System Planning & Studies

Services

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Complex Challenges, Straightforward Solutions

It’s how we do things at Alpha Engineering, Inc (AEI). We take your complex challenges and turn them into workable, comprehensive solutions. Straightforward; cost-efficient; reliable solutions – based on the unique combination of our knowledgeable, experienced team of professionals; a deep understanding of each and every client; and the support of several different types of System Planning and Analysis options. These distinctive studies allow us to develop safe, reliable and efficient electrical systems, tailored to fit any company or facility needs.

The primary modeling and analytical software packages that we use for these studies include:

SKM System Analysis, Inc’s Power*Tools®

Milsoft Utility Solutions’WindMil© and LightTable

ETAP®

Our System Planning and Studies Services include:

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Construction Work Plans

Construction Work Plans are used to determine and document an electrical system’s short term construction needs that are the most feasible, environmentally acceptable and economical. New construction is periodically required in order to provide and maintain adequate and reliable electric service to a system’s new and existing members. A Construction Work Plan is a valuable reference for the preparation of annual construction budgets and schedules.*

*RUS Bulletin 17240-101B, System Planning Guide, Construction Work Plans

Long Range Plans
Long Range Plans guide an electrical system’s most practical and economical means of serving future loads while maintaining high quality service to consumers. Long Range Plans also outline anticipated system changes in terms of major facilities, demand levels and associated costs. Finally, Long Range Plans serve as an indication of future system costs for financial planning and decision-making. System planning is a continuing and dynamic process that results in a plan that is flexible enough to allow for revisions based upon changing circumstances.**

**RUS Bulletin 1724D-101A, Electric System Long-Range Planning Guide

Load Flow Studies

Load Flow or Power Flow Studies are performed by applying numerical analysis to an electrical power system. The power system being examined is approximated or modeled so the numerical analysis can be performed. The models typically emphasize the real, reactive or apparent power rather than simply the voltage and current. Using computer analysis programs allows AEI to examine power systems in normal, contingency and proposed configurations.

Load Flow Studies make it possible to plan for future power system expansions and upgrades and can be used to determine the best operating practices for existing systems. The principal information obtained from the Load Flow Study is the magnitude and phase angle of the voltage at each bus and the real and reactive power flowing in each line.

Voltage Fluctuation Analysis

Voltage Fluctuations or Voltage Flickers are sharp decreases in voltage, which persist for only a few cycles or seconds. Large loads can cause Voltage Fluctuations either at the consumer creating the flicker or also on the primary electrical system and adversely affecting nearby consumers. Consumer annoyance due to fluctuations is a function of the magnitude of the voltage dip and the frequency at which it occurs. Since large numbers of consumers are affected by primary flicker, limits on voltage fluctuations are more stringent on the primary feeder than on the secondary feeder.

Voltage fluctuation studies allow predictions to be made about how new loads will affect the electrical system. If the new loads are expected to cause unacceptable voltage fluctuations to occur, then system improvements can be implemented prior to the new load being energized to avoid the unacceptable voltage fluctuations.

Fault Studies

An electrical fault is any unwanted connection between conductors and ground. Faults such as broken conductors or downed trees in lines are said to be permanent faults. Faults such as lightning, intermittent tree contact or whipping conductors are known as temporary faults. Faulted conditions can cause permanent damage to power system equipment or harm people. Thus, fault conditions must be detected and removed from the electrical system.

Fault Studies are used to calculate the available fault current at any given point on the electrical system. The available fault current is the maximum current that can flow under the worst possible fault conditions. This data is needed to coordinate protective equipment, to ensure that equipment interruption ratings are not exceeded, and for Arc Flash Hazard Assessments.

AEI uses analysis software to perform Fault Studies. The analysis software uses symmetrical components for network analysis to determine fault data throughout an electrical system. These techniques permit any system configuration to be analyzed and permit multiple independent systems to be analyzed as a single study.

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Protective Device Evaluation Studies

Protective Device Evaluation Studies are performed to determine if device-interrupting ratings exceed calculated fault levels at each device. Device ratings are typically provided in symmetrical kA. The normal system configuration is used when comparing calculated fault current levels to the device ratings. Devices whose interrupting ratings are found to be less than the available fault current are summarized in each device evaluation study.

Coordination/Sectionalizing Studies

Coordination/Sectionalizing Studies are done to develop overcurrent protection that cost-effectively prevents hazards to the public, minimizes equipment damage and maintains service continuity to customers. Coordination is the systematic selection, placement and setting development for overcurrent devices that allow normal currents to flow, but sense abnormally high currents and open the circuit to remove the fault or overload from the system. The protective devices are coordinated to remove the faulted portions of the electrical system from service while maintaining electrical service to as much of the remaining system as possible.

AEI uses analysis software to perform Coordination Studies. The analysis software provides graphical representations of the device coordination, as well as tabulated equipment information such as manufacturer, catalog number, size and settings.

Rate Studies

AEI offers multiple electrical retail rates services. Rate Analysis addresses cash requirements, consumer classification and cost of service. Rate design provides revenue to a utility from its various consumer sectors. These sectors typically include residential, commercial, industrial and lighting classifications. Utility revenue sources include energy charges, demand charges, consumer service charges, environmental surcharges, fuel adjustments and other miscellaneous charges. Cost-of-Service Analysis uses utility records to categorize expenses, revenues and utility plant. Finally, Rate Schedule Preparation addresses necessary descriptions, consumer classifications, terms and conditions.

Expert Witness Services

AEI offers complete Expert Witness Services. Our knowledge and experience leave us well qualified to provide expert opinions in injury, property or other legal proceedings pertaining to the power delivery industry.
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