Storm Hardening & Grid Resiliency. Withstanding and Recovering From Extreme Weather Events

Transcription

1 Storm Hardening & Grid Resiliency Withstanding and Recovering From Extreme Weather Events

2 Definition Storm Hardening Physical changes to the utility s infrastructure to make it less susceptible to storm damages such as high winds, flooding, ice, snow or fires. Goals: Withstand impacts from severe weather events with minimal damage. Improve durability and stability of transmission and distribution infrastructure. Grid Resiliency The ability of the utility to recover quickly from damage to any of its facilities components or any external systems on which they depend. Goals: Enable the utility to quickly return to normal operations. Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies by Electric Power Research Institute 4) Once Year Later: Superstorm Sandy Underscores Need for a Resilient Grid 2

3 Examples: Storm Hardening Higher Design and Construction Standards Improved system design such as: submersible products, composites, stronger pole classes or more stringent equipment specifications. Undergrounding Burying above-ground transmission and distribution cables. Vegetation Management Removal of plants, trees and branches located near power lines. (Includes overhang, dead and dying trees). Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies by Electric Power Research Institute 4) Electric reliability in the Houston region, Mayor s Task Force Report 5) Baltimore Gas and Electric 3

4 Examples: Grid Resiliency Smart Grid Computer-based remote control and automation to communicate across transmission and distribution lines and isolate problems/issues. Microgrids Group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within a clearly defined boundary that can be connected or disconnected to the grid. Restoration Materials Adequate back-up of poles, wires, transformers and other components. Standby Equipment Strategic alliances or material consignment on standby. Increased Labor Force Sufficient restoration crews or mutual assistance groups to respond to storms. Sources: 1) Before and After the Storm by Edison Electric Institute 2) Best Practices for Storm Response on U.S. Distribution systems, by Lavelle A. Freeman 3) Enhancing Distribution Resiliency Opportunities for Applying innovative Technologies by Electric Power Research Institute 4) Microgrids in New England Technical Challenges and Opportunities, by United Illuminating Company Connecticut Light & Power and Couch White 4

5 The Aging Grid 70% of the US electrical grid s lines, power transformers and associated equipment are now over 25 years old 30 years average age for an American power plant The age of the grid s components has contributed to an increased incidence of weather-related power outages. Grid deterioration increases the system s vulnerability to severe weather given that the majority of the grid exists above ground. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Goal: Create a more reliable grid A reliable grid is one with fewer and shorter power interruptions. Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August

6 Weather Threat to the Grid The U.S. electric grid is highly vulnerable to severe weather. Severe weather is the single leading cause of power outages in the United States. Between 2003 and 2012, roughly 679 power outages, each affecting at least 50,000 customers, occurred due to weather events. Grid resilience is increasingly important as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of severe weather. Scientific research predicts more severe hurricanes, winter storms, heat waves, floods and other extreme weather events. Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August

7 Projections Rising sea levels and high-tide flooding in coastal towns are expected to increase tenfold in the next 30 years. Over the past three decades, the North Atlantic has already experienced the trend of increasing hurricane intensity. Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August ) USA Today, October Wild Fire season has increased by nearly 80 days in the last three decades and the trend is projected to continue through Projected increase in the number and frequency of heat waves. Floods are projected to increase in frequency and intensity in some regions of the US.

8 The Effects Between weatherrelated outages are estimated to have cost the U.S. economy an inflation-adjusted annual average of $18 billion to $33 billion. Seven of the ten costliest storms in U.S. history occurred between 2004 and The number of outages caused by severe weather is expected to rise as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, blizzards, floods and other extreme weather events. According to the National Climate Assessment, the incidence and severity of extreme weather will continue to increase due to climate change. Sources: 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INCREASING ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCE TO WEATHER OUTAGES, Executive Office of the President, August

9 Billion-Dollar Disasters, 2013 In 2013, there were 7 weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States. These events included five severe weather and tornado events, a major flood event, and the western drought / heat wave. Overall, these events killed 109 people and had significant economic effects on the areas impacted. Sources: 1) Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters, National Climatic Data Center 9

10 Utilities and Fines In 2011, Connecticut suffered from an intense tropical storm followed by heavy snow in the same month. Over 800,000 utility customers lost power during both events, for some people power loss lasted for 10 days. The utility was looking to make up for its $402 million in outage costs. A state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority investigated and determined the utility s response was deficient and inadequate and recommended the utility be assessed a penalty in its next rate case. The penalty was not allowing the utility to recover part of the $282 million in storm costs. The PURA said it could nullify the penalty if significant improvements to storm response are made by the utility. 10

11 What are Utilities Doing? Primary Focus: Complying with state regulations o Provide yearly plans o Following National Electric Safety Code Grid modernization o Texas and California are the leading states in grid modernization, heavy focus on smart-grid technology Undergrounding Vegetation Management Increase participation in Mutual Assistance Groups Sources: 1) American Electric Power s Mutual Assistance Involvement by the Women s International Network of Utility Professional 2) Overview of the Electric Power Industry s Mutual Assistance Process during a Nation Response Event by Edison Electric Institute 11

12 Switchgear Submersible solid dielectric distribution switchgear Fast service restoration enabled by automation and source transfer packages. Submersible controller enclosure has quick and easy access from the outside while still protecting equipment from the elements. Pad mount, vault and riser pole applications Flexible, compact and modular designs allow for smaller footprint, installation in any position and field assembly inside tight vaults. Field upgradable and compatible with SEL controls Maintenance free and environmentally friendly 12

