Common Flashcards
(71 cards)
1
Q
What is spearing? Who has the operating authority to spear?
A
A spear is a (usually hydraulic) tool used to verify the energized state of a distribution cable by short-circuiting and grounding the conductors. The tool can consist of a fully retractable blade that pierces the cable through to the conductor to provide a short-circuit path to ground. Operating spear pump has to be outside of structure. Only the shift manager can approve the spearing of cable.
2
Q
What is ABF?
A
Alive on Backfeed - Energized cable that occurs because there is an unintentional source connected to it. Such as when a NWP failed to open on reverse power flow.
3
Q
What are the standard forms of TC?
A
IATC: Ungrounded DC source sent out typically on A & B phase with C phase return to identify cable CATC: Ungrounded DC source sent out over 2 of the 3 phases if one is burnt clear IATC (all 3 phases) CATC (all 3 phases) CATC (+A, -B, C clear) CATC (+B, -C, A clear) CATC (+A, -C, B clear) LVFLTC (A connected to ABC, Ground C?)
4
Q
What can you do if a TC ground cannot be placed?
A
Either perform a block & lift or cut secondary to eliminate any source of backfeed.
5
Q
What is a continuity test? When it is needed?
A
A test with TC to determine whether there is a continuous electric circuit over conductors between specific points.
Needed when:
- two or more feeders in the same enclosure have been cut while both feeders are of the system for work at the same time.
- When cable terminations at any working points that could be mistaken for the intended ones to be spliced
- when a TX supplying a new isolated network installation is initially connected to a feeder.
- When a new radial HT service or TX is either initially connected to a feeder or transferred from one to another.
- When a new feeder or feeder leg is established
- Prior to perfomring hi-pot from cable ends in the field
- to establish or re-establish a known point
6
Q
What is the voltage in BQ / SI?
A
Primary BQ - 27kV, 4KV - 20 networks
Primary SI - 33kV, 13kV, 4KV
Secondary - 120/208, 277/480
7
Q
What contingency does BQ design to? SI?
A
BQ - 2nd
SI - 1st
8
Q
What is second contingency design?
A
A design with redundancy and logic that allows for up to 2 sources to be out at the same time for a network without losing any customers.
9
Q
What are the 1st and 2nd Contingency Design Voltages?
A
Normal: 118-126, 205-218
First: 114-126, 198-218
Second: 108-126, 187-218
10
Q
How is the system designed?
A
Design to second contingency
Use spec EO-2073 network feeder contingency design
Ensure proper bus diversity, feeder diversity, no cross banding, no 3 feeder conflicts
11
Q
Who are our customers?
A
Our stakeholders, the external customers Rate payers field crews, OH, UG, FOD, I&A, #9 PSC Engineering The public City agencies De - provide ratings, system updates for distribution manual Cust Eng / energy services
12
Q
What is O&M and Capital?
A
O&M dollars are used for maintenance and operation of the system. O&M is the cost that affects our profits. Capital dollars are invested into the grid thru reliability and modernization projects, which enable the company to earn an ROE.
13
Q
What are the rules we live by?
A
Verify Dead- ensuring equipment is dead before performing dead work
Permits - enter D fault structures only with permit authorized by operator
Atmospheric testing - test before and during work in a confined or enclosed space
Rescue/retrieval - entrant and attendant must wear rescue harnesses
HH PPE - using fall protection, eye protection, FR clothing, rubber gloves, sleeves
14
Q
What are the steps to processing an OA?
A
- Fdr Bk opens, DO issues isolation moves,
- verify dead (DBF),
- rack out bkr & apply station grounds
- Station operator establishes condition and applies HV TC to locate fault,
- fault located and info sent to DO
- Reground at station, FOD places target ground,
- Remove station ground and apply tracing current to identify?
- Once verified - FCR submits paperwork to DO,
- remove tc, place station grounds, apply protective grounds
- Feeder goes out to work,
- once completed remove grounds, restoration moves
15
Q
What is OOE2 and OOE1?
A
OOE2 - The equipment is in danger of failure or required out of service to ensure environmental compliance but does not pose an immediate hazard to people or other equipment. Work is prioritized BY DO based on load condition, conflicting feeders, or seriousness of condition.
OOE1 - The equipment is in imminent danger of failure and poses direct hazard to people or equipment. Equipment must be removed from service immediate meaning the DO would open the breaker immediately.
