The conference offered delegates a two-day techical program covering paper, panel and tutorialsessions; two days of field demonstrations, and an equipment exposition showcasing the latestproducts, practices and services pertaining to transmission and distribution.
The Latest Gadgets And Devices
One of the most interesting aspects of attending conferences such as ESMO -95, is searching outthe many new gadgets and interesting devices available to the electrical industry. The largeexhibition hall housed 120 booths with 84 exhibitors, including a strong representation fromCanada. Two of Canada's largest electric utilities were on hand to sell - not their traditionalcommodity, power - but a range of quite different products and services they have developedover the years.
Hydro-Quebec had several products on display. The first was a software program calledOperator+, described as "the expert by your side". This software offers an easily followedcomputer program which allows, and ensures, that the rules and regulations for the control of anysystem equipment are followed systematically and correctly. The program leads the operatorthrough the various decision points in a realistic reproduction of working conditions and there isimmediate feedback of any procedural errors so that corrections can be made. It is compatiblewith existing systems such as SCADA, EMS, Load Flow, DTC etc. and Hydro-Quebec claims itis easy to learn and use. It can be used for training or as an expert system on existing equipment.
Besides a line of safety clothing, Hydro-Quebec also displayed their own spacer-damper designfor overhead lines which offers improved flexibility and endurance. This design is the result offourteen years of experience and operation on their 735 kv transmission system.
Ontario Hydro show cased its live line training programs for power line maintenanceprofessionals. The Ontario Hydro Pro-Skill program is designed not only for apprentice training,but also for the seasoned journeyperson who has not had any formal training in some time.
There was also information on Ontario Hydro's High Current Test Facilities. These facilities haveserved Ontario Hydro well over the years, not just for their own research requirements, but formanufacturers who wished to test and have their products certified. Ontario Hydro is marketingthe use of the facility to other electrical industry organizations for their various testing needs.
Canadians were also represented by Phoenix Manufacturing Company who were demonstratingtheir range of reusable insulating boots and other insulating items to protect against animalinvasions into switchyards, causing troublesome power outages. These products promotedconsiderable interest among the U.S. utilities who are apparently plagued by this problem. Phoenix was asked to discuss not just the usual raccoon and squirrel problems, but also aboutguarding against hawks and snakes which cause many disturbances in the Southern United States.
Demonstration Sessions: A Vital Component of ESMO-95
During the Outdoor Exhibition and Demonstration Sessions, there were a wide variety ofdemonstrations of products and practices used by T&D personnel. These demonstrations coveredmany area such as worker safety, cable pulling, test and measurement.
The Dolan Electrical Laboratory, located in suburban Columbus, hosted a series ofdemonstrations on testing electrical insulation integrity of aerial lift devices. This session wasorganized by Doering Associates and featured presentations by Ontario Hydro, Amercian ElectricPower Service Corporation and Ohio Edison. The demonstrations ranged from testing CategoryA Aerial Devices for 500 kV barehand work with mobile AC equipment to testing with a shieldedammeter at the platform: use of lower test electrode system.
Helicopter-Based Line Work A Growing Trend
The use of helicopter-based systems to inspect and determine the circuit integrity and reliabilityover large stretches of line and land has increased dramatically over past few years . Onecompany, Haverfield, demonstrated live line work as it would be performed from their patentedairborne platform. This work, they claim, can be done even through peak load periods and criticalfeed and tie lines can remain totally operational while repairs and system hardware replacementare completed. As was explained by a member of a large rural utility - "there is no way we couldcomplete our maintenance and inspections without the use of helicopter methods - we don't haveenough people or time"
This trend towards helicoper-based line work led the conference to offer its first-ever tutorialsession at ESMO. The half-day tutorial, 'Utility Helicopter Operations -Flying In The WireEnvironment", focused on safety issues and operating practices which are essential for the use ofhelicopters in performing work on or near transmission and distribution lines.
Technical Sessions
Technical papers from authors around the world described diverse transmission and distributionproducts and practices including design of three-phase compact transmission lines, methods forassessing transmission tower inventory needs, network planning and service reliabilityoptimization in distribution systems, a new tele-operated system for live-line maitnenance, designof fall protection systems, shielding workers from EMF and more.
While some of the sessions, like the one on electrical performance of conductive working suits, were very specialized, in general the papers and panels were of interest to a broader group ofdelegates.
Line Capacity Upgrading Of Growing Interest To Electric Utilities
The session on upgrading line capacity was very popular. Line upgrading is of growing interest inutility circles since it entails both cost control and reliability. This session covered discussions onincreasing wire bundle size and yet reducing sub-span oscillations, galloping and short circuitload failure. There was a new insulator spacing system by the Ohio Brass Company and adiscussion by American Electric Power on the reduction of groundwire resistive losses on heavilyloaded lines.
Focusing On The Safety Issues Of Performing T&D Work
Live line and high level work requires strict safety standards and equipment that will ensurefreedom of movement, combined with complete security for all operators. A number of differentsession covered safety related subjects such as safety considerations of power line grounding,protective clothing for workers, lineworker EMF monitoring and worksite safety. This subjectprompted much discussion and many manufacturers demonstrated their special accessories.
Canada was represented in this field by Durabilt Industries Ltd. of Mississauga whodemonstrated their special range of full-body harnesses, lanyards, shock absorbers, safety belts,rope grabs and lineman climbing devices. As can be expected, the many linemen who wereattending ESMO-95 had more than a passing interest in this area of their work.
IEEE To Move Towards More Practical Technical Sessions.
The Conference was addressed by the President-elect of the IEEE, Dr. Wallace S. Read. In anexclusive interview with Electricity Today, Read discussed how much he enjoyed ESMO-95,mainly because it was a down-to-earth, hands-on affair.
He stated that it was his intention in his year of office to promote more practicality into IEEEmeetings and publications." What we are all missing", Read said, "is a good practicalinterchange of information as demonstrated at ESMO-95."
Technical papers which have complex content need to be reinforced by solid practicalinformation, to pass on the findings and experiences to the people who do the work at the groundlevel, he added.
Read talked about the reluctance of large manufacturers, and now utilities, to send engineers andtechnicians to these types of conferences because of cost and downsizing pressures. Theseorganizations lose an invaluable opportunity to continue training and upgrading not just today'sT&D personnel, but also younger workers coming up in the ranks that will be need these skills inthe future.
He considered that in order to maintain the high standards of engineering skills that will be neededin the future it will be necessary to have more cooperation between the manufacturers, theeducationalists and the users.
The ESMO '95 Conference supplied many examples of what Read meant because this was anexcellent conference with practical subjects which attracted large crowds who were obviouslyenjoying and learning from the experience. The lesson is simple, there is a requirement for solid,basic, practical interchange of information within the industry. ESMO type conferences are theones that attract. There should be more.
Proceedings from ESMO-95 are available from IEEE Service Centre in Piscatawy, New Jersey(IEEE Catalogue Number 95CH35755). The next major IEEE conference which will includeTransmission and Distribution will be in Los Angeles, California in September, 1996.
With reporting by Les Jump for Electricity Today magazine.