Consulting Projects
Sub-Transmission Review
PowerComm reviewed the sub-transmission system data across multiple platforms to ensure data consistency. The review compared single line physical characteristic drawings, weak link ratings database entries and power flow model impedances and ratings, identifying discrepancies and referencing construction drawings to resolve inconsistent data.
Audible Noise / Radio Interference / TV Interference Assessments
PowerComm developed assessments of audible noise, radio interference and TV interference to support new transmission line applications. The assessments assessed each type of interference under fair and foul weather conditions, providing interference levels at the edge of the right-of-way to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Substation Design and Condition Assessment
PowerComm performed a design and condition assessment for 69kV/13kV substation supplying a major industrial customer. The assessment included review of overall design, clearances, equipment ratings and applicability and equipment obsolescence. Historical equipment failure / replacement data for the substation was assessed and recommendations for upgrades developed.
Beyond Zone Three Review
PowerComm reviewed 345kV and 230kV transmission line protection schemes with respect to NERC Beyond Zone Three criteria and recommended protection changes to meet required criteria. The review included stub bus, switch-on-to-fault, out of step, and overcurrent protection schemes, as well as selected Zone 2 settings.
Landfill Gas Generation Interconnect Studies
PowerComm performed interconnect feasibility studies for 6.6MW and 3.2 MW landfill gas based generation interconnects with 69kV sub-transmission systems. The analyses included base case and contingency power flow analyses, identification of loading and voltage constraint violations and development of conceptual remedial actions.
Statistical Weather Analysis and Ampacity Evaluation
PowerComm assessed weather parameter variation to statistically characterize weather impacting conductor ampacity at multiple locations within the client service territory. The weather data was used to develop statistical assessments of the probability that weather conditions would support conductor ampacities.
Statistical Cable Failure Analysis
PowerComm developed of a method for projecting future cable failures based on statistical analysis of historic failure and population data. The approach developed included methods for mitigating the effect of missing / partial data as well as assessment of upper and lower bounds for future cable failures. The analysis extended to assessment of hypothetical cable replacement programs required to maintain current reliability levels (including approximation of the annual quantity of cable to be replaced).
Distribution Load Forecast
PowerComm developed a land use based spatial load forecast allocation to support direction for future substation capacity expansions. The forecast utilized GIS land use data from county land records as well as integrating areas served by existing and proposed substations. The forecast projections included notation of forecast overloads of existing equipment as well as conceptual capacity additions to remedy potential overloads.
Asset Management Road Map Development
PowerComm developed a “roadmap” of processes and IT requirements to support utility asset management activities. PowerComm also consolidated much of the material developed by others to provide a single cohesive report to the end customer.
Conductor Ampacity Analysis
PowerComm offers conductor ampacity analyses to assist clients in making decisions concerning the allowable loading of power delivery assets. Our approach provides proven and justified static rating parameters for thermal conductor ampacity, allowing utilities to get the most from their systems.
Electrical System Verification
PowerComm offers comprehensive verification of transmission and distribution circuit data. Verification can include cross checking of: Single line diagrams; Plan and profile drawings; Geographic information systems; Ratings databases; Power flow and short circuit models.
Additionally, PowerComm provides field reviews of equipment type, location and configuration to identify discrepancies between geographic information system (GIS) data and actual field conditions.
Lighting Analysis
Lightning is one of the most publicly visible outage causes for electric utilities and transmission structures are disproportionately exposed to lightning due to their height. PowerComm’s analytical expertise helps utilities develop an enhanced understanding of lightning performance through ground resistance measurement, modeling of line structures and incident lightning events. We will estimate the long-term lightning performance of transmission lines to support key decision-making regarding line performance.
Equipment Life Data Analysis
PowerComm provides consulting services to assist clients with assessment of failures and prediction of future failures within large equipment populations to support development of replacement strategies, maintenance programs, and regulatory filings. Our life data analyses can help you prepare for the future by providing failure projections that define the magnitude of challenges facing utility distribution systems.
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