Arizona Public Service Company Research Articles

Co-Creation of Knowledge by the Hopi Tribe and Archaeologists

AbstractFor two decades, the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office has worked with archaeologists to co-create knowledge about the past and document contemporary values associated with heritage sites. Much of this work has been accomplished within the framework of research mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Here we describe a case study that illustrates the processes of this community-based participatory research, including research design, implementation of fieldwork, peer review of research findings, and reporting. The case study is a project conducted in 2014 by the Hopi Tribe in partnership with Anthropological Research, LLC, to investigate traditional cultural properties associated with an Arizona Public Service Company transmission line. The Hopi Tribe’s collaborative research with archaeologists provides intellectual benefits for the management of archaeological resources and the humanistic and scientific understanding of the past.

Integrating solar PV (photovoltaics) in utility system operations: Analytical framework and Arizona case study

A systematic framework is proposed to estimate the impact on operating costs due to uncertainty and variability in renewable resources. The framework quantifies the integration costs associated with sub-hourly variability and uncertainty as well as day-ahead forecasting errors in solar PV (photovoltaics) power. A case study illustrates how changes in system operations may affect these costs for a utility in the southwestern United States (Arizona Public Service Company). We conduct an extensive sensitivity analysis under different assumptions about balancing reserves, system flexibility, fuel prices, and forecasting errors. We find that high solar PV penetrations may lead to operational challenges, particularly during low-load and high solar periods. Increased system flexibility is essential for minimizing integration costs and maintaining reliability. In a set of sensitivity cases where such flexibility is provided, in part, by flexible operations of nuclear power plants, the estimated integration costs vary between $1.0 and $4.4/MWh-PV for a PV penetration level of 17%. The integration costs are primarily due to higher needs for hour-ahead balancing reserves to address the increased sub-hourly variability and uncertainty in the PV resource.

Tribe at a Crossroads: The Navajo Nation Purchases a Coal Mine

Tribe at a Crossroads: The Navajo Nation Purchases a Coal Mine

Wind Integration Cost Impact Study for the Arizona Public Service Company: Modeling Approach and Results

The objectives of this study were to analyze operating impacts and costs of integrating wind energy in the Arizona Public Service (APS) balancing area, due to the variability and uncertainty of wind energy. Wind energy penetration levels from 1% to 10% were considered, corresponding to wind power levels of 100 MW to 1400 MW. A production cost simulation was conducted using APS system modeling software to assess the costs, by comparing the total production cost of the system with wind energy with a reference case that excludes the variability and uncertainty of wind energy. For APS's system, with an anticipated peak load of 7,905 MW in 2010, the integration costs were $0.91, $3.25, $3.57, and $4.08 per MWh for 1%, 4%, 7% and 10% wind energy. The geographic diversity of locating wind power plants over a large area was considered and found to have an important influence on the total integration cost.

Operation and maintenance field experience for off-grid residential photovoltaic systems

The field performance of photovoltaic systems has been studied extensively for many applications and a number of databases exist in the United States and internationally. However, these databases focus almost exclusively on the system elecrical performance. Published information on the operation and maintenance (O&M) experience and costs for photovoltaic systems is almost nonexistent. At a time when photovoltaics is being considered as a viable option for distributed energy generation, it is critical that maintenance experience be captured to identify lifecycle costs and/or levelized energy costs for these systems, as well as to identify areas for system and component improvements. This paper addresses the data collection, analysis and results of an off-grid residential customer service program offered by the Arizona Public Service (APS) Company over a six-year period from 1997 through 2002. Standardized, packaged photovoltaic systems were offered and operated by APS through a lease arrangement with customers throughout the state of Arizona. The operation and maintenance records for these systems were carefully tracked and analyzed. The O&M costs, database development, cost drivers, lifecycle cost implications, and lessons learned are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Deregulation, reengineering, and cultural transformation at Arizona public service company

Deregulation, reengineering, and cultural transformation at Arizona public service company

Migrating resource commitment from mainframe to PC

A medium-term unit commitment program is critical to the power operation group of a typical power utility. For the Arizona Public Service Company (APS) this means: a 2-to-5 day study period; up to 40 generators; and up to 20 sales/purchases. The original resource commitment system (RES) was envisioned to run on the real time energy management system computer. For many reasons the package was better suited to the corporate mainframe. As overall corporate computer demand was growing at a faster pace than the capability of the corporate mainframe, so turn-around times for typical RES runs were getting longer. APS decided to move RES to a PC platform. To accomplish this, the decision was made to migrate to an OS/2 platform using IBM PS/2, some 80286 and some 80486 based, connected using an Ethernet local area network. The new RES program, the user interface, the conversion of the source code to C, and the conversion of the database are discussed. >

