 | | The staff at Power System Engineering, Inc. (PSE) have written many technical papers and given numerous presentations at industry conferences and training courses. We invite you to request any of the Papers or Presentations listed.
All papers and presentations are available to PSE clients. Other persons clearly associated with a utility or utility association may also request papers and presentations.
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| | | Power System Engineering Published Papers & Articles |
The Ten Year Forecast - How Certain Are We? |  Duane T. Kexel, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This paper was presented at EPRI'S Eighth Annual Electric Utility Forecasting Symposium. This paper argues that a ten year forecast is central to many utility investment decisions and that the risk in such investments relates directly to uncertainty about the loads that will be served from those investments. While this source of risk is widely recognized, methods of measurement vary widely in terms of sophistication and results obtained. This paper identifies the sources of forecast uncertainty and then illustrates how Monte Carlo simulation using @RISK can be used to measure each source of risk. This paper is drawing more attention now as utilities enter a period of major additions of new generation and transmission facilities tied to market-based risks. |
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Load Building vs Conservation | Duane T. Kexel, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This paper examines the economics of load building versus conservation as demand-side management objectives. Economic criteria to be used in evaluating each type of program from the perspectives of all impacted parties are provided. The impact of DSM programs on electric rates is shown to be a key focal point of a thorough evaluation. Interest in market-based demand response programs has now replaced regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions. This makes proper economic evaluation of such programs more critical than ever before. |
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Automation Communication Alternatives: What’s Out There, What’s Emerging, and How to Approach | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
The communication alternatives and strategies of today are not as they once were. Not long ago, the number of automation communication technologies were limited. The communication strategy was often simply to select a technology/product and deploy it for the specific application. Today, with significantly more communication choices to choose from, applications to pursue, and systems to integrate - selecting the best technology for the job is more difficult. Making the wrong decision can be a painful, expensive, experience. This paper discusses what is out on the market, what is emerging and how to go about a communicaiton project. |
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Carbon Impacts On Optimal Capacity Mix And Generation Mix Under Various Policy Interventions | Duane T. Kexel, Power System Engineering, Inc.
In response to the Kyoto Protocol, reduction of carbon emissions has become an intensely debated international topic. The weight of the scientific evidence indicates that global warming is likely to continue and that the economic consequences would be large. While opinions vary widely on the appropriate market and regulatory interventions to address this problem, most agree that the costs to mitigate will rise substantially as interventions are deferred. This paper assesses the impact of carbon taxes and a coal moratorium on utility selections of an optimum capacity mix and on planned dispatch of units. This paper was originally presented at the 2001 PowerGen Conference. The Power Point presentation is also available upon request. |
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Strong IT Calls for Anticipating ‘B List’ Disasters |  Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Electric utilities, like many businesses, are often focusing much more attention on recovery from major disasters, such as acts of terrorism, but experts also urge co-ops to evaluate the effect of more mundane but nonetheless disruptive communications and IT problems. This article addresses disaster recovery, offering guidance on planning for and addressing disasters. |
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Security Vulnerabilities of SCADA Systems | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article discusses SCADA security and associated vulnerabilities. Specifically discussed are: Microsoft-based front end processors, communications media security (Fiber, 802.11b Unlicensed Radio, and MAS Radio), and the use of passwords. Tips on evaluating and monitoring SCADA security are also offered. |
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G&T Uses Turnkey Vendor for Load Research | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article discusses a load research program launched in 2003, designed to study load management from a system perspective – intended to enable the G&T to optimize operations across its system. The study, those involved, and the average cost per location are explained. |
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New 220 MHz-900 MHz Network may Appeal to Co-ops | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article discusses a new communication system that employs 220 MHz wide-area spectrum and 900 MHz unlicensed spectrum, offered by Tantalus Systems Corp. The Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet) intends to create the infrastructure for two-way real-time wireless data communications that are faster than traditional power line carrier solutions. The system reports supporting multiple applications, including advanced metering, outage management, power quality monitoring, load management, and distribution automation – and is geared toward rural applications. Field trials/pilots of the technology are also discussed. |
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Is Instant Messaging a Possibility for Co-ops? | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Instant messaging (IM), a form of real-time communication long popular with teenagers and college students, is making its way into the business world. Some market researchers expect instant messaging tools to surpass e-mail as the primary online communication tool, and corporate IM accounts to skyrocket from 60 million in 2003 to 350 million by 2007.
