Climate Change Impacts on Hydroelectric Water Resource Management
October 08 - 09, 2008 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Hydropower plays an important role in the future supply of renewable energy. Climate change can have a profound impact on small and large scale hydroelectric power production. Therefore, water managers must be informed of the potential impacts of climate change on their river systems.

What changes can we expect and what impact will these have on hydroelectric power production and the users of the water system? Would water supplies remain as experienced over the past years or will the hydrologic pattern shift or/and change? Will these changes create opportunities or vulnerabilities?

There is a need to foster increased relationships between water managers and the scientific community studying climate change in an attempt to “bridge the gap of uncertainty” and increase our knowledge of changes to regional water supplies.

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Underground Cables - Maintenance & Design
March 04 - 05, 2008 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Power delivery to concentrated markets such as major cities and dense residential areas relies to a large degree on the continued efficient performance of underground cables. New cables have to be reliable and economical. Many existing underground and submarine cables are aging while loads are increasing. These factors lead to the need for extra care in planned maintenance and refurbishment or upgrading, in optimizing cable operation and in the design and installation of new cables.

This workshop will present many of the latest developments in the field by industry experts with first hand experience. The topics covered include design, testing, installation and management of transmission and distribution cable systems, real time monitoring and recent operating experiences.

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Introduction to EMTP-RV - Free Web-based Seminar
December 04 - 04, 2007 - Online

A webinar is an easy way for our experts to instantly share a presentation on the functionalities of EMTP-RV while enabling you to ask questions in real-time from your office. Register now at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/259065073?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com.

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Improved Inflow Forecasts for Hydropower
November 15 - 16, 2007 - Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Accurate operational inflow forecasting in combination with optimization tools can significantly improve the economics of your hydropower production. Among its benefits, reliable short term stream flow forecasts from one day to 12 months ahead, combined with optimization can be used to increase the flood capacity of reservoirs, minimize spill, and maximize energy generation. Increasingly, hydropower system operators must balance high pools for recreation and drought protection, high releases for stream maintenance, and high availability for dependable capacity. Fully utilizing optimization models can also reallocate water for power production during periods with higher prices or demand, thereby improving the economic value of the water in the reservoir.

Tools, technologies and science have developed to address a wide spectrum of water resource challenges. Models are being used to analyze stream flow regimes, reservoir system operations, water distribution systems and a host of water resources management activities. With more powerful computing systems, a greater number of economical remote sensing tools, and radar and satellite imaging, distributed hydrological models enable hydropower system managers to move beyond the spreadsheet, to embrace sophisticated analyses grounded on years of scientific research.

The goal of this workshop is to improve short term inflow forecasting knowledge through collaborative information sharing. We invite water managers and forecasters to come to Knoxville, Tennessee in November 2007 to share their experiences in the challenging field of predicting future water supplies.

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The Simulation and Analysis of Power System Transients using EMTP-RV
September 17 - 21, 2007 - Montreal, QC, Canada

Topics to be covered: Theoretical Backgrounds to the Simulation of Transients; Equipment Modeling & Applications; Control Systems Modeling & Applications; Insulation Coordination of a Long Radial 500-kV Transmission System; Practical Power System Studies; Power Quality Studies; and Power Electronics Applications in Power Systems.

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Collecting and Managing Hydrologic Data
November 15 - 16, 2006 - Portland, Oregon, USA

A key component of the effective operation of any water control structure is the measurement, and processing of hydrologic data. The foundation of all hydrologic, hydraulic and operational modeling and decision support software packages is quality data. The quality of data collected can be improved by the use of better acquisition methods and equipment, well designed networks, redundancy and maintenance schedules, and modern quality control applications. Water Managers are charged with the task of making decisions while challenged with limited resources to measure and collect data.

Managing hydrologic data requires the timely delivery of high quality data. Data requirements for real-time operation of fast response basins may be different from large storage basins where seasonal forecasting plays an important role. Since operations today rely on data that is shared by many users, the cost effective delivery of quality data in a timely manner to users is becoming increasingly important.

This two-day workshop is organized with support from the participating utilities of the CEATI Hydro Program (Water Management, Hydraulic Plant Life and Dam Safety Interest Groups).

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Overhead Transmission Line Protection Against Lightning
September 26 - 27, 2006 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Lightning is the primary cause of outages on overhead transmission lines (OHTL), presenting a key challenge for transmission utilities in their efforts to maintain reliability. While overhead groundwires (OHGW) currently dominate mitigation efforts, developments in OHTL surge arresters, along with the recent experiences of both manufacturers and utilities, have brought about new solutions for the protection of overhead lines. Grounding can play a major role in ensuring the performance of each solution.

