Medium-Voltage Asset Failure Investigations

Kelly Higinbotham and William G. HiginbothamIndustry Topics, Winter 2019 Industry Topics

Medium-voltage cables are an integral part of modern power systems and have existed for over 100 years in various forms. Over the past 50 years, extruded cables have largely displaced paper insulated cables. Extruded cables offer many advantages over older designs, but are similarly prone to failure. Such failures are a significant impediment to improving overall power system reliability. Since …

A New Way to Test Distribution Automation Schemes

Robert WangIndustry Topics, Winter 2019 Industry Topics

With an ever-growing demand for a more reliable distribution grid, utilities are constantly looking for possibilities to optimize their distribution networks by implementing distribution automation. One method to improve the network and reduce permanent outages is using pole-mounted reclosers, due to their wide range of functionality. By introducing built-in voltage sensing on both source and load sides, automation can easily …

Ensure Effective Acceptance and Maintenance Testing with Quality Reporting and Analysis

Steve Park, PE, VertivIndustry Topics, Winter 2019 Industry Topics

Coming up through the ranks in the power industry, I quickly realized I didn’t know what I didn’t know! There are so many facets of the power industry: generation, protection and controls, distribution and delivery, reliability, drives, uninterruptable power supplies, system studies, safety, maintenance, testing, as well as other areas that are vital for the safe and reliable delivery and …