Power Gen & Energy Services
ACCEPTING ABSTRACTS ON: CCGT, Gas Turbine Upgrades & Technologies, Data Management Software, Resource Planning, Cogeneration, Cyber Security, Risk Management, T&D, Underground Utilities & Substations, Switchgear, Transformers, Software, PPA, Simulators, Efficiency
D1.1 Aero-Derivative Technology Supports Renewable Growth
D1.1 Aero-Derivative Technology Supports Renewable Growth
Reed Lengel – Mitsubishi Power Aero
Global power producers are under pressure to deliver reliable, affordable, decarbonized electricity. On-demand power based on aero-derivative technology helps producers meet these competing goals. Rapidly expanding renewable energy sources provide zero-carbon generation, but these technologies vary output and are more susceptible to damage from severe weather. The shift seen in the generation mix in many areas from large central plants to intermittent and distributed power is also making it increasingly difficult to maintain reliability and power quality. As these issues become more pressing, the need for on-demand, fast response aero-derivatives are essential to maintaining a reliable electrical grid.
D1.6 Flexible Operation of Steam Generation Power Plants
D1.6 Flexible Operation of Steam Generation Power Plants
Dennis Barlow – General Electric
Renewable power sources are becoming more prevalent in our energy marketplace. However, renewable sources such as Wind, Hydro, Solar, etc. have limitations when supplying continuous, reliably power to the grid. Specifically, limitations with availability of their energy sources. Until larger, utility scale power storage devices are commonly availably, our grid demand will rely on steam and gas generators to augment peaks and gaps in our power demand curve which result from incorporating renewable energy sources.
Historically steam electrical generators rely on expensive support fuels such as oil and gas for low load stabilizations and unit starts. Today a typical coal fired steam generator requires support fuel below 20 to 30% (Maximum Continues Rating) MCR for flame stabilization. Frequent starts also increase the use of support fuels. Also, burner control systems must be designed to allow for proper operation over the unit’s load range, ensuring that all mechanical components operate properly, and proper control of air and fuel streams can be maintained.
Meeting the demand for frequent starts and flame stabilization at low loads for coal fired steam generators, requires an innovative approach. This paper will explore recent advances in flame support technology such as Plasma Ignitors and control system upgrades, highlighting installation and operational experience of Plasma Ignitors on a 500 MW coal fired steam generator.
D2.2 Risk Categorization Underground Utility Cables
D2.3 Machine Learning and Deep Learning Provide Risk Categorization to Underground Utility Distribution Cables
Steffen Ziegler – Imcorp
Underground distribution cable system failures can be predicted. Avoiding cable system failures begins with understanding how cables fail. Analyzing and interpreting results from partial discharge (PD) measurements taken in the field can be a complex task for humans. Machine learning algorithms and deep learning algorithms are used to automatically identify and categorize markers of defects contained in the PD measurements. These algorithms are used to categorize different defect types by risk of going to failures soon. Examples of identified defects will be presented. A roadmap to achieve broader utility distribution efficiencies, powered by machine learning and AI, will be presented.
Co-Author: Shishir Shekhar, MathWorks, Inc.
D2.5 Improve energy resiliency and emissions now with H2/NH3 Fuel Cells
D2.6 Improve energy resiliency and emissions now with H2/NH3 Fuel Cells
Alex Saucedo – GenCell Energy
Within the changing energy landscape, fuel cells have emerged as a tool to improve grid resiliency and provide distributed generation, while simultaneously reducing emissions and cost. The old-guard of low voltage power sites, lead-acid batteries and diesel generators, are being supplanted or supported by newer tech as policy makers and utilities navigate a future that must be both more secure and greener than today. As adoption grows, fuel infrastructure flexibility and integration will benefit from a maturing hydrogen ecosystem that influences everything from EVs and renewables to industrial manufacturing and petrochemicals.
Gencell’s hydrogen utility solution is designed to backup critical infrastructure for both 130VDC electrical auto reclosure equipment at the substation and the 48VDC telecom side of the business with a single unit. This solution enables the utility to avoid a Black Start event and maintain connectivity well beyond the currents system’s capabilities. This is complemented by a completely closed-loop A5 solution that uses Ammonia NH3 as a fuel, allowing for all the great attributes of the fuel cell of no emissions, combustion, noise, or vibrations but at a cost 2 to 3 times less to operate than a traditional diesel generator.
D2.6 A Rigorous Approach to Protect from Lightning Strikes
D2.6 A Rigorous Approach to Protect from Lightning Strikes
Benjamin Ellis – Dehn Inc
This session will present a complete overview of the aspects that must be considered in the design and implementation of a comprehensive and holistic Lightning Protection System (LPS), addressing external LPS principles, surge protection measures and equipotential bonding, and the requirements of the grounding system, according to the NFPA780 and IEC 62305 standards.
