Monday

This paper presents a comparative analysis of similar substation transformers operating at different voltage levels and investigates the impact of voltage on arc-flash hazard risk category.

Attendees will learn:

• How a change from high voltage to medium voltage impacts HRC
• Dangers associated with 480-volt systems
• How to minimize cost and risk through a reduction in equipment voltage

This paper covers the evolution of voltmeter training from its inception to the current mandate as of January 1, 2009, from the Department of Energy (DOE) that requires 16 hours of voltmeter training.

Attendees will learn:

• Material covered in the DOE-required course
• Employee skill and knowledge requirements
• Employer responsibilities
• Impact of voltmeter training on technicians in the field
  

This paper discusses important decisionmaking criteria for developing and enhancing electrical maintenance programs. Although these concepts can be applied to virtually any type of equipment maintenance, this paper focuses primarily on the maintenance of electrical equipment such as transformers, generators, motors, and power cables.

• Conceptual reliability-centered maintenance (RCM)
• Condition-based maintenance
• Technical and financial advantages of RCM over preventive maintenance
• Mathematical models used to illustrate trending and life prediction

This paper will discuss the condition monitoring (CM) inspection and testing program acceptable for compliance with the Commission’s regulations for condition monitoring of safety-related cables in nuclear power plants.

Attendees will learn:

• Elements of a CM inspection and testing program
• How these elements can be used to detect, quantify, and monitor the status of aging mechanisms
• How to ensure compliance with Commission regulations

Simulation-based electrical safety training teaches concepts through distinct, personalized experiences that are driven by trainees’ decisions. Trainees learn in a virtual environment, experiencing difficult and dangerous situations they would otherwise first encounter on the job.

Attendees will learn:

• How simulations individualize learning experiences, foster ownership of concepts, and empower trainees to make confident decisions in the real world
• Use of simulations and regulation-based reporting to further individualize electrical safety training
• How to create a flexible lesson structure that can stand alone or integrate into existing training programs
• How detailed reporting informs trainers to identify problem areas and specific needs of individuals

Power transformers are critical, capitalintensive assets. This paper will explore advanced diagnostics that should be performed to minimize unplanned outages as a result of apparatus failure.

This paper:

• Identifies routine tests such as power factor, excitation current, turns ratio, winding resistance, dissolved-gas analysis, and more
• Explains advanced testing procedures such as tip-up power factor/capacitance, variable frequency power factor/ capacitance, frequency response of stray losses, and tap check (contact ripple)
• Explores case study examples derived directly from field experiences

Alternative dielectric fluids were initially developed as replacements for PCBs because of safety and environmental concerns associated with PCBs. Natural esters, fluids based on vegetable oils, are both biodegradable and have flashpoints above 300ºC, so they meet both safety and environmental concerns.

Attendees will learn:

• Physical and chemical properties of natural esters
• Differences between mineral oils and natural esters
• Updated dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of natural esters

People on the job often talk about the hazards associated with performing a job, but they often neglect how the risk is factored in. Often, people talk about the hazard when they really mean the risk.

Attendees at this presentation will learn:

• The difference between hazard and risk
• Common risk factors
• How to evaluate the risks as well as hazards

The paper will describe the use of Halleffect sensors for adding digital recording and harmonic analysis capabilities to major substation equipment.

Attendees will learn: 

• Use of Hall-effect sensors when monitoring electromechanical relays, circuit breakers, and power transformers
• How to diagnose problems and root causes of equipment failure using Hall-effect sensors
• Review three case studies that illustrate the use of Hall-effect sensors

Correct transformer oil testing is essential to condition assessment of the equipment under test.

Attendees will learn:

• Different aspects of sample requests, sampling, analysis, data transfer, data analysis and review
• How Web-based technologies support information chain of custody and integration
• Correct, step-by-step procedures to ensure accurate results