Instant messaging has the possibility to deliver incremental improvements to productivity and reduce costs. Yet, like other IT systems and software, it requires thorough research and planning. This article discusses the current trend, costs, and other things to consider in assessing IM. |
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What Technology is Behind WildBlue? | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Many electric cooperatives have been hearing about the National Rural Telecommunications Co-op’s (NRTC) $25 million investment in WildBlue, a new broadband Internet service provider using Ka-band satellite. NRTC has invested in WildBlue with the goal of distributing WildBlue’s broadband Internet offering to electric and telephone co-ops. The service is estimated to begin in mid-2004, officials stating they can deliver download speeds of up to 3 Mbps at prices competitive to cable modem and DSL service. This article discusses the background of the program, the technology, and potential strengths and weakness of Wildblue. |
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FCC Mandate to Force Mobile Radio Users Off 25 KHz Band | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
An order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that establishes on which airwaves mobile radio systems can operate likely will force some co-ops to upgrade their mobile radio systems. Co-ops that operate licensed 25 KHz mobile radio systems will be required to replace those licenses and associated technology by Jan. 1, 2013. |
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Do-It-Yourself Database Becomes Valuable Tool | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
There are many frustrations in trying to retrieve documentation and field information about different types of electric utility equipment. The substation department may have records of repair, replacement, and the date and type of maintenance performed. Relay technicians also have such records. Within any co-op, the responsibility for maintenance and repair of remote terminal units could change from the relay technician to the communication tech to a SCADA tech, all within a few months. Major improvements in operations can be achieved though successful implementation of relational databases. |
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Ask An Expert: WiFi for SCADA? | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Wi-Fi—short for “wireless fidelity ”—is the popular term for a high-frequency wireless local area network (WLAN). The Wi-Fi technology is rapidly gaining acceptance in many companies as an alternative to a wired LAN and is also commonly referred to as 802.11.Wifi can be used in within the Substation Yard or as Backhaul (Substation to Office). |
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MI Co-op Tries Frame Relay for Mobile Voice Traffic | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This article discusses one of the first utility applications of mobile voice over frame relay. In the project, combined utility (AMR) data and mobile voice are transported from tower sites via frame relay to the main office. Having provided substantial cost savings, the project has lead to the phasing out of existing microwave sites (adding further cost savings). |
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Progress Picking up for IP Based Private Mobile Radio | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
New IP based Land Mobile Radio products are beginning to be introduced to the utility sector. This paper discusses advances in IP based mobile radio technology and vendor offerings. Benefits of IP based radios are defined as well as leading vendors and product differences. |
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Ask an Expert - A New Application for GIS | Skip McClimans, Power System Engineering, Inc.
GIS information is already used at electric utilities for load modeling and forecasting efforts as well as dispatching, mapping, and electrical analysis engineering. This article discusses the possibility of using GIS information to improve line design with Itron’s Overhead Asset Modeler (OAM). |
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Ask an Expert - Quantifying the Soft Benefits of AMR | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
AMR systems now offer many capabilities beyond reading meters remotely. The value of an AMR system’s enhanced functionality (e.g. use in outage reporting, forecasting, rate design, activations/deactivations, reducing line loss), can deliver even greater ROI than the automation of meter reading alone. The soft benefits of AMR can deliver significant value if used by the utility. |
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FCC 800 MHz Band Decision to Affect Some Electric Utilities | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Enginnering, Inc.
This article discusses the 800-MHz mobile radio issue involving some electric utility and public safety radio systems, Nextel, and the FCC. It also mentions the possible connection of the issue to the 1.9 GHz and 900 MHz spectrums. |
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GE Energy to Launch OMS Product for Small Utility Market | Skip McClimans, Power System Engineering, Inc.