Example solutions of the lighting- and surge protection design and implementation for various power plants will be presented.
D4.3 CASE STUDY: DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PROJECT
D4.3 CASE STUDY: DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PROJECT
Pete Kelly – Middough Inc
Case study examines unique project approaches to integrate CHP into an existing industrial facility. Process considerations are highlighted and discussed in detail.
Transitioning from existing coal-fired boiler to new natural gas co-generation of electricity and steam, lead to significant improvement in operational efficiency and delivered a 30 percent reduction in GHG emissions
Our case study outlines project innovation that drove success. The team leveraged innovative design, procurement, and construction sequencing to maximize schedule efficiency and reduce project risk. Time spent at the planning and budgeting stage ensured a clear path to completion with minimum impact to ongoing plant operations.
D3.6 Climate resilience: Moving beyond mitigation and adaptation to understand risk reduction
D3.5 Climate resilience: Moving beyond mitigation and adaptation to understand risk reduction
Dan Walker – EA Engineering
The increased risk posed by changes in weather and climate extremes—flood, drought, hurricanes and tornados, heat waves and cold snaps, hailstorms, and snowstorms—is leading to significant shifts in financial and government decision making. Government regulators are more insistent that weather and climate risk be fully understood, disclosed, and addressed. Understanding options for reducing a utility’s carbon footprint or minimizing potential physical impacts from weather and climate extremes are just the first steps toward understanding vulnerability and developing risk reduction strategies. Insights from a variety of national efforts to make infrastructure more resilient can provide useful insights.
D4.1 Optimizing Value from Renewable Energy Assets in Volatile Power Markets
D3.5 Optimizing Value from Renewable Energy Assets in Volatile Power Markets
Natalie Witt – Antenna Group
As grid operators across the U.S. integrate a larger portion of renewable energy assets into the generation mix, these intermittent resources are expected to increase price volatility in energy markets, thereby increasing financial risk for asset owners. However, advances in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and meteorology can help asset owners and grid operators intelligently predict renewable supply and price volatility to reduce risk and increase profitability. In this session, Nate Collamer, Head of Power Origination at Trailstone, would provide insight gathered from Trailstone’s experience using technological advancements to reduce risk for renewable energy assets in European countries that already implement renewable generation.
D4.2 Rare Earth Magnet Supply for Electric Vehicles
D4.2 Rare Earth Magnet Supply for Electric Vehicles
Dan Vukovich – Alliance LLC
Rare Earth magnets are a critical component to the manufacturing of electric vehicles. Unfortunately, they are also in short supply. In 2011, prices of some Rare Earth elements increased to 1500%. In 2021, Nd-Pr, the main Rare Earth elements for NdFeB magnets increased 250%. With all major automotive companies announcing big shifts to electric vehicles, what is being done to mitigate the potential supply shortage and increased costs. This presentation will address the causes and effects of Rare Earth supply due to government regulations, geo-politics, environmental concerns, and market availability.
OPEN SLOT
AVAILABLE SPOT
Normally when the steam based plants were designed , they have efficiency of 41-42%. However, after few years of operation, the annual efficiencies of some 20-30 year old plants falls in the range of 30-37% depending upon how good the operation and maintenance is done by the asset owners. The drop in efficiency and increase in maintenance cost causes enormous financial burden to the extent that the plants are forced to retire even prematurely. We present here a case study of 2×300 MWe wherein when the assets are managed effectively, the power plant can continue to operate and generate revenue for the asset owners.
OPEN SLOT
AVAILABLE SPOT
Normally when the steam based plants were designed , they have efficiency of 41-42%. However, after few years of operation, the annual efficiencies of some 20-30 year old plants falls in the range of 30-37% depending upon how good the operation and maintenance is done by the asset owners. The drop in efficiency and increase in maintenance cost causes enormous financial burden to the extent that the plants are forced to retire even prematurely. We present here a case study of 2×300 MWe wherein when the assets are managed effectively, the power plant can continue to operate and generate revenue for the asset owners.
OPEN SLOT
AVAILABLE SPOT
Normally when the steam based plants were designed , they have efficiency of 41-42%. However, after few years of operation, the annual efficiencies of some 20-30 year old plants falls in the range of 30-37% depending upon how good the operation and maintenance is done by the asset owners. The drop in efficiency and increase in maintenance cost causes enormous financial burden to the extent that the plants are forced to retire even prematurely. We present here a case study of 2×300 MWe wherein when the assets are managed effectively, the power plant can continue to operate and generate revenue for the asset owners.
