Sunday, February 8, 2015
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcoming Reception
All are invited to join us for our Welcome Reception on Sunday, February 8th at the Marriott
Rivercenter. There will be a great dinner buffet, beer and wine, entertainment and a chance to meet
and relax with fellow seminar attendees.
Monday, February 9, 2015
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcome & Introduction
David Zabetakis, President
Doble Engineering Company
David Zabetakis is President of Doble Engineering Company, a subsidiary of ESCO Technologies. Mr. Zabetakis was General
Manager of Aclara Technologies’ Software Group where he was responsible for leading the development and deployment of
Smart Grid software applications globally. Previously Mr. Zabetakis provided management consulting services throughout the
energy vertical including acting as the temporary CEO for North American Power Partners, a demand response provider. He
was Senior Vice President of CURRENT Group where he oversaw the business development efforts. Before joining CURRENT
Group, Mr. Zabetakis was President and Chief Operating Officer of Pepco Energy Services where he oversaw its retail
business focusing on the sale of electricity, natural gas and a variety of energy-related products. Mr. Zabetakis has served in a
variety of leadership positions in gas and electric distribution over the last 28 years. He served on the first Peer Review Board
for President George W. Bush for DOE/FEMP. Mr. Zabetakis earned his MBA from Loyola College in Maryland and served in
the Tactical Air Command of the US Air Force.
8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
Opening Keynote — San Antonio’s New Energy Economy
Lee Byrd, Director - Planning, Analysis, and Communication – Energy Delivery & Customer Service
CPS Energy
San Antonio is stepping up to lead Texas and the nation into a clean energy future. We have embarked on a new path -- investing in
innovative technologies that will protect our environment, help our customers use energy more wisely, and leverage valuable
economic development opportunities for our community’s future. The foundation of San Antonio’s New Energy Economy is built on
partnerships with companies who share our belief in clean energy and energy efficiency. Already, our partners have committed nearly
1,000 new jobs to San Antonio. CPS Energy’s mix of generation resources, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind and solar
technologies, is among the most diverse in the nation. In 2013, CPS Energy and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation
received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development award from the International Economic Development Council for the energy
provider’s New Energy Economy initiative, an approach to clean energy that leverages CPS Energy’s buying power to create jobs,
economic development and educational investment in San Antonio.
Lee Byrd is Director of Planning, Analysis and Communication for the Energy Delivery & Customer Service group of CPS Energy, the
largest municipally owned energy company providing both natural gas and electric service to the San Antonio area. Lee oversees the
Budgeting and Planning, Continuous Improvement, Benchmarking, and Asset Management organizations that support the electric
delivery, gas delivery, and customer service organizations. Mr. Byrd joined CPS Energy in 2005 and has held various positions of
increasing responsibility within the company. Prior to working at CPS Energy, he spent 17 years in the Automotive Division of
Motorola, working in Engineering, New Product Launch, Operations Management, and Quality Management. Mr. Byrd is a Six Sigma
Green Belt, a Certified Process Master, and a graduate of the San Antonio Northside Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lab.
8:40 AM – 9:15 AM
Introduction: Transformer Principles & Fundamentals
Mark Rivers, Vice President, Client Services
Doble Engineering Company
As we move forward into the 21st Century, the use of electricity by mankind has evolved into a necessary staple of everyday
life. But it wasn’t always this way. The advent of power transformers in today’s world is a function of necessity, a product of
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
ingenuity, and a marvel of technology. Power transformers are the key element in the present system of electrical power
distribution, and this system could not function without transformers. Let’s take a look at why and how they were developed.
Mark Rivers received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Massachusetts and a
MBA at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts. Since 1979 he had been employed by at Doble Engineering Company as a
Principal Engineer consulting on electric power equipment insulation testing and maintenance. He has been active on the IEEE
and Doble Transformer and Circuit Bushing Committees and has managed insulation software development. Currently Mr.
Rivers is the Vice President of Client Service Engineering. He has authored numerous papers in the area of Transformer and
Circuit Breaker Testing, and he was a technical contributor to the EPRI Guidelines for the Life Extensions of Substations.
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Break
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Video Presentation: “The Making of a Transformer”
Troy Kabrich, General Manager – Services Division
SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc.
Professionally filmed and produced at the Waukesha transformer manufacturing facilities, this video presentation and narrative
will provide each attendee with a unique, up close tour of the inner workings of a transformer manufacturing plant. This detailed
presentation which will cover all aspects of transformer manufacturing and construction and is ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE LIFE
OF A TRANSFORMERTM SEMINAR.
Troy Kabrich is currently the Vice President & General Manager for the Goldsboro, NC Manufacturing
Plant and the Service and Components Division of SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc. During his twenty-five
years of industry experience, Mr. Kabrich has held positions as a Plant Manager, Director of Field Services,
Repair Operations Manager, Field Service Engineer, and Sales Engineer. He has published articles for
T&D World and Utility Automation and Engineering magazines, was author of Installation and Maintenance
Chapter of Third Revision of the Electric Power Transformer Engineering Handbook, and is a frequent
contributor to industry training programs. Troy has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering
from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Transformer Specification & Vendor Prequalification
Bill Griesacker, Transformer Consulting Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
An effective procurement system utilizes the preapproval process to identify suitable power transformer vendors and a design
review to establish an agreed upon design and procurement process. This preapproval approval process should include factory
qualification audits which are essential to confirm a manufacturer’s ability to meet a purchaser’s requirements and expectations.
The design review is performed to establish an agreed upon design and to facilitate the procurement process. That the supplier
is capable of meeting the purchaser’s procurement specifications is confirmed during this process and the procurement process
is expedited by bringing the purchaser and supplier together on the technical details of the purchased transformer.
Bill Griesacker is a member of Doble Engineering Company as a transformer engineer working on projects that include factory
inspections, condition assessment, design reviews, failure analysis and general consulting. He previously worked for
Pennsylvania Transformer Technology Inc., where he held various positions including Engineering Manager. His work included
high voltage insulation design, transient voltage modeling of power transformer windings and various LTC and DETC switch
development projects. Prior to this, he was employed by the Westinghouse Electric Company, working on synchronous
generator projects as a member of the Generator Engineering Department. Mr. Griesacker started his career with Cooper
Power Systems in large power transformers and later worked in the Kyle Switchgear, Vacuum Interrupter Department. He has
earned a MS in electric power engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in electrical engineering from
Gannon University. Mr. Griesacker is an active member of the IEEE, PES Transformers Committee where he holds positions in
several working groups and subcommittees.
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Transformer Design Process
Vinay Mehrotra, Engineering Manager
SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc.
Transformers are tailor made products. The design process begins with understanding customer requirements. Using
optimization programs a quote design is provided with the lowest total owning cost meeting customer requirements. During final
design detailed dielectric, short circuit and thermal calculations are performed to ensure the transformer meets performance
and customer requirements. The mechanical design of the tank, stiffeners, lifting and clamping structures enables the unit to
withstand vacuum, pressure, short-circuit, seismic and shipping conditions. Design verification is done by performing routine
and type tests on the unit.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Vinay Mehrotra joined SPX Waukesha in 2007 and has over 25 years of experience in the field of medium and large power
transformer design and development (with ratings up to 315 MVA – 3 phase, 305 MVA – 1 phase, 500 kV class 1550 BIL
rating). He has also worked on design and development of converter transformers for HVDC applications. Mr. Mehrotra is an
active member of the IEEE Transformers Committee and holds a BTech Degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute
of Technology BHU, Varanasi India as well as a post graduate diploma in marketing management from IGNOU India.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Keynote — Repowering America – An IPP Perspective
John Adams, Executive Vice President, Power Operations
Calpine Corporation
In his keynote address, Mr. Adams will discuss the major reliability risks to Calpine’s business model from a plant operations
perspective and their high visibility turbine-generator and transformer predictive maintenance programs. With 88 power plants in
operation or under construction, Calpine is America’s largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources
capable of delivering nearly 27,000 megawatts of clean, reliable electricity to customers and communities in 18 U.S. states and
Canada. Calpine’s portfolio has significant scale in three major power markets: Texas, California and the Mid-Atlantic. Its efficient,
modern and flexible fleet is uniquely positioned to benefit from the secular trends affecting our industry, including the abundant and
affordable supply of clean natural gas, stricter environmental regulation, aging power generation infrastructure and the increasing
need for dispatchable power plants to successfully integrate intermittent renewables into the grid.
John Adams has 34 years of experience in the power and industrial equipment industries. At Calpine he is responsible for all power
operations including 93 power plants, Engineering, Construction, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Environmental, Health & Safety. He
joined Calpine in April 2010 from Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas Inc., where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations
from 2006 to 2010 and Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 2002 to 2006. He had direct management responsibility for sales
and marketing, engineering, project management, construction, commissioning and cost control while at Mitsubishi, which designs
and manufactures power generation equipment including combined-cycle gas turbines.
From 1987-2003, Mr. Adams worked for Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation in a variety of increasingly responsible leadership roles
including Vice President of Project Operations, Vice President of Commercial Operations and Vice President of HRSG and Industrial
Products.
Mr. Adams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a registered
professional engineer in the state of Texas.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Insurance Industry Experience
Don Schubert, Senior Vice President
Marsh Insurance and Risk Management
Donald Schubert supports Power Industry accounts worldwide for Marsh with more than 40 years of experience. Donald joined
Johnson & Higgins Global Property Practice in 1988 after 17 years with The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance
Company (HSB). Marsh USA acquired J&H in 1997 at which time Don became part of the Marsh Power Utility Practice group
for global support of the business line. His extensive Boiler & Machinery (B&M) as well as Fire Protection experience includes
management of Target marketing initiatives, Insurance carrier market management and placement strategies, New products
development and alternatives to traditional insurance markets, Risk retention strategies, Advanced loss prevention strategies
and Claims negotiation. Initiatives focus on specific experience in the power industries such as: Fossil Electric, Hydroelectric,
Co-Generation, Independent Power (Merchant) Production and Alternate Energy resources (Such as Solar, Wind, Fuel Cell,
Photovoltaic, Geo Thermal and Compressed Air Energy Systems). A key responsibility focused on changing Technology Risk;
such as Combustion Turbine issues worldwide. Mr. Schubert is a candidate for a Master’s degree in Finance & Insurance
Sciences at the University of Hartford, with undergraduate engineering and a member of many societies.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Transformer Manufacturing
Dharam Vir, Vice President of Engineering
SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc.
