T054700 5130 Method to Discriminate Between the Contributions of the Customer and the Power System to the Harmonic Disturbance

The objective of this project was to investigate methods of discriminating between contributions of the customer and contributions of the power system to harmonic disturbances. The project developed a harmonics measuring instrument, used it to gather real-world harmonics data, implemented several different proposed algorithms for determining harmonic direction, and tested those algorithms against real-world data.

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T073700 3213 Guide for the Use of Composite Poles, Cross Arms, and Brace

This Guide for the Use of Composite Poles, Cross Arms, and Braces provides guidelines and specifications for standard materials and tests used in the manufacturing of composite structural poles, cross arms, and braces suitable for the use in the Power Industry, as well as describing general requirements for the manufacturing, design, assembly, erection and testing of composite structural shapes and connections for electrical transmission pole structures made from composite materials. Composite materials addressed in this guide and specifications refer to fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites that are generally used in the industry.

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T052700 0329 Hydroelectric Turbine-Generator Units Guide for Erection Tolerances and Shaft System Alignment

Hydroelectric Turbine-Generator Units Guide for Erection Tolerances and Shaft System Alignment:
Part I: Definitions
Part II: Vertical Shaft Units With Francis Turbines or Reversible Pump-PART
III: Vertical Shaft Units With Propeller or Kaplan Turbines
PART IV: Vertical Shaft Units with Impulse Turbines
Part V: Maintenance of Vertical Shaft Units (All Types of Turbines or Pump-Turbines) Limiting values for Key Parameters
PART VI: Modern Alignment Tools

The Alignment Guide was originally published in 1989 and was revised and reprinted in 2008, based mainly on feedback received from experienced users, active in the hydroelectric industry.

The update of Parts I to V of the ALIGNMENT GUIDE has resulted in several improvements to the original very well written document. Defined terms were consolidated into Part I - Definitions, several definitions were clarified and some new ones added. Paragraphs, tables and figures which had occasionally led to confusion or misinterpretation were revised and information was added to the text, based heavily on the experience of GUIDE users, whose suggestions for improvements were obtained through the use of a survey. For ease of use, cross-references on text headings, figures and tables were added, and all tables and figures were harmonized in appearance and made more readable. Finally, a new volume, called Part VI – Modern Alignment Tools was written to augment the original five volume series.

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T063700 3405 Cable Health Index Software

The use of a cable health index is a significant development that enables condition information to be used in a consistent manner to assist with the end-of-life decision making process and to approximate expenditure expectations in future years. The Cable Health Asset Index Software is meant to simplify the implementation of index-based evaluation of cable assets by utilities, providing an easy-to-use graphical user interface and a fully accessible and modifiable database built upon the index itself, outlined in this Cable Health Index Report. The Software uses there ratings: the health index rating which assesses the condition of the cable, the risk assessment rating which assists with prioritizing each cable circuit for replacement or refurbishment plans and the maintenance and replacement cost rating, which will allow users to get a snapshot of the costs associated with the maintenance of certain cable types. This report examines the process and information used to develop ratings for the condition and failure risks associated with high voltage transmission underground cables.

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T054700 5064 Development of a Fault Alert Prototype for Distribution Transformers

The goal set for this project was to develop a working prototype and test the performance of a patented diagnostic tool intended for detection and signalling of potentially hazardous, low impedance internal faults in distribution transformers.

The Fault Alert (FA) has been conceived as a high impedance device with an integrated signalling circuit. Following spontaneous activation of a fuse, the device is used to re-connect the transformer to the power supply system in order to check for the presence of low impedance, internal faults.

When a transformer with an intact HV winding is connected to the power grid via the FA device, the current to ground is limited by the impedance of the FA to prevent potential damage. The current is, however, sufficient to generate a light signal that will confirm the integrity of the winding.

Conversely, the absence of a light signal or a flickering light from the FA signalling element provides a warning to the line crew that the preceding fault has interrupted the HV winding and the transformer must be replaced.

The tests on faulted transformers have confirmed that the FA device can reliably detect the interruptions in HV windings and correctly signal their presence within the range of parameters for which it has been designed.

However, under various field conditions it may be necessary to use the FA in combination with a suitable acoustic detector to reliably differentiate between its steady and its flickering light signalling modes.

