Event Recordings

Conservation Voltage Reduction – Saving Customers, the Environment and the Network
Ty Christopher

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

The Australian low voltage network is nominally a 230 Volt system. The reality however is the low voltage network operates at or above 245 volts most of the time. This over supply of voltage increases system demand and customer energy use, as well as reducing the lives of customer equipment. Higher than necessary operating voltages on low voltage networks is also constraining solar generation output at certain times. Conservation Voltage reduction (CVR) is a cost efficient, proven method of reducing peak demand and energy consumption. Unfortunately for Australian electricity consumers, the costs of CVR implementation fall to network businesses while the majority of the benefits are realised by end use customers. How can we push through the barriers and achieve a win for customers, a win for the environment and a win for network companies?

CopperString 2.0 EHV Transmission Project
CopperString 2.0 - 19 November 2020

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

EESA is pleased to present John O’Brien, Executive Chairman of CopperString 2.0 who will explore the interrelationship between the technical, commercial and regulatory frameworks that result in the CopperString network providing massive value to the Queensland and Australian economies. The presentation will provide some insight into the technical parameters that drive the design of the network and its integration into the NEM.

CopperString is a major EHV transmission project to combine the North West Minerals Province of Queensland and the National Electricity Market. Although the NWMP uses more energy that the NEM from Townsville north it is an isolated supply system and is not covered by NEM Rules. The NWMP is a combination of isolated major load sites and the North West Power System which provides a network connection between Mount Isa and Cloncurry and the mining zones north of both regional population centres.

The CopperString project is the single largest expansion of the national transmission network and is unique in the history of the NEM because it involves integration of two existing electricity systems where one system (NWMP) is not covered by the NEM Rules.

Bringing the NWMP into the NEM will have a dramatic impact on the industrial eco-system between the NWMP and Townsville. It will also stimulate major renewable energy developments in one of the only renewable energy zones that AEMO classifies as A class wind and A class solar.

The presentation will explore the interrelationship between the technical, commercial and regulatory frameworks that result in the CopperString network providing massive value to the Queensland and Australian economies.

Flexible Power Links for Sub-Transmission – Voltage Source Converters
Distribution, Transmission and Generation Industry - 10 November 2020

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

Traditional reinforcement solutions to both voltage and thermal issues of distribution grids typically involve the replacement of existing assets and equipment with larger equivalents or extensions that have a higher current carrying capacity. Historically these solutions have been suitable and proportionate to the problems identified; however, the nature of generation on the network is changing dramatically. Generation is now becoming increasingly decentralised through connections at distribution level rather than on the transmission system. In addition, both the generation sources as well as loads are becoming more variable in nature (wind and solar, e-vehicles). This has resulted in issues being created on the network that are much more variable based on load requirements and weather conditions as an example.

Dynamic shunt compensation equipment such SVCs or STATCOMs can detect and instantly compensate for voltage fluctuations, mitigate impacts of flicker, correct power factor, improve voltage stability, facilitate integration of renewables and protecting the electrical grid.

The most versatile power electronic equipment providing power flow control as well as voltage control on both input and output completely independently is the back-to-back converter like a Flexible Power Link (FPL). FPL/ MVDC technologies allow the balancing of generation and demand and management of voltage profiles within two areas of distribution network.

Impacts of overhead power lines on Tasmania’s eagles
TasNetworks - 29 October 2020

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

Wedge-tailed eagles are an iconic part of the Tasmanian landscape. However, their population is small and the species is threatened. Their large wing-span and hunting patterns make them vulnerable to power line collision and/or electrocution. Solomon Foster (Senior Asset Strategy Engineer, TasNetworks) and Mandy Fish (Continuous Improvement Specialist, TasNetworks, and Engineers Australia’s Young Environmental Engineer of the Year 2019) will share the steps TasNetworks are taking to minimise the risk to these beautiful birds, and in turn manage the utility’s network reliability, reputational, legislative and environmental sustainability risks.

Traction Overhead Line Design & Power Modelling – Transport NSW
Transport NSW - 21 October 2020

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

This webinar shall be split into two presentations.

The first presentation includes modelling of the traction power network. This is a complex task that involves inputs from a number of disciplines, including timetabling, operations, track, rolling stock, mechanical and electrical. As Sydney's demand for rail transport grows, modelling becomes increasingly important to ensure the varying traction power demand is accommodated. This presentation will provide an overview of the traction modelling process and discuss some of the inputs, resultant outputs and some key challenges involved in assessing the performance of the traction network.

