EnergyBiz - January/February 2008 - (Page 53) READ REGULARLY UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOPIC AT WWW.ENERGYCENTRAL.COM/TDA.CFM Guidebook « AEP’s Jacksons Ferry - Wyoming 765kV project used the first six-bundle conductor configuration in North America to reduce line losses and audible noise. Photos CourtEsy of AEP Transmission & disTribuTion auTomaTion Reaching the Next Level By Michael heyeck Lik e m a n y in m y er a, i decided to become an engineer during the glory years of the space program. I was intrigued by technological advances televised in prime time, as well as failures of science, including the tragic fire on Apollo I and the “successful” failure of Apollo XIII. The engineers at the drawing board were using technology to serve the public. In the electric power industry as well, engineers enjoy the backdrop of public service, driving advancements fueling the nation’s economy and bringing comfort to our homes. As licensed professional engineers, we have an ethical obligation to further the betterment of society. Engineers in our industry are attempting to tackle the challenges of clean coal alternatives, better transmission, nuclear and renewable technology, station automation, the myriad components of a smarter grid, and many things in between, for the betterment of all consumers. In American Electric Power’s research and development surrounding 765-kilovolt technology, we’ve developed – among other things – a six-conductor bundle configuration that drastically reduces line losses and audible noise on our 765-kilovolt lines. We are working to resolve issues ranging from homeland security to the future of our planet. But there are impediments to implementation. Striking statements made at recent conferences tell the story of our industry’s current status. “We will boldly go where everyone has gone before…Our industry spends less on R&D than the sanitation industry…Technology is risky in the face of mandatory reliability standards.” Impediments to critical technological advancement fall into two categories: risk and operations. It’s difficult to devote the resources necessary for such advancements if the regulatory environment impedes cost recovery and fails to recognize the related risks. But in the long run, our advancements have improved the performance of our lines and we do not intend to shy away from advancing technology. It’s in our blood. As engineers, we face many opportunities to respond to societal needs. Too often, the risk and operational www.energycentral.com E n E rgyB i z 53 http://WWW.ENERGYCENTRAL.com/tda.cfm http://www.energycentral.com
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