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T031700 7010 Daylight Harvesting Pilot Tests Using a Variety of Daylighting Systems and Dimmable Electronic Ballast Technology

The objective of this project was to evaluate the performance of several daylighting systems and daylight harvesting strategies. The daylighting systems use various kinds of refraction and diffusion lenses to spread the light evenly into an indoor area. The daylight harvesting systems turn off the lights or dim them in response to the increased levels of natural light. This study focuses only on overhead roof penetration systems and the technologies available to provide daylight harvesting through the dimming of fixtures or other daylighting controls. A number of previous reports prepared by the CANMET Energy Technology Centre, Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, and the National Research Council’s Institute for Research in Construction on architectural daylighting and daylighting monitoring protocols for total buildings were reviewed. These focused on the passive daylighting from broader windows and other fenestration bringing daylight into the buildings and are included in the bibliography.

This study encountered a number of technical and non-technical hurdles due to unforeseen changing business circumstances. Initial test sites included both HID and fluorescent fixtures. The initial HID site was sold after the initial systems installation and before the completion of the daylight harvesting controls portion at this site; the savings were calculated based on the manual controls. Installation at a second high bay site was too costly due to its sloped metal roof.

Improvements in daylight harvesting technologies have been developed. Testing these daylighting technologies using actual working buildings has an impact on the workers under the testing units and requires significant cooperation from all parties involved. Using natural light as the renewable energy source to displace electric lighting where applicable and ensuring the energy is saved continues to be top priority under the many new energy policies, codes, and standards. Studies have shown that bringing natural light into buildings improves occupant productivity and well being. The improvement in the thermal performance of daylighting materials, new lighting controls and higher energy prices provide greater economic benefits and quicker paybacks.

Further sites willing to provide the opportunities to install additional daylighting systems with integrated T-5 fixtures and potential high bay applications where new dimmable HID electronic ballasts can be controlled for daylight harvesting are being pursued.

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T073700 3215 Technology Review: Performance Metrics for Transmission Lines

An increased global awareness related to the overall energy outlook has lead to an increased interest in transmission line performance. As a key component of a nation’s critical infrastructure, the transmission grid faces increased scrutiny from the perspective of operational and financial performance. With both internal and external pressures to demonstrate prudence in capital investment and operational funding allocation, utilities are relying more heavily on performance metrics to quantitatively measure the performance of their transmission line assets. This report identifies the current state of the industry and predicts future trends related to performance metrics for transmission lines. The report draws from the experiences of North American utilities, regulators, system operators, consultants, governmental organizations, and global perspectives and experiences to provide a broad perspective of the metrics themselves, drivers, emerging trends, implementation concerns, data requirements, and technology needs. Based on the material presented in this report, a utility will be in possession of the framework necessary to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their own transmission line performance management metrics, and develop a structured plan to bridge gaps between the existing transmission line performance metrics and the ones identified in this report.

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T073700 3048 Short-Circuit Design Requirements for Power Transformers

The objective of this report was to develop and deliver generic guidelines to increase the likelihood that manufacturers deliver power transformers with adequate short-circuit withstand capabilities.

In addition, to complement the generic guidelines in ensuring an adequate short-circuit performance of power transformers, PowerNex Associates Inc. (PNA) developed and documented a process to facilitate utility interactions with manufacturers on short-circuit capability issues.

Last, but not least, the wording for generic guidelines, which can be used for inclusion in tender documents for power transformers, has been developed and documented for use by utilities.

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T072700 0351 Hydro Plant Operations and Maintenance Safety Improvement

The objective of this hydro plant operations and maintenance safety improvement project was to provide participating organizations with an inventory of workplace safety practices (best practices) that contribute to leading safety performance. The process used to determine best practice required compilation and comparison of injury performance data for 10 hydro operations and maintenance (O&M) organizations. This was followed by field investigations at hydro sites and maintenance work centres of participating organizations to determine the practices used by leading safety performers.

This project also addressed management safety strategies used by hydro organizations, including safety department organizational structures, contractor safety, safety reward programs and others. Project participants responded to a safety survey and provided information concerning their safety management processes.

The principal investigator conducted site visits at five hydro plant O&M workplaces with company representatives to discuss and observe safety practices, to collect evidence of their effectiveness and to jointly determine practices that contribute to the organization’s safety performance. The information obtained during the site visits and the data collected in the survey were used to compile an inventory of best practices.

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T074700 5067 Replacement/ "End of Life" Criteria for Distribution System Assets

By means of a literature search and utility survey this project studied methodologies for determining End of Life (EOL) for distribution utility assets. Technical EOL criteria are described as well as a simple process for relating EOL criteria to business risk. An easy to use Net Present Value (NPV) model is provided to facilitate financial comparison of replacement alternatives with a realistic example of how it can be utilized. Recommendations for best practice with respect to EOL decision-making are provided, as well as recommendations for further study.

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