16
Q
What are restoration moves?
A
- Proof testing - Ammeter clear and hipot
- Prepare for service - rack out G&T, rack in BKR
- Close fdr bkr
- Restore isolated equipment
17
Q
What is proof testing?
A
Testing done to ensure all grounding devices have been removed and the feeder insulation is intact.
Ammeter clear - Tests for the removal or primary and secondary grounds.
Hipot - Tests the integrity of the feeder insulation.
Megger on bus
18
Q
Ammeter clear levels:
A
Operating kV: Max reading (A)
4 kV 0.5 A
27 kV 0.4 A
19
Q
Hipot levels:
A
Op kV Test kV Test duration (min.) Max current (mA) Mod. kV Mod. Dur. Mod. current 4kV 10kV 5min 5mA 5kV 5min 3mA 13kV 30kV 15min 15mA 15kV 5min 8mA 27kV 50kV 15min 15mA 25kV 5min 8mA 33kV 60kV 15min 5mA 30kV 5min 3mA
20
Q
List 5 D faults
A
Swollen joint Exposed copper Corroded or missing bond Exposed bell on joint Stressed 3Ms Leaking joint
21
Q
Name 3 C faults
A
Collapsed primary lead sleeve splice
Missing arc proofing on 3M splices
No insulator on oil reservoir tubing
22
Q
What is ICS?
A
Incident command structure is the approach to command, control and coordination of emergency response, it can be activated by certain weather events or abnormal system conditions. Could be routine, upgraded, serious, or full scale.
23
Q
What is the ICS personnel structure?
A
IC, ops chief, planning chief, logistics chief, admin finance chief. CC falls into the planning section, representing as the Control Center Unit Leader with CC Mgmt. FOD, #9 / troubleshooters, and feeder control boss / generator boss.
24
Q
What can you do to reduce load during ICS?
A
Closing open mains and nearby TX nps Block open TXs to deload the overloaded feeder Voltage reduction Operate UG switches to drop a portion of the feeder Transfer load for non-network Secondary or Service cuts Connect generation Customer appeals Cooling if it’s a TX overload
25
Name 5 HPIs
```
Self check
Peer check
STAR - stop think act review
Knowledge and training
Procedure and adherence
Questioning attitude
Place keeping
Job briefings
Open communication
Flagging
```
26
What is the spec used for operating under contingency conditions?
EO 4095
27
What guides the contingency design of network feeders?
EO- 2073
28
What is the spec on voltage reduction and DRP?
EOP-5022
29
Describe the network system?
Transmission to Area SS to transformer which steps voltage down to 120/208 for the secondary grid or to 460 installations, spot or iso networks, or the feeder travels to HT customers,
30
What is first and second contingency network transformer rating?
Normal: 125%
1st: 135-160% depending on load cycle
2nd: 150-185% depending on load cycle
For winter add 10%
31
What is feeder restoration goal?
14.5hrs between the months of June - August when TV is 82 or higher.
32
What is a D fault? What is the D-fault spec?
An abnormal condition found on an energized primary cable or splice that operates inside an underground electric distribution structure or on an aerial feeder that is presumed to be an indication of an impending fault.
EO-1184
33
How do you process a multiple feeder D-Fault?
Engineering identified feeder based on maps. All feeders that are D-faulted must be de-energized, grounded at the station, and have different types of tracing current conducted on them.
34
What is needed to enter a D-fault manhole?
To enter the structure a positive ID must be made on all D faulted feeders using TC. If TC does not flow spear on ducting is required. And authorization from the operating authority. The shift manager.
35
How do you process a scheduled job / feeder?
1. Feeder requested on schedule
2. DO processes fdr on schedule, generates card
3. Deload moves issued, FOD/#9 completes moves
4. DO cuts out feeder, verify DBF, rack out breaker, apply station grounds
5. FOD places target grounds,
6. remove station grounds and apply TC to feeder identify?
7. Once positively ID'd, TC removed and reground as station
8. apply protective grounds, feeder goes out to work
9. once completed remove grounds, restoration moves
36
What is difference for When Ready and OOE2 in feeder processing from Sched?
When Ready - requested by FCR as When Ready
| OOE2 - requested by FCR as OOE2 and it is prioritized by DO
37
How do you process an OOE1 feeder?
