Concurrent Sessions
8:30 a.m.−noon
DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION/
COMMUNICATIONS
Moderator: Jay Morris
Co-Moderators: Dan Nordell, Mike Crane
To Broadband or Not to Broadband?
Tom Asp, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Many utilities are considering broadband for grid applications and revenue stream. This presentation examines the pros and cons of an electric utility broadband offering and how to avoid common mistakes in a feasibility study.
CVR Applied as Demand Response Using AMI Meter Data
Tom Guttormson, Connexus Energy
This session will present a voltage reduction system for demand response using “end-of-line voltage” data from AMI meters. Presentation will include technology applied and operational results at Connexus Energy.
Is Your Remote Alarm Unit Reaching End-of-Life? Don’t Be ALARMED!
Zach Brom, Burns & McDonnell; Dennis Olson and Wade Miller, Great River Energy
This presentation is a real-life case study of how Great River Energy went through the process of planning, selecting, and implementing their next generation of SNMP remote monitoring hardware and SNMP management software at remote communications sites across Minnesota.
The Total Ownership Wireless Solution: Private Ownership of Both Wireless Equipment AND Frequency Spectrum
Mike Larson, Larson Data Communications
This presentation will identify the 700 MHz 900 MHz frequency spectrum available for purchase and define how blocks are sold and licensed. We will also describe optimal channelization of distribution automation and SCADA frequency spectrum.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Moderator: Greg Schutte
Co-Moderators: Al Haman, Bethlyn Cummings
Outsourcing Substation & Transmission Line Engineering & Design Work
Josh Ross, Xcel Energy; Sheldon Silberman, (Retired) Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy began moving towards significant utilization of consultants for Substation and Transmission Line engineering & design work on capital projects over 30 years ago, and formally dedicated a department to manage those consultants in 2010. What have we learned about outsourcing this work in the intervening years? What is the best mix of in-house designs and outsourced designs? What kind of staff do you need? How do you get started? This presentation will review some of that history and focus on the Consultant Management Team’s (CMT) organization, relationships, tools and unique approach that has been developed and refined to capture the best value in utilizing consultant-based engineering and design services.
Challenges and Lessons Learned from a 200 MW Wind Farm Interconnecting to a Weak 115 kV Transmission System
Shafqat Iqbal, Consulting Engineers Group
This presentation provides an overview of challenges faced during the planning and construction of a 115 kV 28-mile transmission line; two step-up substations; load flow convergence issues; the design of two 34.5 kV cap bank stages and four 115 kV cap bank stages; and the challenges posed by harmonics, TOV, protection, and voltage control issues.
Rebuilding an Xcel Energy 69kV Transmission Line in the Mississippi Backwaters
Christopher Strom and Ellen Heine, Xcel Energy
Rebuilding 2.2 miles of Xcel Energy’s W3408 69kV transmission line in the Mississippi Backwaters posed many challenges. The presenters will discuss their approach to permitting, design, and construction of this project located in a sensitive environment with limited access and a short outage window.
CU HVDC Upgrade
Greg Schutte, Great River Energy
After eight years of planning and preparation, Great River Energy in May 2019 successfully upgraded its unique high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) system. As part of the upgrade, all equipment in the converter stations was replaced, including the conversion equipment (valves), controls, cooling towers, and smoothing reactors. This presentation will cover the planning, engineering, and construction management required to safely and successfully complete the upgrade project on time and under budget during a 74-day power plant outage.
GENERATION
Moderator: Scott Hoberg
Co-Moderators: Michael Marz, Ryan Bergeron
Incorporating Electromagnetic Transient Studies into the Generator Interconnection Process
Damien Sommer, Chengyue Guo, and Joshua Kerr, American Transmission Company
Connecting large inverter-based generation requires electromagnetic transient analysis to ensure unit and system stability. This presentation will describe how ATC includes these studies in the time limited generator interconnection process.
