Professional Documents
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The Future Is Here
Chattanooga melds ber optics, distribution automation, voltage
regulation and AMI for a smarter grid
By Jim Glass and Lilian Bruce, Electric Power Board
Got Bandwidth?
CenterPoint Energy plans, designs, builds and operates an effective smart
grid communications network.
By Chuck Hackney, CenterPoint Energy
Advanced Distribution Keeps Korea Plugged In
Distribution monitoring and control system enhances all aspects
of operations, including storm response and load balancing.
By Sung Hwan Bae, Korea Electric Power Corp.
Bold Strides Toward Grid Transformation
Central Maine Power pursues energy excellence by implementing
a scalable, reliable and modern grid.
By Laney Brown, Central Maine Power Co.
Mitigating Oil Spills
ITC reviews and strengthens secondary oil-containment capabilities.
By Mike McNulty, ITC Holdings Corp., and Matthew Bauer,
Burns & McDonnell
Iran Implements Creative Fault-Finding Strategies
Mashhad Electric develops a general packet radio service-based fault
locator system.
By Mohsen Zabihi, Naser Nakhodchi, Saeed Alishahi and Mohammad
Hossien Yaghmaee, Mashhad Electric Energy Distribution Co.
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Showcase
& Symposium and RER.
Two Days Only! Coming to Orlando
FloridaOctober 24 & 25, 2012.
For more details, visit rermag.com
exhibit
event
LftandAccess
5howcase&5ymposumsco-sponsored
byRtcheros.Auctoneers&RLR
If you need substation work, look no further.
Pike has the experience and know-how 65 years worth, as a matter of fact. So whether its working with
traditional power substations up to 500kV, merchant wind farm collection systems or modernizing existing
facilities, we know what it takes to get the job done all while understanding the importance of deadlines,
budget and safety.
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 8
GlobalVIEWPOINT
The Future Foretold
H
aving spent my frst career in research in T&D at
Southern Company, I came to the conclusion that if
I was investigating something, I could locate at least
one other person somewhere investigating that same thing,
and that by working with like-minded individuals, we could
move the industry forward faster than by working in solitude.
Over time and I was in research 22 years I came to the
understanding that ideas will blossom and solutions will arrive
when the time is right, when the need is there and when an
opportunity avails itself.
Today, I see major corporations that have decided to pro-
vide services to the power-delivery industry. Of course, there
are the Verizons, the Oracles and the IBMs, but there are also
companies like Dow, Boeing, Trimble and Toshiba. And these
companies have heft and the knowledge gained from working
in many verticals, not to mention their deep pockets and deep
market channels.
Where some of these new entrants ultimately will focus
their efforts is yet to be revealed, but these and other com-
panies are strategically focusing on energy. As they work to
select entry points, we already know they will have signifcant
impact. Why? New entrants cant know the business as well as
established providers, so they can be more aggressive, because
they have no legacy systems or legacy products to protect. As
our industry cries out for new approaches and more sophisti-
cated systems, they will fnd their way in.
Here are my predictions for the coming decade:
We will know the temperatures, tensions, sag and capaci-
ties of our bulk power lines in real time.
We will rate our substation equipment and track the ag-
ing characteristics of our transformers and breakers.
We will avoid widespread blackouts by deploying situ-
ational awareness tools armed with synchrophaser data and
load-shedding schemes.
We will gain operational fexibility with the use of FACTS
and HVDC devices
We will dynamically dispatch bulk, regional and local
generation.
We will dispatch demand response to the same exacting
requirements that we now dispatch generation.
Why Is the Time Right?
Globally, energy is the issue of the decade. Our citizens
care about energy, and they care about the environment.
When citizens care, elected offcials know it is also in their en-
lightened self-interest to care.
Today, we are seeing more intermittent generation, more
local gas-fred generation, more demand response and more
energy storage, thus requiring a more sophisticated grid. And
this is not limited to Europe or North America. When I was
visiting the Russian transmission and distribution companies
and meeting energy ministers in Moscow, I learned that Rus-
sia intends to run new gas pipelines to meet growing energy
needs by placing gas-fred generation near load centers.
With increased diffculty in placing new transmission
whether in Brazil, Russia or India we must resort to getting
more out of the delivery systems we presently own and operate
while we build for the future.
The technologies to pull off the development of a fully in-
tegrated and controllable bulk power system are now becom-
ing available at a cost we can live with. Major players including
ABB, Siemens, Schneider, AREVA and GE are bulking up to
provide the breadth and scale to offer single-source delivery
solutions, partly by partnering with boutique companies to
provide total solutions.
Just How Fast Are We Moving?
Predicting where the industry is headed is much easier
than predicting when it will arrive. Why? Because timing is
tied to need and need varies by country.
But this works to our advantage. While New Zealand is em-
bracing load shifting to reduce the need for new generation,
India is working on building out its 1,200-kW grid to transfer
larger blocks of base load generation. And while Spain and
Germany are working to integrate large blocks of wind and
solar into the grid, Norway is looking to export large blocks
of hydro power to mainland Europe. By learning from one
another, we can all move forward in our efforts to provide a
secure energy future.
Now that we know (according to Rick) where the industry
is headed, we can make plans to arrive there safely. Not every-
thing has to get moving at once, but waiting is not a wise option.
Yes, we still have concerns. Yes, there are more than a few
uncertainties. Yes, we still need to work out how to get paid for
adding functionality. Yes, the technologies might not be per-
fectly mature. But unless your company gets going, the ques-
tion will not be, what will our future look like, but instead, how
did the future pass us by?
Lets not miss the most exciting opportunity in our life-
times to shape the future of energy.
Editorial Director
Consuttlng Englneerlng Constructlon Operotlon Iwww.bv.com
Bigger
Better
Perceptive planning shapes a powerful future.
WIot you need tomorrow ls |ust os lmportont os wIot you
need todoy. Even os Btock & veotcI detlvers todoy`s most
comptex Power Oetlvery pro|ects, we`re lmptementlng
exponslve ptons for growtI to ensure we`tt contlnue to
exceed your expectotlons for lnto tIe future.
vlslt bv.comJcoreers to vlew opportunltles, lnctudlng ot
our new Mlnneopotls ond Houston off ces.
We`re bultdlng o wortd of dlfference. TogetIer.
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 10
BUSINESSDevelopments
Alstom Signs
Power Transmission
Contracts in Colombia
Alstom has been awarded two con-
tracts, worth approximately 17 million
euros, for the supply of seven power
transformers to Sogamoso substation,
located in the department of Santander
(North Colombia), and for the con-
struction of two 220-kV gas-insulated
substations (GIS) in Armenia, located
between Bogot, Medelln and Cali; and
in Alfrez, in the region of Cali, depart-
ment of Valle del Cauca. These projects
will improve power quality and capacity
as part of the expansion of Colombias
national grid.
The power transformers were award-
ed by Interconexin Elctrica S.A. for
Sogamoso substation. Alstom will supply
seven 150-MVA power transformers to
connect the power plant to the national
grid. The project will be commissioned
by the end of 2013.
The GIS substation contract was
signed with Empresa de Energa de Bo-
got. Alstom will design, supply, erect
and commission 220-kV gas-insulated
switchgear, including civil works. The
project will be commissioned mid-2013.
Alstoms 220-kV gas-insulated switch-
gear is designed to avoid corrosion, of-
fering a long service life. Its modular
design saves space and also allows each
of the compartments to be indepen-
dently monitored. These features mean
that it can be used for both indoor and
outdoor applications, and allows for easy
availability during repair and extension.
Visit www.alstom.com.
ABB Announces $30 Million Investment in New
Transformer Component Manufacturing Facility in Poland
NYISO, PJM Increase Scheduling Frequency
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which operates the bulk
electricity grid and wholesale electricity markets serving New York, has implemented
an improved scheduling process with PJM Interconnection, which serves all or parts
of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District
of Columbia.
The new Enhanced Interregional Transaction Coordination measures will enable
more frequent energy transaction scheduling between the New York and PJM control
areas. The move will lower overall system operating costs, provide system operators
with additional resource fexibility and increase the effciency of real-time markets.
By reducing the time between the scheduling and pricing of energy at the
PJM border, we will increase effciency and reduce costs to our consumers, said
NYISO President and CEO Stephen G. Whitley. This is another important step in
the Broader Regional Markets initiative that will expand the pool of resources avail-
able to help the NYISO and our neighbors more quickly balance supply and demand
on our interconnected electric systems.
Previously, the scheduling of power fowing between the systems had to remain
constant for an hour. Shortening that time to 15 minutes allows for power fows to
better correspond to overall system needs.
Last year, the NYISO transitioned to more frequent schedules with Qubec. The
Broader Regional Markets initiative calls for similar scheduling improvements to be
implemented with each of New Yorks other neighboring grid operators.
While now interconnected, the various power grids and wholesale electricity mar-
kets serving the United States and Canada were developed separately and refect
differences in geography, climate, reliability requirements and available power re-
sources. These differences (seams in the overall fabric of grid) can inhibit effcient
coordination of grid operations. The Broader Regional Markets initiative is an effort
to mend seams, enhance effciency of existing resources and reduce costs for power
consumers.
The Broader Regional Markets initiative involves the NYISO, PJM Interconnec-
tion, ISO New England, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator,
Ontarios Independent Electricity System Operator and Hydro-Qubec. The collab-
orative effort among the regions grid operators is intended to optimize the use of
existing resources and complement the development of new resources.
For more information, visit www.nyiso.com and www.pjm.com.
ABB will invest US$30 million in a new plant in Poland
making components for power and distribution transformers.
The factory will be completed by mid-2013 and will employ
about 140 people, including machine operators and logistics,
purchasing, quality and engineering support personnel.
The new factory will manufacture transformer compo-
nents to support ABBs existing transformer manufacturing
facilities in Lodz. These units manufacture power transform-
ers rated up to 300 MVA with voltages up to 500 kV and oil-
flled distribution transformers rated from 30 kVa to 2,300
kVA. Both factories serve the European market, and the pow-
er transformer operation also serves other regions.
In addition, ABB has a center in Lodz that delivers prefab-
ricated insulation kits and elements to its power transformer
factories in Europe, helping them to reduce cycle times and
lower costs. When the new component factory is completed,
it will bring the total number of ABB employees in Lodz to
about 1,000. This is ABBs third investment in Poland in re-
cent years, following the construction of factories to manu-
facture electric motors and power electronics, which is also
located close to Lodz.
Visit www.abb.com.
R
ight the first time, every time is standard operating procedure for a NECA/IBEW outside line
contractor. NECA/IBEW contractors know the safety requirements like the back of their hands,
for tasks ranging from high voltage work to low-energy applications. They know the specifics, too:
How to coordinate drawings, how to work with engineers, and how to coordinate with utilities.
Working to a higher standard of professionalism and productivity is part of their package.
NECA/IBEW line contractors employ the best trained electrical line workers in the country.
Whether the job involves transmission or distribution systems, construction, power quality, line
clearance or maintenance, NECA/IBEW line contractors can save you money on every job by
delivering excellence.
Contact your local NECA line chapter or IBEW local union for more information.
Doing it right the first time is what we do best.
www.thequalltyocnneotlcn.crg
Nationa|E|ectrica|UontractorsAssociation
Internationa|BrotherhoodofE|ectrica|Workers
N L U A / I B L W U 0 N 1 P A U 1 0 P 5 - 1 P L U A L I 1 Y U 0 N N L U 1 I 0 N
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
BUSINESSDevelopments
12
Burns & McDonnell to Provide EPC Services in Albert for AltaLink
Burns & McDonnell-Canada has been awarded a fve-year
contract by AltaLink to provide engineering, procurement
and construction (EPC) services for a range of high-voltage
transmission line and substation projects throughout the
province of Alberta, Canada.
Headquartered in Calgary, Canada, AltaLink employs
700 and owns and operates the electrical transmission system
serving approximately 85% of the residents of Alberta.
The transmission projects will be determined based on
need assessments and permitting approvals. Though the proj-
ect list may be modifed, many are expected to address power
demands from oil sands development and emerging areas
of population growth. Others will assist in integrating new
generation from wind resource areas into the Provincial grid.
The contract includes a fve-year option for additional project
support following completion of the initial fve-year contract
in 2017.