1. DO received request and immediately cuts out feeder,
2. verify DBF, rack out breaker, apply station grounds
3. Determine repairs and generate paperwork for repairs (FCR)
4. FOD places target grounds,
5. remove station grounds
6. apply TC to feeder identify?
7. Once positively ID'd, TC removed and reground as station
8. apply protective grounds, feeder goes out to work
9. once completed remove grounds, restoration moves
38
How do you prepare for a Heat Event?
1. Obtain weather forecast & attend interregional calls
2. Review 10 Forecast - Temp Variable Levels
3. Consult ERP / Classification
4. Review Matrix / Staffing
5. Ensure adequate staffing on each desk - other desks may be able to fill in for each other
6. ICS Notification - Notify when ICS is happening
7. Place STAR into storm mode - ETR on dispatch or Manual
8. Activate ICS, IC Structure has to be filled
9. Review summer prep specification - voltage reduction, DLRP, EO 4095 - communicate any updates
10. Ensure appropriate FOD levels to meet feeder processing goals
10a. Staging people at the right areas for the next moves
11. Site Safety personnel
12. Ensure cooling kits available for networks
13. Materials - dry ice
14. Unit stations to turn on fans / spray
15. Outer borough support
16. Review # of generators
39
How do you prepare for an Overhead Storm?
1 Obtain weather forecast & attend interregional calls
2 Consult ERP / Classification
3 Review Matrix / Staffing
4 Ensure staffing on each desk
5 ICS Notification - Notify when ICS is happening - set up operational calls
6 Place STAR into storm mode - ETR on dispatch or Manual
7 Activate ICS, IC Structure has to be filled
8 Staffing geared towards OH troubleshooters
9. Internal contractors. might require mutual aid
latter line
damage assessment
site safety
10 Potentially Sandbags if Coastal Storm
11 Could put system in 1 trip to lock out on reclosers
12 Outer borough support
13 Review # of generators
40
How do you prepare for a Winter (UG) Event?
1 Obtain weather forecast & attend interregional calls
2 Consult ERP / Classification
3 Review Matrix / Staffing
4 Ensure staffing on each desk
5 ICS Notification - Notify when ICS is happening
6 Place STAR into storm mode - ETR on dispatch or Manual
7 Activate ICS, IC Structure has to be filled
7a set up reoccurring operational calls to review status and system conditions and staffing.
8 Focus on UG crewing
9 Activate Manhole response team
10 site safety personnel
11 Materials - shunt boards, snow clearance,
12 Outer borough support or OH contractors / mutual aid
13 Review # of generators
14 Review winter opening procedures and communicate any changes or updates.
41
KPIs relevant to CC?
SAIFI - System Average Interruption Frequency Index
CAIDI - Customer Average Interruption Duration Index
ETRs
Feeder Processing
Major Outages - Network & Non-Network
Electric System Storm Scorecard
CRM - customer satisfaction
42
What are the goals and penalties of SAIFI, CAIDI, Major Outages, ETR?
SAIFI (non-network) - 495, penalty of 5M
CAIDI (non-network) - 2.04, penalty of 5M
SAIFI (network) - 17.6, penalty of 5M
CAIDI (network) - 6.89, penalty of 5M (*ONLY ONE THAT COMPANY IS MEETING)
Major outage:
- Network - $25M max per event (initial event: 3 to 6 hrs. = $10M, 6-12 hrs. = $15M, >12 = $25M; additional event: $7.5M, $10M, $15M)
- Non network - $10M max per event (12,500 customers and 180,000 customer hours)
ETR - 70%, more than three times change is fail (*Currently meeting goal)
43
How do you resolve an ABF condition?
ABF Snapshot - conditions before ABF
Check NetRMS / VDAS for potential sources / culprits
Use PAD device - to check for reverse flow
Reclose method used for scheduled jobs
Use insensitive relay settings to clear NWPs
Block opening NWPs
Applying 3 phase short
44
What are the classification levels for UG Heat Events?
Routine - TV <81 and load <11500MW
Upgraded - Weekday: load >11500 and TV between 81 and 82, Weekend: TV>82
Serious - Weekday: TV >82, Weekend TV>82 for 2 consecutive days
Full Scale - TV>86 for 2 consecutive days or activated by SVP, in concurrence with VP, EP, and SSO
If it is a second non-consecutie TV>83 day then the TV triggers change and they are slightly higher. TV 84 for upgraded adn TV 86 for serious with some additional conditions.