How Xcel Energy Developed the Largest Community Solar Garden Program in the Country
Ed Shannon, Xcel Energy
Since 2016, Xcel Energy has interconnected over 700MW of utility-scale PV under the MN SR*C program. From sorting through an initial wave of over 400 applications to redefining the entire application process in 2019, this presentation will discuss all of the lessons learned along the way.
Reactive Power-Voltage Control of Inverter-Based Resources
Douglas Brown, Siemens
This presentation will discuss requirements and recommendations for reactive power-voltage control of inverter-based resources such as wind and solar photovoltaic power plants. Topics will include large and small disturbance performance, coordination of controls, and modeling in transmission system models.
Solar Snow Management: Let the Sun Shine In
Tom Guttormson, Connexus Energy
How effective is blowing snow off of solar panels to accelerate PV generation? This presentation will review the methodology and effectiveness of snow removal operations at Connexus Energy's distribution grid connected plants.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Moderator: Pete Malamen
Co-Moderators: Will Lovelace, Michael Ebert
Top Five Mistakes in Energy Storage
Daniel Crotzer, Fractal Energy Storage Consultants
Learn how to avoid the top five mistakes in energy storage, including how battery sizing can bankrupt your project, which warranty terms matter, and why most developers underestimate OPEX.
Utility Applications and Experience with Superconductor Cables in Chicago
Daniel Brotzman, Commonwealth Edison; Michael Ross, AMSC
This presentation will discuss the first permanent HTS cable installation in North America with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) in Chicago. With groundbreaking in spring of 2020, this project will represent commercial adoption of the relatively new but proven technology.
Transportation Electrification Transition Challenges
Duke Kuvaas and Ryan Vraa, Burns & McDonnell
As various industries are looking to electrify their fleet vehicles, we will look at the potential impacts and challenges these depots will have upon the grid in an urban/suburban environment for utilities, power providers, fleet management, and consultants.
Dynamic Security Optimization for Hawai'i Island’s Power Systems with 100% Inverter-Based Generation
Ulrich Münz, Siemens
Secure power system operation with 100% inverter based renewable generation is an unsolved and challenging problem. We present the first results of a DOE ARPA-E-funded project for Dynamic Security Optimization of Hawai'i Island’s power system with 100% inverter-based generation.
Concurrent Sessions
1:00−4:30 p.m.
CIVIL-STRUCTURAL
Moderator: Bethlyn Cummings
Co-Moderators: Greg Schutte, Michael Marz
3D Substations: Design and Construction
Ryan Brorby, Minnkota Power; Jeremy Houghtaling, Ulteig
This presentation will discuss the continued use of 3D software and its capabilities in the design of electrical substations. In addition, we will talk about how this software and 3D images are used during construction phases as well.
Great River Energy Winter Storm Wesley Response
Kerby Nester, Great River Energy
Following an unprecedented spring ice storm in southern Minnesota on April 11, 2019, Great River Energy employees responded to the worst storm damage event in its history. This presentation will highlight the response plan and ingenuity used to quickly replace 355 structures.
Data Mining to Predict Subsurface Conditions
Dan Mahrt, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Predicting subsurface conditions early in project planning can significantly reduce project risks and cost overruns. Combining multiple data sources with engineering experience and judgement enables more accurate prediction of geologic conditions.
How Utilities are Utilizing UAS-Based LiDAR
Matt Dunlevy, SkySkopes
Drone-based LiDAR is forever changing the way utilities are able to see their assets. The value to utilities is going to increase dramatically over the next several years. This presentation will look at the many capabilities and benefits of drone-based LiDAR.
DISTRIBUTION
Moderator: Al Haman
Co-Moderators: Tom Guttormson, Mike Crane
Modeling Solar and Storage DER Using Distribution Engineering Model
Eric Jackson, Connexus Energy
Milsoft WindMil EA software was used to model large-scale solar and storage sites at Connexus Energy as part of engineering planning. Modeling included identifying and resolving loading, voltage, and power factor issues.