Burns & McDonnell-Canada will work with provincial and
Canadian suppliers and contractors on various projects as
they are prequalifed based on qualifcations, safety and qual-
ity performance. In addition, several local employment op-
portunities are anticipated in Calgary and other locations as
Burns & McDonnell staffs up to support the various projects.
For more information, visit www.burnsmcd.com.
EPRI Publishes 480-V Distribution Arc Flash Updates
In the 2012 National Electrical Safety Code, the approach for arc ash below 1,000 V has changed. Now, utilities will have to
review arc ash on distribution secondary equipment. The two main changes are at 480 V for metering and spot networks. To
address these issues, EPRI research in 2011 concentrated on 480-V arc ash. For 480-V spot networks, research concentrated on
information exchange and practices to manage arc ash in spot networks. EPRI has released the main ndings of this research:
IEEE 1584 is the predominate calculation method for spot networks with utilities assuming either an 18- or 24-inch (45.7- or
61.0-cm) working distance.
Many utilities are de-energizing the feeder for spot network work. This reduces fault current and energized buswork in
protectors. Note that they are not operating a primary-side oil switch.
Work is manageable in many spot networks with heavy arc suits (100 cal/cm
2
suits are common).
Utilities normally assume either a self-extraction time or assume that internal network protector fuses operate. Both
assumptions allow work in many spot networks with available arc ash suits. Both assumptions also have disadvantages.
External fuses or disconnects are a promising option to reduce incident energies and completely de-energize a network
protector. These scenarios can be treated as open-air applications if the only exposure is line to ground.
For 480-V metering, several exploratory tests were performed on different meter styles to see if there were any units where
the 20 cal/cm
2
threshold would not apply. Tests showed that meters with signicant internal busbar can have long durations and
incident energies much higher than 20 cal/cm
2
.
Based on these results, utilities should not work on 480-V meters with signicant busbar that are energized without an analysis.
For more information, visit www.epri.com.
NOVEC Receives Top Ranking in J.D. Power and Associates Study
The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)
ranks highest in customer satisfaction among midsize electric
utilities in the South region and among 126 of the largest U.S.
electric utilities surveyed in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012
Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.
The research company bases its fndings on responses
from more than 100,000 online interviews conducted from
July 2011 through May 2012 among residential customers of
the largest electric utility brands across the United States. The
study ranks large and midsize utility companies in the South,
East, Midwest and West geographic regions. Companies in the
midsize utility segment serve between 125,000 and 499,999
residential customers. Companies in the large utility segment
serve 500,000 or more residential customers. In all, the utili-
ties serve nearly 94 million households.
The study asked customers to respond to questions regard-
ing their utilitys power quality and reliability, price, billing
and payment, corporate citizenship, communications and cus-
tomer service. The utilities scored an average of 625 points,
based on a 1,000-point scale. NOVEC received the highest
score of 714 points among the 126 utilities in overall customer
satisfaction. It scored highest in the industry in power quality
and reliability, price and communications, and second-highest
in corporate citizenship.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, customer satisfac-
tion in the electric utility industry declined slightly from the
year before following stormy weather in the second half of
2011. Nevertheless, despite an earthquake, Hurricane Irene
and a major tropical storm, NOVECs overall scores improved
over the 2011 study results.
Theres no greater validation of our corporate perfor-
mance than to be ranked best-in-class by our customer-own-
ers, said NOVEC President and CEO Stan Feuerberg.
Visit JDPower.com and www.novec.com.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Asset Management:
<RXU.H\WR5HOLDELOLW\DQG(IFLHQF\
3URWHFWLRQ7HVWLQJ
Powar Systam S|mu|ator: F150sv
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HV |nsu|at|on Ana|yzar: N4100
Assat Nanagamant Softwara: 0TA
On-line Monitoring Solutions
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Advancad & 8out|na Tast|ng
www.doble.com
DOBLE IS AN ESCO TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
Armad w|th cr|t|ca| |nformat|on, you can
maka tha cost-affact|va dac|s|ons you
naad to opt|m|za tha ||fa of your assats.
|nformad dac|s|ons maka tha d|ffaranca
batwaan p|annad ma|ntananca stratag|as
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d|sastars.
Rely on Doble for the answers
you need to develop or support
your Asset Management program.
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August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 14
SMARTGrid
In the Netherlands,
PowerMatching City
is a Real-Life Smart
Grid Community
PowerMatching City a live smart
grid project involving 25 households in
the Hoogkerk district in the northern
part of the Netherlands has dem-
onstrated that it is possible to create a
smart grid with a corresponding mar-
ket model using existing technologies.
The system enables consumers to freely
exchange electricity and keeps the com-
fort level up to par.
Being the frst real-life smart grid
community in the world, and having
delivered the worlds frst results from
a total-concept smart grid deployment
project, PowerMatching City is playing
an important role in the development of
smart grids and the transition towards a
sustainable energy system.
The 25 participating homes were
connected with each other as part of
the trial and equipped with micro com-
bined heat and power systems (high-
effciency boilers), hybrid heat pumps,
smart meters, photovoltaic panels,
charging stations for electric vehicles
and other smart household appliances.
These homes collectively constitute a
smart energy system.
The project is conducted by distri-
bution system operator Enexis, energy
company Essent, gas infrastructure com-
pany Gasunie, system integrator ICT Au-
tomatisering, and knowledge institute
TNO, led by energy consulting, testing
and certifcation frm DNV KEMA Ener-
gy & Sustainability. Knowledge partners
of PowerMatching City are Delft Univer-
sity of Technology, Eindhoven Univer-
sity of Technology and Hanze University
of Applied Sciences Groningen.
In view of the successful results, the
project has been continued and ex-
panded. This follow-up phase is focus-
ing more on the effects of the expansion
(from 25 to approximately 70 house-
holds), consumer involvement (via an in-
teractive interface) and the effect of the
introduction of real-life propositions to
the customer, developed by the energy
company.
Visit www.powermatchingcity.nl.
A123 to Supply Energy Storage System to
Chinas Ray Power for Frequency Regulation
A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphate lith-
ium iron phosphate batteries and systems, will supply a 2-MW grid energy storage
system to Ray Power Systems Co. Ltd., a Chinese company focused on developing
the frequency regulation market and relevant technologies.
The project in China will be designed to validate the technical capabilities and
benefts of energy storage as a fast-ramping, accurate and clean resource for provid-
ing frequency-regulation services, said Eldon Mou, CEO of Ray Power. Limited
overall system-ramping capability has created renewable integration issues as well as
potential risk of grid instability because of the high penetration of renewable gen-
eration, particularly in northern China. A123 Systems has demonstrated the viabil-
ity and reliability of its product through a number of successful global commercial
deployments, and we expect this project to showcase energy storage as a valuable
resource for meeting Chinas growing frequency regulation demand.
For more information, visit www.a123systems.com.
Smart Grid Networking Market to Grow
to Nearly $1 Billion by 2016 in the Americas
IMS Research forecasts the market for equipment supporting smart grid com-
munications and networking to grow from US$700 million in 2011 to nearly $950
million by 2016. This growth is projected even as smart meter shipments are fore-
cast to decline from 2012 onward in North America and general economic growth
remains elusive.
Smart metering projects in the mid- to late-2000s propelled North Americas
market for radios and other networking hardware supporting feeder line tasks.
Later growth in distribution automation intelligent electronic device shipments fur-
thered this trend, supporting opportunity for traditional serial radios as well as a
wide assortment of next-generation solutions.
As of 2012, smart meter rollouts are slowing in North America, however, substa-
tion modernization, distribution automation and Latin Americas expected smart
metering expansion will all counter this slowing to offer substantial total growth of
smart grid networking equipment markets in the Americas.
Senior Analyst Donald Henschel commented: Smart metering is only begin-
ning in Latin America, but perhaps more interestingly, in North America, utilities
are seeing increased efforts from AMI solution providers and grid automation spe-
cialists to effectively integrate smart meter data and infrastructure into more sophis-
ticated distribution automation tasks. Distribution automation-enabled smart meter
concentrators will hasten this process.
The supplier environment for smart grid automation and networking is in a
dynamic period, with major substation networking supplier RuggedCom recently
purchased by Siemens, and smart grid mesh radio provider Tropos acquired by
ABB. Both ABB and Siemens offer deep catalogs of grid automation solutions, but
their market presence in the Americas has not been as high as in other regional
markets.
These acquisitions of networking and communications specialists by global
automation brands reveal industry acknowledgement of networking as the next criti-
cal step to achieving the goals of the smart grid evolution, Henschel noted.
For more information, visit imsresearch.com.
Alcan Cable:
Connecting lives
one cable at a time
When you think of aluminum do you
think of power? You should. For over 100 years,
Alcan Cable has been manufacturing quality
aluminum cables to power your world.
For Alcan Cable, it is about
providing wire and cable
products that improve the
quality of life while making
a signicant contribution to
the economic, social, and
environmental well-being of
the cities and communities
throughout North America.
Overhead
Transmission
Service
Distribution
For more information on
Alcan Cable, please visit
www.alcancable.com
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 16
TECHNOLOGYUpdates
Brazilian Utility
Deploys 3M ACCR
Distribution Upgrade
Brazils EDP Escelsa, EDP Groups
power distributor located in Esprito
Santo State, has installed 3M ACCR to
upgrade a distribution line that crosses
the often rain-swollen Rio Doce as a solu-
tion to potential construction, environ-
mental and clearance challenges.
EDP Escelsa chose 3M ACCR to re-
solve environmental issues while main-
taining the existing infrastructure. The
high-capacity conductor enabled the
utility to double the lines ampacity and
improve line clearance without having
to construct larger towers or expand
the right-of-way in wetlands on the river
banks.
EDP Escelsa serves a population of
3.4 million in Esprito Santo State. The
upgraded line is located in Linhares, a
city of about 130,000 residents close to
the Atlantic coast, some 80 miles (129
km) north of Vitria, the state capital.
The line crosses the Rio Doce at Lin-
hares, and during the rainy season, line
sag combined with high water levels can
pose challenges.
3M ACCR was installed on a 138-kV
double-circuit distribution line to replace
conventional steel core ACSR on a 3,012-
ft (918-m) span that crosses the river.
The use of this conductor allowed us
to match the environmental and load-
ing requirements while meeting the re-
gions capacity needs without structural
changes in the line, says Fernando Peix-
oto Saliba, technical and environmental
director of EDP Escelsa. And we were
able to complete the project before the
rainy season raised the water level.
By providing as much as twice the
electric capacity of conventional con-
ductors of similar size without requir-
ing new or larger transmission towers,
3M ACCR is helping utilities accommo-
date new demands being placed on the
grid without encountering costly and
problematic construction, right-of-way
expansion or permitting issues. Power
companies in China, Russia, India, Can-
ada, France, Germany, South America
and the United States have embraced
the 3M ACCR for similar applications.
Visit www.3M.com.
Prysmian Develops New Technological
Solutions for Sustainable Grids
Prysmian Group is focusing on the new smart grid business with the introduction
of high-tech solutions and products for utilities and grid operators.
Cables and network components are key to smart grid architecture, because they
determine the grids reliability and effciency. This is why it is necessary to go beyond
the traditional cable concept and provide innovative solutions that satisfy the new
grid requirements in terms of renewable energy, energy effciency and lower envi-
ronmental impact.
Therefore, Prysmian Group has developed a comprehensive range of state-of-
the-art cables and solutions to make smart grids more reliable and effcient by guar-
anteeing their proper operation in all conditions and circumstances, and prevent-
ing possible blackouts, failures and damage to other network components. This, in
turn, will help reduce maintenance costs and the risk of penalties for grid owners
and operators.
In particular, Prysmian Groups products and solutions are divided into four dif-
ferent areas, depending on the solution proposed: risk prevention, smart mainte-
nance, electrical load management and environmental impact. Solutions have been
identifed and developed for each area that can be applied to existing grids as well
as integrated into future ones.
In coming years, we will see a radical change in the way that the global electric-
ity system works, offering many benefts to all users in terms of effciency, quality
and security of supply, said Massimo Comina, Prysmian Group power distribution
business director. Cables and intelligent monitoring instruments are a key part of
this modernization process, by ensuring better use of electricity grids and greater
environmental sustainability.
For more information, visit www.prysmian.com.