45
When do you go into Voltage Reduction for a N-1 Load Area?
82<=TV< 84 Load > 80% Feeders out >= 1 5%
84<=TV< 86 Load > 90% Feeders out == 1 5%
84<=TV< 86 Load > 90% Feeders out >= 2 8%
TV>= 86 Load > 100% Feeders out >= 1 8%
Public Appeals are done at 8%
46
What is CVO? What is it used for?
Conservation Voltage Optimization. Reduce voltage to decrease losses and realize cost savings
47
What are the CVO levels?
For 4kV: 1.6, 3.2, 4.8%
| 13 and 33: 1, 2, 3%
48
How to prepare for CVO?
Address trouble areas (end of feeders and such, by adding shunt reactors). Ensure that all USS are at the save CVO levels and to not exceed maximum voltage reduction levels of 5% and 8%
49
What is a blue sky day? What is storm mode?
Blue sky day usually means STAR assigns ETRs "On Receipt" meaning network jobs are automatically assigned a 4hr ETR and non-network jobs get a 3-hour ETR
Storm Mode is typically "On-Dispatch" - meaning network and non-network jobs receive the bogey ETR upon dispatch. Also ETR can be switched to manual where the Control Center assigns ETRs to each job manually.
50
What is excluded in the ETR PSC report?
Tickets from "major storms" "snow melt events" and "contractor bridge jobs" are excluded.
51
What are the CC Desks and what do they do? (BQ)
FOD: Fault locating, high tension switching (ats if they exist), USS switching, feeder identification, use rapidrestore to assign work.
FCR: Operating authority for feeders out to work for UG system, aerial - responsible for signing crews on and off and verifying that the correct work was done. Review and sign feeder packages for scheduled jobs.
#9: Responsible for secondary UG, secondary OH jobs
Switching: Primary OH switching, OH troubleshooters for emergencies, and OH for sched work - also the operating authority for OH work
Shift Manager: Oversees operation, only one who can spear feeder, operating authority for OH and UG
SOAAXs: emergency jobs builds
Day manager: Responsible of continuity between the shifts - information exchange, administrative, staffing, ICS roles etc
52
What are the jurisdiction rules? Bq
RCC:
27kv - shift manager owns the 27kv OH system after the first riser pole
4kv - shift manager owns after the 4kv OH system first riser pole
DIPS of OH is the RCC
UG and aerial cable is the DO
Unit stations is the DO
53
What is feeder processing?
Feeder processing is the organized procedure used to remove distribution feeders from service, perform work on them, and return them to service.
It is organized to maintain reliability of the distribution system, reduce customer outages and ensure safety of personnel working on the feeder or attached equipment.
54
Why do we process feeders?
It is important to process feeders so that they are returned to service in an expeditious manner. Many different groups are involved with any work that is done on a feeder. Feeder processing maintains an organized work flow from group to group so that restoration is not delayed.
55
What is dead work?
Work performed on a feeder without HV insulating PPE after the feeder has been de-energized, verified DBF and protected according to section 5 of the General Instructions Concerning Work on System Electrical Equipment.
56
What are the SAIFI and CAIDI levels for SI?
```
SAIFI = 226 which is currently worse than target of 169
CAIDI = 1.19 which better than target of 1.82
```
Overall as a company we are not meeting the target for both.
57
What are the Control Center roles in BQ?
Shift Manager
- Overseeing room & system
- they are the operating authority
FCR - operating authority of 27 and 4 kv work
FOD hats - feeder processing- signing groups out to work
#9 -Monitors STAR board
Switching - Tells OH what protection they need for work - OH protection & restoration work
- assigning and dispatching troubleshooting
- Obtains permits (ex. From DOT)
58
What does feeder scheduling do?
Safely and Efficiently plan feeder outages for upcoming work. ensure optimized bundling of feeder work when they can. They are the first check after engineering. They process job requests from the OH, UG, etc. by way of work schedulers. They ensure that all documentation is prepared for said work and add it to the calendar. They notify appropriate groups of schedules and necessary paperwork requests such as a B&As and AFMs. They put together the feeder package and then they'll submit jobs to the DO if it is in their jurisdiction. Otherwise the job moves on to the SI CC and WRM is notified.
59
What are some documents necessary for a Feeder Scheduling request?
