Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013 - (Page 17)
novation
which is monitored by plant operations through the
control system. The system also provides what some
might consider, more advanced opportunities for
implementation of control strategies using rule-based
or other forms of artificial intelligence. The information
collected by a control system over a number of years
can provide a good basis for developing knowledgebased systems. EPCOR has some experience in
developing heuristic models for operator support.
A model EPCOR is currently using provides the
operator with the optimal alum dosage based on the
current condition of the raw water feed to the plant.
Based on EPCOR’s experience, the implementation
of this model has resulted in average savings of about
one million dollars per year at the Edmonton Water
Plants.
One of the major water treatment plant expenditures
is electrical energy. The distribution of water around
the Edmonton area involves pumping water to a
number of storage reservoirs in the municipal districts.
The large pumps providing this function require
a significant amount of power and are costly to
operate. In order to minimize this, a model has been
developed in the control system to inform operators
when they should or shouldn’t run these pumps in
order to minimize the electrical costs. The model is
dynamic and based on the current electrical pool
price.
Key Performance Indicators [KPI]
As organizations strive for operational excellence,
key performance indicators are often used to facilitate
continuous improvement. At EPCOR, a number
of performance targets are set and corresponding
performance indicators are tracked within the control
systems.
The first of these performance targets is overall
operational performance. This target goes beyond
the basic requirements set by provincial and federal
regulators as part of EPCOR’s approval to operate.
The control system in the water plants tracks a
number of items that are termed non-conformances.
As noted, these are not violations of our approval to
operate, but are based on a more rigorous standard
that has been set by EPCOR as a part of continual
improvement. These targets also provide a buffer
in the event a problem develops to ensure there is
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EPCOR builds, owns and
operates electrical transmission
and distribution networks, water
and wastewater treatment
facilities and infrastructure in
Canada and the United States.
EPCOR Utilities Inc. has 6 wholly
owned subsidiaries, including EPCOR
Water Services Inc. (EWSI). The
majority of EPCORʼs 2700 staff is
headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada.
EPCORʼs water business has been in
operation for more than a century.
We provide water purification, water
distribution, wastewater treatment and
related management services within
the City of Edmonton. We provide
similar services, as well as water plant
and wastewater plant financing and
construction, in over 75 communities
in British Columbia, Alberta, Arizona,
and New Mexico.
EPCORʼs Canadian Control and
Automation groups include engineering
and technical staff responsible for
the design and support of the control
systems deployed to support water and
wastewater treatment for oil recovery
camp operations, urban and regional
communities. This includes supervisory
control and data acquisition systems as
well as distributed control systems.
Q2 - 2013 • UTILITY HORIZONS • 17
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Publisher’s Message
Contents
The Queue
Automation Rising!
Inside Tracks
Focal Point
Automation and Innovation at Epcor Water Services
BLeading Edge: Advanced Technology Perspectives
Consumer Engagement: The Future Goes Mobile
Demand Response: Why the Future Is in the Cloud
Building Paths to Smarter Water Management
Bullet-Proofing Your Scada System Against the Evil-Doers
Education Matters
Standard Bearings
Regulation De Rigueur
On the Horizon
Purviews
Intersections
Eventualities
Thinking It Through With Sparky Flamedrop
Loose Ends
Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
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