Presentation will explain the step-by-step process of manufacturing work stations for the completion of a transformer. Focus on
the important aspects at each area from quality and reliability point of view. Selection of raw materials and latest trends will also
be addressed.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Dharam Vir joined SPX Waukesha in 2004 with over 25 years of service to the transformer industry in EHV design, testing,
production and plant operations. Prior to his current position, he held the positions of Engineering Manager for the Waukesha
plant and director of our EHV program, leading the team responsible for the Waukesha facility expansion. Mr. Vir is an active
member of the IEEE Transformers Committee and holds a BSEE from University of Delhi India, a MS in Electrical Engineering
from NIT Bhopal India and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Bhopal University India.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Understanding Factory Testing Data
Mark Lachman, Director of Diagnostic Analyses
Doble Engineering Company
This presentation briefly describes significance of various electrical production tests with bulk of material arranged around a
typical test plan covering all final factory tests as per IEEE C57.12.00-2010 and C57.12.90-2010. For each test, discussion
includes objective, physics behind the measurement, setup and test methodology, and acceptance criteria.
Mark F. Lachman, Ph.D., P.E., has been with the power industry for over 30 years. In 2005, he joined Delta Star in San Carlos,
CA, where, as Test Manager, he was responsible for the test department operation. In 2011, he returned to Doble Engineering
Company as Director of Diagnostic Analyses.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Ask the Experts Panel
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Street Party at Hard Rock Café & Howl at the Moon
Sponsored by ABB and SPX Waukesha
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:40 AM
Autotransformers
Waldemar Ziomek, Senior Global Expert – Power Transformers
CG Global
When the primary and secondary voltages are obtained from the same winding, or from two windings which are galvanically
connected, such a transformer is called an autotransformer. The autotransformer requires less turns than a two-winding
transformer. The presentation will focus on fundamentals, design and applications of autotransformers. It will start with basic
concept and typical winding arrangements. Next, the voltage variation will be addressed through presentation of different tap
winding arrangement in the unit. Magnetic field distributions and resulting impedance at different tap positions will be shown.
The selected problems of insulating system will be discussed (e.g. end fed vs center fed HV lead bring out, stresses in the end
insulation). Examples of the lightning impulse voltage distributions for different winding arrangements will be shown.
Dr. Waldemar Ziomek works for CG Power Systems, as a global senior expert in the area of power transformers. Till 2013 he
was employed by CG Power Systems Canada's large power transformer plant in Winnipeg, MB, as Manager of Engineering. He
started his employment with CG (then Pauwels) in 1997 as an electrical designer, then in 1999 as an electrical engineering
manager, and since 2003 as manager of engineering, responsible for the electrical design, quotation design, product
development, mechanical design (internal and external), and controls design. Since 2001 he is also an adjunct professor at The
University of Manitoba.
 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Shell-Form Design & Construction
Juan Luis Thierry, Senior Transformer Consulting Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
The utility systems require a broad spectrum of equipment for the transmission of electric power from the utility generating
stations to distribution substations located near industrial plants and residential areas. Transformers are used in most of the
power systems, as generator step-up transformers; as transmission autotransformers and as shunt reactors. Mobile substations
are used by utilities for emergency or temporary power sources. These units are usually a transformer in a package with HV
breaker, arresters and LV switchgear mounted on a trailer for easy transport.
Power transformers are also used for special industrial application such as electric arc furnace transformers which supply high
current, low voltage power to arc furnaces used in steel making. The development and growth of the transformer stemmed from
a basic need for low cost electric power generation and transmission, and the question has been always the same: core type or
shell type? Both transformer types are suit for essentially the same application, but there are some design features that can
make the difference in the long run. The Purpose of this presentation is to identify the main design and construction differences
between core-form and the shell-form transformers.
Juan Luis Thierry is a Senior Transformer Consulting Engineer for Doble Engineering Company concentrating on transformer
design review, factory inspections, factory acceptance tests, forensic analysis and condition assessment. He applies his more
than 30 years of power transformer experience in quality assurance, manufacturing and electrical design for both transformer
types, shell-form and core-form.
Prior joining Doble, Mr. Thierry held several positions at GE Bradenton Transformer Service Center. Prior to GE, he was at
Ohio Transformer Bradenton Remanufacturing Center in Florida where he worked in the electrical design of the remanufacture
of shell type three-phase transformers up to 1000 MVA and single-phase transformers up to 600 MVA, in voltage class up to
525 kV and 1675 kV BIL. He initiated the manufacture of new shell transformers back to USA in the Bradenton facility,
designing both the mechanical and electrical designs for three-phase transformers up to 800 MVA and single-phase
transformers up to 200 MVA, in voltage class up to 525 kV. He designed more than 85 shell type transformers during his tenure
in Bradenton, Florida. Before coming to the USA, Mr. Thierry worked in IEM-Westinghouse outside Mexico City where he held
several positions including Chief Design Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Chief and QA Auditor. He worked in the
electrical design for new and remanufactured transformers in both types of core construction, core-form and shell-form.
Mr. Thierry received his BS in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico
(UNAM) where he graduated with honors and received the “Gabino Barreda Medal” granted by the UNAM for the best GPA of
his class. He is a member of the IEEE Power Energy Society Power Transformer Subcommittee and member of the IEEE
Standards Association. Mr. Thierry is a member of the U.S. National Council of the International Council on Large Electric
Systems as well as a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
8:40 AM – 9:20 AM
Mobile Substations
Marion Jaroszewski, Senior Consultant
Delta Star, Inc.
Mobile substations and their applications are presented. The design differences between stationary transformer and a mobile
unit will be discussed with emphasis on the hybrid insulation and associated with its temperature ratings, losses, cooling system
and testing. The mechanical aspects of the trailer design, additional equipment, protection and auxiliary power are also
addressed. The examples of mobile units' variations are shown.
Marion Jaroszewski’s expertise is in design of transportable (mobile and portable) high temperature transformers and
substations as well as core type power, generator step up, auxiliary and grounding transformers, autotransformers and voltage
regulators. Mr. Jaroszewski graduated from Technical University of Lodz, Poland with EE degree in 1973. His master thesis
was Methods of Calculation of Optimal Dimensions of Active Parts of Power Transformers. He began his professional career
with Transformer Manufacturer ELTA in Lodz, Poland. He moved to the United States in 1981 where he worked as a
Transformer Engineer for Alamo Transformers in Houston. In 1985 was hired as a Design Engineer by H.K. Porter in Belmont,
California and two years later was promoted to Senior Design Engineer position. In 1988, two H. K. Porter transformer plants in
Belmont, CA and in Lynchburg, VA were bought by employees and became again Delta Star, Inc. In 1995, Marion was
promoted to Manager of Engineering position. He was promoted to Corporate Technical Officer in 2004. The same year he was
promoted to San Carlos Operations Manager and to Vice President of the company in 2005. Marion retired at the end of 2009
and currently works part time as a consultant and technical advisor for Delta Star, Inc. He is an active member of IEEE.
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
Phase Shifters & Shunt Reactors
Sheila Batey, Product Manager Large Power Transformers
Alstom Grid
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
With the fast growing requirements for more power and the change in pattern of generation the need for providing a secure and stable
power supply is ever more important. Phaseshifting transformers and shunt reactors both have a role to play in this arena. The
presentation will discuss some of the design features and manufacturing methods for these products and in particular highlighting
where they differ from standard power transformers.
Sheila Batey has 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of power transformers. This includes the design of
HVDC and UHVDC as well as large phase-shifting transformers. Responsibilities include a global responsibility to ensure a
common design concept is followed in all Alstom factories making large power transformers. Ms. Batey participates in IEC/IEEE
working groups for Phase-shifting transformers and for HVDC transformers and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of
the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET).
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
EMI Diagnostic Testing: Electric Plant Reliability for HV Power and Industrial Plant Assets
James Timperley, Principal Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
This session provides examples of how EMI diagnostics can be used to prioritize condition based maintenance activities for critical
High Voltage assets such as motors, generators, transformers, power cables, bus and switchgear. Knowing what components do not
need maintenance is just as important as knowing where maintenance resources should be focused. Case studies are presented
discussing the success of EMI Diagnostics as applied since 1980.
James E. Timperley is currently a Sr. Principal Engineer with Doble Engineering. He has 45 years’ experience in the power industry
with an emphasis on diagnostic testing, large electrical rotating machinery and isolated phase bus. Jim has authored more than 80
technical papers in the areas of applied research, advanced insulation systems, diagnostic testing, failure investigation, inspecting,
maintaining and specifying rotating machinery for IEEE, Doble, ASME, CIGRE, EPRI, DEIS, PCIC and the American Power
Conference. His work has involved root cause analysis of equipment failures, insulation deterioration mechanisms and developing
repair procedures for use at petrochemical and industrial sites as well as in fossil, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants.
Mr. Timperley is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and received the 2006 DEIS Dakin Award for the development of EMI Diagnostics for power
equipment. He is active in IEEE standards committees, holds a BSEE from Oklahoma State University and is a registered
Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio. He has completed Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET) for
working on off shore rigs.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Insulating Materials Basics
Lars Schmidt, Technology Lead Center Manager – Insulation
ABB
This session offers an overview of power transformer insulation focusing on cellulose based insulation materials. Both raw
materials and the conversion of cellulose to transformer board will be discussed including environmental considerations. A
further topic will be the electrical and mechanical properties of pressboard, pressboard laminate and laminated wood. The
directional dependence of laminated wood will be compared with laminated pressboard. The presentation will conclude with a
short selection of ongoing research and development in the field of transformer insulation.
