American Electric Power Service Corporation Research Articles

99/02868 Tensile strength of ash cake beds at high-temperature conditions

The Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) is working with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and a consortium of companies in partnership with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to perform the research necessary to determine the factors that cause hot-gas cleanup filters to be blinded by ash or to develop deposits that can bridge the filters and cause them to fail. The primary deliverable will be a graphics-driven computer model that can be used as an engineering tool to help predict ash-related hot-gas filter problems based on analyses of coal and sorbent, as well as system operating parameters. This paper presents preliminary testing data on determining the tensile strengths of coal ash particles at elevated temperatures and simulated combustor gas conditions. The range in temperatures for tensile testing is ambient to 900 C. The simulated gas atmosphere includes carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen, sulfur dioxide, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and nitrogen. At present, all testing has been performed using ash from the Westinghouse advanced particle filter (APF) at the American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP) Tidd pressurized fluidized-bed combustor (PFBC) demonstration plant in Ohio. Other sources of filter ashes, including several from non-American PFBC systems, will also be evaluated.

97/02189 Test results from the department of energy's pressurized fluidized bed combustion hot gas cleanup program

Presented here is a summary of operations and conclusions from the last two test campaigns of the Department of Energy`s Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion Hot Gas Cleanup Program which was implemented by the American Electric Power Service Corporation. In these tests, the Westinghouse Advanced Particle Filter (APF) operated on a one-seventh flow from the Tidd 70-MWe Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustor. During these tests, the filter operated as predicted with extremely high particulate removal. During the combined test periods, more than 2,800 hours of operation were accumulated -- two operational periods lasted more than 650 hours. The completion of this program brings the total coal fired operating time of the APF to 5,854 hours.

Transmission station reliability evaluation

Reliability evaluations of transmission stations are necessary in the planning and re-configuration studies of transmission switching stations. This paper describes enhanced station component models which can be used to evaluate station configuration alternatives including those equipped with motor operated air break switches (MOABs). A computer program developed at the American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEPSC) for evaluating the reliability of transmission stations is also described. Using this program, a station configuration diagram can be created, edited, and displayed interactively on a graphics terminal. The program then calculates the outage probability, frequency, and duration of station outlet outage combinations while considering all possible single and double combinations of station component states. The application of this program is illustrated in this paper by describing how this program was used to evaluate the relative merits of alternative configurations for an EHV transmission station. >

Use of Neutral Red to Assess Survival of Juvenile Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Bioassays

Use of Neutral Red to Assess Survival of Juvenile Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Bioassays

Unbalanced GSU Transformer Configuration at Rockport Plant - Analysis and Operating Experience

This paper describes extensive engineering studies carried out at the American Electric Power (AEP) Service Corporation to determine the feasibility of operating a 1300 MW generating unit with an unbalanced generator step-up (GSU) transformer bank. These studies served as a basis for plans developed to restart AEP's Rockport Plant -- following the failure of the phase three GSU transformer on December 17, 1985 -- with the two remaining single-phase GSU transformers and a dissimilar spare transformer. The GSU transformer failure at Rockport created a unique and complex problem because the only spare transformer available for installation was of a design with which AEP had previously experienced problems. The limitations of the spare transformer resulted in a highly unconventional operating mode for the Rockport generating unit.

Probabilistic Transfer Capability -- An Enhancement to Transmission System Performance Appraisal Methods

The method of calculation of power transfer capabilities based on scenario-specific conditions has been used extensively in the transmission system planning and appraisal function, and has proven very useful in the determination of transmission system strength. As an extension of this method, a linear technique called Probabilistic Transfer Capability (PTC) has been developed at the American Electric Power (AEP) Service Corporation for system planning applications. The intent of this technique is to enhance these scenario-specific calculations to capture the variability of transfer capabilities that results from the changing power flows on transmission facilities in actual conditions. With probability distributions of selected generator output, load levels and intersystem transfer levels as input, a probability distribution of real power loading on a facility that limits transfers can be developed. A probability distribution of transfer capability can then be developpd directly from this distribution of facility loading. In addition to assessments of power transfer capabilities, other analyses of steady-state facility loadings are possible using this technique.

