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: 

• HydroTrac^TM 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 HydroTrac^TM, designated one of the 100 most technologically significant new products of the year by R&D Magazine.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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Contents:

• Introduction

• Transmission control technologies

• Fuel cells

• Solar photovoltaic systems

• Microturbines

• GPS-based power system measurements

• Other programs