GridSense Partners with California Utility
to Measure PVs Effect on the Power Grid
A California utility will use the GridSense LineIQ solution to measure the impact
of photovoltaic (PV)-generated power as it enters the utility grid.
Many states are mandating increases in the percentage of power generated from
renewables. California has implemented a law requiring utilities to procure 33% of
their electricity from eligible renewable energy sources by 2020, of which solar will
comprise a signifcant part.
As more and more solar comes on-line, however, utilities are grappling with its
disruptive effects on the grid. Nonrenewable power sources are relatively constant.
They are predictable and rarely impacted by time of day, season or hour-to-hour
changes in weather conditions. That is not the case with PVs. PV capacity is different
in summer than it is in winter. In volatile weather, it can change signifcantly on an
hour-by-hour or even minute-by-minute basis.
The California utility is using LineIQ monitoring system on distribution lines
surrounding PVs to gauge their effect as they feed the grid. Monitoring will focus on
fuctuations at different times of day and due to sun and weather conditions. For this
application, LineIQ has been programmed to sample every two seconds to ensure
a truly high-resolution view of line conditions over time. With its ability to monitor
lines up to 138 kV, self-powered design and accommodation of any communications
protocol, the unit is uniquely qualifed for this type of high-intensity monitoring.
For more information, visit www.gridsense.com.
Supported by a global network of application experts, the Multilin 3 Series
delivers advanced system integration flexibility with robust communication
options including IEC 61850.
The Multilin 3 Series protection relays feature detailed asset diagnostic
capabilities, and a robust draw-out design to maximize uptime. Customers
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August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 18
TECHNOLOGYUpdates
RTE Chooses NetCracker to Streamline Network Operations
Rseau de Transport dElectricit (RTE) has selected Net-
Crackers Telecoms Operations and Management Solution
(TOMS) to boost the performance, effciency and service
quality of its infrastructure.
RTE is responsible for the operation, maintenance and de-
velopment of Frances high-voltage power transmission system.
The companys mission-critical nature is underscored by the
fact that it not only distributes electricity throughout France,
but it is also an essential link in the European electricity mar-
ket. With approximately 100,000 km (160,934 miles) in its
network, RTE operates the largest electric transmission system
in Europe and is also Europes largest exporter of electricity.
Drawing on its infrastructure optimization solutions, Net-
Cracker will provide RTE with an integrated, end-to-end view
of its infrastructure and resources along with highly accurate
data, which will enhance decision making, automate end-to-
end operations and improve service quality. The solution will
provide comprehensive functionality for planning, designing
and developing infrastructure changes and upgrades. And
fnally, it will integrate seamlessly into the existing RTE envi-
ronment, which will help to optimize both OpEx and CapEx.
For more information, visit www.netcracker.com.
Survey Conrms Efciency Advantages of Intelligent Substation Design
Research conducted by Newton-Evans Research Co. between April 12 and May 30, 2012, produced ndings from 68
respondents, which included 77 utilities (55 North American utilities and 22 international utilities). Responses from nine consulting
engineers provided an insight into their substation software design needs.
Respondents to the survey included management decision makers (directors and managers), supervisors, lead engineers and
engineers. About half of all responses to the survey included feedback from managers or directors.
Utility ofcials were asked whether they perform their own substation design work in-house using a generic CAD application, a
substation-specic design application, or whether they outsource this work to a third party. An overwhelming majority (73%) of the
utilities that perform all or some of this work in-house indicated they use a generic CAD application. This includes utilities that use
both types of software (5%) and utilities that use generic CAD and also outsource (10%).
Among the 77 participating utilities, only two utilities in Europe currently use a substation-specic design application
exclusively. Three other utilities use both generic CAD and substation-specic applications. Eight of the nine consulting engineers
only use a generic CAD application. The other one uses both types.
Five of the 24 utility directors/managers currently using a generic CAD application indicated an interest in purchasing a
substation-specic design application in the future.
The majority (90%) of utilities and consultants indicated their current design tool does not generate reports for cost estimating,
equipment ordering and asset management. However, when asked if they had access to a tool with this capability, about 75% of
respondents indicated that it would produce signicant project cost savings by reducing the time spent creating reports, reducing
the time to update reports when design changes occur and improving report accuracy.
For more information, visit www.newton-evans.com.
CG to Power Belgiums Northwind Offshore Wind Farm Project
CG won the contract for the grid connection study and sup-
ply of a 275-MVA main transformer and two 650-MVAr reac-
tors at the Northwind offshore wind farm in Belgium.
The Northwind wind farm, previously named Eldepasco,
will have an installed production capacity of 216 MW. The con-
nection between the offshore high-voltage substation and the
onshore grid connection will be realized with a 220-kV sub-
marine export cable. Eventually, the Northwind wind farm
will be connected to the future 165-MW Belwind 2 wind farm,
which is also situated in front of the Belgian coast. For this
connection, a second 220-kV subsea cable with a length of ap-
proximately 10 km (6.2 miles) will be installed.
CGs scope in this project would be to design and supply
the high-voltage installation, including all necessary measures
to comply with Belgian transmission system operator ELIAs
grid connection requirements. This comprises mainly the
offshore high-voltage substation and the onshore location, in-
cluding all auxiliary systems to ensure proper functioning of
the high-voltage installation. CG also will provide the main
transformer (225/33 kV, 275 MVA) and two reactors (33 kV,
65 MVAr) for reactive power compensation.
The mechanical construction of the offshore platform will
take place in Aalborg, Denmark, on the construction site of
Bladt Industries. Then the platform will be shipped to Bel-
gium for its fnal destination on a monopole foundation. The
offshore substation is expected to be energized in September
2013.
This is the ffth contract for CG, following the earlier Bel-
wind fase 1, EON Amrumbank West, WPD Butendiek and
EON Humber Gateway contracts. This contract marks CGs
growing expertise and experience in the developing offshore
wind market in Europe and creates substantial pull through ben-
efts and valued references for other supporting products of CG.
For more information, visit www.cgglobal.com.
DuPont
Streamline
and Viewpoint
, Streamline
and Viewpoint
are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Copyright 2011-2012 E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. All Rights Reserved. LANDM024673P125AVA
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to help keep your customers out of the dark
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August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 20
occurrence. AMI notifes utilities when a theft occurs.
5. Utilities have an improved process for connecting and discon-
necting power remotely. Many utilities have installed AMI with re-
mote connect and disconnect switches, and they are using this
technology to complete their collection activities. Addition-
ally, many utilities have engaged with apartment complexes to
use the remote switches in their move-in/move-out procedure
needs. And, some utilities have merged the disconnect switch
routines into their public safety response processes.
Customer Engagement is Key
As we all know, AMI installations in some areas have faced
opposition, and not from just a few people but from organized
groups. This has required many utilities to invest time and
money into areas that havent traditionally had much focus:
customer education and engagement. These groups gain
popularity and attention by claiming possible health impacts
because of the radio-frequency wave technology emitted from
the meters. Smart meters are tested and fully meet the FCC
standards.
Some opponents believe smart meters violate their privacy
by detecting and disseminating personal identifcation infor-
mation, even with data encryption. Others are convinced the
meters are surveillance devices that can tell what the customer
is doing in each room of the house. Utilities that are planning
to install AMI should start thinking about these potential ob-
stacles and planning their customer-engagement strategies
very early in the process.
Once AMI is fully operational, the real work begins. To
make the most out of AMI investments, increase energy con-
servation and create effciencies, utilities need to be able to
operate their systems to their fullest capacities. That includes
analyzing, managing and sharing data with customers. When
customers understand that AMI can help them manage their
energy costs, they may be more receptive to their new meters.
AMI is one step in creating an integrated solution for the
modernization of the electric infrastructure. I cant wait to see
what comes next.
Bob Sitkauskas is chairman of the board of Utilimetrics, a
utility technology association celebrating its 25
th
anniversary.
Editors note: Learn about emerging technologies, opt-out
challenges, data analytics management and more at Autovation,
the Utilimetrics conference and expo Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Long
Beach, California, U.S. Visit www.utilimetrics.org for information.
QuarterlyREPORT
AMI Boosts Customer Service
By Bob Sitkauskas, Utilimetrics
A
dvanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and the
smart grid have grown at a rare and exceptional pace
over the past few years. This growth stemmed in part
from the U.S. Department of Energys national effort to mod-
ernize the electric grid. This included the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provided funding for the
Smart Grid Investment Grant program.
The Department of Energy awarded 99 grants with $3.4 bil-
lion of federal funding, matched by $4.4 billion of private sec-
tor funding, for deployment of smart grid technologies in utili-
ties nationwide. Thanks in part to the Smart Grid Investment
Grant program, more than 65 million meters will have been
manufactured, purchased and installed by the end of 2015.
Key Benets
Utilities are realizing the benefts of AMI and working to
improve their processes. Vendors have stepped up to the plate
and continue to develop new products and technology to meet
the changing needs of utilities. Here are the top fve reasons
why more utilities and vendors are getting in tune with smart
grid technology:
1. Meter reading expenses decrease when AMI is installed. Read
rates at utilities with AMI are at record performance levels.
Accuracy has changed dramatically by removing the human
interface in the read process.
2. Customers can view their own usage data down to intervals
as low as fve minutes every day. They can make decisions about
their power usage with this new and essential information.
Customers and utilities no longer have to wait an entire month
to fgure out how much power is being consumed.
3. The customer outage process dramatically changes once AMI
is operational. Because the meters notify utilities when they
lose or return to power, an often lethargic and mistake-prone
process has been enhanced to the beneft of the utilities and
customers. To be able to know the extent of a storm within
minutes of an outage is knowledge the utilities have always
needed.
Customer satisfaction soars when a crew is sent to the out-
age at a pace never imagined. Before leaving the job site, crew
members can ping meters to validate their fxes are complete.
This was impossible just a few years ago. Another great beneft
is that the AMI system informs the utility of an outage before
the frst customer call.
4. The often-burdened process of identifying theft and meter tam-
pering changes with AMI. Meter readers are no longer in the
feld and subsequently not there to witness the actual theft
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32 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
COMMUNICATIONSPlanning
made a contribution to the networks success:
IBMs network methodology was the basis for the net-
works architecture.
Itron provided meter, cell relay and system hardware,
software and services.
GE provided WiMAX radios/antennas, management
software and services.
Quanta provided meter and communications equipment
installation services.
CenterPoint had seven exacting requirements for its com-
munications network:
1. Have a comprehensive coverage design for a 5,000-sq-
mile (12,950-sq-km) service area.
2. Provide two-way communications to endpoints (that
is, to cell relays [meter data collectors] and intelligent grid
switching devices).
3. Have data throughput capacity suffcient to transmit 96
interval readings a day from each of more than 2 million me-
ters, and to execute all service orders generated.
4. Be reliable in all conditions, particularly storm condi-
tions as the Houston area is susceptible to hurricanes.
5. Be secure, adhering to strict cyber-security standards.
6. Be scalable to keep pace with ever-increasing amounts
of data as more smart meters and intelligent grid switching
devices are installed in the years ahead.
7. Have adequate fail-over and redundancy to ensure back-
up in the event of a component failure.
Architecture Development
IBMs network methodology was used to help CenterPoint
develop the communications architecture for the smart grid.
This methodology is represented by a collection of develop-
ment templates, best practices and procedures for designing
networks. The development process is structured in phases,
from the requirements, to conceptual modeling, to logical
Primary WiMAX tower/pole antenna aggregation sites are located
in CenterPoint substations. These sites communicate with cell relays
that are mounted on distribution poles.
modeling and, ultimately, to the fnal detailed network design.
The end result of this development process was a communi-
cations network design in which the meters form a mesh and
communicate through cell relays. The design ratio of meters
to cell relays is roughly 400:1. In the event a cell relay fails, the
meters associated with the failed cell relay will migrate to an
adjacent cell relay.
From the cell relay, there is dual-path (primary and second-
ary) communications architecture. The primary communica-
tions path is the companys private WiMAX network, consist-
ing of radio towers, typically at substations, which connect to
nearby cell relay sites. A failure of any segment of the com-
panys WiMAX backhaul communications will cause the cell
relays associated with that segment to fail over to the second-
ary path, a public cellular carrier (AT&T) network.