Lars E. Schmidt has a background in Material´s Science and holds a PhD from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology,
Lausanne. In 2006 Lars joined ABB Corporate Research and worked as a researcher in the field of polymer based medium and
high voltage insulation. In 2011, Mr. Schmidt took over the position Technology Lead Center Manager for transformer
insulation. He is located at ABB’s business unit which produces premium insulation for power transformers in Figeholm ,
Sweden. His research interest is in the field of cellulose-based and polymer-based insulation materials.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM ISO55000 and Asset Life Cycle Decision Making
Dr. Tony McGrail, Director, Asset Management & Monitoring
Doble Engineering Company
Tony McGrail is Doble Engineering Company’s Solutions Director for Asset Management & Monitoring Technology, providing
condition, criticality and risk analysis for utility companies. Previously Dr. McGrail has spent over 10 years with National Grid in the UK
and the US; he has been both a substation equipment specialist, with a focus on power transformers, circuit breakers and integrated
condition monitoring, and has also taken on the role of substation asset manager and distribution asset manager, identifying risks and
opportunities for investment in an ageing infrastructure. Dr. McGrail is a Fellow of the IET, Chairman of the IET Council, a member of
the IEEE, ASTM, CIGRE and the IAM, is currently on the executive committee of the Doble Client Committee on Asset and
Maintenance Management, and a contributor to SFRA and other standards. His initial degree was in Physics, supplemented by an MS
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
and a PhD in EE and an MBA. Dr. McGrail has a commitment to lifelong learning and is an Adjunct Professor at Worcester
Polytechnic Institute, MA, leading courses in power systems analysis and distribution fundamentals.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Transformer Cooling Fundamentals
Krzysztof Kulasek, Vice President of Engineering, Large/Medium Power Transformers, N. America
ABB
Vasanth Vailoor, Engineering Manager;
Trantech Radiator Products
This introductory presentation will provide an overview of pumps, coolers, fans, unit uprating, US and International standards,
ancillary and auxiliary systems, thermal constraints, ambient conditions, loading, dynamic modeling, design limitations, leak
repairs, and maintenance.
Losses in transformers are inevitable. Electromagnetic losses reflect as heat and consequently as elevated temperatures due to
thermal resistance. High temperature accelerates aging of insulation paper; the Arrhenius equation shows that the life of a
transformer is reduced by a factor of two with 8ºC rise in temperature. The transformer dissipates heat through all three modes
of heat transfer mechanisms - conduction, convection and radiation. The predominant mode of cooling is convection. Both
radiators and coolers depend primarily on convection for heat dissipation. When is one preferred over the other? So how is the
temperature controlled in new transformers with environmentally more friendly oils that are more viscous?
The second part of the presentation will address cooling system maintenance. With temperature control being crucial in newer
transformers, heat dissipation becomes very important. However, cooling system performance, with or without moving
mechanical equipment, deteriorates with age. Even systems without oil-pumps or fans can fail due to weathering, rusting and
fouling. How do we evaluate the health of the cooling system? Technology has improved with time, so what optimized solutions
are available?
Krzysztof Kulasek is Vice President of Engineering for ABB Large and Medium Power Transformers in North America located in
Varennes, QC, Canada. While working in the transformer business for more than 20 years he has been involved in new technology
implementations in different factories as well as product and production process development. Krzysztof’s areas of expertise include:
transformer optimization, insulation design, SC calculations, stray loss heating, process improvement and production optimization.
As a member of the ABB global technical team he contributes to R&D projects, technology and quality improvement initiatives and
new engineers training. Mr. Kulasek received his electrical engineering degree in 1993 at the Technical University of Lodz, Poland
from the faculty of Electrical Machines and Transformers. He has been an IEEE member since 2002.
Vasanth Vailoor is a Mechanical Engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology with specialization in Heat Transfer and Fluid
Dynamics. He has now been with Trantech Radiators as the Engineering Manager for over ten years. Before that he has been
associated with industries as diverse as Aviation, Cryogenics and Renewable Energy focused on modeling, simulation and
testing. His wide range of interests and depth of knowledge in various topics help bridge diverse technologies leading to simple
optimized solutions. He has published over ten papers while still maintaining an active commercial career.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Effect of GIC on Power Transformers and Power Systems
Ramsis Girgis, Research & Development Manager
ABB
Jane Verner, Manager Control Room Operations
PEPCO
Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) can cause core saturation, depending on the magnitude of the GIC and the design of
the transformer. This core saturation leads to additional VAR demand and injects current harmonics into the grid. When large
enough, a geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) can result in voltage instabilities and subsequent blackouts. Another consequence
of core saturation is additional heating of transformer windings and structural parts. In May 2013, FERC issued Order 779 which
directs NERC to submit Reliability Standards which address the impact of GMD on the reliable operation of the bulk power
system. Also, an IEEE Transformers Committee working group is presently developing an IEEE Guide on “Establishing Power
Transformer Capability while under GMD”. This presentation will give an overview of the two documents and some of the
technical differences.
Dr. Ramsis Girgis (IEEE Life Fellow Member) is presently the leader of ABB's global R&D activities in the areas of
Transformer Core Performance and Low Noise Transformers. Over the past several years, Dr. Girgis has lead an ABB team in
developing the ABB ultra – low noise Power transformer technology. He also led Westinghouse’s, and now ABB’s,
investigations in the area of GIC effect on power transformers since the 1989 GMD event. Over the past three years, he has
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
contributed to the activities of the NERC GMD TF and is presently a contributor to the IEEE WG developing the IEEE GIC
Guide. Ramsis received his PhD degree in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 1978.
In 2013, he was awarded the IEEE Standards Medallion for Significant Contributions to the Transformer Industry and
Transformer Standards. In the mid-eighties, Dr. Girgis was the Technical Advisor, representing the US National Committee in
the IEC Power Transformers Technical Committee 14.
Jane Ann Verner is the Manager of Pepco’s Grid Operations Center. She formerly managed Substation Engineering and Substation
Standards Teams for Pepco Holdings Inc. (Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva and Pepco). Jane is a licensed Professional Electrical
Engineer in Maryland, PA and the District of Columbia. She is a member of IEEE and the IEEE PES. She recently chaired the working
group of the newly published IEEE Power Transformer Field Test Guide, C57.152. She is presently chairing the IEEE working group,
developing the IEEE GMD Guide for Power Transformers. Jane has a Bachelor of Science.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Transformer Operations & Loading
Philip Prout
National Grid
The presentation identifies key areas associated with loading Power Transformers designed for a 65 C rise with thermally
upgraded insulation. The information was gathered from multiple standards, loading guidelines and actual case studies. The
document can be referred to when specifying new transformers, evaluating factory thermal testing, rating transformers using
thermal programs and assist in operating the transformers while in service. Highlights of a few case studies to be explorer are:
confirming dryness of insulation prior to leaving factory, evaluating factory thermal test results and calculating loading limitations
for system control are just a few highlights.
Phillip Prout is a principal maintenance engineer at National Grid USA in the Substation O&M Services Group located in
Massachusetts. He is a 1986 graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology with a BSME degree. Mr. Prout provides technical
support to substation field operations and substation engineering. He has more than 25 years of experience in substation
maintenance and design.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Logistical Considerations/Challenges in the Transportation & Rigging of Transformers
Andy Burns, Sales/Project Manager
Edwards Moving & Rigging
The transportation and rigging of a transformer is an important part of the procurement process. In today’s market many of the
transformers purchased include delivery to the pad as part of the purchase contract. We will discuss the various modes of
transportation (Sea, Inland Water, Rail, and Truck) and detail advantages and limitations of each mode. The second part of the
presentation will focus on rigging methods and acceptable practices. In recent years, replacement of existing equipment often
involves short outage windows in high hazard environments with tight available work space. The discussion will provide details on
methods to change out these components as well as case studies demonstrating how this work can be accomplished in a safe
manner.
Andy Burns has overseen multiple multi-modal transportation projects over the last nine years at Edwards Moving & Rigging, Inc. His
range of experience includes the successful oversight and design of over-weight and over-dimensional transport of HRSGs, vessels,
presses, and multiple transformer and GSU projects. In addition, he has overseen the planning and execution of various rigging
projects at power plants, substations, refineries, and other industrial markets throughout the country. The majority of these projects
have involved over the road transport, necessitating significant time investment in permit procurement, overhead obstruction issues,
and bridge studies. In addition, he has 8 years of sales experience in both service and manufacturing industries. Mr. Burns holds a
BA degree in Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University and certifications in Hazardous Materials, Emergency
Response (HAZWOPER), and Person-in-Charge.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
High-Temperature, Liquid-Immersed Transformer Design
using Advanced Materials
Kurt Kaineder, Global Technology Center Linz – Medium Power
Transformers
Siemens
High-temperature liquid immersed transformers are used for a variety of specialist applications. We will look how these specialty
transformers are designed, built, and tested.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Kurt Kaineder is VP engineering head at the Siemens Austria Transformers Linz and additionally he holds the position of Vice
President Electrical Design within the Global Technology Center – Medium Power Transformers. After studying electrical engineering
specializing in power engineering at the University of Vienna, he worked in different positions for different manufacturers. After the first
contact with the transformers in 1998 Mr. Kaineder has gained his experience in Transformer Engineering at Siemens Austria
Transformers Linz in the area of Electrical Design and in different special projects.
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Transformer Bushing Fundamentals
David Geibel, Technical Director
ABB
Randy Williams, Utility Marketing Manager
ABB
David Geibel graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Alfred with an AAS in Electromechanical
Technology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Geibel
worked for General Electric Company starting in the Plastics laboratory working on inventions like bullet proof window. He
moved to the high voltage testing laboratory for the Large Transformer Division. While at the high voltage lab, he performed
design and development testing on a wide variety of electrical equipment (such as bushings). Mr. Geibel did the first testing
done by GE to determine why Type U bushing had rising power factor. He then transferred to the transformer design
engineering department where he concentrated on load tap changer application and design. When GE sold the transformer
technology to Westinghouse, he took a new assignment with a joint venture between Westinghouse and Reinhausen (MR) as
the Quality Manager for the startup venture making load tap changers in North America. Westinghouse asked Mr. Geibel to join
the field retrofit engineering group in Pittsburgh, PA where he was a Senior Design Engineer. He eventually moved to Alamo,
TN to take the position of Fellow Development Engineer. He was reassigned as Fellow Product Design Engineer for the ABB
Alamo bushing business. Mr. Geibel was the Engineering Supervisor for Delta Star Inc. then returned to ABB Alamo to take his
current position as the Engineering Manager. He holds two bushing related US Patents. Several other patents are pending at
this time related to bushings and on load tap changers.
