August 2008
Stepping up
to the Plate
Ballpark Goes to Bat for the
Environment with its use of
Envirotemp FR3 Fluid
Hydro-Québec Monitors
multiple wind farm sites
New Advances in Surge
arrester Energy efficiencies
Reducing carbon Footprint
with FR3 Dielectric Fluid
DOE 2010 Standard-Efficient
Designs
Waverly Light and Power - a
Pioneer in Sustainable Energy
www.cooperpower.com
SPECIAL
GREEN ISSUE
Published by Cooper Power Systems Editorial Board
Editor in Chief, Jerry Yakel, Director, Worldwide Strategy, Pricing
and Communications
Executive Editor, Steve Weinstein
Editor, Kristine Kucera
Technical Editor, Arvind Chaudhary, Staff Engineer, Energy
Automation Solutions
August 2008
1
Jeff Romig, Vice President, Marketing
Steve Benna, Vice President, Sales and Marketing,
C&I and OEM
Lawrence Coble, Vice President & General Manager,
Energy Automation Solutions
Power Quality and Equipment
Monitoring in distributed generation
of multiple wind farm sites for
Hydro-QuÉbec
Donald Dutoit, Vice President, North American Sales
3
Contributing Authors:
Stepping up to the plate: Ballpark
Goes to Bat for the Environment
with its use of Envirotemp FR3 Fluid
5
Technology Advances in Surge
Arresters Improve Reliability and
Energy Efficiencies
7
José Ángel Martinez, Vice President & General Manager,
Latin America
Richard Rocamora, Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific
David Bingenheimer
Glenn Cannon
Phil Holt
Patrick McShane
Michelle Meyer
Robert O’Reilly
Michael Ramarge
Michael Skowronek
Mario Vandal
Martin Boulay
Ken Easterday
Jim Kozak
Dan Merilatt
David Mullally
Charles Parsons
Connie Schnick
James Strong
Address questions, inquiries and letters to:
Kristine Kucera
Cooper Power Systems
11131 Adams Road
Franksville, WI 53126
P: 262.835.1538
F: 262.835.1544
kristine.kucera@cooperindustries.com
FR3 Fluid Provides Sustainable
Alternative for Reducing Carbon
Footprint
Change of Address? Please email any name or address updates to
lois.gerard@cooperindustries.com
10
Photocopy permission: Photocopy permission extended to single
copy only. Permission for all other reprints must be obtained from
The Line editor.
Positive Regulations and Standards
Developments for Natural Ester
Dielectric Fluids
11
Demand Response: A Good Thing for
Everybody
13
Cooper Provides Utilities DOE 2010
Standard-Efficient Designs
15
The Winds of Change:
Waverly Light and Power - a Pioneer
in Sustainable Energy
cooperpower.com
Design and Layout, James Hart
Previous issues of The Line are available on the
Cooper Power Systems web site: www.cooperpower.com
©2008 Cooper US, Inc., or its affiliates.
All Rights Reserved.
Envirotemp, Envirotran, Evolution, FR3, R-Temp, and UltraSIL are valuable
trademarks of Cooper US, Inc. in the United States and other countries. You are
not permitted to use the Cooper trademarks without prior written consent of
Cooper US, Inc.
Yukon is a registered trademark of Cannon Technologies.
Alliant Energy is a trademark of Alliant Energy.
BEES is a registered trademark of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
ComEd is a registered trademark of Exelon Corporation.
Federal BioPreferred ProgramSM is a service mark of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
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IEEE C62.11™-2005 Standard is a trademark of the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc., (IEEE). This product is not endorsed or approved
by the IEEE.
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Engineers, Inc., (IEEE). This publication is not endorsed or approved by the
IEEE.
Hydro-Québec is a crown corporation of the Québec government.
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are a trademarks of Waverly Light and Power.
Xcel Energy is a trademark of Xcel Energy, Inc.
Power Quality and Equipment Monitoring in Distributed
Generation of Multiple Wind Farm Sites for Hydro-Québec
Mario Vandal, Eng., Project Manager, DPPTC, HQE, Hydro-Québec;
Robert O’ Reilly, Senior Application Engineer – Cybectec, Cooper Power Systems, Energy Automation Solutions;
Martin Boulay, Eng., Automation Engineer, The Ohmega Group Inc.
For a number of years now, HydroQuébec has been working with private
producers to implement sizeable
wind farm generating sites. Currently,
Hydro-Québec has 1,400 MW of wind
generation either on-line or coming online by 2012 at the latest. Also, within
the next few months of 2008, HydroQuébec will be signing with private
producers for an additional 2,000 MW
to come from renewable energy—in this
case, from wind farms. With all of this
renewable and private power generation,
Hydro-Québec developed new tools and
new approaches in the management
and modeling of these non-continuous
generating sites. Because the wind sector
will soon represent an appreciable portion
of their distributed power, Hydro-Québec
required better visibility on the private
wind production sites and an increase in
the quantity of data coming from the field
in their prediction model of production.
Connecting a wind site to the power
network requires many complex realtime or semi-real-time calculations. Wind
conditions are always changing and
production must be balanced by alternate
sources if the wind falls. Implementing
these calculations at a control center uses
up a lot of communications bandwidth
and is a challenge to implement in real-
time; therefore, while there are many
advantages in performing the calculations
locally, there was no obvious way to do
this. To implement their requirements—
after having tested the limits of the
SCADA systems that were already in
place in the few wind farm projects
that were under operation—the private
producers decided to turn to the use
of advanced intelligent Cybectec SMP
Gateways to perform the required data
calculations and data transfers necessary
for their operations and meeting HydroQuebec requirements.