The smart grid communications model was developed
as an end-to-end design with dual communications paths to
provide redundancy. By implementing a private wireless in-
frastructure as a primary communications path and using a
public cellular carrier as the secondary path, CenterPoint was
able to use the full strengths of both types of networks to cre-
ate a reliable solution. This redundancy and resiliency enables
CenterPoint to live up to its brand promise: Always there.
Communications Network Build
Smart meters transmit electric usage data wirelessly to
cell relays installed on electric distribution poles connected
Out in the system, installation of cell relays (top box), WiMAX radios
(bottom box) and WiMAX antenna (inset) for communication to WiMAX
towers is accomplished.
33 www.tdworld.com | August 2012
COMMUNICATIONSPlannig
to both the WiMAX and cellular networks. More than 5,200
cell relay sites have been built across Houston to communicate
with the more than 2 million meters installed across Center-
A critical part of the communications infrastructure construction was the verication that a WiMAX tower site at a substation could communicate
to all of the cell relay sites associated with it. When signal testing at a cell relay site (right) was needed before the WiMAX tower site was com-
plete, large cranes (left) were used to position the antennas at the appropriate height.
Points electric distribution territory.
The cell relay location consists of a cell relay, a wireless
WiMAX remote radio and an antenna all of which are
34 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
COMMUNICATIONSPlanning
powered by electricity from the power line with battery back-
up. For approximately every 75 cell relay locations, there is
a WiMAX radio tower site that functions as a take-out point
(TOP) to collect the data.
At the cell relay sites, communications crews program the
WiMAX radio and then align the antenna to ensure the radio
is communicating with the TOP. TOPs, which are built mainly
at CenterPoint substations, collect data from cell relays within
a several-mile radius and deliver the data, through the micro-
wave and fber backhaul network, to the data center.
The TOP consists of a 150-ft (46-m) steel lattice tower or
pole. On the structure, crews installed three WiMAX anten-
nas, spaced 120 degrees apart, to receive signals from sur-
rounding cell relays. In addition, crews installed and aligned
the microwave dish to connect with the core network through
an adjacent microwave location. The telecommunications
equipment for the TOP is sheltered inside a concrete build-
ing at the base of the tower or pole. Cell relay data collected
through one of three master radios one for each antenna
is routed over the microwave network by fber-optic cable to
the data center.
A data collection engine passes information collected from
the cell relays to the meter data management system, which
processes and stores meter data and also executes service or-
ders. CenterPoint sends meter data to the Smart Meter Texas
web portal, where consumers may securely view their histori-
cal 15-minute usage data in 24-hour, 30-day and 13-month
snapshots.
The Network Takes Shape
More than 2.2 million smart meters have been deployed,
along with 5,220 cell relays and 140 TOPs. With these in place,
more than 2 billion intervals of usage data are being recorded
and made available to consumers on the Internet each week.
In 2012, CenterPoint has obtained 15-minute interval data
at a rate of 99.3%, along with 99.8% of monthly register reads
used for billing. More than 97% of service orders have been
completed electronically, typically within 30 minutes, saving
nearly 3 million truck rolls, with concomitant savings in fuel
and reduction of carbon emissions.
Considerations and Lessons Learned
The real test of a communications network is how it func-
tions in practice. The deployment process posed its own chal-
lenges and taught some signifcant lessons:
Communications network development must be closely
coordinated with the meter deployment. CenterPoints meters
were deployed by route, and the network communications in-
frastructure was in place and stable three months ahead of
the meter deployment. This approach allowed meters to begin
communicating with the system immediately.
Be prepared to use creative design and installation solu-
tions to meet aggressive time lines. For example, one of the
tests performed at potential cell relay sites was to determine
WiMAX signal strength to the WiMAX take-out site. When
signal testing to a cell relay site was needed before the take-out
site towers were built, large cranes were used to position the
antennas at the appropriate height.
Complete the design of the overall communications sys-
tem up front. Integrate all communications components into
an overall architecture, test and analyze all equipment, com-
plete construction standards, identify all construction materi-
als and validate installation procedures through testing and
training.
Manage materials and multiple service suppliers closely
and establish strong feld coordination along with detailed
construction and performance acceptance and testing pro-
cesses. Major equipment and long-lead items such as cell re-
lays, radios, network electronics, towers and buildings need to
be specifed, bid on and ordered well in advance, and invento-
ry levels maintained in a warehouse system and tracked. Given
the fast pace of deployment, inadequate inventory can cause
signifcant schedule disruptions.
Be prepared to support the infrastructure operationally
when the frst device goes into production. Identify staffng re-
quirements and analyze, select and implement network man-
agement tools as they are used both for construction and for
connectivity testing and operations.
Leverage a common communications infrastructure.
The intelligent grid network is built to leverage the advanced
metering system communications infrastructure so remote or
The cell relay equipment, including cell relay and WiMAX radios, was
assembled at a warehouse for ease of installation in the eld.
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36 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
COMMUNICATIONSPlanning
Companies mentioned:
CenterPoint Energy | www.centerpointenergy.com
GE | www.ge.com
IBM | www.ibm.com
Itron | www.itron.com
Quanta Services | www.quantaservices.com
automated switching commands are executed over the same
network from which electric usage data is communicated.
Keys to Deployment Success
An effective communications network has CenterPoint po-
sitioned for the future. The smart grid is not only the future
for CenterPoint, it is the future of the utility industry. With this
in mind, the following approaches may be considered when
planning any smart grid communications system:
Establish a strong governance process. A strong project
management offce, using a proven governance methodology,
is essential to the overall success. With the deployment of any
integrated system, especially one as complex as an advanced
meter system, the application of consistent scheduling, fnan-
cial, scope, change and reporting processes is imperative.
All project teams and support functions should be inte-
grated and closely aligned within a project management struc-
ture overseen by a robust project management offce.
Develop solid business and technical requirements and
ensure agreements with all stakeholders.
Apply a proven network architecture development meth-
od to ensure a solid design that meets requirements.
Ensure the deployment of smart meters and switching
devices is coordinated closely with the deployment of commu-
nications infrastructure.
Adopt and follow effcient, safe and cost-effcient design
and installation standards, keeping in mind operational sup-
port requirements.
Minimize exceptions; they add costs and delay progress.
When unavoidable exceptions do occur, handle them aside
from the main deployment effort in order to avoid disrupting
the primary deployment routine.
Follow up the deployment as soon as possible with a plan
to operate and maintain the equipment and systems.
The smart grid is becoming the norm in the United States,
and the nerve center of every smart grid is the communica-
tions network that connects it. CenterPoint Energys experi-
ence will not be the exact experience of every utility as it moves
to the smart grid. But the lessons learned during this process
may prove useful to other utilities that are on the various steps
of this path.
Chuck Hackney (chuck.hackney@centerpointenergy.com) is the
director of Telecommunication Services & Smart Grid Com-
munications. He manages the CenterPoint Energy backhaul
and smart grid network and is responsible for the smart grid
communications network deployment. Hackney has deployed
large technology infrastructures, re-engineered business pro-
cesses and developed organizations for both large technology
infrastructure deployments and the resulting operations. He has
held management positions in T&D, power engineering, SAP
project, IT and operations technology organizations. He holds
a BSCE degree and is a licensed professional engineer in the
state of Texas.
The program management structure consisted of program management leadership and various support areas (risk, production support, nan-
cial, planning/tracking and technology architecture). In addition, the work streams represented the technical teams that were responsible for the
deployment of the various technical elements of the advanced meter system (meters, communications network and systems). The communica-
tions team is highlighted strictly to indicate its position in the structure.
Executive steering committee Program management ofce Utility operations committee
Production support
Planning, tracking, reporting
Financial
Technology arch and security
Risk/issue
Process change and
benets realization
Procurement and logistics
Risk oversight committee
Key support areas
Legal
Corporate Communications
Human Resources
Safety
Customer Service
GIS
IT
Program work streams
Metering Communications AMS
systems
Integrated
services
Retail
market
IG systems IG systems
development
IG
infrastructure
emai l hast i ngs@hf gp. com
I
phone 269. 945. 9541
I
web hf gp. com
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and VARs via a variety
of protocols.
IntelliNode Interface Module allows
IntelliTeam SG to work with a wide array of
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from other manufacturers.
S&Cs IntelliTeam
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ince its introduction in 1997, S&Cs IntelliTeam
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IntelliTeam
PulseClosers, Scada-Mate
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IntelliTeam
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August 2012 2 | www.tdworld.com
FieldTALK
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
L
inemen will soon caravan to Kansas City for the years
most important industry event: the International Line-
mans Rodeo and Expo. For the last fve years, Ive
woken up at the crack of dawn, driven out to Bonner
Springs and witnessed thousands of spectators and competi-
tors celebrate the line trade.
Since 1984, this event has grown to include more than 3,000
attendees from around the world. What started out as a small
event in Manhattan, Kansas, has transformed into a not-to-
miss event for the power industry.
The International Linemans Rodeo Association (ILRA)
has made changes along the way, but one theme has remained
constant: a focus on safety. When the organizers started the
frst rodeo with 36 competitors, they focused on safe work prac-
tices, and the same is true today.
Here are a few ways that the ILRA and the organizers are
maintaining the emphasis on safety for this years event.
Safety is a part of scoring. At the rodeo, the competitors are gg
judged not only on speed but also on how well they adhere to
safety regulations. For example, contestants can lose points for
infractions such as a loose hard hat, mishandling tools or not
wearing safety glasses. If they modify rubber gloves with holes,
slashes, cuts or notches, they can be disqualifed from the com-
petition altogether.
Focus on fall protection. This year, more utilities will be re-
quiring their linemen to compete wearing full fall protection.
Dale Warman, co-chairman of the ILRA, said that ILRA has
redesigned the scoring to be more friendly for those who use
fall protection. The board of directors, judges and advisory
committee groups recently met to develop a plan recognizing
those companies who require their competitors to use fall-pro-
tection equipment during the climbing events. The score team
coordinators will work with the programmers to add an adjust-
ment to the scoring program to recognize those participants
wearing fall-protection devices.
For example, each journeyman event and overall awards
will be given out for frst through fourth place. The judges will
no longer award a ffth-place winner. Instead, they will give one
award to the best fall-restraint team in each event and one for
the best fall-restraint team overall.
Use of new technology. New for this year, the ILRA partnered
with UST to provide Multi-Use Technical Tools for the pole-top
rescue event. Competitors must use the M.U.T.T. device when
theyre in the working position during this event. Otherwise,
By Amy Fischbach, Contributing Editor
Linemans Rodeo
Zones In on Safety
theyll risk losing points from their total score.
Educating linemen about safety. Like last year, the ILRA is
presenting a safety conference at the Overland Park Conven-
tion Center. This event will feature presentations designed to
help linemen improve safety out in the feld.
For example, Mark Eaton, an NBA All-Star, will deliver the
keynote address on The Four Commitments of a Winning
Team. Next, a presenter will share a story about a personal
injury, and a utility professional will describe electrical trans-
mission and distribution best practices. During the second day
of the conference, Danny Raines from Raines Utility Safety So-
lutions will give his presentation on Being a Safety Leader and
OSHA 269 Changes.
Offering the latest in safety equipment. In the days leading
up to the rodeo, linemen will have the opportunity to browse
the aisles at the expo. Over the last few years, Ive noticed an
increase in the number of fame-retardant-clothing manu-
facturers exhibiting on the show foor. More vendors are also
showcasing personal protective equipment from safety glasses
to leather gloves and heavy-duty boots.
For 2012, about 70 companies will be showcasing their lat-
est tools and technology. By taking the time to visit with ven-
dors, linemen can discover new products that will help them
improve their productivity as well as their safety.
With the job of a lineman listed as one of the top 10 most
dangerous jobs in America, its imperative for line workers to
continually look for ways to stay safe in the feld. By attending
the International Linemans Rodeo and Expo, linemen can
learn new strategies to keep themselves and their crew mem-
bers out of harms way.
Editors note: At the International Linemans Expo and Rodeo,
I try to visit all of the utility tents on the competition grounds.