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Advanced Thermal Design
Sheila Batey, Product Manager – Large Power Transformers
Alstom Grid
This presentation will discuss four aspects in the thermal design of transformers (1) Introduction on the types of cooling and
temperature limits for oil immersed transformers. (2) A discussion of the different sources of heat generation (Losses) and
some mitigation methods to reduce level of losses. (3) Thermal tests and results including hotspot temperatures. (4)
Transformer overloads.
Sheila Batey has 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of power transformers. This includes the design of
HVDC and UHVDC as well as large phase-shifting transformers. Responsibilities include a global responsibility to ensure a
common design concept is followed in all Alstom factories making large power transformers. Ms. Batey participates in IEC/IEEE
working groups for Phase-shifting transformers and for HVDC transformers and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of
the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET).
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Load Tap Changer Fundamentals
Bernhard Kurth, General Manager
Reinhausen Manufacturing, Inc.
David Geibel, Engineering Manager
ABB
Energized Load Tap Changers (LTCs), De-Energized (DETC), Transmission Class, Distribution Class, Resistive, Reactive, and
so very much more. This is by far one of the most impressive presentations of the week, and it is jam-packed with information
about history, usage, various designs, operations, maintenance, gas analysis, repairs, failures and components.
Representatives of ABB and Reinhausen will be on hand to make presentations and then open the floor for discussion, and
most importantly, to field your questions. This extremely practical presentation will allow the attendees to ask about all types of
subjects related to the everyday operations, loading, and maintenance of transformer tap changers.
Bernhard Kurth, was born in Quito, Ecuador on June 29, 1960. He received a M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from
Rhineland Westphalia Technical University at Aachen, Germany in 1987. Mr. Kurth has been around On-Load and Off-Circuit
Tap Changers for his entire career. He has been President of Reinhausen Manufacturing in Humboldt, TN since its foundation
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
in 1991. Before joining Reinhausen Manufacturing, Bernhard worked as Area Sales Manager at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen
GmbH in Regensburg, Germany, being then transferred as President of Reinhausen Canada Ltd. to Toronto, Canada in 1990.
David Geibel graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Alfred with an Associates degree of applied
science in Electromechanical Technology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors
of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Dave worked for General Electric Company (GE) from 1974 until 1987. He started
in the Plastics laboratory working on inventions like bullet proof window until 1976 when he moved to the high voltage testing
laboratory for the Large Transformer Division. While at the High Volt lab, Dave performed design and development testing on a
wide variety of electrical equipment (such as bushings). Dave did the first testing done by GE to determine why Type U bushing
had rising power factor. In 1979, Dave transferred to the transformer design engineering department where he concentrated on
load tap changer application and design. When GE sold the transformer technology to Westinghouse in 1986, Dave took a new
assignment with a joint venture between Westinghouse and Reinhausen (MR) as the Quality Manager for the startup venture
making load tap changers in North America. In 1988 Westinghouse asked Dave to join the field retrofit engineering group in
Pittsburgh, PA where he was a Senior Design Engineer until 1996. At that time Dave moved to Alamo, TN to take the position
of Fellow Development Engineer. In 2002 he was reassigned as Fellow Product Design Engineer for the ABB Alamo bushing
business. In 2004 Dave became the Engineering Supervisor for Delta Star Inc. Dave returned to ABB Alamo in 2006 to take
his current position as the Engineering Manager. Dave holds two bushing related US Patents. Several other patents are
pending at this time related to bushings and on load tap changers.
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Noise Mitigation
Ramsis Girgis, Research & Development Manager
ABB
Outdoor noise is a serious and increasing problem in our society in general and transformers in the vicinity of residential areas
are an important part of the problem. In order to fulfill increasingly demanding limits on noise from transformer installations, it is
necessary to understand the total process of sound generation, transmission and radiation. This presentation will describe the
mechanisms involved in this process and methods of designing low noise and ultra – low noise power transformers. Important
differences between noise levels measured at the factory acceptance tests and actual noise emission in operation will be
presented.
Dr. Ramsis Girgis (IEEE Life Fellow Member) is presently the leader of ABB's global R&D activities in the areas of
Transformer Core Performance and Low Noise Transformers. Over the past several years, Dr. Girgis has lead an ABB team in
developing the ABB ultra – low noise Power transformer technology. He also led Westinghouse’s, and now ABB’s,
investigations in the area of GIC effect on power transformers since the 1989 GMD event. Over the past three years, he has
contributed to the activities of the NERC GMD TF and is presently a contributor to the IEEE WG developing the IEEE GIC
Guide. Ramsis received his PhD degree in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 1978.
In 2013, he was awarded the IEEE Standards Medallion for Significant Contributions to the Transformer Industry and
Transformer Standards. In the mid-eighties, Dr. Girgis was the Technical Advisor, representing the US National Committee in
the IEC Power Transformers Technical Committee 14.
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Corrosive Sulfur
Paul Griffin, Vice President Consulting and Testing Services
Doble Engineering Company
Measures Against Corrosive Sulfur: Regeneration vs. Passivation & Oil Changes
Rüediger Kutzner, Head of Global Technology Centre
Siemens AG
Corrosive sulfur oil is known to have caused problems in electric apparatus and accessories. The problem is complex and
continued research is necessary. However, some significant improvements in understanding have lead to better tools to detect
possible problems and help avoid them. Two test methods for oils have been developed that are useful for detecting potential
problems based on different failure modes. In-service oils can be tested and evaluated based on the application. Mitigation
methods such as passivation are being evaluated.
Paul Griffin is Doble Engineering Company’s Vice President of Consulting and Testing Services. Mr. Griffin has been with
Doble since 1979 and prior to his current role has held various positions including Laboratory Manager and Vice President of
Laboratory Services. Since joining Doble, Mr. Griffin has published over 50 technical papers pertaining to testing of electrical
insulating materials and electric apparatus diagnostics. He is a Fellow of ASTM and a member of Committee D-27 on Electrical
Insulating Liquids and Gases. He was formerly ASTM Subcommittee Chairman on Physical Test, ASTM Section Chairman on
Gases in Oil, and the Technical Advisor to the U.S. National Committee for participation in the International Electrotechnical
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Commission, Technical Committee 10, and Fluids for Electrotechnical Applications. Mr. Griffin is a member of the IEEE
Insulating Fluids Subcommittee of the Transformer Committee.
Rüdiger Kutzner is Head of Global Technology Centre within the business segment Transformer Lifecycle Management at
Siemens Transformers in Nuremberg. He studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig. In 1991 he
joined the High Voltage Institute of the Technical University of Braunschweig and in 1997 he received his Dr.-Ing. Following he
joined the Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics in Garching, Germany and he was responsible for the power supply systems
for nuclear fusion experiments. In 1999 he joined the Siemens AG in Nuremberg and was in charge of monitoring systems.
Later he was responsible for product and technology within the TLM department.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Ask the Experts Panel
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Industry Expo & Reception
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Attendee Breakfast
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
What’s in the Box?
(Designed for 3-Day Transformer Maintenance Program Seminar Attendees)
Troy Kabrich, General Manager – Services Division
Power transformers demand a higher degree of care during installation. The large investment in the transformers and their
importance to the power system demonstrates the need for careful field preparation for service. This presentation will highlight
recommendations for the proper receipt, inspection, field assembly, oil processing, and acceptance testing of large liquid
immersed power transformers rated 10 MVA or greater or with high voltage windings rated 69 kV and above. Basic transformer
field installation topics and standards will be reviewed to include inspections, equipment requirements, assembly and field dry
out techniques, determination of insulation moisture concentration, provisions for cold ambient temperature processing, vacuum
filling processes, and acceptance testing.
Troy Kabrich is currently the Vice President & General Manager for the Goldsboro, NC Manufacturing Plant and the Service
and Components Division of SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc. During his twenty-five years of industry experience, Mr. Kabrich
has held positions as a Plant Manager, Director of Field Services, Repair Operations Manager, Field Service Engineer, and
Sales Engineer. He has published articles for T&D World and Utility Automation and Engineering magazines, was author of
Installation and Maintenance Chapter of Third Revision of the Electric Power Transformer Engineering Handbook, and is a
frequent contributor to industry training programs. Troy has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from RoseHulman Institute of Technology.
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Transformer Installation: Assembly, Oil Processing & Commissioning
Troy Kabrich, General Manager – Services Division
SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc.
This presentation will highlight recommendations for the proper receipt, inspection, field assembly, oil processing, and
acceptance testing of large liquid immersed power transformers. Transformer field installation processes and standards will be
reviewed to include impact recorders, equipment requirements, assembly operations, field dry out techniques, determination of
insulation moisture concentration, provisions for cold ambient temperature processing, vacuum filling processes, and
acceptance testing.
Troy Kabrich is currently the Vice President & General Manager for the Goldsboro, NC Manufacturing Plant and the Service
and Components Division of SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc. During his twenty-five years of industry experience, Mr. Kabrich
has held positions as a Plant Manager, Director of Field Services, Repair Operations Manager, Field Service Engineer, and
Sales Engineer. He has published articles for T&D World and Utility Automation and Engineering magazines, was author of
Installation and Maintenance Chapter of Third Revision of the Electric Power Transformer Engineering Handbook, and is a
frequent contributor to industry training programs. Troy has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from RoseHulman Institute of Technology.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Transformer Economics – Evaluating Life-Cycle Ownership Costs
Jim McIver, Principal Applications Engineer
Siemens Energy, Inc.