Surge arresters are on the frontlines of transmission utilities' battles against lightning. Replacing simple air-gap and spark-gap technology, metal oxide line arresters have thus far shown themselves to be surprisingly reliable, with their main advantages in non-linear conduction and low weight.

Through presentations from utility representatives and technology suppliers, this workshop will examine a number of aspects of surge arrester application on transmission lines, from lightning measurement to mitigation methods, from technology considerations to cost-benefit decisions. This workshop will provide the overhead line engineer with the tools necessary to properly evaluate the application of OHTL surge arresters by their utility.

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Issues in Power Quality
September 12 - 13, 2006 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The growing use of electronic loads in industrial and commercial networks has substantially increased concerns about power quality. Throughout the world, leading utilities are reviewing their policies concerning the damage or economic impact caused by power quality problems, revising the planning and operation standard practices and investigating new avenues for improving power quality and providing enhanced types of service to their customers.

The CEATI Power Quality Interest Group, a focus group of North American and International utilities, will be holding a two-day workshop on power quality issues and solutions.

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Understanding Customer Response
May 11 - 12, 2006 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The relentless increase in demand for electricity and gas continues to place a strain on the existing supply infrastructure. This is happening in the midst of a re-invention of the utility industry due to de-regulation, new environmental concerns and the rapid evolution of technology. In order to remain competitive in the global market, utilities have to be able to adapt to these new realities and face them in innovative fashion.

Understanding customer response to Demand-Side Management initiatives and how to successfully encourage customers to reduce their individual or corporate demand for, and consumption of, energy will be crucial. How can we see the influence of branding, technology, information, price signals, or other strategies in reducing individual, business, institutional, or industry demand response?

How do utilities, government agencies and manufacturers effectively engage the consumer in reducing consumption and without impacting lifestyle? How do we develop demand reduction programs and activities that elicit responses from consumers that lead to a lasting and permanent reduction in energy consumption and demand habits?

The CEA Technologies Inc. (CEATI) Customer Energy Solutions Interest Group, a focus group of leading utilities across North America, will be holding a one and a half day workshop focused on understanding that which engages the customer to manage their demand for energy and examining what activities achieve permanent and lasting changes in consumer energy consumption habits.

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Water Management Decision-Support Software
November 16 - 17, 2005 - Niagara Falls, New York, USA

Today's hydroelectric generation water managers require sophisticated information systems to support business decision-making activities. This workshop will provide participants with additional insight into the application and development of advanced DSSs in the hydroelectric industry. A decision-support system should supplement, complement, or amplify the problem solving capability of water managers. This is often accomplished by presenting meaningful information using communication technology, interactive models, raw data, documents, and personal knowledge.

Specific to the field of water management, these applications gather and present information on meteorology, hydrology, geology, topography, channel hydraulics, environmental attributes, economics, water use activities or requirements, regulatory requirements and operating limits.

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Wireless Technologies in the Power Industry
May 05 - 06, 2005 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The electrical utility industry is in the midst of re-inventing itself due to deregulation and the shift in workforce demographics as experienced workers near retirement. The focus has been on developing new technologies in order to remain competitive and to compensate for the intellectual losses. Wireless technology has made some remarkable advances recently, and many electrical utilities have found that incorporating it in some aspect of their day-to-day activities is to their advantage.

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Water Management Process to Meet Efficiency, Regulator, and Environmental Objectives Workshop
November 03 - 04, 2004 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The meaning of water varies depending on who you ask. A water manager views it as a renewable energy source - to generate electricity as well as to store energy. To others it is a source for transportation of raw materials and goods, crop irrigation, recreation, employment. Most important, it is a sustaining element of the natural environment of our world.

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Reliability of Power Connections
November 01, 2004 - This seminar can be organized upon request

This course provides a practical treatment of the basic principles of electrical contacts and will include recent advances in the understanding of processes associated with the operation of power connections. Emphasis will be placed on the physical causes for performance attributes and limitations of several types of power connectors. Tools available to evaluate the service performance of power connections will be described. The introduction of effective mitigating measures for slowing connector degradation and restoring the original capability of connectors to satisfy system requirements will be discussed and illustrated. Opportunities for connector life extension will be addressed.

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Dam Safety Risk Assessment
September 30 - October 01, 2004 - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

This seminar and workshop are based on the book Risk and Uncertainty in Dam Safety, the result of seven years of research sponsored by the Dam Safety Interest Group of CEA Technologies.

