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New Technology Programs
Other Programs
Overall, the Power Authority has completed or is
working on more than 60 technology development projects. Here’s a look
at a few others:
Combined Heat-and-Power (CHP) Program—Combined
heat-and-power, or cogeneration, technologies produce electricity and
meet thermal energy needs (heat, hot water, steam, heating and cooling)
simultaneously at the point of use. By contrast, conventional generation
discards much of the heat generated in production. In addition to its
increased efficiency, CHP offers numerous other advantages, including
reduced energy costs, reduced emissions and improved reliability. We are
currently working with the New York State Office of General Services and the State University of New
York to install CHP systems at several of their facilities.
Transmission System Research—As a result of the
1998
ice storm, which caused extensive power outages and considerable
property damage to our transmission equipment, we embarked on
research to help ensure the reliability of our transmission system and
related equipment, from circuit breakers to the anchor rods used to
stabilize transmission towers. Most of the research is focused on
improved methods for inspecting and maintaining equipment and
providing early detection of potential problems.
Monitoring and Diagnostic Program—Using various
technologies, we are working to
improve the efficiency and reliability of our hydro and fossil-fueled
plants and reduce the cost of
producing power. In many cases, we're employing technologies that we've
helped develop:
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HydroTracTM
is a totally automated system that conducts continuous online testing
of winding insulation in hydroelectric generators. Winding insulation
is subject to electrical, mechanical, thermal and environmental
stresses which, if not monitored, can cause the unit to fail and
require costly repairs. NYPA, along with EPRI and Iris Power
Engineering, won a 2001 R&D 100 Award (the “Oscars” of applied
technology) for HydroTracTM,
designated one of the 100 most technologically significant new
products of the year by R&D Magazine.
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Moniteq is an online monitoring system that
evaluates high-voltage circuit breakers to detect any departure from
normal operating conditions and warns of malfunctions and possible
failure. This system brought NYPA, Hydro Quebec and Con Edison a 1995
R&D 100 Award as one of the 100 most technologically significant new
products of that year.
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HydroX is an expert system we are developing
for monitoring and diagnosing the mechanical and electrical condition
of hydro machinery. Use of this system will allow maintenance to be
performed on a predictive (based on the condition of the equipment)
rather than a preventive (replacing equipment at regularly scheduled
intervals) basis, thereby increasing reliability and reducing costs.
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SF6 Laser Imaging Camera is a technology
capable of detecting sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas leaks in
substations and power plants. SF6 gas is used as an insulator in power
equipment. It is becoming increasingly expensive and is listed by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a greenhouse gas. Utilities are
voluntarily reducing SF6 leakage to reduce its environmental
impact. In addition, by using this technology as part of our standard
maintenance inspections, we are able to locate leaks and order parts
prior to the removal of the equipment from service, preventing
equipment failure and reducing maintenance costs.
Advanced Oxidation Technologies—A water
purification project at Manhattan’s Central Park Wildlife Center uses
electricity to generate ozone, a disinfectant that can destroy organic
material in the zoo’s aquatic exhibits. The system has made the water
safer and cleaner for sea lions, polar bears, penguins and puffins and
has eliminated the need to disinfect the animals' life support systems
with large amounts of chlorine.
EMF Management—Working with EPRI, we developed a
passive-shield loop system that has successfully reduced electric and
magnetic fields (EMF) along high-voltage transmission lines. This
first-of-its-kind system has cut magnetic fields near a NYPA-owned
345-kilovolt line right-of-way to one-seventh of its original strength.
Transmission Lines Upgrade—A comprehensive study
has been performed for upgrading NYPA’s Moses Adirondack wood pole
transmission lines. Most of the structures for this line are over 30
years old and in need of replacement and upgrade. NYPA and EPRI teamed
up to study and analyze alternative upgrade strategies considering
comparative capital costs, maintenance costs, lifetime costs and
constructability issues. Based on the outcome of this study a decision
will be made on how to proceed on this upgrade.
Transmission Line Sag Monitoring—NYPA has been
working on real-time monitoring of transmission line sags on critical
spans on its 345 kV transmission lines using video Sagometers (sag
measurement devices). A Sagometer can monitor the sag or the height of
the lowest point on a transmission line conductor from the ground. The
use of satellite communication is being considered for transmitting this
data to the system operators at NYPA’s energy control center to ensure
safe and reliable power system operation.
Whether we’re using leading-edge technology or
practicing old-fashioned conservation measures, the New York Power
Authority is committed to environmental
preservation.
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