As users strive for the most effective investment in a power transformer, it is important to consider life-cycle owning costs,
rather than only purchase price. Although transformers are highly efficient, the cost of losses is a significant portion of owning
cost. Most power transformer users now apply a loss evaluation factor when specifying new transformers – is there a single,
magical procedure to determine what this factor should be? The owner may receive an overly expensive physical design if
severely high loss evaluation factors are applied to new transformer requests. Conversely, when loss costs are minimized
excessively the transformer will suffer from a lifetime of inefficient operation. Some examples of loss factor determination will be
presented and we'll illustrate why loss costs vary through the years and at different locations on an electrical system.
Jim McIver has 40 years of experience in the North American electric power industry. Prior to Siemens' acquisition of VA Tech,
he was VA Tech's Technology Director and now serves as Principal Application Engineer. While at Nevada Power, he managed
design, procurement and maintenance of transformers, breakers and switchgear. As a GE Senior Application Engineer, he
specified phase shifters, provided forensic analysis of transformer field failures and developed gas-in-oil diagnostics for sealedtank, network transformers. Mr. McIver is member of Eta Kappa Nu, IEEE Transformer Committee, and is Professional
Engineer in the State of New York. He earned his MSEE from Rensellaer Polytechnic and is a New York state registered P.E.
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM
Transformer Design Review
Bill Griesacker, Transformer Consulting Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
An effective procurement system utilizes the preapproval process to identify suitable power transformer vendors and a design
review to establish an agreed upon design and procurement process. This preapproval approval process should include factory
qualification audits which are essential to confirm a manufacturer’s ability to meet a purchaser’s requirements and expectations.
The design review is performed to establish an agreed upon design and to facilitate the procurement process. That the supplier
is capable of meeting the purchaser’s procurement specifications is confirmed during this process and the procurement process
is expedited by bringing the purchaser and supplier together on the technical details of the purchased transformer.
Bill Griesacker is a member of Doble Engineering Company as a transformer engineer working on projects that include factory
inspections, condition assessment, design reviews, failure analysis and general consulting. He previously worked for
Pennsylvania Transformer Technology Inc., where he held various positions including Engineering Manager. His work included
high voltage insulation design, transient voltage modeling of power transformer windings and various LTC and DETC switch
development projects. Prior to this, he was employed by the Westinghouse Electric Company, working on synchronous
generator projects as a member of the Generator Engineering Department. Mr. Griesacker started his career with Cooper
Power Systems in large power transformers and later worked in the Kyle Switchgear, Vacuum Interrupter Department. He has
earned a MS in electric power engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in electrical engineering from
Gannon University. Mr. Griesacker is an active member of the IEEE.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Transformer Field Testing
Robert Brusetti, Director, Client Service Engineering
Doble Engineering Company
Thermal imaging, offline tests, online tests. Transformer Turns Ratio, Megger, Power Factor, Capacitance, Leakage Reactance,
Winding Resistance, Excitation Current, Sweep Frequency Response Analysis, Electromagnetic Interference.
Robert Brusetti received his BS in Electrical Engineer degree from the University of Vermont in 1984 and a MBA from Boston
College in 1988. He has been employed at Doble Engineering Company for twenty years and currently serves as Director of
Client Service Engineering. Prior to his present responsibility he has held positions as Product Manager and Field Engineer. Mr.
Brusetti is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Massachusetts.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Industry Expo & Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Insulating Fluid Basics & How to Take a Proper Oil Sample
David Koehler, Manager Laboratory Services
Doble Engineering Company
This presentation will provide information on insulating fluids, focusing on various characteristics and the most common analytical
tests performed on insulating fluids to assess the condition of the insulating fluid and health of the transformer. Important aspects of
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
the sampling process for insulating fluids will be covered to help ensure that a representative sample of the bulk insulating fluid is
obtained.
David Koehler received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Indiana University and his M.B.A. from Indiana Wesleyan
University. He has over 16 years of experience in the testing of insulating fluids and management of analytical laboratories. He has
provided numerous technical presentations and published technical articles within the power industry. David has the following
industry affiliations: Doble Engineering Insulating Materials Committee Asst. Secretary, Director IEEE-Central Indiana Section, IEEE
Region 4 Treasurer, IEEE Region 4 Strategic Planning Committee, Senior Member IEEE, ASTM D-27 Technical Committee on
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases, and in 2011 was an Executive Committee Member of the Indiana American Chemical Society
and remains active within ACS.
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Iso-Phase Bus Circulating Current and Overheating Issues
Gary Whitehead, Power Project Specialist
Electrical Builders Inc.
The purpose of this presentation is to educate the audience in the evolution of the design of isolated phase bus, and how
circulating currents affect those different designs. Circulating currents can cause havoc with an isolated bhase bus system, and
the basic design of the bus will dictate the best practices that have been identified for analysis, inspection, cleaning and
maintenance of those bus systems. The isolated phase bus systems have largely been ignored, forgetting it is the only system
critical component in the power plant that does not have redundancy. With a renewed focus on the systems, many plants do not
realize how different designs can cause different problems. This presentation will provide information on the different isolated
phase bus designs and how circulating currents create different problems with those designs.
Gary Whitehead is the Power Projects Specialist at Electrical Builders Inc. (EBI). Since coming to EBI his main focus has been
working on projects such as new installation, retrofits as well as design improvements and value engineering on existing
systems. Mr. Whitehead has attended numerous colleges studying industrial and architectural drafting and design. He has over
7 years of experience in this industry working for AZZ/Calvert, a designer and manufacturer of Iso-Phase systems as an
Engineering Technical Coordinator and also in their Installation Services as a Designer/Quotation Specialist and Project
Manager.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Transformer Moisture Management: Transformer Dehydration & Field Dryouts
Derek Baranowski, President & Owner
Baron USA, Inc.
Transformer life depends mainly on the condition of the liquid & solid insulation. The liquid insulation can be maintained and
restored with purification & reclamation. The solid insulation however is difficult to maintain directly. Various technologies and
techniques are available to maintain the insulation (both directly & indirectly). Appropriate selection and application of
transformer dry-out technologies and techniques can extend transformer life, reduce downtime and save money. These
technologies and their field applications will be discussed during this presentation.
Derek Baranowski is President and Owner of Baron USA, Inc., provider of high quality custom designed Vapor Phase, and
Field Transformer Dryout and Oil Processing equipment critical to utilities, service companies, the military, and transformer
manufacturers nationally and internationally. Mr. Baranowski has been with the company for over 31 years. He attended
Tennessee Technological University and served in the US. Army. When Derek is not in the office or on a job site somewhere,
he can usually be found sailing in the Caribbean or by the nearest pool.
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
DC Magnetization
Helfried Passath, Research & Development
Siemens
Modern power transformers use highly efficient grain oriented electrical core steel. The cores are manufactured by using most
advanced core stacking techniques. These transformers are usually operated at low core flux densities and low excitation currents in
order to achieve low no-load noise and no-load losses. Parasitic DC influences the transformer in a negative way. Even small DC in
the range of a few hundred mA DC increases the noise massively. This presentation deals with the effects of parasitic DC and
presents counter measures. A new technology called DC Compensation is presented in detail. This new technology fully eliminates
the negative influence of DC without affecting the grid negatively.
Helfried Passath is a research engineer at the R&D department of Siemens AG Österreich Transformers Weiz. After
graduation at the Technical University of Graz he was developing electronics for medical equipment for several years. Joining
Siemens in 2011 he is now responsible for the DC Compensation project for large power transformers.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Infared Testing & Other On-line Surveying Technologies
Elmer Deforest
The Snell Group
Falk Werner, Sr. Field Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
Infrared thermography is a remarkable tool for inspecting electrical systems. We should remember it's only one tool in our tool
box. When properly used, thermal imaging cameras reveal thermal patterns which can validate normal equipment operation
and forecast abnormal situations that may lead to premature equipment failures. Modern infrared cameras are reliable and easy
to use. Unfortunately, the interpretation of images can be complex and an understanding of the technologies limitations is
crucial for successful analysis of data. This seminar will discuss the application of thermography on several types of
transformers and their components. Numerous real-life sample images will be shared demonstrating failure modes and their
potential severity. Inspection techniques and tips will be discussed utilizing infrared thermography for transformer field
diagnostics.
Elmer Deforest has been a part of The Snell Group Team since August 2003. He started out on the service and inspections
side and traveled to many industrial sites for consultation, setting up programs and performing inspections. He also mentored
and trained Snell employees in Infrared, Motor Circuit Analysis and Ultrasound. Currently he is an instructor for Level 1 courses
and holds a Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP) certificate through the Society of Maintenance Reliability
Professionals and has an ASNT-TC-1A Level II certificate in thermography. Elmer has been published several times on his
work with thermography, electric motor circuit analysis and electric motor reliability. He has also made numerous presentations
at nationally recognized forums and conferences on thermography, electric motor circuit analysis and electric motor reliability.
Elmer currently teaches Level I and Level II infrared thermography courses for The Snell Group.
Falk Werner studied Electronics and Information Technology with a focus on Telecommunication and Signal Processing at the
University of Stuttgart in Germany. His final thesis was Location of Partial Discharges by Means of Sensor Arrays. Mr. Werner
has in-depth knowledge of partial discharge (PD) diagnostics and measurement methods on high voltage insulation systems. At
Doble Lemke in Germany he co-developed the PD solutions range. Mr. Werner has several publications to his credit and is
currently a Doble Power Services Engineer at Doble Engineering Company focusing on partial discharge, diagnostics and
solution development. A German native, Mr. Werner speaks German, English and French.
 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Focus Group: Advanced Insulating Fluid Topics
International standards (IEEE C57.154 and IEC 60076-14)
John Luksich, Principal Engineer
Cargill, Inc.
Standards have recently been published, providing specific requirements and guidance to apply the
enhanced, high temperature insulation system capabilities enabled via natural ester dielectric fluids.
The supporting technical data, application experience, and technical impact of utilizing these
capabilities will be presented.
