Abstract

IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization-ISTO

Zhaga is an industry-wide cooperation aimed at the development of standard specifications for the interfaces of LED light engines. An LED light engine is an LED module with defined interfaces that do not depend on the type of LED technology used inside the light engine. Zhaga will enable interchangeability between products made by diverse manufacturers. Interchangeability is achieved by defining interfaces for a variety of application-specific light engines. Zhaga standards will cover the physical dimensions, as well as the photometric, electrical and thermal behavior of LED light engines. Zhaga is established for the benefit of the consumers and professional buyers of light engines and luminaires, in the expectation that standardization will prevent market fragmentation into incompatible products. Zhaga standards will increase the confidence to specify and purchase LED products that will be easily replaceable and commercially available, while continuously enjoying the performance upgrades that LED technology enables. In addition, this will foster innovation and competition in the application of LED lighting in general.

Please click here to download the meeting flyer.

March Technical Meeting-- Classifying Reliability (SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI) into Normal, Major Event and Catastrophic Days

March 8, 6pm-8pm

Location: Bellevue City Hall, room 1E-108

Richard D. Christie, UW

Abstract

IEEE Standard P1366 seeks to standardize the calculation of distribution reliability indices such as SAIDI, SAIFI and CAIDI. The standard has been developed over many years by the IEEE Distribution Reliability Working Group (under the Distribution Subcommittee of the Transmission and Distribution Committee), composed primarily of distribution reliability managers from utilities around the country. The Working Group encourages regulators and utilities to adopt this standard for reporting reliability, to enable better year-to-year and cross-utility comparisons.

Reliability is typically divided into a component that comes from normal, everyday events, and a component that comes from abnormal events. In P1366 the latter are referred to as Major Event Days. This talk will describe how Major Event Days are determined, and then discuss the new concept of Catastrophic Days, which are extremely infrequent events that can bias the Major Event Day process. Catastrophic Days are presently being considered for inclusion in P1366 by the Distribution Reliability Working Group.

Please click here to download the meeting flyer.

Technical Meeting (February 16, 6pm-8pm)

Jay Giri, Alstom Grid (PES Governing Board)

Location: Eaton Corp

13205 SE 30th St., Ste. 101

Bellevue, WA 98005

Free Parking On-site

Abstract

The recent growth in the synchrophasor measurement and communications technology has been an unprecedented change from an Energy Management System (EMS) control center perspective.  For decades, traditional EMS capabilities have been based on 2-4 second SCADA measurements. As the number of milli-second rate, time-tagged synchrophasor Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) grow in number, control centers now have the ability to monitor in greater in-depth the dynamic behavior of the grid; this leads to more advanced analysis capabilities to help monitor and control the grid to ensure enhanced grid reliability and security.

Please contact Henry Louie for a copy of the slides from the presentation.

January General Membership Meeting

January 26, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 PM Refresments Chapter Updates and Presentation
Topic: Membership Meeting
Speaker: Henry Louie
Location Bellevue City Hall 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA, Room 1E-112
Click here for the event flyer, including parking and driving instructions.

Abstract

The Membership Meeting provides an opportunity for PES members to learn about PES, the local chapter, and activities at the international level. Special attention will be given to member benefits, including discounts and special access to conferences, educational materials, periodicals and scholarships. Volunteer leadership opportunities for 2012 and upcoming events will be discussed.

March Technical Meeting

March 10, 2011
6:00 - 8:00 PM Refresments Chapter Updates and Presentation
Topic: Arc Flash Studies and Work Practices
Speaker: Richard Trimble and Mike Brisbois
Location Bellevue City Hall 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA, Room 1E-108
Click here for the event flyer, including parking and driving instructions.

Abstract

Arc Flash hazard analysis relies on complex equations and models in which the science and regulations are evolving.  The speakers worked with PSNS, which is one of the Pacific Northwest's largest Naval shore facilities and one of Washington State's largest industrial installations, to conduct a comprehensive in-house arc flash study of over 2,600 electrical panels, load centers and motor control centers.  Discussion will include: arc flash regulation which will summarize current laws and standards such as NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584 and OSHA requirements, the approach taken for regulatory compliance, and practical application of the calculated incident energy, risk categories and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) levels used at the shipyard.

December Not-So-Technical Meeting

Engineering can be stressful work, especially if you  are early in your career. Join us for a fun, informal networking opportunity (happy hour) at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Bellevue (http://www.rockbottom.com/bellevue). This event is targeted at Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) but anyone is welcome to attend. It’s informal, so show up when you can.

November Technical Meeting

November 4, 2010
6:00 - 8:00 PM Refreshments, Chapter Updates and Presentation
Topics: Tacoma Power Distribution/Outage Management System, Chapter Update on Activities for 2010
Speaker: Nick Tomanelli
Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, Room 1E-108
Click here for the event flyer, including parking and driving instructions

Abstract

In May of 2010 Tacoma Power went live with a Distribution/Outage Management System (D/OMS) utilizing CGI Technology and Solutions, Inc.s’ PragmaLine solution. The new Tacoma Power D/OMS replaces a homebuilt legacy OMS and performs other functions including switch schedule planning, system operations logging, mobile dispatching and vehicle tracking.

After six months in operation Nick Tomanelli from Tacoma Power will review the system design, implemenation and performance of its new system. This talk will benefit those that may be considering the costs, benefits and issues with implementing a similar system.

April Technical Meeting
April 1, 2010
6:00 – 6:30PM Refreshment, 6:30PM - 7:30PM Presentation
Topic: Wholesale Power Rate Design Change Implications for Power Engineers
Speaker: George Reich
Location: Washington Division URS Corporation, 10900 NE 8th Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Bellevue, WA
Click here for the event flyer, including parking and driving instructions

Abstract
New BPA Tiered Power Rates will go into effect in October, 2011.  The Tiered Rate Design will send a new set of wholesale price signals.  A history of BPA power rate design and power products will be presented.  How the new Tiered Rate Methodology will work will be described through examples.  The Tiered Rate design may give power engineers an additional tool to value transmission / distribution system loss saving.  According to the NWPPC 6th power plan, energy-efficiency, which is the most cost-effective and least-risky resource available, could meet 85 percent of the Northwest’s new demand for power. The 6th Plan lists the potential for electric distribution system energy savings in the Northwest to be over 400 aMW.  A brief overview of the BPA Energy Smart Distribution Efficiency Program will also be provided.

Northwest Energy System Symposium
February 17-18, 2010
University of Washington
http://www.nwess.org

January Technical Meeting
January 27, 2010
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Topic: IEEE Humanitarian Technology Challenge
Speaker: Dr. Robin Podmore, IEEE Fellow
Location: Seattle University (map)
Pigott 307 (campus map)
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

Abstract
In this presentation Dr. Robin Podmore will provide an update on the IEEE Humanitarian Technology Challenge for developing reliable electricity along with a partnership with Engineers Without Borders USA. The slides are available here.