Measurement and Analysis of Audible Noise from Operating 765 kV Transmission Lines

Audible noises from two operating 765 kV overhead transmission lines during various weather conditions were measured using a unique portable monitoring facility and analyzed. The measurement program was instituted in the summer of 1976 and continued through the summer of 1978. During the study various acoustic measurement instrumentation and analysis methods were evaluated to establish preferred measurement and analysis techniques. Finally, data were compiled to describe the noise performance of two separate transmission lines during various weather conditions: one consisting of a three phase line with 4 x 29.59 mm (1.165 in) conductor bundles with subconductor spacing of 0.46 m (18 in) and the other consisting of a three phase line with 4 x 35.18 mm (1.385 in) conductor bundles with subconductor spacing of 0.46 m (18 in). A special acknowledgement is given to representatives of the American Electric Power Service Corporation who provided electrical service and suitable site facilities at which to perform this study. The audible noise and radio noise levels at these two locations recorded by American Electric Power's permanent monitoring facilities will be presented in a future paper authored by American Electric Power.

Electric Power Engineering Education: Regressive and Revitalizing Forces

This paper reviews the forces which have caused engineering education to diverge from engineering practice. Simultaneously, these same forces drove electric power engineering programs to near extinction except at a few schools. A further consequence of the latter situation was the extraordinary and costly effort which was required to establish in-house modes of education and other training in industry where possible. In addition, other major efforts were required to plan, organize and implement electric power engineering programs at a reasonable number of sincerely interested schools where such education rightfully belongs. The American Electric Power Service Corporation was among the first companies to recognize the foregoing situation, and at the same time it decided to organize a revitalization effort. Implementation of its deliberate involvement in education matters began in the 1950 decade. Its constructive programs have evolved and expanded ever since.

Design, testing and experience with 15kV enclosed switchgear

With the growing concern of power equipment visual impact on the environment and with the ever increasing cost of land for substation sites, it was desirable to develop a 15kV power switchgear which is not identifiable by any present standards and yet satisfies the requirements for a number of systems conditions. The need for this type of switchgear become necessary since the present, standard metal-clad equipment could not economically be justified for low fault current availability of a predominantly residential and rural system. American Electric Power Service Corporation, in co-operation with McGraw-Edison, developed such a switchgear and the intent of this paper is to describe its design, testing and the operating experience.

Installation and field testing of 138kV SF6 gas insulated station and transmission line

This paper covers installation procedures and testing methods of a 138kV SF6 gas insulated station coupled to 117.5m (385ft) and 367m (1204ft) SF6 gas insulated transmission line exits. Three factors guided American Electric Power Service Corporation in selecting its first SF6 gas insulated station and line exits. These were: available space for expansion of facilities at Indiana & Michigan Electric Company's East Side Station in South Bend, Indiana, aesthetic considerations, and the desire to be involved with this new technology and thus gain needed experience.

The Apple Grove 750 kV Project Statistical Analysis of Audible Noise Performance of Conductors at 775 kv

This paper presents the results of a statistical anaylsis of conductor corona generated audible hoise as measured at the Apple Grove 750 kV Test Project, a joint field investigation sponsored by the American Electric Power Service Corporation and the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. A comparison of simultaneous audible noise data is made on three sizes of four conductor bundles [diameter of 1.382 in. (35.1 mm), 1.196 in. (30.4 mm), 1.0 in. (25.4 mm)]. Also a correlation is given of simultaneous readings of audible noise, radio noise and corona loss.

Effects of the Environment on Oxidants Production in AC Corona

This paper discusses American Electric Power Service Corporation's laboratory and analytical work on the production of oxidants in AC; corona. The test program was oriented toward determination of the production rates of oxidants (mainly ozone) in a broad range of temperatures and humidities, and at a variety of surface gradients.

Oxidant Measurements in the Vcinity of Energized S65 KV Lines

This paper covers American Electric Power Service Corporation's extensive field-test program of detection of oxidants in the vicinity of energized 765 kV lines. As part of a program studying the production of oxidant in corona, tests were conducted in a variety of terrain configurations and climatic conditions. Oxidant-measuring techniques and criteria for selection of test locations are also described. Under the conditions of these tests, no measurable amounts of oxidants attributable to the presence and operation of the high-voltage installations were detected.