John Luksich is a Principal Engineer with Cargill Industrial Specialties, focusing on natural and
synthetic ester dielectric liquids. Prior to Cargill, he spent 15 years as a Senior Engineer with Cooper
Power Systems. Mr. Luksich received a B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1980 and M.Sc. in Materials
Engineering in 1990, both from the University of Wisconsin. He is active in the ASTM D27
Committee on Electrical Insulating Liquids, as well as multiple Working Groups of the IEEE PES
Transformer Committee.
Naphthenic Mineral Insulating Oil Manufacture, Additives & Storage
Jimmy Rasco, Vice President – Global Base Oil Technology
Ergon, Inc.
This portion of the panel will cover Naphthenic Mineral Insulating Oil Manufacturing, Additives and
Storage. Naphthenic oils have been used as transformer insulating oil successfully for many years. They
have heat transfer and low temperature properties that make them well suited for this application. This
paper will review some history of naphthenics use as insulating oil and manufacturing processes that
refiners employ to produce them. It will review how refining impacts the type, quality and performance of
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
the oils in transformers along with different additives that can impact performance. It will also look at
transformer oil is stored to ensure its integrity for delivery.
Jimmy Rasco has responsibility for quality and development of naphthenic and paraffinic base oils. He
has worked with Ergon for 20 years and has 40 years of experience in Quality Control and Technical
Support of petroleum refined products. He has a BS degree in Chemistry from Alcorn State University.
Jimmy is a member of the American Chemical Society, CIGRE, IEEE, IEC, ANSI TAG to IEC TC 10 and
ASTM where he serves as Chairman of Subcommittee 27.01 for Mineral Oil. He has served on numerous
Maintenance Teams and Working Groups for International organizations governing transformer oil.
Isoparaffinic Transformer Oils
Chris Armstrong, Sr. Technical Services Advisor
Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc.
Catalytic dewaxing technology has led to the development of isoparaffinic transformer oils with
desirable physical and chemical properties. Severe refining processes produce isoparaffinic oil that
has excellent additive response and is virtually corrosive-sulphur free. These properties make
isoparaffinic base oils ideally suited for transformer oil applications in various operating
environments. The technologies available for the production of isoparaffinic transformer oils will be
discussed in this presentation, with an emphasis on factors that have led to technological
improvements in the industry.
Chris Armstrong is Sr. Technical Services Advisor for Petro-Canada Lubricants’ Luminol
Transformer Fluid product line. He has worked for Petro-Canada for over 20 years and has held
positions in Refinery Operations, Sales, Research & Development and Technical Services. Currently
as a Sr. Technical Services Advisor, he is a voting member of ASTM Committee D27 on Electrical
Insulating Liquids and Gases. He holds a Material Engineering Technology diploma from Mohawk
College and his CLS certification from the STLE.
Synthetic-Esters
John Hosker, Commercial Manager
M&I Materials Inc.
This presentation will mainly centre upon synthetic ester and how its key properties can be compared and
contrasted to those of mineral oil, and the usage implications of these properties. The discussion will
move onto fluid handling, in-service maintenance requirements and related issues, including oxidation
stability. Also discussed will be real field application experiences with synthetic-ester, including the ability
to retrofill transformers. Lastly, there will be an explanation of the similarities and differences between the
IEC and IEEE standards and industry guide documents which relate to synthetic-ester fluids.
John Hosker joined M&I over 2 years ago and has responsibility to develop and increase the
adoption of Midel natural and synthetic-ester dielectric fluids across international utility sectors. A
qualified electrical engineer with over 10 years’ experience in International Technical Sales at a
senior level with large US multi-nationals, particularly Cooper Industries Inc. A career covering 25
years in the electrical protection and distribution system field and a previous representative on the
BEMA (British Engineering Manufactures Association) export council.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Transformer Maintenance: Commonly Overlooked Items
Rick Youngblood, Principal Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
Transformer maintenance is generally regarded as what's going on inside the tank and very little thought is given to all the ancillary
equipment used to cool the core,move the oil, or control what tap the LTC is on. This session deals with the commonly overlooked
items that fail transformers as often as winding or insulation damage.
Rick Youngblood’s engineering career spans more than three decades. After leaving active duty from the Air Force he joined
Cinergy Corporation (then known as Public Service of Indiana) as an entry level engineer. After receiving his BSEE from
Purdue University he was promoted to Project Engineer and then Manager of Technical Services in their Northern Division
responsible for construction, maintenance and metering. After merging with Cincinnati Gas and Electric and forming Cinergy
Corporation, Mr. Youngblood became Senior Engineer responsible for implementing their CMM System “Maximo” and
developing their condition-based maintenance program. He went on to become Supervising Engineer for Substation Services.
In 2004 Mr. Youngblood joined American Electrical Testing Company as Regional Manager of their Midwest office. He obtained
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
his NETA 3 certification and went on to perform maintenance and testing in utility and industrial environments. He joined Doble
Engineering Company in 2010 as Principal Engineer in the Client Service group.
5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Evening at Rio Cibolo Ranch — hosted by Siemens
Seminar attendees are invited to a fun night at Rio Cibolo Ranch featuring country BBQ with all the
fixin’s, games, Country-Western band and more.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Attendee Breakfast
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Focus Group: Field Maintenance & Repair
Power Transformer Coolers & Pumps
Jeff Cooper, Regional Manager
Unifin
Cooling systems basics as applied to large power transformers, the factors that lead to thermal and/or
mechanical degradation of the cooling systems, and things to look for in the field as signs of existing or
potential problems will be addressed.
Jeff Cooper is Regional Manager at Unifin. Prior to joining Unifin Mr. Cooper was employed at
Westinghouse Electric Corp in their Power Transformer & Circuit Breaker After-Market Services
Group and at ABB in Power Transformer Marketing and in Utility Field Sales. He holds and
International B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Transformer Bushing Replacement
Larry Kirchner, Field Service Staff Engineer
Siemens
Power and Distribution Transformers rely on many intricate components to operate properly, safely and
effectively in order to support a long life for transformer serviceability. Transformer bushings are one of the
major components which can be intricate and specialized, and should be handled carefully during
replacement from beginning to end. This presentation will provide an overview on the different activities
that make up a transformer bushing replacement field maintenance repair. The objective of the
presentation is to provide end users with an outline for possible reasons why a bushing should be
replaced, what electrical, mechanical and technical information should be reviewed and used to specify
the style, type and bushing models (i.e. application, ratings, clearances, design, etc), and the activities
necessary in the field to perform a safe and effective bushing replacement maintenance repair. While
many methods and processes exist, the presentation will concentrate on a handful of activities
recommended and practiced by bushing OEM’s, transformer service providers and equipment.
Larry Kirchner is a Transformer Field Service Engineering Manager for the T&D Services organization at
Siemens with more than 30 years of experience in the power industry. His past experience includes
Transformer Electrical Designer for a power transformer manufacturer, as well as Transmission
Coordinator and Transformer Repair Manager for a major utility. Mr. Kirchner joined Siemens in 2011 and
is currently based out of the Siemens offices in Wendell, North Carolina.
Transformer On-line Dehydration
Rüediger Kutzner, Head of Global Technology Centre
Siemens AG
Rüdiger Kutzner is Head of Global Technology Centre within the business segment Transformer
Lifecycle Management at Siemens Transformers in Nuremberg. He studied electrical engineering at
the Technical University of Braunschweig. In 1991 he joint the High Voltage Institute of the
Technical University of Braunschweig and in 1997 he received his Dr.-Ing. Following he joint the
Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics in Garching, Germany and he was responsible for the power
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
supply systems for nuclear fusion experiments. In 1999 he joined the Siemens AG in Nuremberg
and was in charge of monitoring systems. Later he was responsible for product and technology
within the TLM department.
Major LTC Field Repairs on (2) 540MVA Phase Angle Regulating Transformers
John Engstrom, GE Industrial Solutions - Global Product & Sales Leader – Transformer Services
GE Energy Management
John Engstrom is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors in Mechanical
Engineering. After graduation he worked for GE’s Chicago repair facility in roles of increasing
responsibility including Mgr. of Industrial Operations which included remanufacturing and site
services for transformers, switchgear and motors. Mr. Engstrom left GE for operations management
roles at ABB and Siemens, He returned to GE as the Global Product Mgr for Transformer Service in
2005. He has more than 30 years of transformer service experience including repairs and upgrades
of transformers up to 1100MVA, failure analysis, field service and new product/service development
and in 2012 became the Global Sales Leader for Transformer Services.
Craig Stiegemeier, TRES Technology Director
ABB
Craig Stiegemeier is the Business Development and Technology Director for ABB’s North American
Transformer Remanufacturing and Engineering Services (TRES) organization. He is responsible for
developing effective processes supporting condition evaluation, assessment tools and life extension
solutions for utility and industrial users of power transformers. Craig began his career 35 years ago as a
development and design engineer for large shell-form transformers for Westinghouse in Muncie, Indiana.
He also has project management experience for the US Navy as well as technical and commercial
management for ABB’s transformer components business. He led the ABB TrafoStar winding production
process and was commercial operations manager for the St. Louis power transformer operations before
moving into transformer services in 2004.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
LTC Controls and Basics of Transformer Paralleling
David Aldrich
Beckwith Electric
This session will describe the latest technologies being applied with modern digital LTC controls in the Smart Grid, including Volt/Var
Management and Transformer Paralleling schemes.
David Aldrich, IEEE Senior Member, is the Application & Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S. for Beckwith Electric. He
joined Beckwith Electric in 2012 with over 30 years of experience in nearly all aspects of electric power systems. Prior to Beckwith
Electric, Mr. Aldrich had management roles at Schneider Engineering, Origin Geo Systems, Texas Power and Light/TU Electric (now
Oncor) and TU Electric’s Distribution Information Systems. Mr. Aldrich has published several papers and presented at various
conferences related to electric power planning and operation. He is very active in industry organizations, serving as president of local
chapters of IEEE-PES and TSPE.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Introduction to Transformer Protection
Ed Khan, Director of Protection Training & Research & Development
Doble Engineering Company
This presentation deals with the protection of a transformer.against short circuits, through faults and several other abnormal
system conditions. As part of this presentation, application of transformers in a harmonic environment will also be discussed.
