Transcript
1991 IN PERSPECTIVE In the past year the technology base has been broadened in all segments of PTI. A new service group - "Strategic Business Operation" -was formed to bring PTI's unique technical capabilities to bear on strategic business issues in least cost planning, energy, economics and rate and regulatory matters for electric utilities and independent power producers. This new operation, which also has responsibility for INTROSPECT, a proven method of addressing organizational efficiency, additionally positions PTI at the forefront of foreign utility privatization-which is literally sweeping the world. In recognition of the growing sophistication of large industrial power systems, a new "Industrial Power Systems" unit was formed. The "Reliability and Security" unit was established in recognition of the emphasis of these disciplines in all portions of electric utility systems. A new office was opened in mid-year in Jupiter, Florida, adding to the existing regional offices in California and Pennsylvania. In early 1991, "Hydropower Technologies, Inc.", located in Schenectady, was incorporated. This company, directed to the high technology segment of hydromechanical engineering, is jointly owned by PTI and Nybro-Bjerck A/S of Norway, the latter an internationally recognized consultant in hydropower. Educational courses covering more than 45 subjects on power systems technologies-six of which were introduced this year-were attended by over 900 engineers. The two year Power Technology Course has graduated over 675 engineers since 1969. This course is now being offered in a concentrated 13 week curriculum, both in North America and overseas. A new interactive computer-based training course for power system operators is being finalized. The Software Department had a particularly active year. There are now over 350 PTI software installations including over 200 PSS/E users and over 115 PSS/U users. The extended term dynamics option for PSS/E was released and capacitor placement and feeder tie capacity optimization modules were included in PSS/U. A major development is well under way on a graphical user interface (GUI) for all software products, to be released in 1992. Continuing to recognize client needs, the HP 700 series computer was added to the already extensive range of computers upon which PTI software is supported. In the Simulator, Control and Instrumentation Department, major components for a second HVDC simulator were delivered to a leading manufacturer in Japan. Also in the HVDC area, PTI developed and supplied with EPRI funding, a complex modulation controller to damp low frequency dynamic oscillations and improve first swing transient stability by using the DC transmission system. To be installed at both HVDC terminals of the North Dakota to Minnesota Square Butte system, this controller employs EPRI technology and has been commercialized by PTI. Another control product, a load shedding system, was installed in a major industrial plant. In addition to very fast prioritized load shedding, this system also performs demand monitoring, with the capability for demand control in the future. With only software changes, restoration control can also be implemented. PTI Power System Stabilizers continue to be installed throughout the world, and most recently eight were shipped to Taiwan. Perhaps the most visible change for PTI, as shown in the drawing, is the completion of our new building, occupied in early December. This three story office building is connected by an enclosed bridge over Erie Boulevard (formerly the Erie Canal) to the existing building and allows for the continued growth of the Company. Initially, the building will house several components of the Consulting Services Department as well as administrative functions. We in PTI look forward to working with you in the coming year and offer a special invitation to visit us in our new facilities.
President
quence is shown in Figure 2 where the shaded regions indicate periods that the units are operating.
OPTIMIZING THE OUTPUT FROM MULTIPLE-UNIT HYDRO PLANTS K.E. Noren,Business Development • Manager
Unit #4
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