But please e-mail me at aschbach@tdworld.com if you have
an idea for a story for Electric Utility Operations, and Ill nd
a time to meet you at the Overland Park Convention Center
or at the rodeo. Also, Ill be attending the 2012 Transmission
Maintenance and Management Conference in Winnipeg, and
hope to see T&D World readers at that event, as well. d
56D
Each year, I view the competition grounds from high up in
the air by taking a ride in the Altec bucket truck. After the
event, Ill post my photos on T&D Worlds Electric Utility
Operations Facebook page and include the best photos in
Novembers Parting Shot.
www.tdworld.com m | August 2012
LIFELine
Jim Woodward (left) is a 40-year career lineman who has
worked throughout the Southwest for the federal govern-
ment, IOUs, municipalities, industrial and commercial proj-
ects, REAs and Tucson Electric Power. His experience runs
the gamut from basic secondary to 230-kV underground and
500-kV transmission.
Jim Woodward
Tucson Electric Power
Born in Austin, Texas.
Married for 37 years to his wife, Kathy, and they have four
children: Paul, Jeremy, Brad and Vikki.
Describes himself as realistic, credible, honest, quietly strong
and solid. His coworkers would describe him as honest and
calm under pressure.
Enjoys playing three musical instruments, creating landscapes
and remodeling his home.
Is the only one in his family working in the power industry.
Inspired by his wife and his faith in Jesus.
Cant live without cordless power tools like presses, cutters,
saws and drills.
His favorite boss was Jim Redeld, an intelligent, friendly and
patient man who became his father in the industry.
Early Years
My friends father worked in the power industry in the late
1960s. The prospect of travel, good money and the never-
ending need for electricity fueled my interest in this trade.
My frst job was working for Arizona Public Service in
Phoenix, Arizona. As a 21-year-old apprentice, I worked on
a 230-kV underground oil static line in July 1973. It was hot
and muggy, and I enjoyed spending nine months on the job in
downtown Phoenix. I remember that the linemen on the crew
were excellent educators.
Day in the Life
As a supervisor, I have the chance to return the favors given
to me by my predecessors. I oversee 30 of 100 construction
personnel, attend multiple company meetings and visit all of
our crews to support them and their duties. My commitment
to a safe and enjoyable working environment is paramount.
Challenges and Rewards
Evolving technology and continuing education present a
challenge I have not yet seen during my career. The need to
be more educated and have a greater technology background
seem to follow the evolution we see in the utility industry.
Directing the path of new apprentices in line construction is
tough, but the reward of providing quality, professional crafts-
men makes it worthwhile.
The retiring baby boomers and the knowledge that leaves
with them is so universal right now. To adequately prepare
the next generation in such a short time is a tremendous task,
and we need to be sure that the speed at which they retire
does not compromise the transfer of knowledge and its related
training.
Safety Lesson
Ill never forget when we repaired fre-damaged under-
ground facilities on Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona. Dur-
ing a forest fre, my friend Ken was overcome by smoke and
could barely breathe because of his diminished lung capacity.
We had to move our crews up the slope 2 miles to our trucks to
travel back to town. I carried Ken on my back for the 2 miles
so his lungs would not be burdened by walking in the smoke
of the fre.
It occurred to me that my life was so little a sacrifce for a
brother who was in greater need than me. We were not fully
prepared to work in the environment of a forest fre, and Ken
was not going to be a casualty. As a followup to this incident,
our line crews prepared a hazard and rescue plan for such an
incident.
Memorable Storms
Ive had a lot of storm memories over the last 40 years. One
incident that stands out, however, was climbing a pole in my
underwear in a food-ravaged town south of Tucson. We had
to ford a river with our tools and materials to put a three-phase
line back up to provide water to the community.
Plans for the Future
I would go into this industry again in a heartbeat. The rela-
tionships Ive made, the people Ive met and continue to meet,
and the experiences this has given me is priceless. Everything
has brought me to where I am today, with no regrets.
My passion has never waned, nor have I ever sought em-
ployment elsewhere. It has afforded my family a life not known
by my father or his father. I am proud to have had a small part
in any journeymans career in the United States.
I can retire in fve years, but Id like to stay longer. There are
things I would like to instill at Tucson Electric Power before I
go and that involves some more schooling for myself.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
56E
work. RG&E worked with its substation maintenance employ-
ees to understand and accommodate their needs.
TransGard panels come in 3-, 6- and 10-ft lengths and are
4 ft high. To minimize the effect of wind on the panels, RG&E
and TransGard installed them in a zigzag pattern. Also, the
workers installed a 7-inch stone berm by the panels to prevent
animal intrusions underneath the fence.
RG&E technicians completed the electrical connections
for the panels, while the TransGard team performed most of
the panel installation.
Maintaining the Fencing System
Alternating panels are charged, so if a person or animal
makes contact with two consecutive panels, they will get a
shock. The energized TransGard panels protect critical trans-
formers, circuit breakers, bus work, insulators and capacitor
banks.
To protect themselves when they maintain the substation,
technicians can shut off electricity to the panels. The entry
gates in the perimeter of panels, sized for one person at a time
to enter, include meters that indicate when voltage in the pan-
els goes to zero. Newer gates are solid panels that are not ener-
gized. Panels that weigh 20 lb to 30 lb each
can be moved to allow vehicle access.
Updating the Fences
Two years ago, when the last of the Trans-
Gard panels were installed, RG&E com-
pleted extensive maintenance of the older
panels. Technicians retroftted several of the
older installations with upgraded fence com-
ponents, including some to make the entry
gates more user-friendly.
RG&E is now identifying any remaining
issues with the panels. As a result of con-
tinuing inspections and maintenance work,
technicians have discovered broken jumper
wires, especially where panels had been
moved a lot. Some of the original installa-
tions had panel-to-panel connection pads
that use a screw-in design, and they didnt
conduct as well as they should. They have
been replaced with panels redesigned by
TransGard to resolve the issue. In addition,
FIELDApplications
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
By Gary Aman, Rochester Gas and Electric
W
ild animals caused about 80% of the substation
equipment outages at Rochester Gas and Elec-
tric (RG&E) in Rochester, New York, during
the 1990s. Critters crawled under substation
fences and found their way to energized equipment, knocking
out power to customers.
To minimize these substation outages, RG&E turned to
TransGard 15 years ago. RG&E was a beta tester for Trans-
Gards animal-deterrent panels and conducted feld trials of
several prototypes.
Ten years ago, RG&E and TransGard installed electrically
charged panels at 100 substations, and two years ago, they in-
stalled panels at the remaining 31 substations with exposed
equipment operating at 34.5 kV or less. As a result, animal-
caused outages at these substations have plummeted to one.
Installing the Panels
In advance of installing the panels, RG&E performed site-
specifc surveys to determine exactly what equipment should
be protected, the total linear feet of panels needed, how to
provide power to the panels, and the number and location
of entry gates needed for substation maintenance and other
Utility Guards Against
Animal-Caused Outages
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56F
The main TransGard entryway includes an easy-to-read control panel and a remov-
able step panel to allow access to the substation in times of heavy snow.
RG&E turned to TransGard Systems 15 years
ago to help prevent animal-caused outages.
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56H
ElEctric Utility OpEratiOns
Sunrise Powerlink
Inspires Innovation
PAR Electrical Contractors demonstrates
unique work methods as it installs structures
on SDG&Es recently energized line.
By Gerry akin and art Holland, San Diego Gas & Electric
A
new 117-mile transmission line now winds through
a national forest, traverses an arid desert and
climbs through the mountains of California from
Imperial County to San Diego County. Called the
Sunrise Powerlink, the recently energized line is comprised of
two 230-kV segments (one overhead and one underground), a
500-kV segment and a new 500-kV/230-kV transmission sub-
station called Suncrest substation.
The San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) project team and
its prime contractor, PAR Electrical Contractors, spent 18
months constructing the line, which connects two existing
substations, SDG&Es Imperial Valley substation near El Cen-
tro California, and SDG&Es Sycamore substation just north
of the city of San Diego. Sunrise Powerlink is designed to deliv-
er up to 1,000 MW of planned renewable energy to San Diego
while greatly increasing the transmission import capability.
The nearly $1.9 billion project begins at the desert foor at
sea level and then rises up as high as 5,600 ft in the forest. It
then drops back down to less than 1,000 ft above sea level at
the Sycamore substation. One of the spans on the 500-kV line
is almost 5,200 ft long. Dubbed the Mile Span, it is now the
longest span in SDG&Es system.
The Sunrise Powerlink also crosses Interstate 8 fve differ-
ent times and shifts from overhead to underground for 6 miles
in Alpine, California. The other 111 miles are a combination
of 230-kV and 500-kV overhead transmission lines, with more
than half of the line crossing through rugged terrain made
accessible only with helicopters.
Protecting Wildlife and the Environment
Crews constructed this line in a serpentine-like path to
accommodate the hundreds of environmental and vegeta-
tion management mitigation measures. For example, the line
crosses through habitat for the endangered Peninsular Big
Horn Sheep, a boulder-strewn landscape where the construc-
tion window was limited to only six months so as to avoid con-
struction during the lambing period in this area.
Due to the limited construction windows, much of the con-
ductor installation was pursued quickly. For example, workers
had to complete the almost mile-long span within a three-
week period in an area designated as a Golden Eagle habitat.
Similar construction window closings threatened the conduc-
tor installation completions in four other areas.
In addition, the environmental restrictions didnt permit
the inclusion of a snub site in the Mountain Springs Grade
area. In this moonscape-like rugged habitat, the crews in-
stalled a set of explosive-type conductor sleeves for a conduc-
tor pull.
Environmental restrictions prohibited SDG&E from build-
ing roads to 234 of its 421 lattice steel towers. As a result, the
utility used helicopters to construct these towers from start
to fnish. As many as 35 helicopters worked on the project on
a single day. More than 30,000 fight hours were logged by a
combination of passenger, medium and heavy lift helicopters.
Helicopter types used on Sunrise included Erickson Sky-
Pile cap constructors tie reinforcing bar for concrete placement in
Mountain Springs Grade, Imperial County, California.
208TD34.indd 56 8/6/2012 10:06:05 AM
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
RG&E is dealing with some rusting on panels installed near
major thoroughfares where they are exposed to salt spray.
They are being replaced with TransGards newer panels,
which have weather-resistant coating. Technicians also have
had to replace some chargers.
Over the years, RG&E installed remote alarms on about
60% of its TransGard installations to notify the utilitys con-
trol center when voltage to the panels has been interrupted.
In the future, RG&E would like the alarm to also
monitor the status of the DC voltage on the end
of the installation because, in some cases, power
could be on, but a charger could have failed.
TransGard introduced an AlertStrobe in early
2012 that offers this functionality.
After RG&Es success with the TransGard in-
stallations, its sister companies New York State
Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Central Maine
Power (CMP) are also investing in the prod-
uct. NYSEG has 93 installations in service and
plans another 26 installations this year. CMP will
be installing its frst panels this year. By install-
ing the fencing system, RG&E and other utilities
are guarding against animal outages and in the
process, improving customer reliability for years
to come.
Gary Aman (gary_aman@rge.com) is a mainte-
nance engineering technician at RG&E, where
he has worked for 31 years. For the last 15 years, he has been
responsible for maintenance programs for substation trans-
formers, regulators and lightning arresters.
Fencing assembled in a zigzag formation helped to minimize the inuence
of wind.
www.tdworld.com | August 2012 56G
Companies mentioned:
Rochester Gas & Electric | www.rge.com
TransGard | www.transgardfence.com
Delivering electricity to customers in a safe and
effcient manner is only one of the many growing
responsibilities electric utilities face today.
Grid One Solutions, lnc., an Asplundh company, is
there to share the load as a trusted, capable partner
with 20 years of experience and expertise in:
AMl/AMP Deployments
Contracted Meter Peading
Field Service Work
lmplementing Demand Pesponse and Energy
Management Programs
Call Center Operations
visit www.gridonesoIutions.com to learn more.
Toll Free: 1-800-606-7981 gridonesolutions.com E-mail: info@gridonesolutions.com
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56H
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
Sunrise Powerlink
Inspires Innovation
PAR Electrical Contractors demonstrates
unique work methods as it installs structures
on SDG&Es recently energized line.
By Gerry Akin and Art Holland, San Diego Gas & Electric
A
new 117-mile transmission line now winds through
a national forest, traverses an arid desert and
climbs through the mountains of California from
Imperial County to San Diego County. Called the
Sunrise Powerlink, the recently energized line is comprised of
two 230-kV segments (one overhead and one underground), a
500-kV segment and a new 500-kV/230-kV transmission sub-
station called Suncrest substation.