Transformers are very critical and expensive asset applied in a power system. Hence, extreme care and attention should be
paid to make sure that transformers are adequately protected. Timely removal of transformers in the event of abnormal system
condition is a deciding factor between replacing or repairing a transformer.
Ed Khan is the Director of Protection Training and R&D at Doble Engineering. He has been with Doble for 7 years. At Doble, he
had also worked as the Product Manager for the protection testing product line. Prior to joining Doble, Ed had worked for
several companies such as GE, Westinghouse, ABB, KEMA, SEL and others.. He has a very broad background in power
systems and has performed system studies, relay application, coordination studies, and equipment sizing for power plants. He
has presented various courses and seminars on protection, and harmonics both in US and overseas.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Break
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Factory Repair
Cheryl Basel, GE Industrial Solutions – Repairs Senior Sales Manager
GE Energy Management
When your transformer experiences an event or failure that exceeds the ability to be repaired onsite, sending it to a transformer repair
facility is a viable option. Many individuals have only seen the outside of a transformer and do not know what to expect during the
repair process. This presentation will explain why you should repair your transformer and will take you through the factory repair
process from receipt of the transformer to return shipment. Knowing what you should expect from the repair facility will ensure you
receive a quality, like new transformer ready for service.
Cheryl Basel is a graduate of the Keiser University with Bachelor Degrees in Business Management and Business Administration.
After graduation she worked for Ohio Transformer, SD Myers, GE’s Bradenton repair facility and GE Industrial Solutions in roles of
increasing responsibility including Global Transformer Sales Leader for the transformer repairs and services segment.
Ms. Basell left GE for a Sales and Marketing role at Southwest Electric Company, She returned to GE as the Repairs Senior Sales
Manager for Transformer Services in 2014. She has over 17 years of transformer experience including manufacturing, and
remanufactuirng of core form and shell form transformers up to 1000 MVA, 525 kV, repairs and upgrades of transformers, field service
and failure/risk analysis.
 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Small Components
Tim Rinks, Area Sales Manager - ASM - Messko Sales Team Leader USA
Reinhausen Manufacturing Inc.
The power transformer is protected and monitored by various devices in order to ensure both a reliable transformer operation
as well as protect those working around the transformer. The standard protection components will be covered along with the
improvements in design over the years.
Tim Rinks began working at Reinhausen Manufacturing in Humboldt, Tennessee in 2004 as a part-time co-op opportunity
through Humboldt High School. He worked as a production employee for the Reinhausen reactor type OLTC for 2 years while
studying at the University of Tennessee- Martin (UTM). As a working intern, he then was transitioned to the inside technical
sales and order processing department at Reinhausen. Upon completion of his studies at UTM, he moved to Charlotte, NC and
became Sales Specialist for Reinhausen. He is currently employed as Area Sales Manager at Reinhausen Manufacturing,
responsible for the Messko product line for the US market.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Measuring and Locating Partial Discharge in Transformer in Service
Falk Werner, Sr. Field Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
Over the past 30 years, great strides have been made in online monitoring and health assessment of transformers, rotating
machines and HV apparatus. Specifically, partial discharge (PD) measurements and monitoring offer excellent methods of
assessing the condition of various HV components under actual in-service stress such as load and temperature. With these
advances and a greater understanding of the mechanism of PD, a more informed decision can be made about the condition of
their associated insulation systems. These advances include better digital acquisition systems, noise rejection methods, sensor
technology and in particular advanced approaches in analysis and interpretation. This presentation will focus on the
mechanisms of partial discharge in HV apparatus, in particular in transformers, and analysis and interpretation for health
assessment of a transformer covering factory testing and in on-line service applications.
Falk Werner studied Electronics and Information Technology with a focus on Telecommunication and Signal Processing at the
University of Stuttgart in Germany. His final thesis was Location of Partial Discharges by Means of Sensor Arrays. Mr. Werner
has in-depth knowledge of partial discharge (PD) diagnostics and measurement methods on high voltage insulation systems. At
Doble Lemke in Germany he co-developed the PD solutions range. Mr. Werner has several publications to his credit and is
currently a Doble Power Services Engineer at Doble Engineering Company focusing on partial discharge, diagnostics and
solution development. A German native, Mr. Werner speaks German, English and French.
 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM LTC Maintenance Requirements and Steps for In-Tank LTC
Bernhard Kurth, General Manager
Reinhausen Manufacturing Inc.
Paul Shuttleworth
Reinhausen Manufacturing Inc.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Bernhard Kurth, was born in Quito, Ecuador on June 29, 1960. He received a M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Rhineland
Westphalia Technical University at Aachen, Germany in 1987 and has been around On-Load and Off-Circuit Tap Changers for his
entire career. He has been President of Reinhausen Manufacturing in Humboldt, TN since its foundation in 1991. Before joining
Reinhausen Manufacturing, Mr. Kurth worked as Area Sales Manager at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH in Regensburg,
Germany, being then transferred as President of Reinhausen Canada Ltd. to Toronto, Canada in 1990.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch N’Learn – LTC Maintenance Requirements & Extending Maintenance Cycles
Jim McLean, Director of LTC Business
North American Substation Services
This presentation is centered around the maintenance of LTCs and what you can do to aid in extending
your maintenance cycles. It will cover items such as; filtration, coke formations, contact upgrades, contact
alignment and understanding your LTCs needs.
Jim McLean is the Director of LTC Business for North American Substation Services LLC. He has held
key positions in the service, sales and marketing areas for Reinhausen Manufacturing and Waukesha
Electric Systems. He has 30 years of experience in the service and support of manufacturing,
maintenance and field operations. He has16 years of experience in Field Service Management. He has
traveled the United States, Canada, The Caribbean and Europe as a computer programmer specializing in
interface and communications. He is a training class developer and instructor for LTC training classes
where he has instructed over 120 classes and 950 students across the United States and Canada. He has
traveled to Venezuela to lead in a LTC failure analysis. Jims enjoys working with youth sports and
teaching proper techniques for football and basketball. He is the past President, V President and Senior
Division V President for Medina Football & Cheerleading League where he lead in the activities of 12
youth league football and cheerleading teams. He has been a head basketball coach with the Boys & Girls
Club of America in North Carolina. He is an active board member of the local high school athletic booster
club. Jim is originally from North Carolina where he attended both Central Piedmont Community College
and Gaston College.
Maintenance Requirements for Ferranti-Packard RT LTC
Kerry Martz, Field Services Engineer
Lonnie Yap, Field Services Engineer
Siemens
On-load tap changers (LTCs) are intricate, electro-mechanical devices often operating under severe
service conditions (hundreds of thousands of operations). LTCs may endure mechanical wear on switch
components and the drive mechanism requiring readjustment and/or parts replacement. Ferranti-Packard
manufactured the RT 25, 34, 69, and 138 kV load tap changers (LTCs) from the early 1960s through
2005. These FP RT LTC’s are currently working hard in many substations throughout the grid.
LTC specialists will present details on the components which make up an FP RT and its operating
functions, as well as provide details on maintenance recommendations including available upgrades,
maintenance practices, programs and common service repairs, which an FP RT LTC owner should
consider in order to properly maintain the device, and limit the opportunity for any unscheduled outages of
their transformer or substation where an FP RT LTC is installed and in service. Siemens LTC Specialists
will be on hand and available to answer questions during and following the presentation, as well as during
the expo.
Kerry Martz is a Field Service Engineer within the T&D Services organization at Siemens and has been
with the company since March of 2013. He has over 20 years of extensive experience in the transformer
industry with primary voltage classes ranging from 2.4 kV to 762 kV, and has more than 18 years of
experience working with load tap changers and electrical testing, and specializes in power transformer
assembly, oil processing and test commissioning. His expertise is concentrated on load tap changer and
no-load tap changer installation, commissioning, and preventive maintenance service and repairs. He
provides supervision and technical direction on the installation of new power transformers. Mr. Martz has
provided services to industry and utility customers and power plants (nuclear, CoGen, hydro) in 47 out of
48 mainland States.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Lonnie Yap is a Field Service Engineer within the T&D Services organization at Siemens and has been
with the company since March of 2012. He has over 24 years of experience in the utility industry working
for companies such as Reinhausen Manufacturing, SD Myers, General Electric, ABB and RB
Watkins/Alstom Grid. His experience includes work as on-load tap changer (LTC) technician, inspecting
and trouble-shooting the repair of various models and manufacturers of LTC’s, overseeing various
transformer and LTC re-gasket and repair projects, project quoting, new transformer installation, oil
processing and oil rig operation.
1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Focus Group: Transformer Fleet Health Assessment & Condition Based Monitoring
Paul Griffin, Vice President Consulting and Testing Services
Doble Engineering Company
Tony McGrail, Director Asset Management & Monitoring
Doble Engineering Company
Power Transformer Monitoring & Ranking
Carla Raley, Asset Manager – Energy Delivery Systems Business Unit
CPS Energy
Power transformers are critical physical and capital-intensive assets to any electric distribution system.
CPS Energy's fleet of power transformers is composed of 225 units from different manufacturers, different
models, different voltages and a range of ages. CPS Energy’s Asset Management department is
challenged with devising a monitoring and ranking strategy for these power transformers to establish the
risk of failure or need for replacement to assure a reliable system. The current CPS Energy power
transformer asset management plan is based on a Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) of 50 years and calls for
proactively replacing two (2) power transformers per year. The annual plan specifies that each
replacement transformer come equipped with Dissolved Gas analysis (DGA) monitors and that ten (10)
transformers from the existing fleet be retrofitted with DGA monitors. CPS Energy developed a ranking
system that prioritizes the annual candidates for replacement and for the DGA retrofit program.
By employing the current ranking and replacement strategy, CPS Energy experienced only one
unexpected power transformer failure in the last 3 years. This failure was due to a feeder fault and was
one of the 165 transformers that do not currently have a DGA monitor. We will also explore the next step
in taking preventive measures to prevent these types of failures.
