT's technology transfer and commercialization activities.
• AtecelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner entity of LAT.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• WEG: Major Brazilian electrical equipment manufacturer. Already a listed LAT partner; comparable in customer overlap (Brazilian utilities) and engagement on equipment qualification/testing of HV apparatus.
• Doble Engineering: Provider of diagnostic instruments and testing services for electrical assets including transformers and insulation systems. Comparable in power equipment diagnostics and condition monitoring.
• OMICRON: Global manufacturer of electrical testing and measurement equipment with services for power system diagnostics. Comparable in HV testing tooling and field measurement services to utilities.
• Megger: Global manufacturer and service provider of electrical testing equipment (insulation, power quality, grounding). Comparable in offering field-grade measurement instruments used for the same applications LAT provides as services.
• KEMA Labs (CESI): Global HV testing and certification laboratories operated by CESI. Comparable in scope of HV equipment testing (transformers, switchgear, cables) and serves utilities worldwide as a more established, commercialized counterpart.

Direct peers

• STRI: Swedish Transmission Research Institute, focused on HV testing, insulation diagnostics, and power system research. Directly comparable in HV testing and academic/research orientation.
• PowerTech Labs: Canadian HV testing and power system research laboratory offering similar equipment qualification, diagnostics, and consulting services to utilities.
• CEPEL: Brazil's main electric power research center, operated by Eletrobras. CEPEL runs HV testing laboratories and R&D projects for Brazilian utilities — the closest direct analogue to LAT's role within the Brazilian power sector.

Emerging players

• Trench Group: Manufacturer of HV instrument transformers, coils, and testing/sensor equipment for power transmission. Overlaps with LAT in HV testing methodologies applied to instrument transformers and related diagnostics.
• HV Technologies: Specialist in HV testing equipment and on-site commissioning/field testing services for substations and transmission infrastructure. Comparable in HV test equipment and field service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lat-cg
• Instagraminstagram.com/lat_cg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LAT