Utility Operations and Quality Control

by Mark Fennell

This book explains the operation of utilities and the important factors of quality control when operating a utility company.The first chapter provides an overview of quality control for utilities. This chapter also discusses how to ensure that there is enough power to meet demand at any given time.The second chapter discusses how to ensure power is always transmitted effectively.The third chapter discusses how to re-start a power plant after a major shut down. This chapter also provides an overview of communication systems and an overview of grids. The fourth chapter discusses monitoring and communication systems. This chapter explains the SCADA system, discussing the components and how it works. This chapter also explains the types of translation devices and various options for communications.The remaining chapters discuss the specific factors affecting the quality of power. These factors are voltage, frequency, and temperature. Each of the remaining chapters describe the causes, effects, and protection against significant variations in each factor.Table of ContentsA. Utility Company Operation Basics1. Introduction2. Overview of matching power generation with load3. Demand vs. Load4. Problems if generation does not meet load5. Methods for matching generation with load6. Creating enough reserveB. Quality Power Lines and Distribution Systems1. Introduction2. Know the limits of each piece of equipment3. Switch transmission paths 4. Disconnect and repair equipment quicklyC. Restarting Power Plants, Grids1. Re-start a power plant without difficulty2. Interconnect with other power systems effectively3. Monitoring & Communications Systems OverviewD. Monitoring and Communications Systems, SCADA1. Introduction2. SCADA Operations3. Translation Devices4. Options for Communication Connections5. Broadband6. Back-ups for CommunicationE. Quality Control for Causes, Practical Effects, & Protection1. Introduction2. Voltage variation basicsF. Voltage too low, or no voltage - for short duration1. Introduction2. Causes3. Practical effects4. Prevention and ProtectionG. Voltage too low, or no voltage - for long duration1. Introduction2. Causes3. Practical Effects4. Finding Problem Locations in Cables5. ProtectionH. Voltage too high - for short or long duration1. Causes2. Practical effects3. ProtectionI. Frequency Variations1. Introduction2. Terminology3. Causes4. Practical Effects5. ProtectionJ. Additional Frequencies1. Introduction2. Causes3. Practical Effects4. ProtectionK. Temperature too high1. Introduction2. Causes3. Practical effects4. Protection

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2011