Panel − Distribution Switchgear Philosophies: Dead-Front vs. Live-Front
Neil Stiller, Rochester Public Utilities; Mike Renman, Xcel Energy; Jared Newton, Connexus Energy
Utilities have applied underground switchgear equipment for years. However, there are different philosophies and practices used, such as live-front vs. dead-front gear, new vs. replacement, etc. A panel of experts will share their utility's philosophies and what changes might be on the horizon.
Updated MN DER Technical Requirements: Adopting IEEE 1547-2018
Alan Urban, Xcel Energy; Kristi Robinson, STAR Energy Services, LLC
This presentation is an overview of the process to modernize DER technical requirements in MN, the first update to these technical requirements since 2004. The updated technical requirements will be presented, along with discussion about how IEEE 1547-2018 was adopted into those requirements. Finding stakeholder consensus on technical issues in a regulatory environment will also be discussed.
Predictive Data Analytics for Fault Prevention
Troy Knutson, Cass County Electric Cooperative
The advancement of SCADA technology has allowed for events of a transient nature to be captured, analyzed, and interpreted in near real-time. A rapid response can isolate and test a suspected piece of equipment before a fault ever occurs. This presentation details an analysis and response method that can have a big impact on outage metrics.
RELAYING II
Moderator: Douglas Brown
Co-Moderators: Michael Ebert, Dave Bisel
Improving Protection Applications for Modern Distribution Switchgear Systems
Benton Vandiver III, ABB
This presentation compares traditional distribution switchgear with today’s newest switchgear designs, their protection systems, application, and operational goals vs. performance, safety, cost, and reliability.
Case Studies of IEC 61850 Process Bus Systems Using GOOSE and Sampled Values: Recent Installations and Research
David Dolezilek, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
This paper illustrates design and operational considerations for use when replacing elements of hardwired protective relay trip circuits with digital messaging via process bus networks based on IEC 61850 GOOSE, sampled values, and precision time protocol. The paper introduces topology designs and process bus communications designs in use at Southern California Edison and Commonwealth Edison, as well as research being done at Puget Sound Energy and another large North American utility.
Analysis of Composite Protection System Misoperations
Mike Bocovich, Midwest Reliability Organization; John Grimm, Xcel Energy
This presentation will discuss data collection and analysis of protection system misoperations within the Midwest Reliability Organization’s region to increase reliability of the Bulk Electric System.
Challenges Replacing Electro-Mechanical Transformer Differential Relays
Terrence Smith, GE Grid Solutions
This presentation will explore the challenges associated with replacing electromechanical transformer-protection relays with microprocessor-based relays by comparing how electromechanical relays and microprocessor-based relays perform compensation.
SAFETY/SECURITY
Moderator: Mike Jensen
Co-Moderators: Larry Brusseau, Brianna Swenson
Overview of Xcel Energy’s Personal Protective Grounding Manual Development
William Pim, Xcel Energy
This presentation will provide an overview of Xcel Energy’s update of the company’s personal protective grounding manuals for transmission line and substation work. The manual revision process included evaluation and improvement of work practices for transmission line and substation work crews.
Calculating Cybersecurity Risk and Selecting Mitigations in Power
David Brearley, HDR, Inc.
Come join Kenneth Frische as we think outside the NERC/FERC/Federal/DoD box on cyber risk assessment and mitigation. Let’s look beyond the check-the-box due diligence mentality and harvest real value from our investments.
Physical Security: Innovation and Partnership
Jeff Imsdahl, Xcel Energy
We will explore creative innovation utilization to reduce risk to employees and operations through internal and external partnerships.
Panel Session: Arc Flash Considerations for Utility and Industrial Power Systems
Ryan Bergeron, ABB; Eduardo Ramirez-Bettoni, Xcel Energy; Jeff Liebsch, Power System Engineering, Inc.; Craig Thingvold, Excel Engineering
Companies continue to face challenges with arc flash applications/standards. This panel is a partnership between utilities and industrial companies which will address the pros and cons of the latest arc flash tools considering software, standards, guides, and the panelists’ industry experience from source to socket.