The San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) project team and
its prime contractor, PAR Electrical Contractors, spent 18
months constructing the line, which connects two existing
substations, SDG&Es Imperial Valley substation near El Cen-
tro California, and SDG&Es Sycamore substation just north
of the city of San Diego. Sunrise Powerlink is designed to deliv-
er up to 1,000 MW of planned renewable energy to San Diego
while greatly increasing the transmission import capability.
The nearly $1.9 billion project begins at the desert foor at
sea level and then rises up as high as 5,600 ft in the forest. It
then drops back down to less than 1,000 ft above sea level at
the Sycamore substation. One of the spans on the 500-kV line
is almost 5,200 ft long. Dubbed the Mile Span, it is now the
longest span in SDG&Es system.
The Sunrise Powerlink also crosses Interstate 8 fve differ-
ent times and shifts from overhead to underground for 6 miles
in Alpine, California. The other 111 miles are a combination
of 230-kV and 500-kV overhead transmission lines, with more
than half of the line crossing through rugged terrain made
accessible only with helicopters.
Protecting Wildlife and the Environment
Crews constructed this line in a serpentine-like path to
accommodate the hundreds of environmental and vegeta-
tion management mitigation measures. For example, the line
crosses through habitat for the endangered Peninsular Big
Horn Sheep, a boulder-strewn landscape where the construc-
tion window was limited to only six months so as to avoid con-
struction during the lambing period in this area.
Due to the limited construction windows, much of the con-
ductor installation was pursued quickly. For example, workers
had to complete the almost mile-long span within a three-
week period in an area designated as a Golden Eagle habitat.
Similar construction window closings threatened the conduc-
tor installation completions in four other areas.
In addition, the environmental restrictions didnt permit
the inclusion of a snub site in the Mountain Springs Grade
area. In this moonscape-like rugged habitat, the crews in-
stalled a set of explosive-type conductor sleeves for a conduc-
tor pull.
Environmental restrictions prohibited SDG&E from build-
ing roads to 234 of its 421 lattice steel towers. As a result, the
utility used helicopters to construct these towers from start
to fnish. As many as 35 helicopters worked on the project on
a single day. More than 30,000 fight hours were logged by a
combination of passenger, medium and heavy lift helicopters.
Helicopter types used on Sunrise included Erickson Sky-
Pile cap constructors tie reinforcing bar for concrete placement in
Mountain Springs Grade, Imperial County, California.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
www.tdworld.com | August 2012 56I
cranes S64 E and F models, Bell 205 and 212 models,
Kaman K-MAX, Eurocopter AS350 B2 and B3 mod-
els, the MD500, the MD520 NOTAR and MD530F.
Faced with the heavy lift construction requirements
at more than half of the structure sites, SDG&E pur-
chased an Erickson F Model Skycrane (the Sunbird)
for dedicated use on Sunrise. At various times during
the project construction, the company brought in ad-
ditional F and E model Erickson Skycranes to assist.
Preparing the Work Site
SDG&E required all project personnel to be
trained on environmental mitigation measures, wild-
fre-suppression requirements and helicopter safety.
This training pertained not only to the crews who
built the line, but also construction and quality-con-
trol support personnel, inspectors responsible for the
inspection of the contractors work and environmen-
tal monitors required by the mitigation measures to be on site
during construction activities. Everyone was trained in how to
safely use the helicopter landing pads at the remote structure
sites. Crews also were trained in hot load/unload techniques,
which refer to loading and unloading personnel on the heli-
copter without shutting down the engine. Many landing sites
were not on level ground, which added to the risk of injury
during this process.
At the remote sites, the contractors had to perform all tasks
including vegetation clearing, foundation installation, steel
erection and wire stringing via the air rather than from roads
on the ground. The frst step for the feld crews was to clear a
landing zone for the helicopters. By removing the vegetation
in a 70-ft diameter landing zone, the work crews could load
and unload from the helicopter safely with a reduced risk of
fre.
To help the vegetation management crews to clear the
brush and trees, the heavy lift helicopter pilot few in equip-
ment like a Bobcat and/or small hand tools such as shovels,
rakes, chain saws, axes, brush cutters and frefghting equip-
ment. Next, the vegetation management team cleared a 100-ft
by 100-ft footprint for the tower construction. The helicopter
then hauled out the vegetation since it couldnt be spread out
on the site.
Constructing Foundations
Once the tower sites were cleared of vegetation, the crews
prepared the site for the construction of the foundations.
Somewhat less than half of the foundations were conventional-
ly constructed with augers, rock hammers, blasting, and other
conventional means and methods employed at sites with ve-
hicle access. Batch plants delivered concrete for the minority
of the sites, and specialized trucks mixed volumetric concrete
at most of the conventional sites.
At the remote sites, PAR and its subcontractor, Crux Sub-
surface Inc., proposed and ultimately employed a design-build
micropile foundation system as an alternate to traditional con-
crete drilled shaft foundations. Many of the tower sites feature
boulder-covered terrain and/or near surface hard rock out-
crops. The use of the micropile foundations eliminated the
need to blast 10-ft-diameter holes 20 ft to 30 ft deep into the
mostly rocky strata. Instead, the workers installed an array of
three to a dozen 8-inch-diameter micropiles to a typical depth
of 35 ft at each tower leg.
To begin construction of these foundations, the crews re-
moved large boulders and benched the area where the work-
ers would construct the four tower legs. The helicopter then
brought in specialized equipment beginning with a platform
and a lightweight specialized drilling rig. The adjustable leg
platform and the drill rig separated into several pieces to fa-
cilitate the transport with medium lift helicopters, allowing
loads to be safely managed by ground crews on steep terrain.
The medium lift helicopter then transported the drill as well
as an air compressor, generator, steel casings, threaded rods
and small tools to the site. The proprietary drill rig rotates
about a centroid to effciently install each micropile with
enough precision to facilitate bolted connections between
the micropiles and pile caps. Once a group of micropiles is
installed, the helicopter moves the drill rig and platform to
the next leg location.
The sequence of micropile installation in rock included
placement of an upper steel casing to a prescribed depth fol-
lowed by drilling and placement of high-strength all-thread
rebar into the lower bond zone, extending the full length of
the pile. Each pile was grouted with high-strength cementious
grout from the bottom to the top. Where foundations were in-
stalled in soil, pressure was applied to the grout while casings
were retracted from the bonded section. A minimum of two
piles were proof tested at each tower. Crews tested the piles to
their maximum factored load.
After proof testing and trimming of the casings, the next
step was to install a cap on the micropile casings. In a depar-
ture from conventional tower foundations with concrete caps,
SDG&E worked with its contractors to develop a unique steel
pile cap for use on the Sunrise transmission towers. SDG&E
previously had approved the use of steel pile caps on tubular
steel poles, but never before on a lattice steel tower.
Given SDG&Es previous success with steel pile caps on
Inspection of steel cap prior to stub angle setting in Mountain Springs
Grade area.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56J
monopoles, the utility and its contractors decided to consider
using a steel cap for the Sunrise towers, as well.
SDG&Es engineers agreed it would make more sense to
use a steel cap, rather than a concrete cap, providing that the
performance of the steel cap was equal to or better than a con-
crete cap. As a result, the Sunrise Powerlink project is the frst
application of steel cap micropile foundations for lattice steel
towers in the nation.
The use of steel pile caps eliminated the need to transport
and form rebar cages, fy in forms and several yards of con-
crete to the remote work sites, and then pour concrete around
the micropile foundation to form the pile caps. It also reduced
helicopter emissions. Each steel pile cap weighs 5,000 lb, and a
medium lift helicopter only needs to make four trips to trans-
port the four caps needed for each structure. In comparison,
medium lift helicopters would need to make 40 to 50 fights
to fy 130,000 lb of concrete to a site, and when multiplied by
234 sites, it adds up to a signifcant savings in environmental
impact and construction time. Once the crews installed the
steel pile caps, and the stub angles were grouted in place, the
foundation was complete and ready for the tower steel.
Erecting the Towers
Environmental restrictions created some unique challeng-
es on the Sunrise project when it came to erecting the starter
legs for the steel towers. Traditionally, the crews need to install
guy wire to tie back each leg, temporarily supporting it until
all four legs can be bolted together.
During this process, a helicopter fies a leg to the site, and
workers guide it into place on the stub angle and attach the
temporary guy wire. They would then successively set each leg
in place with temporary guy wires. Once the crew members
set the connecting steel members into place to tie the legs to-
gether, they could remove the temporary guys.
Due to Sunrises environmental mitigation measures, the
crews were not always permitted to install the guy wires and
extend them outside the 100-ft by 100-ft tower footprint. The
problem the construction team faced, however, is
that not all the legs can be supported by guys re-
maining within the tower footprint.
To address this challenge, SDG&Es contrac-
tor developed unique braces for the legs that work
as kickstands to temporarily support the legs. A
helicopter few in each leg as a stable unit, and it
supported itself until it was connected to the other
legs. Once all four legs were installed and tied to-
gether, the remaining sections of the tower were
brought in by the heavy lift helicopter.
To facilitate the fights, SDG&E set up staging
yards about every 5 miles to 7 miles along the proj-
ect alignment. These yards varied in size, some ex-
ceeding 30 acres. The yards served as sites where
crews could preassemble the tower sections and
prepare them for transport via helicopter. Once
the helicopter picked up the preassembled tower
sections, the crews could then stack the sections,
one after the other. After the starter legs, crews
added the body extension(s), followed by the Y-shaped layback
and fnally the bridge.
The completed heavy deadend bridges were too heavy for
the helicopter to lift, so the crews split them into two pieces.
Conventional means and methods for split bridge erection
uses a system of guy wires. Workers are often positioned under
the tower to secure these wires on temporary anchors as the
helicopter sets each half bridge on the tower. Because Sunrise
has so many remotely sited heavy deadend towers, this raised a
safety concern for a signifcant amount of exposure. The work-
ers had to be below the tower when the helicopter set the half
bridge sections on the tower.
In a successful effort to reduce the risks associated with the
setting of the split bridges, SDG&E worked with the Sunrise
contractor and consulting engineers to design unique internal
bracing that could be attached temporarily to each of the split
bridge sections. Using this bracing, the helicopter sets each
half bridge section on to the tower as a stable unit where it
temporarily supports itself until the other half bridge is fown
into place. Finally, both half bridges are securely tied together
to form the completed bridge assembly.
Once the towers were complete, the conductors and shield
wires were installed. The workers used a unique netting in-
stallation over the fve CALTRANS crossings of Interstate 8 so
conductor pulling could take place without workday or traffc
restrictions. The supporting poles and guy wires for the nets
were erected in the CALTRANS right-of-way during Sunday
morning periods of light traffc and with a few brief traffc
closures. The nets and the supporting guy wires were pulled
across the right-of-way in just a few minutes, minimizing the
traffc disruption.
Additionally the two OPGW shield wires on the 500-kV line
and the single OPGW shield wire on the 230-kV line each con-
tained 72 optical fbers, sometimes requiring specifc string-
ing sites and always requiring additional attention for success-
ful splicing at both accessible and inaccessible locations.
After the completion of the conductor installations, the
Surveyors set nal stub angles to ensure proper batter and distance for tower
erection in Mountain Springs Grade.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
www.tdworld.com | August 2012 56K
crews completed the aircraft warning light installations. Two
different kinds of lights visible and infrared were used
on Sunrise. The visible lights were installed in accordance
with the results of an aeronautical study and in compliance
with FAA regulations. The visible lights themselves are not un-
usual except that they are all solar powered because of the re-
mote locations. Additionally SDG&E worked with military and
law enforcement agencies in San Diego and Imperial counties
to identify locations where solar-powered infrared lighting
would enhance pilot safety. The infrared lights can only be
seen with specialized infrared goggles. These lights are clear-
ly visible to the pilots from agencies that often fy at night in
remote areas near the Sunrise alignment.
Working with a new low-power supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) system supplier, SDG&E installed
a SCADA system to continuously monitor the status of the vis-
ible and infrared lights. Should there be a problem with the
lights, an alarm would be triggered and a maintenance crew
dispatched to make necessary repairs. This system eliminates
the need for feld workers to expend time and effort to inspect
all 117 miles of the transmission line for aircraft warning light
outages. Instead, the SCADA system automatically monitors
the condition of the tower lighting systems.
