At HV Power we have been actively involved in helping customers obtain reliable and informative power quality data using our mobile power quality analysers (PQ-Box 100). Building on this, in November Warwick Beech assisted with the commissioning of our first permanently installed power quality systems. Initially connecting to three sites (via GSM communications), the system is capable of recording over 1024 power quality measurements (per device) and storing these to a central database. Automatic reporting of key data via email can be set up, and a range of client services made available for engineers to view and analyse data from the database.

Commissioning involved setting up the database, communication services, administration, backup and automated email and reporting. The system is now poised to monitor key aspects of our customer’s network, providing automatic email notification of fault records and weekly/monthly reports of key power quality data.

The project required the coordination and cooperation of the customer's planning team, field technicians, communication, IT network and computer services staff. With the assistance of a German engineer from A.Eberle, the installation progressed smoothly.

We are looking forward to our customer seeing first-hand the practical benefits obtained from building a detailed history of their network quality, and rewards from prompt reporting of network events and quality indexes. With the large amount of information now available to them, and the expansion capability of the system, we expect 2010 to be the start of their “information age”.

Rob Knight was successful in the design, specification and supply of a DEHN HVI Conductor lightning protection system (LPS) – the first ever application of this “isolated” system within Australasia.

Initially the customer was considering further use of a commonly used propriety system. However, the ability for HV Power to provide prompt local engineering support, and design an isolated system, in compliance with AS/NZ 1768 Lightning Protection Standard, resulted in the selection of the DEHN system.

Bishops Ltd will be installing the lightning protection system to protect an outdoor Ethanol Tank Farm. In the first of 5 phases, it is expected that the project will lead the way for more sales of the lightning protection system.

Growing interest and enquiries are being witnessed at HV Power in DEHN Surge Protection (SPD) products, in addition to that of the LPS products. It is a testimony to both the reputation and reliability of the German brand, and the expert technical support provided locally by HV Power.

This year Gideon Strydom worked with a large industrial customer to install an IEC 61850 based system. Luckily the customer worked with an innovative engineering design company who supported this leading technology as a solution. The final solution included the full advantage of minimal wiring by use of GOOSE interlocking schemes, and provision of SCADA automation over IP.

As an afterthought, the customer wanted an HMI system for their operators which would be easy to use and manage. The Siemens IEC61850 equipped relays come with an inbuilt HMI interface, so a quick IP routing and IE explorer setup created the customers desired HMI - at no additional cost.

Using HV Power supplied GarrettCom hardened Ethernet switches and routers, a network camera with browser interface was also added to allow the operator to view the site while performing switching operations, improving security and safety. The Siemens relay single line display HMI means the operator has full view of switch status and can see the change of state as the operation is performed.

This was a perfect example where investment in leading technology resulted in the most cost-effective solution. Any future change of requirements will easily be able to be met through IEC 61805 remote engineering management. Extension of the IP network will allow the system to expand as more equipment such as metering, power quality, or transfer schemes are added. Clever engineering brings power and flexibility to the user.

The HV Power services team this year created a “virtual substation” for one of our customers. Vladimir Brijacek built a physical panel which included various protection relays, DC power supply, GarrettCom network devices, an A-Eberle voltage regulator, PAS (data concentrator unit – replacement for RTU) and Tekron GPS clock to mimic a typical substation IED arrangement. The panel allows the engineers to test IEC 61850 device settings and check operation between the interconnected IED equipment and to SCADA. Having office access to the “virtual substation” allows complex “what-if” studies without the need to physically access live substation equipment that’s in operation.

Knowledge and experience form the cornerstones of a successful career as an electrical engineer. However, when they are mixed with personal qualities of enthusiasm and a positive helping attitude, the result is usually people that are a delight to work with.

At HV Power's Advanced Technology Showcase last week, we got to see four very motivated and knowledgeable individuals, at their best, sharing their unwavering belief in technology and the benefits it provides in our day-to-day lives. The programme included presentations from DEHN's Hans Slagter and Veiko Raab, from Juergen Blum, A-Eberle's PQ Expert, and local innovator Brian Smellie of Tekron. We were especially proud to show that technology developed in Lower Hutt is world-class.

On the same theme, early in November our HVP team enjoyed the opportunity to work with Siemens Protection Engineer, Gustav Steynberg when we hosted a series of seminars on distance protection. Attendance for these was the best ever in HV Power's history. Gustav demonstrated his considerable knowledge and understanding of the theory behind distance protection. By drawing on his practical experiences with many different applications of distance relays, he also acted as role model for the graduate engineers attending. His experience is a clear example of where a career in Power Systems Protection can take you.

So for me the highlights of 2009 were working with inspiring people who make a difference... and my new Bonneville. Enjoy !