Power Line Efficiency
James Madison University – ISAT 493 Senior Capstone | Power Line Efficiency Analysis | By Wade Reynolds | | Advisor: Dr. James L. Barnes | Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative |
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Jason Burch and Myron Rummel for their help and support throughout the duration of the study. Jason’s help proved to be critical in overcoming some of the complex technical challenges associated with the data calculations and solutions. I would also like to thank Dr. James Barnes for his help in developing the project and organizing the report.
Contents
Abstract 4
Introduction 5
Purpose 5
Research Questions 6
Literature Review 6
Rural Electric Cooperatives 6
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative 7
Clover Hill Feeder System 7
Importance of Transmission and Distribution Efficiency 8
Smart Grid 9
Transformers 9
Conductors 10
Methodology 11
Analysis 11
Conductor Efficiency 12
Transformer Efficiency 14
Discussion of Analysis 16
Results and Findings 16
Answers to Research Questions 17
Conclusions 19
References 20
Appendix 21
ABSTRACT
Rural Electric Cooperatives provide power to more than 42 million customers in rural communities across America, making them an integral part of the electric utility industry. As demand for electricity continues to grow at a rapid pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the infrastructure needed to meet that demand. Power loss due to inefficiency of distribution lines has been a major concern for many electric utilities, especially for Rural Electric Cooperatives, because a great deal of energy is lost traveling long distances between customers in rural areas. Modern technology may provide long term solutions to improve power line efficiency. The purpose of this research is to determine the most cost-effective and feasible technologies available that can, theoretically, be implemented into a grid system to improve efficiency and reduce
|
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Jason Burch and Myron Rummel for their help and support throughout the duration of the study. Jason’s help proved to be critical in overcoming some of the complex technical challenges associated with the data calculations and solutions. I would also like to thank Dr. James Barnes for his help in developing the project and organizing the report.
Contents
Abstract 4
Introduction 5
Purpose 5
Research Questions 6
Literature Review 6
Rural Electric Cooperatives 6
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative 7
Clover Hill Feeder System 7
Importance of Transmission and Distribution Efficiency 8
Smart Grid 9
Transformers 9
Conductors 10
Methodology 11
Analysis 11
Conductor Efficiency 12
Transformer Efficiency 14
Discussion of Analysis 16
Results and Findings 16
Answers to Research Questions 17
Conclusions 19
References 20
Appendix 21
ABSTRACT
Rural Electric Cooperatives provide power to more than 42 million customers in rural communities across America, making them an integral part of the electric utility industry. As demand for electricity continues to grow at a rapid pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the infrastructure needed to meet that demand. Power loss due to inefficiency of distribution lines has been a major concern for many electric utilities, especially for Rural Electric Cooperatives, because a great deal of energy is lost traveling long distances between customers in rural areas. Modern technology may provide long term solutions to improve power line efficiency. The purpose of this research is to determine the most cost-effective and feasible technologies available that can, theoretically, be implemented into a grid system to improve efficiency and reduce