October, 2003
www.nxtphase.com

Hope you had a wonderful summer! Welcome to our October update...

IEEE T&D 2003

We enjoyed seeing many of you at the recent IEEE Transmission & Distribution conference in Dallas. Improved management of power was certainly a hot topic at the show, as utilities explore opportunities arising from advancing technology & the changing electric power industry. This was an exciting show for NxtPhase: a chance to showcase our new dry-type insulator optical CT design & an opportunity to discuss events recorded by our relays & recorders during the August 14th blackout.

Congratulations to our digital camera winners!...

Doug Lee
City of Siloam Springs (Arkansas, USA)

Wilfred Meston, PEng
Kitchener Wilmot Hydro (Ontario, Canada)

Rick Ryman
Oncor (Texas, USA)

Both NxtPhase papers presented at the show were well received:

SF6-Free 550 kV Combined Optical Voltage & Current Transducer System
Farnoosh Rahmatian & Patrick Chavez
This paper presents analysis of a 550 kV current & voltage installation.
http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/NxtPhaseTD2003_RahmatianChavez.pdf

Fiber-Optic Current Transducer Optimized For Power Metering Applications
James Blake & Allen Rose
Results demonstrate exceptional power measurement linearity over a wide dynamic range with an optical current transducer & power meter.
http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/NxtPhaseTD2003_RoseBlake.pdf

At this show, Landis & Gyr showcased the NxtPhase dry-type CT, discussing data that demonstrates accurate performance using the MAXsys 2510 at very low current levels.

A system's metering performance depends on both accuracy of the current transformer sensors & accuracy of the meter. The most stringent revenue metering applications can be addressed by the exceptionally accurate NXCT combined with the MAXsys 2510. The result is a solution that yields measurements with unprecedented accuracy & stability over a dynamic range extending from <0.1% to 150% of a user selectable rated current. View accuracy plot: http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/SuperiorRevenueMeteringSystem_v1.3.pdf

Also at the show, VA TECH presented a live tank circuit breaker solution. Available up to 550 kV, this system combines a VA TECH circuit breaker with a NxtPhase optical current sensor. Optical CTs may be mounted on one or both sides of the breaker as required for the application. This solution reduces overall footprint of live tank breakers with CTs, eliminates oil-filled devices, meets today's standards & is ready for the digital substation of tomorrow.

Application Note:
Power Swing Recording With L-PRO & TESLA

Dynamic swing recording is critical to understand system stability & optimize wide area system performance. Power system dynamics such as short circuits, auto-reclosures, line switching, or large load fluctuations cause the system's generators to adjust to new conditions in the network. Those large disturbances may cause generators in one part of the system to accelerate, while generators in another part of the system decelerate, leading to a condition where the two parts of the system are likely to separate due to loss of synchronism.

During the blackout of August 14^th, several of our customers captured swing recordings from their L-PROs & TESLAs. This information has been critical for them in understanding what happened during the blackout & is helping them to put preventative measures in place for the future. We hope to be able to share more specifics from the blackout in the near future.

Read complete application note at: http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/PowerSwingRecording.pdf

Application Note:
Connecting Multiple NxtPhase Relays & Recorders to an
IRIG-B Clock Source

Our new application note explains how to connect multiple NxtPhase relays & recorders to a single unmodulated IRIG-B clock source. This piece addresses NxtPhase IRIG-B input specifications, clock characteristics, cabling & the number of NxtPhase relay & recorder devices that may be used with a single clock source. Read complete application note at: http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/T28F01D00012R00.00_NxtPhase_ConnectingMultipleDevicesToIRIG-BClock%20Source.pdf

B-PRO Tech Note:
Bus Differential Function Settings

We've recently completed a technical note that describes settings procedures for the B-PRO's 87B bus differential element. These settings will provide a good balance between dependability & security of the protection system. View tech note: http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/T28F06D01706R00.00_NxtPhase_BusDifferentialFunctionSettings.pdf

In addition to its main function as a low impedance bus differential relay, the B-PRO provides high-speed DFR quality recording, monitoring & metering. All this functionality is included as standard in one small integrated package, just 3U high. The B-PRO has been providing secure protection for our customers for over 2 years. Learn more about B-PRO at: http://www.nxtphase.com/bpro

L-PRO Application Note:
Improving the Operations of Multi-Breaker Terminals

L-PRO provides several functions in addition to primary distance protection. This new application note describes L-PRO's ability to provide breaker failure, reclosing & synch-check (for both circuit breakers in "breaker-and-a-half" & "ring bus" transmission line applications). Why would you use L-PRO for these functions?

Installation cost savings of $10,000 or more per transmission line terminal over traditional solutions
Higher reliability with fewer devices & wiring to fault
Improved operations due to simplified protection & control, with easier testing & better flexibility for operational changes

View this application note: http://www.nxtphase.com/pdfs/Ring%20Bus_2.pdf

Among L-PRO's other advantages:

Cost effective transmission line protection
Simple set up & configuration
True DFR waveform capture (simplifies post-event analysis)
Power swing recording (captures wide area network disturbances)
Intuitive settings & software
10 year warranty

Learn more about L-PRO: http://www.nxtphase.com/lpro

Coming Events

Western Protective Relay Conference

Oct 21 - 23, 2003
Spokane, WA
http://capps.wsu.edu/wprc/

NxtPhase will present the technical paper...

Early Experiences with Protection Applications of Optical Current & Voltage Transducers
Andrew Klimek, NxtPhase T&D Corporation
Thurs Oct 23, 2003 at 1:40pm

Also visit us at the NxtPhase booth (Salon IV, Space #3). We look forward to seeing you!

Minnesota Power Systems Conference (MIPSYCON)

Nov 4 - 6, 2003
St. Paul, Minnesota
http://www.cce.umn.edu/engineering/mipsycon.shtml

This conference provides electric utility engineers & consultants the opportunity to stay abreast of today's power system technology. It emphasizes the unique challenges faced by electric utilities in the Midwest. The conference also serves as a forum for power engineers to meet with their colleagues from other utilities to discuss mutual concerns.

Visit us at the exhibitor reception on the evening of Nov 4th!

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Copyright 2003 NxtPhase T&D Corporation. All Rights Reserved.