The second presentation, shall provide an overview of overhead line design for train networks, considering both electrical and mechanical criteria for both power flow and structural integrity.

DC & AC Rail Electrification - Optimised railway electrification solutions
Janis Emolins & Derrick Nofal - 13 October 2020

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

DC Electrification – Globally almost half of all electric railways use direct current traction. In mass transit systems, maximum nominal voltages up to 1500V are used because of the potential danger of higher voltages. The most common voltages are 750V and 1500VThe distance between substations varies from 1km to 6km. In the design and operation of direct current railways, special attention has to be paid to the problems of traction current return to minimise the hazard of stray current corrosion. The presentation will tackle these matters.

AC Electrification - Introduction to converter solutions for improved railway grid feeding concepts, including the pros and cons between the various technologies and reference to local and global project sites.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Janis Emolins, ABB Masters in Engineering, Electrical Science –Transportation and Infrastructure Lead

Janis is a registered Electrical Engineering professional offering extensive expertise and knowledge in the successful delivery of high-profile, high-value large-scale infrastructure projects in the Power Supply, Renewable Energy, Communications and Utilities, and Rail sectors. He has successfully led and managed multiple teams in his professional career, incorporating Project Management roles, offering an exceptional level of business acumen, communication, presentation, negotiation and stakeholder management and engagement skills. Janis can easily identify challenges, formulate solutions and drive the solution to a successful outcome, all within a team environment.

Projects successfully delivered:

• Tuas West Extension, Rail Power Supply System for 7km of Rail Extension. Land and Transport Authority, Singapore
• Circle Line, 33km of underground driverless Metro System with 34 underground stations. Land and Transport Authority, Singapore
• High Capacity Metro Trains Depot Project, Rail Systems Design and Delivery, Interface Management Rail Projects Victoria, Australia
• Melbourne Tunnel, Preliminary Design and Traction Power Modelling Completed and Issued to CYP, Rail Projects Victoria
• Sydney Light Rail, TfNSW

Derrick Nofal, ABB PG Australia

Derrick has spent the last 24 years of his career within the Distribution, Transmission and Generation Industry. He holds a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering - Heavy current (Wits Technikon – South Africa).

Derrick has held a variety of roles, which included testing and commissioning of Transmission and Distribution substations for close on 14yrs with Eskom (South Africa) and Powerlink (Australia).

International Developments in Nuclear Power
Ian Hore-Lacy - 13 October 2020

ABOUT THIS WEBINAR

The aim of this webinar is to educate and inform on the latest developments in nuclear power:

• The development and status of new technologies which are likely to be the future of nuclear power, including new generation, smaller nuclear reactors.
• Improvements in safety design of reactors and associated cooling systems and auxiliary plant.
• The capability of nuclear power to perform a load following duty.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Ian Hore-Lacy M.Sc., B.Sc., Senior Research Analyst with the World Nuclear Association, an international trade association based in London. Ian lives in Melbourne.He has had 25 years in the nuclear industry, and before that 20 years with CRA/Rio Tinto, joining as Environmental Scientist in 1974.He is author of Nuclear Energy in 21st Century, the 11th edition of which was published in 2018.His particular interests encompass the technical to the ethical aspects of mineral resources and their use, especially for nuclear power.

Challenges in Energy Australia’s demand response trial with ARENA
Kelsey Rowe - 8 October 2020

Demand response is demonstrating its capacity to support the development of a new Australian energy system that works, one underpinned by renewable energy and supported by flexible “firm” generation, storage and smart energy management. In the first half of 2020 EnergyAustralia’s ongoing demand response trial attracted more participants – even though no marketing recruitment campaigns were run – and delivered reductions in load at or exceeding targets, helping maintain system reliability. In “live” tests, demand response provided a market reserve of more than 50MW, freeing up capacity when it is needed most.

Kelsey’s presentation will dive into the challenges faced by the trial across our various customer segments and how distributed energy and demand response are looking to shape our energy system in the years to come.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Kelsey Rowe, Solution Design Lead | NextGen

Kelsey has a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering and Master in Advanced Engineering (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering) from Monash University. Prior to EnergyAustralia Kelsey worked at GreenSync delivering a range of demand response projects for energy retailers and network operators.

SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future
Dr. Robert May | Ashley Nicholls - Wednesday 30 September 2020

SA Water is taking a pro-active approach to managing energy price risk and through its Zero Cost Energy Future (ZCEF) program is installing a total 154MW of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) energygeneration and 17 MW (34 MWh) battery energy storage systems at more than 30 of its operational sites. ZCEF aims to reduce our annual net electricity cost to zero to delivering cost reduction to South Australian customers.