```
B&A
AFM
Feeder Letter
Request for Permit
Greensheet
Short Form / Long Form
Splice Tickets
A card
riser card
Equipment Card
Acceptance lettter
HTOD
Prepare Cards?
```
60
What is the business continuity drill? Relocation/Evacuation drill?
Done once a year to simulate a situation when there no physical access to the control center.
Quarterly update of USBs, maps & conditions and stuff is done in preparation of such an event.
Go over to Victory Blvd
Dispatcher & OGS go over and turn on computers and get USBs and SCADA key fob - ensure everythings working and lines transfer over
FMS card, RapidRestore
Assume everything is down (phones, poles, etc.)
Day manager plans the participants & staffing (extra OGS)
Work with emergency preparedness
61
What is the cyber security drill?
```
Cyber security drill - once a year - driven by IT
Work in islanding mode
Pull out lan lines & use MIFI
Work with emergency preparedness
And the IT team
```
62
What is our role in summer prep?
Facilitate summer prep work to be done with regards to scheduling and processing of reliability and load relief jobs. Prioritize jobs and mitigate system conditions that would prevent summer prep work from going. Additionally have efforts to reduce OOE2s and
Conduct operational checks before the summer if possible.
63
Describe the operation of a five-recloser autoloop when a fault occurs between a midpoint recloser and the tie recloser.
FR1 – 1 fast trip, closes 1 second later
MR1 – 1 slow trips, close after 5 seconds
MR1 - 2nd trip, lockout
TR – senses loss of potential, close 15 seconds after lockout
FR2 – 1 fast trip, closes 1 second later
TR – trips on slow curve, locks out
Outage is isolated between MR1 and TR
64
Describe a 5 recloser auto loop.
2 distribution feeders, 2 feeder reclosers (1 fast trip, 2 slow trips, lockout), 2 midpoint reclosers (2 slow trips, lockout; LOP – ½ mode & 1 trip to lockout), 1 tie recloser (normally open, close 15 seconds after LOP, 2 slow trips)
65
Describe the operation of a five-recloser autoloop when a fault occurs between a feeder recloser and the midpoint recloser.
FR1 – 1 fast trip, closes 1 second later
FR1 – 1 slow trips, close after 5 seconds
FR1 - 2nd slow trip, lockout
MR1 – Goes to half mode and 1 Trip to lock out.
TR - senses loss of potential, closes 15 seconds after FR lockout
FR2 – 1 fast trip, closes 1 second later
MR1 – trips on slow curve, locks out
Outage is isolated between FR1 & MR1
66
What do you do if you have an underperforming employee/OGS?
First have a conversation with the employee and give them feedback about their performance.
If it a safety issue pull the OGS from the desk
Try to find out the cause,
training, lack of knowledge -set up additional training
A lot of times it is a confidence issue and not a competency issue.
confidence - give him simpler tasks to complete successfully to build up confidence or have someone supervise him through more difficult tasks.
personal - speak with employee and see if it is something personal, training or confidence, potentially place the OGS in a temporary different capacity. Then reevaluate the employee and re qualify them for the desk.
67
How do you address an operating error?
1. Report it - shift manager sends DNS notification
2. Gather all relevant information - recordings, documentation (feeder prints, switching cards, b&as, order, rapid restore)
3. Goes to operating error committee to rule if it indeed an error
4. Someone is assigned to investigate
5. Support investigator by providing all pertinent information
6. They conduct interviews, issue an operating error report with a recommendation.
7. Issue discipline if necessary
68
Current events in the company?
Rate case - PSC rejected some of our programs so we have to resubmit the rate case with adjustments
EV - large EV installations
COVID - return to work, managing the logistics of that
GIS
Supply chain disruptions
69
What is the spec for ABF?
EO-4020 Clearing Alive on Backfeeds (ABFs) on Distribution Feeders
70
Can you describe the BQ system?
2nd contingency
Farragut
Step down to 27kv. 27 if goes to HTV, 4kv grids (1 in bk and most in queens), 27 and 4kv auto loops 3-7 reclosers, 27kv feeds secondary grid (some 4kv feeds but rare), multi bank installations - 4 txs, multi bank and USS have radials. Secondary OH networks also exist. 97th st station is a battery station charges at night up to 2 MW.
71
What is a block & lift?
Blocking open the nwp and remove the fuses and disconnects to isolate the secondary for work or in feeder processing isolation (like if ground handle is broken)