Shaft torque monitoring using conventional digital fault recorders

A software package that utilizes a conventional digital fault recorder (DFR) and a personal computer (PC) to perform the important functions of a power station turbogenerator torsional monitor has been developed. This is referred to as MOST (monitoring of shaft torque). MOST was developed to take advantage of the current technology to provide simulated shaft torque monitoring that is simple, reliable and requires no new hardware. The authors provide a description of the theory and features of MOST. MOST uses outputs from a conventional DFR. MOST results have been validated by three independent methods. MOST is currently being applied at three nuclear units and five coal-fired units in the Arizona Public Service Company's system. >

Saturation Functions for Synchronous Generators from Finite Elements

Under EPRI sponsorship, a steady-state turbogenerator saturation algorithm suitable for inclusion in power system stability codes has been devised. The algorithm was constructed to fit reactances resulting from nonlinear finite-element calculations of steady-state load points covering the operating range (V,P,Q) of the generator. Saturation functions were derived for two generators: Cholla 4, owned by the Arizona Public Service Company, and Bull Run (HP unit), owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The owners of these generators measured steady-state load data for these machines, and the measured load angles and excitation currents were compared with those calculated using the algorithm. Agreement within 2 degrees in angle (max. 3 degrees), and 2 percent in excitation was obtained. This paper describes the fitting process and the comparisons of the results to test data. A companion paper describes increases in power transfer found from coding the algorithm into an existing stability program, and testing the prototype code on an 1100 bus stability study.

Saturation Functions for Synchronous Generators from Finite Elements

Under EPRI sponsorship, a steady-state turbogenerator saturation algorithm suitable for inclusion in power system stability codes has been devised. The algorithm was constructed to fit reactances resulting from nonlinear finite-element calculations of steady-state load points covering the operating range (V,P,Q) of the generator. Saturation functions were derived for two generators: Cholla 4, owned by the Arizona Public Service Company, and Bull Run (HP unit), owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The owners of these generators measured steady-state load data for these machines, and the measured load angles and excitation currents were compared with those calculated using the algorithm. Agreement within 2 degrees in angle (max. 3 degrees), and 2 percent in excitation was obtained. This paper describes the fitting process and the comparisons of the results to test data. A companion paper describes increases in power transfer found from coding the algorithm into an existing stability program, and testing the prototype code on an 1100 bus stability study.

Handling hostile training audiences: Motivation and attitude change

Performance & Instruction JournalVolume 22, Issue 1 p. 26-28 Article Handling hostile training audiences: Motivation and attitude change Kenneth E. Carlisle, Kenneth E. Carlisle Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Arizona Public Service Company Kenneth E. Carlisle is a Nuclear Training Analyst at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Arizona Public Service Company in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be contacted at 4718 North 79th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85033. Business Phone: 602-932-5300. Ext. 6392.Search for more papers by this author Kenneth E. Carlisle, Kenneth E. Carlisle Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Arizona Public Service Company Kenneth E. Carlisle is a Nuclear Training Analyst at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Arizona Public Service Company in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be contacted at 4718 North 79th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85033. Business Phone: 602-932-5300. Ext. 6392.Search for more papers by this author First published: February 1983 https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4150220118 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume22, Issue1February 1983Pages 26-28 RelatedInformation

The learning strategy technique of task analysis

Performance & InstructionVolume 21, Issue 10 p. 9-41 Article The learning strategy technique of task analysis Kenneth E. Carlisle, Kenneth E. Carlisle Arizona Public Service Company Kenneth E. Carlisle 4718 No. 79th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033. 602-846-2573Search for more papers by this author Kenneth E. Carlisle, Kenneth E. Carlisle Arizona Public Service Company Kenneth E. Carlisle 4718 No. 79th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033. 602-846-2573Search for more papers by this author First published: December 1982 https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4170211011 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume21, Issue10December 1982Pages 9-41 RelatedInformation

Disturbance and Revegetation of Sonoran Desert Vegetation in an Arizona Powerline Corridor