Gaseous Effluents Due to EHV ransmission Line Corona

The generation of gaseous effluents as a result of corona activity on EHV transmission lines has been raised as an environmental issue. This paper discusses analytical, laboratory and field measurement work performed by and for the American Electric Power Service Corporation that clearly shows that no environmental problem exists. A companion paper discusses the field measurement program in greater detail.

Electrostatically Induced Voltages and Currents on Conducting Objects under EHV Transmission Lines

A study is made of the steady-state short circuit current Is.c., and open circuit voltage, Vo.c., to ground for conducting objects under E.H.V. transmission lines. This is carried out in a computer program and on a scaled down laboratory model of a transmission line. In addition, tests are conducted at the American Electric Power Service Corporation and Westinghouse Electric Corporation E.H.V. test site at Apple Grove, West Virginia[1]. The Apple Grove results are used for comparison with the other two approaches. Values of Is.c. within a few percent of the field data and of Vo.c. within about 30 percent are predicted by the computer program. For the transmission line model, the measured values of Is.c. are within a few percent of the Apple Grove measurements and the values of Vo.c. are within approximately 15 percent.

The Apple Grove 750-kV Project: Statistical Analysis of Radio Influence and Corona-Loss Performance of Conductors at 775 kV

This paper presents the results of a statistical analysis of conductor radio influence (RI) and corona-loss data taken over a one-year period on three 775-kV test lines at the Apple Grove 750-kV project, a joint extra-high- voltage ( EHV) field investigation sponsored by American Electric Power Service Corporation and Westing- house Electric Corporation with six other participating companies. Verification of the Apple Grove project special design features is discussed, and long-term averages of corona-loss and RI performance of conductor diameters of 1.382, 1.196, and 1.00 inches used in four-conductor bundles are presented along with their standard deviations. Very little correlation was found between fair weather RI and weather variables. Data are presented showing the effect of rain intensity on foul weather RI and corona loss.

Alternator-Rectifier Exciter for Cardinal Plant 724-MVA Generator

This paper covers American Electric Power Service Corporation's selection of an alternator-rectifier excitation system for the two 724-MVA generators for Cardinal plant. It also reviews the experience with the shaft-driven exciters installed since 1952. Several alternate excitation systems were studied which led to the selection of the new Alterrex excitation system which is described in detail.

Muskingum Unit No. 5 Auxiliary System

The large units being installed today have auxiliary power requirements that exceed the capability of conventional auxiliary power systems. A study of the Tanners Creek unit of the American Electric Power Service Corporation was made to evaluate the design and formulate guidelines for future auxiliary bus designs. A complete analytical study was made, using pump and fan curves to determine expected auxiliary bus and equipment loadings.

The Apple Grove 750-kV Project- 515-kV Radio Influence and Corona Loss Investigations

This paper describes extensive radio influence and corona loss measurements made for the Apple Grove 500-kV test line which utilized 2-conductor bundles of 1.602-inch (Chukar) subconductors. The Apple Grove extra-high-voltage test project is a joint research project sponsored by the American Electric Power Service Corporation and Westinghouse Electric Corporation with six other participating companies. The data are analyzed for use with automatically recorded statistical data to predict the performance of a long transmission line of the same conductor configuration operating under a similar environment. A measurement technique is described and used to determine the relative radio influence field strength from each of the phases.

The Apple Grove 750-kV Project-775-kV Radio Influence and Corona Loss Investigations

This paper gives the results to date of radio influence and corona loss tests performed at a voltage of 775 kV at the extra-high-voltage test project at Apple Grove, W. Va., a joint research project sponsored by the American Electric Power Service Corporation and Westinghouse Electric Corporation with six other participating companies. Effects of line radio-influence terminations and larger centerphase conductors are discussed. Radio influence and corona loss results are given for there test lines utilizing 4-conductor bundles with subconductor diameters of 1.0, 1.196, and 1.382 inches.