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Power problems in New York

Power problems in New York

Power problems in New York

(OP)
This article discusses the current condition in NYC with triple digit temperatures hovering about for about 5 days.  I wonder if one of you utility gents can answer a question that arises from a statement in the article where a substation manager requests "...a 4kV generator...".  Is this the typical ignorant reporter misquoting someone?  Or is there a method to temporarily boost voltage on the grid using a portable generator of some kind?  Sounds like quite a piece of equipment.

I am aware of utilities using RC systems to shut down or cycle power to customers whom sign up for the "brown-out box", where for a favorable rate one volunteers to enable the utility to cut power in times of high peak demands.  But this articles states that Carrier, a controls/HVAC manufacturer does this through a programmable thermostat which is centrally controlled, which cycles the AC every 30 minutes.  Wasn't aware of that one.

Thought this article was interesting.

Thank you and regards,
EEJaime

RE: Power problems in New York

If you have a 4kV bus that needs support, what's wrong with asking for a 4kV generator?

RE: Power problems in New York

(OP)
Of course, but I guess what threw me off in the phrasing was that the reporter states:  "That was Anthony Suozzo, a general manager of electric operations, asking for four kilovolts; "  It just read strangely.
Regards,
EEJaime

RE: Power problems in New York

ConEd has equipment, installations, and standards that are probably unique to them, at least in the US.  

I can see using a local 4160 V generator at a substation to reduce transformer load or in the event of a transformer failure.  

Reporters can be pretty clueless about anything technical.  But we have fewer and fewer of them to worry about. looking around

David Castor
www.cvoes.com

RE: Power problems in New York

(OP)
I agree about the reporters.  I was reading a thread on the engineering language/grammer forum earlier about the importance in communication skills.  While every day print and online media demonstrate a profound lack of discipline, editing and basic language skills.  I know that engineering language both spoken and written are somewhat different than normal prose, but I have always thought it important.

Has anyone run into the HVAC load shedding scheme described in the article?

Regards,
EEJaime

RE: Power problems in New York

When I lived in Northern NJ, the utility had a similar residential HVAC load shedding scheme.  The utility paid the homeowner a small monthly fee in exchange for the right to cycle the customer's AC off in periods of high demand.
-John  

RE: Power problems in New York

Isen't the so called smart grid all about residential load shedding? If so these devices are here already.

RE: Power problems in New York

(OP)
I believe that areas that have already converted to the "smart grid" type remotely monitored residential metering systems can do just that and many already do.  I was just unaware that there were also systems in existance that are implemented by vendors such as Carrier.

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