D3.1 Finding the Hidden Value in Your Plant Data
D3.1 Finding the Hidden Value in Your Plant Data
Scott Diermann – Solomon Associates
This presentation explores the seemingly unrelated data sources power plants possess and how to combine them to unlock strategic insights in their operations. Much the way the IOT expands the capabilities of a system, we will explore how to unlock value through data sources power plants already possess. The power industry is changing rapidly with more on the horizon. The strategy for success in this uncertain environment for many power companies is found through their understanding of their data. Your data can build help a strategy for success.
Co-Author: Tony Carrino, Solomon Associates
D2.1 Resource Planning 2.0: The Energy Transition Paradigm
D2.2 Resource Planning 2.0: The Energy Transition Paradigm
Brent Nelson – Ascend Analytics
Presentation on the issues keeping North American Utility executive team awake at night such as Pressure to cut rates while improving reliable service : >Do more with Less >Demand to be GREEN without rate increases >Availability of Qualified Workforce now, Today & 15 years from today >Regulatory Compliance >Contingency Planning & Reserves >Resilience on a network with growing demand for Water, Gas & Electricity >Long term capitalization planning on an aging infrastructure . And how ISO 55000 can help them get a better sleep at night by addressing these pain points
D2.4 powercloud For Utilities: Cost Down – Flexibility Up!
D2.5 powercloud For Utilities: Cost Down - Flexibility Up!
Simon Orosz – Powercloud GmbH
powercloud is the proven basis for the processing and billing of electricity, gas, heat, water, and sewage – as well as for products and services. It currently serves 8 million end customers, with 17 million end customers in the process of migration. This presentation will give insights about how powercloud supports market leaders of tomorrow.
Co-Author: Marc Pion, powercloud GmbH
QUESTIONS
1. What advantages does the powercloud platform offer utilities compared to monolithic systems?
2. How can I reduce the cost-to-serve with powercloud
3. How can I avoid churn with powercloud?
D2.3 Monitoring Distributed Energy Assets with Drones
D2.4 Monitoring Distributed Energy Assets with Drones
Jay Ryoo – DroneDeploy
In his presentation, Jay will discuss how utilities can better monitor and maintain distributed and remote energy assets with the help of drones and drone software.
From maintaining solar panels or microgrids to traditional transmission lines, all types of utilities companies still struggle with the time and safety considerations of keeping remote equipment overseen and adequately serviced. With the help of drones, companies can improve their inspection processes and collect better data on the state of their equipment; therefore staying on top of continually evolving exterior conditions and identifying potential issues before they arise. With an accompanying data platform, these inspections can also be logged, analyzed, and shared across remote teams, reducing the need to dispatch workers to remote locations and introducing new levels of insight across the entire organization.
Co-Author: Nick Pilkington, DroneDeploy
QUESTIONS
1. Where do drones fit into the typical inspection and maintenance lifecycle?
2. What types of features does DroneDeploy offer for utilities specifically?
3. How can drones help reduce inspection risks and improve worker safety?
D3.2 Find out if are you a Cyber Security Target?
D3.2 Find out if you are a Cyber Security Target?
John Bryk – AGA
This discussion will give an overview of various threat actors that aim to disrupt, degrade, and destroy Industrial Control System (ICS) and their supporting business networks, even, in some cases, directly targeting employees. Focus will be upon recent event analyses of events targeting the Energy Sector in North America.
By understanding the origin (Nation-State, criminal, other) of the group and the intent (espionage, destruction, profit), defenders are better prepared to execute the five cybersecurity framework functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology:
Identify
Protect
Detect
Respond
Recover.
It is also important to know that employees, as part of the business system, are also directly at risk. You may be as well.
QUESTIONS
1. What are some strategies to mitigate Ransomware?
2. Why is attribution not really important to end-users?
3. Tell us more about how hackers target humans.
D3.3 Aviation Sector Decarbonization
D3.3 Aviation Sector Decarbonization
Rakesh Radhakrishnan – U.S. Department of Energy
The purpose of this presentation will be to discuss some of the challenges associated with the decarbonization of aviation. Technologies that are being considered to achieve this objective will be discussed with a specific focus on ARPA-E funded activities.
D3.4 Quantifying Risk in Temperature Forecasting
D3.4 Quantifying Risk in Temperature Forecasting
Lawrence Heitkemper – MinuteMan Weather
Accurate temperature forecasts are critical for decision making in the energy industry. Energy demand variability is highly correlated with temperature fluctuations. Large errors in temperature forecasts result in poor decision making and large financial losses. If a market participant were able to quantify the risk in a given temperature forecast, they would be able to optimize their decision making. This presentation will present methodologies for quantifying risk in temperature forecast, with a focus on situations of non-Gaussian distribution of risk. Case studies will be presented for each methodology and recommendations presented for optimal approaches for identifying risk in temperature forecasting.