While the transmission line was under construction, Beta
Engineering, SDG&Es prime contractor for the Suncrest
substation, completed the construction of the 500-kV/230-kV
transmission substation. Starting with a greenfeld site, the
workers excavated, crushed and re-compacted 1.2 million cu-
bic yards of soil and rock to create the pad at this balanced
site. Working under a compressed construction schedule, all
the below-grade and above-grade work was completed in just
16 months.
After 18 months spent in the desert and the mountains to
construct the Sunrise Powerlink, SDG&E recently celebrated
the energizing of the line. SDG&E and its contractors com-
piled an exceptional safety record by working more than 5 mil-
lion man-hours without a major incident. The OSHA incident
rate of 1.81 was less than half of the industry average of 3.80
for similar utility projects, despite the heavy reliance on heli-
copters and construction in rugged terrain.
The Sunrise Powerlink was anything but a typical utility
project. The attention to safety was greatly enhanced by the
full-time operation of the Sunrise Base a communications
center that maintained constant contact and knowledge of
whereabouts of all feld personnel, helicopters, and unique
risks and concerns associated with specifc locations.
Now that the Sunrise Powerlink project is operational, and
once the renewable energy projects in Imperial and San Diego
counties are brought on-line, Sunrise will carry clean, green
electricity to the residents of San Diego. In addition, SDG&E
and its ratepayers will beneft from the use of the innovative
Sunrise techniques and work methods that also may be ap-
plied to future projects.
Gerry Akin (gakin@semprautilities.com) is a project manager
for Sunrise Powerlink for overhead construction. He has been
with the company for 35 years. He is responsible for execution
of the project strategy as well as construction schedule and
budget.
Art Holland () is a construction
manager for Sunrise and a consultant to SDG&E. He has been in
the industry for 42 years.
Companies mentioned:
American Eurocopter | www.eurocopterusa.com
Bell Helicopter Textron | www.bellhelicoptertextron.com
Beta Engineering | www.betaengineering.com
Bobcat Co. | www.bobcat.com
Crux Subsurface Inc. | www.cruxsub.com
Erickson Air-Crane | www.ericksonaircrane.com
Kaman | www.kaman.com
PAR Electrical Contractors Inc. | www.parelectric.com
San Diego Gas & Electric | www.sdge.com
With the assistance of the yellow leg brace kickstands, a PAR
crew ties four tower legs together.
Spotter helicopter assists Sunbird pilots to set a split bridge using
the unique internal bracing.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56L
The Greening of the Fleet
Marsheld Utilities invests in hybrid
bucket trucks for its linemen.
By Greg Geiger, Marshfeld Utilities
U
tility companies face the challenge of operating a
feet effciently. They not only must make the most
of their equipment, but they also must improve
their crews work environment. For Marshfeld
Utilities, one of the solutions to this challenge is a plug-in hy-
brid electric bucket truck used for utility grid line construc-
tion and maintenance.
The utility considered the hybrid technology in part due
to the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program. This pro-
gram, which is administered jointly by the State of Wisconsin
Energy Offce and Wisconsin Clean Cities/Southeast Area,
is part of the U.S. Department of Energys National Clean
Cities initiative. It supports local decisions to reduce petro-
leum consumption in the transportation sector through the
use of alternative fuels, advanced technology vehicles and fuel
economy measures.
To support this initiative, Marshfeld Utilities ordered its
frst Odyne Systems plug-in electric hybrid truck in 2009.
Then, two years later, the utility invested in a second truck with
a more advanced Odyne plug-in hybrid system. Both units
Crews cover energized equipment to allow for new 795 ACSR installation. Linemen use the jib and winch feature to remove an existing
capacitor bank (inset).
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ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56N
feature a Navistar chassis, Terex HRX55 aerial devices, fber-
glass bodies and a material handling boom with a 2,000-lb
lift capacity. The trucks are used to build three-phase feeder
lines, reroute lines and maintain the utility grid. They are part
of a small feet, including two 1-ton dump trucks, two digger
derricks and fve bucket trucks, including the two hybrid-
powered units.
Marshfelds second Odyne hybrid-powered bucket truck
has been in use for line work since Jan. 12, 2012. The truck was
purchased as a direct replacement for a truck that had been in
use for a decade. The new truck is like other bucket trucks in
the Marshfeld feet, except for the hybrid system.
Powering Aerial Devices
The Odyne plug-in hybrid system uses an electric motor,
in parallel with the existing drive train, to provide launch as-
sist and regenerative braking. When the truck is in the hybrid
driving mode, the hybrid systems 69-hp Remy electric motor
works in parallel with the trucks engine to improve accelera-
tion. During a braking event, energy is generated by this same
motor to recharge the hybrid batteries. This combination of
launch assist and regenerative braking saves fuel and reduces
emissions.
Once at the job site, the truck engine is turned off and the
vehicle is placed in the ePTO mode. This all-electric station-
ary operation mode results in a quieter job site and the option
for extended work hours. The crew operates the Terex aerial
device powered by the hybrid systems two 14.2-kWh Johnson
Controls lithium-ion batteries without constantly running the
trucks engine. The trucks hybrid system is a more effcient
way to power the trucks aerial device with the batteries stored
energy, rather than running a bucket trucks 225-hp engine to
power a 20-hp hydraulic pump that runs the aerial device. In
case of an issue with the hybrid system, the vehicle automati-
cally switches back to conventional vehicle mode to maximize
the vehicle uptime and utilization. Marshfelds hybrid truck
is ftted with optional in-cab heating and cooling, providing
comfort for its crew at the job site, without running the trucks
engine.
Reducing Fuel Costs
The hybrid truck provides several benefts to Marshfeld
Utilities. The hybrid system increases fuel effciency while
driving, and reduces emissions and noise when operating
in hybrid mode at the job site. Recent data, collected from
Marshfelds hybrid bucket truck, indicates engine operating
hours are reduced by six hours a day compared to a conven-
tional bucket truck.
The reduced engine hours lead to reduced fuel consump-
tion. In fact, a truck uses 6 gal to 10 gal less per day, depend-
ing on the load. Reduced engine runtime means reduced
wear and tear, and less-frequent maintenance and trips to the
service shop. As a result, vehicle uptime increases, adding to
further productivity gains. Consuming less fuel also leads to
fewer trips to the pump, saving drive time and time away from
the job site, which enhances crew productivity as well. The
hybrid trucks electricity consumption for charging its batter-
ies averages about 16 kWh a night per charge. At $0.0825 per
kWh, the average cost has been $1.32 per charge.
Marshfelds crews found that even with daily use, the bat-
teries last an entire workday without having the engine restart
in the feld to recharge the hybrid batteries. The hybrid sys-
tem can be optimized to provide additional power while driv-
ing, consuming more of the battery. It also will see higher de-
mands in the summer with use of the auxiliary air conditioner.
Quieting the Job Site
In addition to saving fuel and decreasing its carbon foot-
print, the utilitys biggest beneft has been an improved work-
ing environment for its crews. When operating the hybrid
trucks aerial device in ePTO mode, without the engine run-
ning, the crews didnt breathe exhaust fumes or experience
their adverse effects. Crew members reported fewer head-
aches and no longer feel as fatigued at the end of their shift.
Marshfelds crews also have a quiet work environment to
communicate in. The operation of the hybrid truck in ePTO
A close-up view of the plug-in power unit.
This charging station is shown in operation.
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
www.tdworld.com | August 2012 56M
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hybrids as it replaces bucket trucks in the future.
Marshfeld Utilities customers have accepted the hybrid
truck, as well. They dont hear a truck running all day long
when its working in their area. After a recent power outage,
the utility entered the service area, repaired downed lines
and left the area without nearby residents realizing the hybrid
truck was there.
The utility realized the greatest savings of its hybrid truck
by operating the aerial device without the trucks engine run-
ning, reducing fuel and maintenance costs. Its greatest bene-
fts, however, were reduced emissions and noise, and increased
crew comfort and safety. Thanks to a hybrid solution, the util-
ity met its feet utilization challenge, improved its crew envi-
ronment and looks forward to the future.
Greg Geiger (geiger@marsheldutilities.org) is an electric
operating supervisor with Marsheld Utilities in Marsheld,
Wisconsin. He has been with Marsheld Utilities for 24 years.
Companies mentioned:
Johnson Controls | www.johnsoncontrols.com
Marsheld Utilities | www.marsheldutilities.org
Navistar | www.navistar.com
Odyne Systems | www.odyne.com
Remy | www.remyinc.com
Terex | www.terex.com
mode is much quieter than a conventional diesel engine-pow-
ered truck. Communicating without yelling to one another
makes the linemen more productive. The linemen on the
ground are much safer when theyre working with others up
in the bucket of the hybrid truck.
Without the background noise, they can hear one another
easier and are more aware of whats going on around them.
Less noise and improved communication among crew mem-
bers translates to lower stress, which also contributes to safer
working conditions.
The hybrid trucks quieter work environment has ben-
efted the utilitys apprentice linemen training program as
well. The utility currently employs three apprentices and six
journeyman lineman, and clear communication is vital dur-
ing instruction in proper procedures. During training, crews
often use a second bucket truck to work on the same structure.
As a result of the quiet operation of the hybrid bucket truck,
Marshfeld has been able to train apprentices without sending
a second truck, saving that expense.
Accepting the Hybrid Trucks
Although Marshfeld Utilities uses only the trucks it needs
on a daily basis, its hybrid truck is used every day. When inte-
grating it to its feet, the utility put one journeyman in charge
of the hybrid truck and rotated its crew members until all had
used it. Today, the linemen prefer the hybrid truck over con-
ventional trucks. As a result, Marshfeld expects to add other
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
PartingSHOT
Photograph by Vincent McDonald, CPS Energy
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 56P
CPS Energy Lineman Adrian Arredondo works
high above the streets of Greater San Antonio,
Texas, to ensure a steady ow of electricity to the
utilitys growing number of customers. At the end
of January 2012, CPS Energy served more than
728,000 electric customers and 328,000 natural gas
customers.
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58 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
SYSTEMControl
Iran Implements Creative
Fault-Finding Strategies
Mashhad Electric develops a general packet radio
service-based fault locator system.
By Mohsen Zabihi, Naser Nakhodchi, Saeed Alishahi and Mohammad Hossien Yaghmaee,
Mashhad Electric Energy Distribution Co.
D
istribution automation (DA), a system that enables
an electric utility to monitor, coordinate and op-
erate distribution components in real time from
remote locations, frst emerged in the 1980s.
Nowadays, DA plays a signifcant role in power distribution
network operation and power quality. New distribution equip-
ment such as reclosers and feeder switches are designed and
manufactured with DA support using a variety of protocols
and standards for remote monitoring and control.
However, many utilities still have large populations of pre-
1980 equipment in operation without automation facilities as
it is not cost-effective to replace this equipment and provide
the necessary communications infrastructure. The majority of
distribution utilities defer the large investment in wide-scale
automation until their time-expired equipment fails in service
and is replaced by units designed with automation capability.
Fault indicators are just one of many distribution network
components installed for fault detection on the 20-kV over-
head line circuits on the Mashhad Electric Energy Dis-
tribution Co. (MEEDC) network in Iran. In the event of
a fault, feld crews are dispatched to locate the fault by
visual inspection, disconnect the faulted section and pre-
pare the network for repair. This time-consuming activ-
ity has a major impact on network-reliability statistics in
terms of the length of customer interruptions.
MEEDC examined the performance of its fault in-
dicators and saw the need for improvement. The utility
designed and developed in-house a cost-effective, reli-
able and remote monitoring system to extend the opera-
tional life of fault indicators installed on its distribution
network.
Fault Indicator Communications Protocols
The design of MEEDCs fault indicators typically
employs power-line carrier and fxed radio-frequency
networks, but both communications systems have dis-
advantages. With power-line carrier, there is a lack of
conformity with local distribution networks and the
possibility of losing information. Establishment of a
radio-frequency network requires having many differ-
ent elements like collector towers and repeaters, which
increases the total investment.
The majority of MEEDCs fault indicators are old and
unable to support automation, but, conversely, the util-
ity realizes the importance of fault indicator automation
and network monitoring to create a more reliable distri-
bution network. To address the need for improved reli-
ability, MEEDC established a research and development
R. Ramazani and A. Ghadimi, MEEDC eld staff, installing the GPRS module
on one of the old fault indicator units.
