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Real-Time Data Aids On-Going Conversions in District Locations

Real-Time Data Aids On-Going Conversions in District Locations

Use of real-time data is helping NV Energy crews as they continue voltage conversions in district locations including Battle Mountain and Lovelock.

As part of the conversions, NV Energy is using an online system called PI which gathers real-time loading data at the circuit level using information-advanced relays and transducers – a device that converts energy from one form to another. This data is very useful for operations and planning and the availability of this data helps save NV Energy money by telling crews if transformers need to be replaced based on the load in the area. This data used to be kept on paper but this online tool presents real-time data which is helpful for the ongoing Battle Mountain and Lovelock conversions.

“Looking at real load information allows us to see if we have space to grow and if there is capacity there,” said John Krum, P.E, Supervisor of Engineering, Districts. “The new transformer demand tool allows us to see if a transformer can handle the load. If so, it can stay and if not, it needs to be replaced. This process helps ensure capacity and safety.”

In Battle Mountain, crews are replacing the 14.4kV ungrounded system with a modern, four-wire 24.9 kV grounded WYE to improve safety and reliability. Over time customers add load to transformers and don’t inform NV Energy so the new transformer demand tool will help ensure the existing capacity is sufficient.

In Lovelock, crews are replacing the ungrounded Lovelock 7.2kV Delta system with a modern 12.47kV four-wire WYE to improve safety and reliability. Krum explained that the reason for this timing of conversions in Lovelock was to ensure that customers are not out of power during the growing season.

In addition, crews inspect infrastructure and replace poles as necessary.

“We look at the spacing between the poles,” Krum said. “Nowadays, distance between poles is typically between 300 and 400 feet and we are finding some that are over 400 feet apart. As we reduce the distance between poles, it helps increase reliability as there is less chance for lines slapping together in the wind.”

In Elko, the 2.4kV to 24.9kV conversion project helps improve safety, capacity and reliability. Currently, there are different voltages in Elko and as such some areas don’t have backup due to the voltage differences.

“The different systems in the Elko area make it difficult to transfer loads but getting Elko over to one voltage will make it much easier to tie different circuits in the area,” Krum said.

Krum said between 50-100 customers are affected by being taken out of power for each section that NV Energy converts. However, he says building the new system across from the old system minimizes outages as crews are able to cut customers over the new service quickly so outage time is only a couple hours compared to an entire day. Each conversion section project takes between 1-2 weeks to complete.

Conversions Play a Role in Supporting Economic Development in Rural Nevada
The conversions taking place throughout district locations such as Elko, Lovelock and Battle Mountain also play a role in supporting economic development in those areas. While most of these places are built out in the older sections of town, there are new businesses coming in and the conversions ensure these areas can accommodate new business.

“As we are going through those areas converting lines we will be able to transfer loads much easier between circuits enhancing reliability and safety,” Krum said.

These conversations also help focus dollars on a certain area on a more economical scale.

Special Thanks To:
Dick Campbell, Area Service Manager, Elko
Chris Hofmann, Director Grid Operations and Reliability
Kip Jackson, Director, Engineering and Project Manager and the whole budgeting system
Thomas Kelly, Manager, Operations R&A and Invest Planning
John Krum, P.E., Supervisor Engineering, Districts
Bob Rice, Area Service Manager, Winnemucca
All of the crews on each project

Elko 2014

A before photo in Elko of conversion showing infrastructure still located on the old poles on the left of the alley that were in the process of being moved to the new poles on the right of the alley.

Elko 2018

An area in Elko where the infrastructure has been moved from the left side to new poles on the right. If the other utilities were not ready to move their infrastructure at the time we completed our project we ‘top’ the pole and leave their equipment on those poles (note the poles still on the left in the bottom photo.)