The seminar will be a lecture-style introduction to risk assessment for dams that will emphasize concepts, approaches, and pros and cons of risk-based dam safety assessment. The workshop will be a hands-on work session with teams performing various aspects of a risk analysis.

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Boiler Tube Inspection and Assessment
September 27, 2004 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Boilers are a critical part of the power generation cycle in fossil plants and they are also a major contributor to unreliability and unavailability of the units. Areas of concern include boiler tubes, failures of which impact reliability, and high pressure, high temperature components such as the drum, headers, and major piping parts. Problems with the latter can have an impact on safety and performance.

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Distributed Resources Workshop
May 09 - 11, 2004 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

An increasingly competitive marketplace for electrical energy has fuelled the movement towards increased production from distributed resources connected to distribution systems. At the same time, the benefits of distributed generation to improve network stability are moving to the forefront of discussions about avoiding major blackouts. Independent power producers, customer owned generation, demand management schemes and energy storage technologies are gradually changing the utility distribution system landscape. Wind power, combustion micro turbines, small hydro, fuel cells, solar photovoltaic, and landfill gas generation are becoming popular methods of increasing supply.

The real cost of electricity is generally increasing and becoming more volatile, due partly in the short term to deregulation/re-regulation issues, but in the longer term to a growing imbalance between supply and demand for conventional fuel sources such as natural gas. As the cost of conventional production rises and distributed generation technologies continue to improve, the implementation of distributed resources (DR) will progressively increase.

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Dealing with Uncertainties in the Hydroelectric Energy Business
November 05 - 06, 2003 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Energy from water power - a centuries old technology. The technology may be old but improvements in the technology have increased hydroelectric energy production’s efficiency, safety and reliability. But are we more confident today than in the past that what we predict will actually come to be. Many uncertainties surround the business of producing electricity from water resources - the uncertainty of water supplies, the uncertainties of operating mechanical equipment, the uncertainties of getting your product to the customer, and the uncertainties of the electricity market.

Weather - will it rain, how much, how long and over what expanse of the watershed? When it does rain, how quickly will the water get to the river and down to the power plant? When will the snow pack melt? How long will it take to melt and runoff to the reservoir? Will the reservoirs be refilled? How much will evaporate before I can use it? Will there be too much water, not enough water?

Energy Markets - will the market require more energy? How much energy? What will be the timing of the energy need? What will be the selling price? If the energy can’t be sold, will there be room to store the water? Will I need to spill water?

Decision Making - what tools can we use to take into account all the uncertainties surrounding water resource planning and operation? Can the risks be reduced? Is there need for improvement?

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Distribution Automation Seminar
June 08 - 10, 2003 - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The technology of Distribution Automation is evolving to meet new challenges.

Increased priority, placed on reliability by customers and their representatives on regulatory commissions, is pushing the conventional use of Distribution Automation into rural areas.

There is also a business-driven force within all utilities to improve the utilization of their distribution system assets and reduce life cycle cost.

In addition, managers are considering various options available to incorporate a variety of distributed generation resources.

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Data Management for Hydro Operations
November 04 - 05, 2002 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Collecting and processing hydrometric data is a key component of effective hydroelectric operations. All the sophisticated computer models used for operational forecasting are compromised without good quality input data. Data quality can be improved by better data acquisition methods, more resources directed towards maintaining equipment, increasing the data collection network, or by more thorough data processing. Making the best use of resources to improve data quality is a problem faced by all hydroelectric operational managers.

Another important aspect of Data Management is appropriate data quality efforts depending on the end use of the data. Data quality requirements for real-time operations in small responsive basins may be different than the requirements for seasonal forecasts of larger basins. Whatever the final use of the data, targeting the data quality program based on the end use ensures appropriate allocation of resources.

The CEA Technologies Inc. (CEATI) Hydraulic Integrated Resource Management Interest Group (HIRMIG) has been collaborating on data quality issues for a number of years. Recently, the group has entered into discussions with the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) to find ways of sharing information and joint planning of the network. The participation of MSC in this workshop is a reflection of this increased cooperation.

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Preparation for Extraordinary Climatic Events
October 06 - 08, 2002 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

In recent years many electrical and communication systems have been affected by catastrophic ice storms. This has led to the collapse of overhead transmission and distribution lines and telecommunication towers, and the loss of substations. The magnitude of these ice storms and the extent of the geographical areas affected were never previously observed in the past and damage was the worst in utility history.

No matter how strongly transmission structures are designed or built, there is always a risk of extensive damage due to ice or a combination of ice and wind, when extreme storms exceeding design loads occur. In addition, the anticipated effects of global warming and the changes in climatic loads, which may occur, should not be neglected.