59 www.tdworld.com | August 2012
SYSTEMControl
(R&D) pilot project to design a reliable and remote monitor-
ing system for its old fault indicators.
MEEDC has installed different types and models of fault
indicators, with different features and specifcations, on its
distribution network during the last 20 years. CableTroll 2500
from the NorTroll Co. is just one of the types installed. These
units have the ability to remotely monitor and control using
several existing terminals as a digital input and output, which
is why they were chosen for the fault locating system to be de-
veloped. In addition to light-emitting diodes and an optional
Xenon fash unit, the CableTroll 2500 has a pair of relay con-
tacts (120 V dc/1 A) that give a 1-sec pulse as soon as a fault
is sensed, and the interface module only needs to check the
status of this contact to detect a fault occurrence.
Fault Location Automation
The piloted fault locating system has a graphical user in-
terface to show the position of the fault location on a screen
in the control center. Furthermore, it is able to send a text
message to a predefned mobile phone number to inform the
user of the fault occurrence on the network. MEEDC takes
advantage of the global system for mobile/general packet ra-
dio service (GSM/GPRS) communications standard, which
is a high-speed data-handling technique. By using GPRS, it is
possible to send information to users in a packet form. It has
many other advantages that emphasize its usage value, includ-
ing vast coverage, improved data transmission quality, low run-
ning costs and fast switching times.
In the piloted system, each fault indicator uses the GSM/
GPRS communications standard to connect to the server.
Each fault indicator has a unique Internet protocol (IP) ad-
dress, which also is used as a unique identity (ID) that is able
to send the time and date of a fault to the server. Since the aim
of this project was to add monitoring ability to past-generation
fault indicators installed on the MEEDC network, the design
had to keep to as few confguration changes as possible and
have a relatively simple installation procedure.
The piloted system has two different parts, including hard-
ware and software. The hardware comprises a contact relay cir-
cuit using an Atmel ATmega32 microcontroller and a GSM/
GPRS module. When a fault occurs on the network, the re-
lay output contact changes its mode for 1 sec. The microcon-
troller-based circuit acts as an interface between the fault indi-
cator, and the GSM/GPRS module detects this change in the
output mode as a 1-sec pulse and then sends one data packet,
including the fault indicator IP address, time and date of the
fault, to the server. The system continues sending the packet
until it receives an acknowledgement from the server, when it
then reverts to a waiting mode to observe the next pulse from
the relay. It also sends a short message service (SMS) with the
fault location and time information of the fault to a set of pre-
defned mobile phone numbers.
Schematic diagram of MEEDCs global system for mobile/general packet radio service (GSM/GPRS) system.
The piloted fault locating system
has a graphical user interface to show
the position of the fault location
on a screen in the control center.
60 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
SYSTEMControl
The software designed for the server includes two main
parts. The frst is responsible to receive and store data sent
from the GPRS, and the second is responsible for showing the
data on the screen and providing a report on the on-line fault
indicators. Designed to be compatible with Esris ArcGIS soft-
ware standard, the software updates its map through the
computer network. It also works cooperatively with other
software used by MEEDC.
There also are several tools in the software for re-
porting and performing basic statistical operations. The
screen presentation shows all the fault indicators in yel-
low when in normal mode, but in the event of a fault on
the network, the data packet that includes a unique code,
the time and the date of the fault is sent to the server
through the GPRS module, and immediately the yellow
on the screen starts to blink red.
Implementation Results
In 2010, MEEDC recorded 587 faults sensed by fault
indicators on its 20-kV overhead lines. The maximum
restoration time in 2010 was 191 minutes, with the overall
average being 60 minutes. Whether a fault occurred dur-
ing or outside of traffc rush hours had a marked infu-
ence on the restoration time. In general, two-thirds of
the restoration time was spent patrolling lines to locate a
fault; having a central fault locator system would immedi-
ately reduce this wasted time.
The GPRS-based fault locator system developed was in-
stalled on MEEDCs 20-kV overhead lines in the city of Mash-
had. Reports from the feld crews and staff in the control
center monitoring the network confrmed the average time to
The software screen presentation.
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62 August 2012 | www.tdworld.com
SYSTEMControl
locate and repair a fault on the network was reduced from 60
minutes to 20 minutes. The beneft of using this system for
locating a fault instead of through visual inspection, especially
in areas with a dense population and heavy traffc, was sig-
nifcant. In addition to reducing the fault location time and,
consequently, the fault outage time, the traveling time and
number of vehicles associated with line patrols were reduced,
thereby reducing fuel consumption and its destructive envi-
ronmental effects.
The design and implementation of the GPRS-based fault
locator system was undertaken by MEEDCs R&D center for
a pilot region. The zone 8 region network had 20 old fault
indicators in circuit and each was suitably equipped with an
interface module. After a period of six months, feedback was
received from the managers and feld crews responsible for
this region. The result showed using this system had a signif-
cant infuence on reducing restoration times; furthermore, it
reduced the non-distributed electric energy supplied, an im-
portant factor in view of the impact on MEEDCs proft.
Encouragement by Success
The success of this pilot project encouraged MEEDC to
implement this system for all fault indicators on the network.
The GPRS module showing the two-wire connection into the old fault
indicator.
However, since MEEDC is not an electronic devices manufac-
turer, the utility signed a contract with SAMA Sanat Toos for
the development and upgrading of a commercial fault locator
product using the experience gained during the pilot research
project.
This fault locator system has been implemented by con-
necting a small GSM/GPRS interface module to the old gen-
eration of fault indicators and installing software in MEEDCs
automation servers. It has proved to be an inexpensive meth-
od, compared with the alternative of substantial capital invest-
ment in new distribution equipment with automation features.
This cost-effective solution now provides a fast response to
fault detection that has signifcantly improved the reliability
of MEEDCs distribution network.
Mohsen Zabihi (m.zabihi@meedc.net) is vice president of
Mashhad Electric Energy Distribution Co. and serves as the
deputy supervisor for planning and operations and as a mem-
ber of the R&D committee. Zabihi is the author and co-author
of two books and several technical papers. He holds a BSEE
degree from Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, Iran.
Naser Nakhodchi (nnakhodchi@gmail.com) is a senior engineer
at Mashhad Electric Energy Distribution Co.s R&D center,
whose research interests include control and automation of
electricity distribution networks and related electronic devices.
Nakhodchi has a BSEE degree in branch control from Ferdowsi
University in Mashhad, Iran, and a masters degree in industrial
information from Skovde University in Sweden.
Saeed Alishahi (s.alishahi@meedc.net) is the manager of Mash-
had Electric Energy Distribution Co.s R&D center as well as a
member of the utilitys R&D committee. In addition to being
responsible for all research projects and activities in MEEDC,
he also is the author of more than 50 international and national
papers and articles in the eld of electricity distribution. Alishahi
holds a BSEE degree.
Mohammad Hossein Yaghmaee (yaghmaee@ieee.org) is an as-
sociate professor at Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, Iran, and a
research consultant at Mashhad Electric Energy Distribution Co.
He holds a bachelors degree in communications engineering
from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, a masters
degree in communication engineering from Tehran Polytechnic
(Amirkabir) University of Technology and a Ph.D. in communica-
tions engineering from Tehran Polytechnic University of Technol-
ogy. Yaghmaee has published more than 120 international
conference and journal papers, and his research interests are in
communications networks and Internet engineering.
Companies mentioned:
Atmel | www.atmel.com
Esri | www.esri.com
NorTroll | www.nortroll.no
SAMA Sanat Toos | www.sama-eg.com
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August 2012 | www.tdworld.com 64
PRODUCTS&Services
Cable Fault Pinpointer
Real-Time Transmission Line Monitoring System
Promethean Devices has developed a non-contact, real-time sensor system for the
monitoring of high-voltage overhead transmission lines. The system uses calibrated
ac magnetic eld sensors (located roughly under the phase conductors) to accurately
and reliably measure the three-phase ac magnetic elds. System operation and
accuracy are not affected by wind, rain, ice, snow, dust or smoke. Once installed in the
transmission right-of-way and calibrated, the system reports three-phase currents,
conductor clearance and maximum conductor temperature; an IEEE-738-consistent
dynamic ampacity/rating is then estimated.
The RT-TLMS is installed just above or just under the right-of-way surface, as
determined by ground conditions, terrain or utility/TO/ISO end users. Solar panels
and system electronics are above ground; batteries are below ground. Transmission
outages are not required for installation, calibration or maintenance. The RT-TLMS
employs rugged eld-proven equipment, assemblies, components and materials.
Given a static IP address, secure data is transmitted wirelessly to any designated
database where it may be accessed only by authorized users. The data is also
displayed by a password-protected, real-time, web-based graphical user interface.
Promethean Devices, LLC | www.prometheandevices.com
Condition-Diagnosis Software for Primary Assets
The Primary Test Manager (PTM) support
software for condition diagnosis of power
transformers, circuit breakers and current
transformers aids the user when testing and
measuring with OMICRONs multifunctional test
system CPC 100.
PTM makes condition diagnosis of primary
assets faster, easier and safer. An integrated, high-
performance database allows electrical assets and
the associated test plans to be managed easily.
The software guides the user through the
testing process with comprehensive testing
procedures and detailed wiring diagrams. Tests
can be assessed automatically according to
international standards and accepted industry
practice. Thus, the user achieves a high level of
security in carrying out tests as well as in assessing
the results. The software also automatically
generates protocols based on the results, which
can be adapted to provide individual reports.
The combination of PTM and CPC 100 meets
national and international standards, such as
IEEE 62 (C57.152) or IEC 60076-1 and -3, and exceeds all measurement and accuracy
requirements.
Omicron | www.omicron.at
Human Machine Interface Terminals
Increased manufacturing activity and population growth require highly effective
and efcient monitoring and operating interfaces for power transmission and
distribution in order to optimize power usage.
American Industrial Systems Inc. (AIS) announces new solutions for control room
monitoring and energy analysis. These solutions also provide support for power-
grid geographical monitoring and power-supply diagnosis, power substations local
monitoring, data acquisition and data recording, wind generators, solar panels and
green energy monitoring.
The systems offer an all-in-one hardware and software platform for SCADA,
distributed control system and programmable logic controller applications, reducing
development times by providing users with an open, exible, easy to maintain platform
for power-industry segments.
AIS high-performance open operator interface terminals are available through
Avnet Embedded. Products include 4.3-, 7-, 10- and 15-inch (11-, 18-, 25- and 38-cm)
HMI terminals, which offer highly exible network solutions to interconnect automation
products, including PLCs, I/O devices and computers. The AIS HMI touch panel offers
a wide variety of communications interfaces and protocols, effectively connecting
plants and machine control systems.
American Industrial Systems Inc. | www.aispro.com
The new MPP2000 pinpointer from
Megger incorporates a large backlit color
display that not only shows magnetic and
acoustic signal levels, but also the relative
distance and direction to the fault.
Used in conjunction with a high-
voltage surge generator to create
a ashover at the point of the fault,
the pinpointer detects both the
electromagnetic and acoustic signals
produced by the ashover. The
instrument evaluates the time difference
between these signals and uses this to
determine the relative distance to the
fault, thereby eliminating the misleading
results that are often produced by
instruments that rely on signal strength
alone.
The MPP2000 pinpointer incorporates
two electromagnetic signal level
indicators, allowing it to provide
information not only about the direction
to the fault, but also the actual route of
the cable. Also provided is a bright LED
indicator that gives instant conrmation
that an electromagnetic signal has been
detected, even if there is no acoustic
signal present.
To ensure reliable operation even
in the most difcult applications, the
MPP2000 uses a lightweight ground
microphone with an integral windshield,
and it is supplied with headphones. User
adjustable bandpass ltering is also
provided for enhanced background noise
suppression.
The MPP2000 pinpointer has an
operating temperature range of -20C
to +50C (-4F and 122F) and is housed
in a lightweight ergonomic case with an
IP54 protection rating, making it suitable
for use outdoors even in demanding
weather conditions. The combined
electromagnetic probe and ground
microphone is lightweight yet robust,
and can be disassembled for easy
transportation and storage.
Megger | www.megger.com
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