Technical Service Center, Infrastructure Services
Hydropower Technical Services Group (86-68440)
Group Manager: Jim Zeiger (303) 445-2850
Mead 500-kV Substation Staged Fault Tests |
The Hydropower Technical Services Group provides the Bureau of Reclamation's hydroelectric power facilities with a centralized location for technical expertise in diagnostics, troubleshooting, O&M, hydroelectric powerplant control, automation, and incident investigations. This Group's services were best summed up by a hydroelectric project manager who said he looks to its specialized engineers to provide the next higher tier of technical expertise to assist his field engineers.
The group supports Reclamation's efforts to provide additional energy, reduce losses, enhance efficiencies, increase powerplant reliability, and reduce generator forced outages. Enhancing energy production means we can obtain the same amount of power with less water, thereby providing more energy and more water flexibility for other uses including environmental, recreational, etc. and allow Reclamation to move forward under deregulation.
Many of the engineering staff have an extensive university-based advanced engineering background in their respective areas of expertise. An applied research program to meet hydroelectric powerplant needs and a supportive lab environment have enhanced the group's technical expertise and capabilities.
Our expertise includes, but is not limited to:
- Power System Modeling (e.g., arc-flash analysis, fault studies, circuit transient, synchronous stability, harmonic system performance, insulation coordination, power flow studies, and facility design rating reviews)
- Protective relaying recommendations, settings, commissioning, and testing
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems design and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems
- Replacement recommendations for power transformers, circuit breakers, and surge arresters
- Support for Reclamation's Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) power reliability requirements
- Power apparatus (rotating machinery, power transformers, electronics, etc.)
- Electrical insulation systems including rotating machinery and cable systems
- Excitation systems (voltage regulators) and speed governor systems including related power systems stability and controls
- Automatic generation control, water and power scheduling, plant SCADA systems, evaluation and analysis, SCADA system software support, and SCADA system security accreditation