13 Hurricane Sandy & Switchgear Elastimold switches were vital in dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in With Elastimold switchgear, Consolidated Edison Company of New York (ConEd), was able minimize electrical failures, reroute power to critical areas, and restore power as needed once water receded. ConEd used switchgear to remotely isolate specific sections of the electrical system. Using switchgear, ConEd was able to sectionalize circuits and transfer load on primary feeders rated up to 27kV, and with available fault currents up to 40,000 amperes symmetrical. 13

14 Reclosers Fast Service Restoration: Smart Grid ready Fully compatible with SEL controls. Light Weight: The three-phase Elastimold Recloser weighs 33% less than existing typical units. Flexible: The Elastimold Recloser is modular, making field upgrades and retrofits are easy and fast. The single phase recloser has a pole rotation mounting bracket for easier installation. Innovative: Only Elastimold has the experience and know-how to insulate its recloser with light and strong EPDM and silicon rubber. Made with the Customer in Mind: Elastimold Recloser designed after extensive talks with electric utilities. Many of the inventory-reducing, features that we consider standard, are there because of customer input. 14

15 Fault Current Indicators Fast Service Restoration: o Quick fault location vs. manually testing for faults Most complete overhead and underground offerings Smart Grid options 15

16 Separable Connectors Continuous submersible operation 6.0 ft. under water Fast Service Restoration: available inventory on selected accessories Corrosion Resistant Long Lasting EPDM Over 50 years of experience as industry leader Multiple applications: padmount, subsurface, vault, indoor, outdoor 200A and 600A 15kV, 25kV & 35kV Dead front (shielded and grounded) Isolation and sectionalizing capabilities Over current protection due to the fused and molded elbows 16

17 Current Limiting Backup Fuses Limits equipment damage thus speeding restoration time. Light weight Have a reputation for leading performance in the industry Able to protect for currents beyond what an expulsion fuse can handle. Protects up to 50KA Above ground and below ground options 17

18 Storm Safe Break-away device for overhead service drops Installs between the transformer and service drop Provides controlled disconnect of power in the event of an incident to the service cable, de-energizing the service drop cable (engineered breakaway). Fast Service Restoration: Prevents damage to utility equipment and customer premises Increases public and crew safety Two weight options: up to 500 or 750 pounds 18

19 Temporary Service Adapter Fast Service Restoration Includes all the components needed to handle an isolated service outage Provides short duration emergency service Consists of a load side adapter and a source side adapter Supports 75A and 100A current ratings 19

20 Flood-Seal Products: Multiport and Splice Connector All Splice kits Include one Submersible Splice Cover and one Aluminum Compression Splice to ensure a fully insulated, watertight repair splice; no tape required. Multiport Connectors are prefilled with Oxide-Inhibitor and capped to prevent oxidation and keep out moisture, allowing the device to be buried without erosion worries. Flood-Seal rockets create a tight close via heat shrink sealing tube. 20

21 Automatic Tension Splices Fast Service Restoration Available for range of sizes Weight of the cable tightens the jaws High-strength aluminum alloy tubing covers the connection for superior corrosion protection and long-lasting durability. Tubular center stop automatically determines proper insertion length of both conductors. 21

22 Custom Made Solutions Connectors We are able to provide for a variety of customer needs and wants using customization. Example: Ring Buss System The Challenge: How to take eight 500 mcm services off 1000 mcm conductor in a ring buss vault application safely and cleanly. Solution: RBC Ring Buss Connector by Homac brings Compression, Mechanical and Flood-Seal technologies together in one connector. Installation is fast and easy and completely waterproof for decades. Supplied the mounting brackets and accessories using additional T&B Products. Flood-Seal = Waterproof 22 Compression Main Mechanical Taps

23 Storm Hardening Custom Solutions Recently, a major customer reached out to T&B looking to update infrastructure. The company was looking for equipment that could handle difficult weather situations. The company was interested in the multiple Storm Hardening products T&B provides. T&B was able to create various custom solutions for the client which included many elements of the following: o Taps o Splices o Terminations o Grounding 23

24 Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Solutions 24

25 Corrosion Resistant PVC-Coated Solutions 25

26 Liquidtight Fittings Waterproof fitting options: Stainless Steel Externally Bonded Aluminum High-Temperature PVC Coated 26

27 Gold Galvanized Strut & Fittings GoldGalv: Superior corrosion protection. All surfaces are protected with a trivalent chromium finish applied over zinc, creating a chemically bonded nonporous barrier. GoldGalv finishes are applied after cutting and punching which protects all surfaces of the finished product. Passed internal submersion testing based on 4+ days in sea water substitute The Kindorf Channel System is designed so that the maximum number of support and framing applications can be constructed with a minimum amount of labor and material waste. This modular system provides maximum flexibility. 27

28 NEMA Enclosures Rugged Carlon junction boxes and NEMA enclosures are corrosion resistance. Applications where water is present. Any outdoor application where sunlight resistance is needed. 100% non metallic Clear covers available Less than half the weight of metal Meets or exceeds NEMA 4X, 12 and 13 UL 50 28

29 Industrial / Classified Lighting For Adverse Environment and Hazardous Location, reliable under the harshest indoor and outdoor conditions. Classified fixtures are much more resilient to environmental stresses than regular industrial lighting. Fixtures go through rigorous certification to gain the classified label (Class I, Div 2). NEMA 4x certified, no water leakage 29

30 Cable Fasteners Tested for three times the standard for weather-able life, Ty-Rap withstands subzero temperature, wind, rain, heat, sun, acid and much more. High tensile strength lbs Temperatures -112 F to 1000 F Type 316 Stainless Steel Not affected by UV rays Non-magnetic stainless steel (302/304) 30

31 Extreme Weather Services Storm Customer Service On call 24/7 Storm Stock Inventory Byhalia, MS o 1 million square feet with 35 foot height clearance o 8 miles of power conveyor Orders are flagged STORM and given priority attention. 31

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