INDUSTRY NEED

Through publication of the facility rating document, FAC-008-1, FERC is insisting that transmission owners have a well-documented logical basis for power equipment thermal ratings including overhead lines. This class explains the historical basis for "worst-case" weather conditions used in calculating the thermal rating of overhead lines, summarizes the best concepts from the technical literature including both CIGRE and IEEE standards, and provides guidance to making accurate field measurements when appropriate.

COURSE OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY

This course addresses factors influencing line ratings and then relates the various rating constraints to recent utility needs to report and document these ratings for FERC and other agencies. 

PDC has identified learning objectives we expect each student to obtain on completion of this course.  The student completing this course should be able to:

1. Understand the basic implications of selecting weather parameters for ratings
2. List the features that limit overhead line ratings
3. Describe differences between line-specific and system-wide ratings
4. Have a general background on FERC rating documentation requirements

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The course will be valuable to engineers responsible for planning, operating or designing transmission circuits.  

PREREQUISITES

An engineering degree in mechanical, electrical or civil engineering is desirable.

• The purpose of Overhead Line Ratings
• Key Variables and Risks
• The Heat Balance Calculation
           Standards - IEEE 738 & CIGRE TB207
           Steady State
           Transient Heat Storage
• A Logical Rating Procedure
           Rating Duration
           Sources of Weather data
           Consequences of Failure
           Consider line length
           Sensitivity to errors
• Specifying Conductor System Limits
           Copper vs Aluminum
           Compression connectors
           Insulators and Hardware
           Electrical Clearance
• Instruments for Field Measurements
           Wind Speed and Direction
           Solar heating
           Conductor Temperature Measurements
           Sag-tension monitors
• Field Measurements and Data Analysis
           Weather Bureau Data Accuracy
           Instrument Locations
           Prediction of Weather Data
                    Air Temperature
                    Wind speed and Direction
                    Solar Heating
                    Coupling of parameters
• Real-time Ratings vs Statistical Analysis
• System-wide vs Line-specific Ratings
• Documenting Methods for FERC
  

Typical classroom hours are 8:30AM to 4:30PM, with a continental breakfast starting a half hour before class time.  The instructors will take an informal survey of students on the first day to see if the classroom hours should be adjusted to accommodate travel schedules or other activities outside of class.

The two-day course will be held at the Alden Beach Resort, 5900 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.  A special rate is available to those attending PDC's course.  The rooms generally have two double beds, living room, and kitchenette.  Please contact the Alden Resort directly at 1-800-237-2530.  Mention the PDC course to obtain the lower rate.  Reservations must be made by 30 days in advance to insure the special rate.  Map of Area

Dr. Dale A. Douglass, Principal Engineer, with Power Delivery Consultants, has over 30 years experience with overhead line design, analysis, uprating and R&D.  Dr. Douglass will be the primary instructor for the course.

Continuing Education Units

PDC is a Continuing Education Provider in the State of Florida (#CEP00180) and will issue students a course certificate indicating the number of Continuing Education Units for the course completed based on national guidelines and the number of classroom hours.  1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded for successful completion of this course.  The CEU is the nationally recognized unit for recording participation in noncredit educational programs.  One CEU is equal to ten classroom hours.

The tuition covers the cost for this two-day course and includes extensive course notes, continental breakfast and lunch.  Each participant will be furnished a bound set of notes.  Included will be an extensive bibliography and selected technical papers.   Lodging, transportation, and other meals are not included.