As part of ZCEF, we are developing an integrated Energy Management System (EMS) to optimise operation of treatment and pumping facilities to minimise costs and maximise benefits from our new energy generation assets, while ensuring service delivery and continuity.

The EMS will bring together real-time information on current energy market and water and wastewater system status, and short-term forecasts of energy market prices, solar PV generation and water demand to determine optimum operational decisions for the best energy price and service delivery outcomes.

The system will utilise state-of-the-art energy analysis and real-time decision support systems, including Tesla Autobidder to manage the operation of its distributed battery fleet; and PLEXOS modelling and optimisation software to provide decision support for operating its flexible load.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Robert May, Energy Optimisation Specialist, Energy Portfolio Team | SA Water

Robert is currently Energy Optimisation Specialist within the Energy Portfolio Team at SA Water, and is responsible for the development of intelligent systems for the co-optimisation of water and energy asset operations as part of Zero Cost Energy Future.

Robert is an engineer/data scientist with a career spanning over 18 years in the municipal water and wastewater sector throughout Australia, Asia, Europe and Latin America; with experience in a broad range of technical engineering and management roles, covering treatment plant operation, network management, asset management, and research and development for water, wastewater and recycled water systems.

Robert’s academic qualifications include a PhD in machine learning applied to water engineering applications, and BEng (Chem) and BSc (Biochemistry and Applied Mathematics) degrees from the University of Adelaide. He has also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide for over 10 years.

Ashley Nicholls, Energy Portfolio Manager | SA Water

Ashley Nicholls is the Energy Portfolio Manager at SA Water. Ashley has held several senior roles in the Australian electricity sector since the beginning of the electricity market with Babcock & Brown, Flinders Power and Trustpower particularly in energy trading, portfolio structuring and renewable energy development roles.

His influence at SA Water has seen it move from a traditional electricity retail contracting to one of the more sophisticated electricity consumers in the country, most recently initiating SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future program and framing the electricity portfolio to guide that investment program. His team is responsible for SA Water’s energy portfolio including energy consumption and generation optimisation, wholesale market energy trading and energy portfolio planning and risk management.

Ashley has a degree in Mechanical Engineering an MBA and Grad Dip. in Applied Finance.

Optimising Spur and Single-Wire Earth Return (SWER) Line Protection for Increased Reliability
Greg Schellenberg, Obaid ur Rehman, Roxanna Partow - 24 September 2020

Join us for a series of three webinars designed to share our strategies and experience with reliability improvement on distribution networks.

Today in webinar two, we will explore protection strategies, including fuse saving, sectionalising, and lateral reclosing, used by distribution network service providers to improve spur and single-wire earth return (SWER) line reliability. We will first introduce the basic principles behind these strategies and then compare the relative reliability benefits between them by considering improvements in the two key reliability measures, SAIDI and SAIFI. Furthermore, we will present methods for determining the business case for each strategy and a representative case study that illustrates these benefits.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Greg Schellenberg | Manager, Applications | S&C Electric Company

Greg provides support and specific application knowledge on S&C products to customers in the Asia Pacific region. Greg has been involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from automation of distribution feeders to improve network reliability, to power quality projects where battery energy storage solutions were provided. Greg is currently a registered E.I.T with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, and before moving to the S&C Asia Pacific business unit was an active member of the IEEE PES/IAS local Chapter in Alberta. Greg holds a B. Eng. Electrical Engineering specialising in Electrical Energy System from the University of Victoria in British Colombia, Canada.

Obaid ur Rehman | Application Manager | S&C Electric Company

Obaid provides support and specific application knowledge on S&C products to customers in the Asia Pacific region. Obaid has experience in working with utilities in the operation and maintenance domain in transmission and distribution. Obaid holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from NED UET Pakistan and an MBA OF Supply Chain Management from the Institute of Business Administration. He is also an active member of Engineers Australia and CIGRE.

Roxanna Partow | Senior Consultant, Consulting & Analytical Services, Asia Pacific | S&C Electric Company

Roxanna provides support on performing analytical studies associated with network planning and protection, including power flow, short-circuit, protective device coordination, distributed generator interconnection, and reliability studies on S&C products and services. Roxanna has over 10 years of experience as a both an engineer and management professional across various roles and industries relating to the power sector, infrastructure sector, transport sector, sustainability and innovation. Roxanna holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), in Electrical and Computer Systems from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science from Monash University.