Since 1999, the CEA Technologies Ice Storm Mitigation Interest Group has been developing solutions, to ensure the survival of electrical facilities in the event of a catastrophic ice storm. The workshop will reflect this work.

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Utility Pole Structure Workshop
June 17 - 18, 2002 - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

With the decline of load growth in the early 1980s, utilities’ focus has shifted more towards maintaining and prolonging the life of current assets and less on building new facilities. Poles, underground cables and transformers, in particular, represent significant investment where even a modest increase in service life can make a major improvement on a utility’s bottom line.

Many existing electrical T&D lines are constructed with wood poles. As weather, rot, insects, fungus and other elements reduce the service life of poles, line owners are working to find the most cost-effective methods for maintenance, repair or replacement of these assets. Today, this is critical, as a large portion of utility pole plant is nearing the end of its original life expectancy. Even modest management improvements can produce a significant capital benefit.

In recent years, pole substitute materials such as concrete, steel, laminated wood and fiberglass can compete with wood for lowest life cycle costs. These alternative materials also reduce environmental concerns (with the reduced use of pesticides and preservative materials to impregnate wood poles). New technologies include Global Positioning System and Aerial Mapping. Options for treatment and reinforcement continue to evolve, providing a sometimes confusing menu of choices.

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Hydro System Planning and Operation in Today’s Changing Marketplace
November 05 - 07, 2001 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

This workshop targets the needs of both large and small hydroelectric producers faced with the challenge of planning and operating their hydro systems to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing marketplace and societal concerns. It brings together leading experts from North American electric utilities of various sizes to share current practices, describe new and state-of-the-art developments.

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Understanding and Managing Underground Transmission & Distribution Cables
June 10 - 13, 2001 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Changes in the markets for electricity are leading to increased utilization of transmission and distribution assets. Competition within the context of the electricity open market leads to constant pressure on electricity rates, compelling electric utilities to look at every option available to reduce their operating expenses and optimize their capital investments.

Power delivery to concentrated markets such as major cities and dense residential areas relies to a large degree on the continued efficient performance of underground cables. New cables have to be reliable and economical. Many existing underground and submarine cables are aging and loads are increasing. These factors lead to the need for extra care in planned maintenance and refurbishment or upgrading, in optimizing cable operation and in design and installation of new cables.

Continued reliability of service with managed operating costs depends on the application of the latest techniques in transmission and distribution line asset management.

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Reliability of Discharge Equipment
April 30 - May 01, 2001 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The focus of this workshop is to examine the likelihood that discharge facilities would work when needed to protect the dam from overtopping. Overtopping and failure of many dams is more likely from malfunction or maloperation of discharge facilities than from a flood being too large to be accommodated by the discharge facilities.

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Advanced Intelligence Control Technology
April 01 - 03, 2001 - Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

In the new environment of deregulation and increased emission regulations, utilities and power producers are searching for ways to minimize power production costs and to meet stringent emission limits. With the maturation of Advanced Intelligence Control technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), there has been increasing interest and usage of these techniques to optimize operational performance in meeting emission regulations. This workshop, hosted by both CEA Technologies' Thermal Generation Interest Group (TGIG) and CANMET, is an initial step in promoting the understanding and use of AI technology in the power industry. The main objectives of the workshop were to provide industry personnel with an opportunity to learn more about AI technology, to gain information from suppliers, to exchange implementation and operational experiences and to discuss potential projects.

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Microturbine and Interconnection
January 15 - 16, 2001 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

CEA Technologies' Canadian Distributed Resources Association, CANDRA, presented a "Microturbine and Interconnection Workshop" in partnership with CANMET's Community Energy Technology Centre. The event explored the current status of the technology and institutional issues in regard to their deployment. The program covered a review of Canadian field experience to date with microturbines, both with CHP and waste gas experience. The afternoon session featured a review of utility practices in regard to the interconnection of small generating systems.

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Water Management Planning
November 05 - 08, 2000 - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Water management planning has become very complex in recent years. This workshop shed some light on the above by bringing together leading experts from Canadian electric utilities to discuss new developments and current practices in water management planning. The aim of this workshop was to review various water management practices and options, and present the new approaches and guidelines which have recently been developed.

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Transmission Line Asset Maintenance
October 01 - 02, 1999 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The workshop provided an inside look at new inspection methods, diagnostic techniques, remote monitoring systems, user-friendly management tools, and ways to optimize work schedules and budgets. Along with attending the sessions, delegates took advantage of the opportunity to network and share experiences with colleagues and international experts.

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