Rates and patterns of revegetation were studied during and after construction of the 500 kV Navajo Project Southern Transmission Line at two sites in the Arizona Sonoran Desert from 1972 through 1977. Herbs were reduced temporarily during the construction phase of the study. Perennial herbs did not return in the 5-year post-construction period. Annual herbs invaded immediately after disturbance. In one case annual herb density and diversity was higher after disturbance due to removal of larger woody plants. The tree and shrub community exhibited dynamic changes in cover, diversity, and richness, presumably in response to the climate. However, colonization by new species was not observed during the 5 years of study. Colonization by previously existing species seemed to be limited to Ambrosia deltoidea, probably due to its ability to reproduce vegetatively and to annual herbs. Annuals which were also on two control plots were probably a colonizing sere of plants. Patterns of revegetation and plant succession in arid areas have been documented by only a few researchers. Wells (1961) described a specialized community, with more species than the climax, that established itself on the deserted streets of a Nevada ghost town. The specialized community persisted in marginal areas such as arroyo bottoms where the neighboring climax was prevented from becoming established, probably because of natural disturbances there. Its presence on the streets was thought to be due to the removal of the more competitive climax shrubs. The results obtained by Vasek, et al. (1975) were similar, especially that washes served as refugia for pioneering species. However, they also emphasized that the early successional species composed a significant proportion of the undisturbed vegetation. The ability of the original plants to regrow, either from seeds or rhizomes may also be a crucial factor in patterns of revegetation. Egler (1954) and Connell and Slatyer (1977) have discussed this concept and Niering and Goodwin (1974) have shown its importance under a powerline in Connecticut. We studied revegetation and colonization of plants before, during, and after construction of the 500 kV Navajo Project Southern Transmission Line (NPSTL), which connects the Navajo Power Plant in Page, Arizona, with Phoenix, Arizona. Construction was initiated in 1972 when a survey strip varying from 7 m to over 20 m wide was cleared by bulldozers. The middle of the survey strip received additional use as an access road while pylons and powerlines were erected in 1973. We chose two areas along the powerline which had received different degrees of disturbance. At Site 1, vegetation and the top Authors are with the Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 8601 1. Authors thank Arizona Public Service Company. Tucson Gas and Electric Company, and Salt River Project for funds to conduct this research. Manuscript received September 18, 1980. several inches of soil were removed on a hillside. At Site 2 large trees, cacti, and shrubs were removed, but removal of small shrubs such as bur-sage (Ambrosia deltoidea (Torr.)) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia probably phaeacantha Engelm.) was not

Underground Distribution Thermal Tests in the Phoenix Area

This paper summarizes the results of an 18-month thermal test program conducted jointly by the Arizona Public Service Company and the General Electric Company to investigate thermal characteristics of soil and performance of underground equipment in the Phoenix area. The results presented include earth ambient temperatures at various depths over an annual cycle, earth thermal resistivity measurements by steady-state and transient methods, performance of direct burial and vault installation of capacitors, performance of a directly buried, 25-kVA, pole-type distribution transformer, and temperature rise of simulated cables.

Cholla Series Capacitor Installation Phoenix - Four Corners 345-kV Transmission System

Arizona Public Service Company placed into service two 147 OOO-kvar 345-kV series capacitor banks in July, 1964, on their Phoenix-Four Corners transmission system. This paper is a general presentation of the background, engineering studies, and design, including the preparation of specifications, design of equipment components, and testing of these facilities. It is not within the scope of this paper to discuss in detail individual phases of the engineering studies involved. The intent is that more papers shall be written amplifying these specific studies.

Optimized Distribution and Subtransmission Planning by Digital Computer III-Primary Main Circuit Design

A computer program has been developed for studying the design of the primary main circuit. This program is part of a series of programs developed jointly by the Arizona Public Service Company and the General Electric Company. The program, which can be used independently or in conjunction with programs for studying secondary and subtransmission system economics, examines each of many possible primary circuit designs, determines investment and operating costs, and compares the total cost with that of other possible designs. Use of the program at four different load levels and two primary circuit voltage levels has produced much significant data and has resulted in optimization of conductor size and of the dimensions of the substation load area. In addition, a lower annual cost for higher primary circuit distribution voltage has been demonstrated.

Optimized Distribution and Subtransmission Planning by Digital Computer IV-Subtransmission System Design

A computer program for studying the economics of subtransmission system design is described, and the results of its use on a load area of the Arizona Public Service Company are summarized. The program, which can be used independently or in conjunction with programs for studying secondary and primary system economics, examines each of many possible subtransmission designs, determines investment and operating costs, and compares the total cost with that of other possible designs. The use of the program with data for a specific load area for four different load levels produced cost savings on the order of 9 percent of total secondary plus primary plus subtransmission costs and established the low cost combinations of subtransmission voltage, conductor size, distribution substation rating, and bulk power station locations and capacities.

Optimized Distribution and Subtransmission System Planning by Digital Computer I-System Philosophy

The principal features of a co-operative planning study by the Arizona Public Service Company and the General Electric Company are described. Objective of the joint study is to determine optimum design of distribution and subtransmission systems to serve a large load area. To accomplish this objective a series of four digital computer programs have been developed. These programs generate the costs and characteristics of systems designed to serve a specified area for fixed load conditions.

Switching-Surge and Dynamic Voltage Study of Arizona Public Service Company's Proposed 345-Kv Transmission System Utilizing Miniature Analyzer Techniques

Investigations were conducted of switching-surge phenomena on the proposed addition of the 292-mile 345-kv transmission lines to Arizona Public Service Company's system. In order to arrive at balanced design and operating conditions with regard to surge voltages, insulation levels, arrester protection, and switching procedures, a study was performed on a system in miniature. Data, results, and conclusions from this study are presented.

Improving Transient Stability by Use of Dynamic Braking

Results of studies for the application of decelerating resistors for improving transient stability on the Arizona Public Service Company 292-mile transmission system from the Four Corners Plant to Phoenix are presented and analyzed. These studies indicate the feasibility of the use of decelerating resistors for overcoming cases of transient stability at a minimum cost. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first investigation of this application in the design of a system.