Overhead line conductor damage from bushfires – ‘an assessment methodology'
Garry Brennan - 23 September 2020

In recent time, Brennan Consultants Australia has had a couple of clients interested in bushfire conductor exposure and longer term conductor serviceability. The normal ABC of bushfire damaged power line restoration is

A) conductor meets a visible inspection - conductors retension;

B) other line restorations works; and

C) power line returned to service.

Often longer term conductor degradation studies are not carried out and asset managers should be mindful that conductors may be exposure to temperature excursions for a couple of hours prior to a bushfire passing, many minutes of direct flame contact and after the fire passed several hours of radiant heat exposure.

The exposed conductors experienced thermal excursions will result in some annealing, for ACSR, loss of grease protecting the Al/Zn interface; melting of the Zn coating of the steel wires; and in extreme cases, Al may have experienced melting.

Other than the melting of the conductors, the annealing damage, loss of grease and loss of Zn is not visibly detectable. Doubts will remain as to the longer term serviceability of the conductors and appropriate insurance assessments and future risks.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Garry Brennan

Registered, Chartered Professional Engineer, Fellow Engineers Australia, Masters Engineering Degree (Honours) Mechanical, Bachelors Engineering Degree (Honours) Electrical and Graduate Diploma Management.

An expert, regularly undertakes forensic investigations and root cause analysis into overhead line failures, bush fires, conductor degradation and serviceability, electrical equipment failures, fires and electric shocks.

Extensive experience in overhead line planning, optimization, design, construction, assessment and life prediction, maintenance strategies and operation and spans 500 to 11 kV lines and includes lattice steel towers, concrete, steel and wood poles.Experience in high voltage and high current testing.

15 years’ experience, managing NSW South Coast 132 and 33 kV transmission network including major customers Blue Scope Steel and Tallawarra Power Station.

Currently, Transmission Line and Conductor Specialist consultant and previously Endeavour Energy’s Transmission Manager, worked at TransGrid (ECNSW) and Ausgrid (SCC) with over 45 years electrical supply industry experience commencing as an apprentice.

Recognized industry expert in bare overhead conductors completing a Masters Degree by thesis on “Methodology for the Assessment of the Serviceability of Aged Transmission Line Conductors” and conductor selection, degradation and serviceability life assessment.

Past Convenor of the CIGRE , Overhead Lines Australian Panel and past Australian CIGRE, International Overhead Lines Study Committee. Awarded CIGRE Technical Committee Award and Australian National Committee Award of Merit.

Long-standing commitment to continuing education, published 12 part conductors series, 4 part uprating of power lines series, been a post graduate lecturer at the University of Wollongong and since 2008, presented to over 500 participants Australia and New Zealand wide, a 2 day seminar on “Fundamentals of Overhead Line Design.”

Member of Standards Australia technical committees on Design of Overhead Power Lines,Conductor and Insulator. In 2006, major industry achievement was to persuade Standards Australia to develop an overhead lines design Standard which was published in 2010.

Technologies enabling hydrogen export from WA
Lourens Jacobs - Tuesday 8 September 2020

Greenhouse gas emissions in a business-as-usual scenario can lead to global warming of more than 4°C, causing a substantial global environmental impact. Hydrogen has been identified as a key enabler for transitioning to lower carbon fuels. Hydrogen & ammonia is a potential way to transport renewable energy and can be used in power generation, transport and industrial applications. Our traditional energy trading partners Japan and South Korea have strategic hydrogen roadmaps as a way to decarbonise their economy. Western Australia, having access to gas resources and potentially large scale renewable resources can be a natural future hydrogen export partner. Which key technologies can potentially enable WA becoming a leader in hydrogen export?

This event will incorporate the 2020 EESA WA chapter AGM which will run for 15 minutes at the beginning of the event.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Mr Lourens Jacobs, Hydrogen Development Lead at Woodside Energy

Lourens Jacobs is currently the Hydrogen Development Lead at Woodside Energy. Previous roles include Engineering Manager, Technical Manager and Business Development Manager, having work in the Oil and Gas industry in South-Africa, Qatar and Australia. He developed several innovative concepts and successfully turned them into viable business propositions over the last 25 years. Previous ideas include the first production and use of synthetic jet fuel commercially, the first commercial Gas-to-Liquids facility converting natural gas into premium diesel, the first of its kind li-ion battery on an offshore gas platform and his current focus is New Energy and the export of Hydrogen. Lourens holds Bachelor and Honours degrees in Chemical Engineering and is currently doing a MBA through AGSM UNSW.