This paper discusses advances in OMS product offerings from leading vendors. Specifically addressed are GE Energy’s PowerOn, Milsoft’s DisSPatch OMS, and UAI’s UtilityCenter 2.0. New features and functionality are listed as well. |
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Opportunities to Use WiFi at the Substation | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
In this report the following questions are examined: With the explosion in popularity and decreasing costs of wireless technology, is WiFi more appropriate than fiber or copper for substation communication connections? Can WiFi serve as a backbone communications transport media to connect substations to the operations center? Can substation SCADA data be sent long distances via WiFi? Is it practical to set up a hot spot at the substation to allow utility vehicles to drive nearby and send and receive mobile data, access corporate e-mail, and/or to have remote access to applications such as SCADA? What are the drawbacks of WiFi and what about security? |
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B Without the PL | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
BPL is receiving a good deal of attention. BPL may have its place among the other technologies but may not be the “silver bullet” as the only technology suitable for utilities – particularly in predominantly rural areas. This article discusses BPL as well as other broadband possibilities, from fiber, wireless to satellite and how a variety of technologies when used together can create the best solution. |
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Co-ops Look Ahead to MWM | Daniel A. Lerner, Power System Engineering, Inc.
What is the status of Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) at electric cooperatives? This article summarizes the results of a survey on MWM at electric cooperatives. While few of the utilities surveyed had MWM in place, nearly 50% were looking to implement in the next 2 years. The applications (e.g. service orders) of greatest interest and additional comments are provided. |
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Care Needed in Selecting a Communications Technology | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Selecting the most appropriate communications technology is becoming more difficult given the quantity of choices and the growing list of applications that require a communications backbone. Specifically, this paper provides guidance on ways and processes to most appropriately select communication technologies – considering the big picture, common infrastructure, detailed requirements, and long-run costs. The paper can assist the utility by following a process on hwo to select communications technology and proceed in a well planned manner. |
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New Wireless Products Offer Coverage and Speed | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
The “holy-grail” of wireless communications technology would consist of broadband, miles of coverage, no interference, high reliability, built in security, low maintenance and of course low cost and strong vendor availability. This paper discusses emerging 700 MHz technology and its significant potential in wide area, high speed, wireless communications. Unlike traditional LMR technology that offers low bandwidth (<10 kbps) over a wide area, and unlike 2.4 GHz (“WiFi” 802.11) that is poorly suited for wide area coverage – 700 MHz products are offering high bandwidth (2-24 Mbps) over a wide area (coverage radius of 20+ miles). A utility’s experience is also discussed. This may not be the “holy-grail of wireless communications but it begins to surpass some of the existing products that have been available in the marketplace while introducing its own set of challenges. |
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New Wireless Standard Could Strengthen Co-op Networks | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
A new wireless standard IEEE 802.16 more commonly called WiMAX is in the development phase. The rollout dates have been pending. This article written in August 2003 provides good background information on 802.16. |
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New Player to Serve up Mobile Communications for Co-op Market | Skip McClimans, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Utilities across the U.S. are searching for ways to add Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) solutions with Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) applications. Of course all utilities have different size territories, different terrain, a different number of users as well as unique back-off systems and owned communications infrastructure. A leased satellite platform can make sense for some situations. Southside Electric Coop (SC), deployed a satellite based mobile data technology with Qualcomm. The Qualcomm solution combines communications, computing hardware, and integration with core back-office systems. This approach involved limited startup costs and risks to the utility. With a positive impact on daily operations, Southside is pleased with the project. |
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Availability of Hardened Substation LAN Equipment Growing | Rick A. Schmidt, Power System Engineering, Inc.
Many IT Network Managers support the substation engineers with communication related projects. Many IT Network Managers are not familiar with the challenges of the harsh environments of substations. Communications hardware that work excellent in the corporate office environment can fail at substations. This article discusses IEEE 1613 “Standard Environmental and Testing Requirements for Communications Networking Devices in Electric Power Substations.” Side by side comparisons of particular products are provided as is a suggested checklist for hardened substation LAN equipment. |
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New Frontiers in Demand Response Economic Evaluations | Duane T. Kexel, Power System Engineering, Inc.
In 2004 the NRECA Cooperative Research Network (CRN) published a report titled Demand Response Economics in New Power Markets.
In 2005, the new Energy Policy Act (EPACT) strengthened interest in DR and in expanded development of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) which offers significant synergies with DR investments. In response to the rapidly rising interest in DR, CRN hosted a webinar in February 2007 that was intended as a precursor to their Demand Response Workshop. The presentation touched on trends in load management and DR perspectives offered by cooperatives in Wisconsin and Iowa.
This paper summarizes my presentation at the DR Workshop which was designed to respond to an excellent set of questions from cooperatives that participated in the webinar. In responding to those questions, I have drawn liberally on the results of some of our latest DR feasibility studies for G&T’s and their member systems. |
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