Carla Raley has been Asset Manager for the Energy Delivery Systems Business Unit with CPS
Energy in San Antonio, Texas for the past three years. Carla joined CPS Energy in 2008 as a
Process Improvement Analyst focusing on facilitation of process improvement teams. Prior to joining
CPS Energy, Ms. Raley held positions in Quality Management in the automotive industry, working
for Continental Automotive System for 2 ½ years, and Motorola’s Automotive Sector for 20 years.
She also worked for Texas Instruments for 7 years. She is an American Society for Quality (ASQ)
certified Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence, and received her Motorola Six Sigma Green
Belt certification in 2002. Ms. Raley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas
Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
Asset Health Review – Managing Transformer Fleet Reliability & Replacement Strategies
Kurt Schamburg, Transformer Program Manager
Calpine Corporation
In 2011, Calpine Operating Services Company, Inc. initiated a transformer fleet management program at
their approximately 100 power plants across North America. Calpine had standardized on a common
routine laboratory diagnostics program and electrical testing program for all their power plants. The next
step was to perform an overall transformer fleet health assessment so that Calpine could prioritize and
focus operations and maintenance budgets towards transformer showing significant indication of
performance and reliability risk. Learn more about the key drivers behind their program, approaches
taken, early success and next steps in their comprehensive program.
Kurt Schamburg is responsible for Calpine Corporation's Transformer Reliability Program. In his
position of Transformer Program Manager he has planned and coordinated all transformer
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
maintenance activities, provided trouble shooting, technical advice and monitored the health on the
entire fleet of approximately 635 transformers from 1000 KVA to 480 MVA.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Advanced Transformer Field Testing & Diagnostics
This advanced session expands on Wednesday’s session and delves into greater detail on the
following subjects with the experts from Doble.

Basic Insulation Theory (Cap/PF) Transformer and Bushings – Power Factor & Capacitance
Robert Brusetti; Doble Engineering Company

Single Phase Exciting Current and Loss
Mark Lachman; Doble Engineering Company

Leakage Reactance
Robert Brusetti; Doble Engineering Company

SFRA
Mark Lachman; Doble Engineering Company
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Focus Group: Transformer Risk Mitigation & Failure Analysis
Transformer Risk Mitigation – An Insurer’s Perspective
Bill Bartley, Special Engineering Consultant
HSB
The insurance industry provides utilities and other owners with insurance coverage for many
different types of transformers and transformer applications. The transformers vary in size, design,
construction, age, and operational environments. But regardless of the type or application, there are
some common key elements of risk mitigation plans that are imperative to the long life of a
transformer. Key elements of the plan can range from well-known maintenance practices to “expert”
monitoring systems. This presentation will discuss the key elements, from an insurer’s
perspective.
William Bartley has over 40 years experience with large electrical apparatus found in utilities and
industrial plants. He joined Hartford Steam Boiler in 1971 and established many of the HSB
Engineering standards for electrical power apparatus. In 2012, he retired from HSB, and currently
serves as a special Engineering Consultant. Mr. Bartley is a Registered Professional Engineer in
Connecticut, and an IEEE Fellow, serving for three years on the IEEE Standards Board, as well as
several Standards Board committees. He was Chair of IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES)
Standards Coordinating Committee, a member of the PES Technical Council. He is also a Member
of the PES Transformers Committee, where he is an officer, and Chair of their Standards
Subcommittee and a seasoned presenter on electrical apparatus.
Root Causes of Failures
Bill Griesacker, Transformer Consulting Engineer
Doble Engineering Company
Forensic examinations are conducted for a number of reasons; however, the end goal is typically to
determine the root cause of the failure. Often this examination involves the review of historical
operating conditions prior to the failure and the disassembly of the failed transformer in search of
supporting evidence. Case studies will be presented.
Bill Griesacker is a member of Doble Engineering Company as a transformer engineer working on
projects that include factory inspections, condition assessment, design reviews, failure analysis and
general consulting. Mr. Griesacker holds an MS in electric power engineering from the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute and a BS in electrical engineering from Gannon University. He is an active
member of the IEEE, PES Transformers Committee where he holds positions in several working
groups and subcommittees.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
Forensic Decommissioning
Anne Bailey
A-Line E.D.S.
Each transformer recycling project is unique based on the transformer design, location and circumstances
for removal. This presentation will provide project examples to showcase on-site removal options and
expectations as well as showcase the specialized equipment available to aide in the detailed assessment
of power transformers. Project examples will include premature transformer failure assessment as well as
procedures for obtaining samples during routine transformer replacement projects to aide in condition
assessment initiatives.
Anne Bailey has been with A-Line E.D.S. managing transformer recycling projects for the past 10 years.
She has experience contracting, evaluating and managing on-site transformer dismantling projects to
provide turnkey services including the safe and environmentally sound disposal of power transformers
including specialty services for forensic decommissioning.
Chris Steele, Manager Substation Operations
Tampa Electric Company
This presentation will cover the failure, extinguishment and root cause analysis of a 230/69 336
MVA eleven (11) year old Autotransformer failure which occurred on January 2, 2014. This
presentation will cover in detail the event which initiated the fire, steps taken to extinguish the fire
including site risk assessment, mitigation and construction activities. This presentation will also
cover the root cause analysis completed jointly with ABB & Doble Engineering including additional
recent information discovered regarding other units similar to this transformer.
Christopher Steele is the Manager of Substation Operations for Tampa Electric Company. Chris
has been with Tampa Electric for over 15 years. In his current role, Chris oversees the construction,
maintenance and operation of all of Tampa Electric’s 215 Substations within its Service Territory.
Mr. Steele has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida, an
MBA from the University of Tampa and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
Large 500 kV Shunt Reactor Failures
Jim Zhang, Senior Engineer
Arizona Public Service Company
Large 500 kV Shunt Reactor Failures Jim Zhang and Charlie Hendrickson Arizona Public Service
Co. Since 2006, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) purchased and installed ten (10) three phase,
525 kV, 170 MVA shunt reactors which are among the largest of its kind in the industry. In addition
to challenges during factory acceptance test, two of the reactors were removed from service
(classified as failures) and were returned to the factory due to severe gassing detected by on-line
DGA. This presentation will cover the investigative process to determine the failure root causes as
well as the repair solutions. Some of the investigative findings were surprising and have helped the
manufacturers implement new rules in design and manufacturing.
Jim Zhang is a Senior Apparatus Engineer with Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) in Phoenix,
Arizona. He is mainly responsible for power transformer/reactor specification, vendor qualification,
bids evaluation, design review, shop inspection, test witness and failure investigation, etc. Prior to
joining APS in 2004, he worked as a principal design engineer for a number of power transformer
manufacturers such as Siemens, Ohio Transformer, VA Tech and Pauwels/Federal Pioneer. He also
worked for Doble Engineering as a senior client service engineer. He has an MSEE from the
University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada and a BSc in Information and Control Engineering from
Xian Jiaotong University in Xian, China.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Ask the Experts Panel – Anything Transformer Related
OPTIONAL LABORATORY SEMINAR
Friday, February 13, 2015
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Registration & Information Desk Open
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Attendee Breakfast
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transformer Condition Assessment Using Laboratory Diagnostics
David Koehler, Manager Laboratory Services
Doble Engineering Company
A thorough understanding of how to assess the condition of electrical insulating materials and transformers.
Dissolved gas-in-oil analysis – This is the single most important diagnostic test for transformers. This presentation reviews how
the test is performed, how to distinguish between normal gassing behavior and problems, and how to evaluate trends. Practical
case studies and examples are used to illustrate theoretical concepts. Seminar participants will be quizzed (with class
participation) on their understanding in diagnosing 12 cases.
Water in Transformer Oil – Assessing how dry a transformer is requires more than a water in oil test. Learn how to assess the
wetness of the transformer insulation system and why you need to know the operating temperature at the time of sampling.
This session discusses water migration in transformers and how water affects the ability to overload them. Examples are
provided.
Condition assessment of cellulosic insulation – The analysis of the condition of the paper insulation has changed quite a bit in
the past 10 years. Learn how the solid insulation ages and how to assess the condition of the paper and pressboard insulation
and its remaining life. Case studies are given to illustrate the distribution of paper aging in transformers and how operation and
maintenance can influence it.
Metals in oil – This presentation provides an understanding of the importance of metal-in-oil tests as a diagnostic. To be able to
use the information, the correct test must be specified – learn the difference between dissolved and particulate metals and
when to choose each test. Case studies are given.
Quality of new and service aged oils – Background information is provided on the properties of transformer oil. The
presentation includes how to specify and evaluate new oils, what tests to perform and how to evaluate in-service oils.
Aging characteristics of insulating materials - Aging is discussed in sections on oil and paper which provides information on
how to increase the life of transformers. There are a number of factors that accelerate the aging of the insulation system that
can be controlled. This session provides information on when to reclaim or replace oil and gives specifications for reclaimed oil.
Load tap changer and oil circuit breaker diagnostics – This presentation gives the latest information on diagnostics for load tap
changers (LTCs) and bulk oil breakers. Case studies are provided.
Sampling – The presentation discusses how to save money on your sampling program through proper training and what
common pitfalls to avoid. Proper sampling preparation, practices, and equipment are given.
David Koehler received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Indiana University and his M.B.A. from Indiana Wesleyan
University. He has over 16 years of experience in the testing of insulating fluids and management of analytical laboratories. He has
provided numerous technical presentations and published technical articles within the power industry. David has the following
industry affiliations: Doble Engineering Insulating Materials Committee Asst. Secretary, Director IEEE-Central Indiana Section, IEEE
Region 4 Treasurer, IEEE Region 4 Strategic Planning Committee, Senior Member IEEE, ASTM D-27 Technical Committee on
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases, and in 2011 was an Executive Committee Member of the Indiana American Chemical Society
and remains active within ACS.
© Doble Engineering Company
Agenda is preliminary and subject to change.