D3.5 High Ampacity TS Conductor Technology
D3.5 Reducing GHG Emissions with High Ampacity Conductor
Jason Huang – TS Conductor
TS Conductor’s patented design technology delivers the perfect balance between increased strength, reliability and conductivity. The combination of encapsulated carbon core, annealed aluminum, and advanced insulation compounds offers 2X the strength, temperature operation up to 400F, and virtually no thermal expansion/sag compared traditional ACSR. The efficiency of TS Conductor optimizes the power grid, decreasing the need for additional power generation and maximizing renewable energy interconnections. the efficiencies alone create significant savings for utilities per installed mile and GHG emission avoidance from compensatory generation. Additionally, the high ampacity, low sag of this product allows hardening and reconductoring using existing infrastructure, versus requiring retrofits/rebuilds. The high temperature low sag aspects allows increased span distances, requiring 30%-50% fewer structures for new line builds or replacement construction. This provides added environmental savings by reducing construction and land disturbances. TS Conductor is superior in longevity, and is immune from galvanic corrosion or other environmental degradation, which also reduces construction and reconductoring.
QUESTIONS
1. How does TS Conductor reduce CO2 emissions?
2. How do you differ from other conductors?
3. What is the expected lifetime of the conductor?
D1.2 Thermal Power Plant Transformation: The Key to a Clean Energy Future
D1.2 Thermal Power Plant Transformation: The Key to a Clean Energy Future
Siraj Taj – ST Power Services
The electric energy industry is fundamentally transforming at several fronts with competing interests. Influx of renewables is disrupting the traditional role of conventional power generation. They are under growing pressure to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and social responsibility. However, the existing power plants are more competitive with renewables than new builds, because with historically low gas price their variable O&M costs have significantly reduced, and capital investment to refurbish them is much lower than for new plant construction. The continued operation of E & F class machines, LM6000, 501D5 and likes is critical for successful transition to a clean energy future.
D1.3 Digital Integrated Technologies for a Simulator Training & Qual Program
D1.3 Digital Integrated Technologies for a Simulator Training & Qual Program
Ken Daycock – GP Strategies
To comply with the new law changes in California and enable a more reliable energy future, AES is finishing the commissioning of two newly built, modern gas fired combined cycle power plants, each facility rated at 640 MW located at the Alamitos and Huntington Beach sites in California. The process, technology and automation used in new CCGT plants is quite different than the conventional gas fired steam generators. In support of new plant startup, the AES Southland Construction Management Team (CMT) has developed a comprehensive training and qualification program with help from GP Strategies, that includes the following: 3D model-based training, instructor-led training (ILT), site-specific 3D videos, an online learning management system (LMS) for qualification tracking, and a high-fidelity simulator to prepare plant operators for startup and to maintain successful, ongoing plant operations. This presentation will discuss the implementation strategy and best practices of the simulator training and qualification program, which is enabling AES’s operators to be effectively prepared for day one.
Co-Author: Ron Rodrique, AES
D1.4 Power Plant Control System Upgrades for Improved Resilience
D1.4 Power Plant Control System Upgrades for Improved Resilience
James Meaney – Merrick & Company
The world continues to become more digitally connected, and our nation’s power plants are no different. Power plants across the country are upgrading their control systems, improving cybersecurity, and installing performance analysis software. These upgrades are imperative to maintain a competitive position in the ever-changing landscape of power generation. This presentation will provide a case study of control system upgrades & relay replacements at a combined cycle unit in the Midwest. The plant also installed a real-time performance and condition monitoring system to improve asset performance, decrease unplanned downtime, improve system reliability, and manage operations data effectively.
Co-Author: Michael Varner, Merrick and Company
QUESTIONS
1. What other means of reducing Arc Flash energies are there aside from Maintenance Mode Switches?
2. What is the cost/benefit of the relay network?
3. Why replace the relay units before failure?
D1.5 Control of Invasive Mussels in Power Generation Facilities
D1.5 Control of Invasive Mussels in Power Generation Facilities
Pam Marrone – Marrone
Since their introduction in the 1980s, invasive zebra and quagga mussels have caused extensive environmental and economic damage. Zequanox® molluscicide is an effective and environmentally friendly solution to this growing problem. The naturally derived product is consumed by the fouling mussels, causing mortality over a nearly month-long period. The product controls mussels in all life stages and treatment programs are optimized to suit the desired level of control at each facility. This presentation gives background on invasive zebra and quagga mussels, discusses Zequanox as a solution, and highlights some relevant case histories.
EUEC 2019
EUEC 2018
EUEC 2017