Implementing New Technology in an Aged Infrastructure: Case Study of Incremental Automation

Abstract

This presentation examines an innovative approach for introducing recent technological advances into an aged infrastructure in a manner that overcomes the numerous typical barriers to upgrades. The presentation will focus on the existing aged electric utility infrastructure, specifically on substation equipment. The presentation will cover age, status and current mode of operation of typical substation equipment as well as the financial and technological barriers that have led operating life to exceed equipment life. It will list innovations pertinent to the improvement of substation efficiency and operation. A case analysis will show that the O&M savings generated by the upgrades help overcome barriers to implementation, positively impacting both system reliability and the environment. Most importantly, this presentation examines each potential solution with emphasis on creating and enhancing a platform that can accommodate upgrades.