Advanced Intelligent Data
Acquisition
This article presents the results
of the implementation of advanced
intelligent data acquisition solutions to
perform specific computations on the
power, the wind, and the turbine status
information. These calculations include
specific algorithms and statistical and
real-time computations to provide
valuable information on the operation and
prediction of wind farms.
Hydro-Québec developed a list
of requirements and criteria for the
treatment and the transfer of the data
coming from the turbine manufacturer’s
SCADA, the substation SCADA, and
the meteorological towers. These
requirements cover several points such
as the identification of the required
information of each group of data, the
sampling rates, the time latency of each
type of data to be received, the protocol
configuration, the specific algorithms of
some calculations, and the type of data
(statistical, resolution, sign), as well as the
quality information of this data.
This specific situation consists of
distributed generation from wind farm
sites—each containing an average of
70 generating turbines of 1.5 MW—for
a typical 100 MW generating capacity
per site. The principal goal was to
centralize all the information coming from
the different systems on the sites into
the Cybectec SMP Gateways and then
apply some calculations and send the
required information to Hydro-Québec’s
control center. This information contains
some specific algorithms of calculation
required to be performed on the raw
data that was available from the turbines
before being sent to Hydro-Québec
in the required format. The production
information had to be correlated to the
number of available turbines as well as to
the wind characteristics. All this important
information on wind, production, and
turbine status data could then be used
by the private producers for real-time
evaluation as well as for short- and longterm planning of the generating facilities’
operations and maintenance.
THE LINE – August 2008
1
By using Cybectec SMP Gateways to centralize the collection of important information on wind, production, and
turbine status, this data could then be used by the private producers for real-time evaluation as well as for short- and
long-term planning of the generating facilities’ operations and maintenance.
In addition, Hydro-Québec required all the
real-time information on the status of the
sites’ substations. They also required that
the production information be available
for the private producers’ remote control
centers as well as to their operating
personnel, working on-site or, in some
cases, remotely.
One of Hydro-Québec’s objectives was
to reduce the uncertainty related to the
planning of the production from the other
generating assets. This objective was
achieved with the use of the Cybectec
SMP Gateways via the higher quality of
information about the sites’ availability
for production. This approach has also
enabled securing the sites per cybersecurity standards while providing the
required real-time information for the
operations of the sites. This last feature
was a requirement for both the private
producers and Hydro-Québec, who are
sharing the equipment via two accesses.
It is well understood that for statistical
computations to be meaningful an
important volume of sample data is
required. Data quality must be monitored,
taking into account the possibility of
questionable data (unfit to use in statistical
computations). If not identified, the impact
of incorrect data could invalidate a whole
sampling period. Also important is the
capability to process the information
in a timely fashion—ideally in real time
for Hydro-Québec’s implementation.
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cooperpower.com
They required sampling of the data at a
200 ms rate to be used in the statistical
calculations based on a 10-minute period.
As mentioned earlier, HydroQuébec also developed criteria for
the required information coming from
the statistical data. First is the wind
direction information—which is of
primary importance in wind farm power
generation. Also, due to the northern
climate, the temperature with the
indication of ice buildup is also of primary
importance for operation of the turbines.
Cybectec SMP Gateway
Benefits
Since the application was implemented
using a commercially available
communication Cybectec SMP Gateway,
this allowed a number of direct and
indirect benefits—such as use of the
available communication bandwidth—to
provide critical information both at the
remote control centers and locally at the
generating sites.
With the implementation of a scalable
environment, these concepts can
now also be used in other sectors of
distributed generation such as hydro,
wind, or other types of power production.
This allows facility owners to centralize
their data, transform it into the most
valuable format or equation to derive a
maximum of benefits, and make the sum
of all this information the most useful
for them. The Cybectec SMP Gateway
provides a toolbox to understand the
detailed relationships between the
different types of information available
from all these systems—relating them
to the power production and its overall
quality. The Cybectec SMP Gateway is
designed to process and concentrate
data at the substation level. Acting as
a data concentrator, it ties in all the
data sources and can easily be used to
perform complex real-time or semi-realtime calculations locally—freeing up both
time and resources. n
Stepping up to the plate: Ballpark Goes to Bat for the
Environment with its use of Envirotemp FR3 Fluid
Connie Schnick, Marketing Communication Specialist – Cooper Power Systems;
David Mullally – R.M. Clark Associates, Inc.
In recent years, hospitality and major entertainment and
individual stadium light towers, were put in as standard stadium
sporting venues, like many industries, have increasingly been
upgrades to replace the stadium’s existing R-Temp transformers.
placed under the microscope regarding their environmental
The installation was the second round in a series of planned
impact on the cities and neighborhoods in which they inhabit.
replacements for all seven light-tower transformers at Fenway
Operations managers at these facilities have become highly
Park, with the initial installation completed in the winter of 2006.
cognizant of the myriad environmental implications of every
“The existing transformers that are responsible for
action associated with their stadiums’ daily operations, often
providing voltage to the lighting units at Fenway Park are in
searching for different ways to
excellent shape,” said Neal
improve energy efficiency and
Doherty, Granite City Electric.
“The upgrades to the new transformers
increase sustainability.
“The upgrades to the new
One recent trend that has
transformers are being
are being performed to keep Fenway at the
emerged with professional
performed to keep Fenway at
forefront of environmental stewardship.”
baseball stadiums is the use of
the forefront of environmental
Neal Doherty, Granite City Electric
liquid-filled transformers that
stewardship.”
employ Envirotemp FR3 fluid,
The new transformers will
a biodegradable, biobased
power the lights at Fenway
dielectric coolant that offers an improved environmental profile as
Park using an environmentally preferred alternative to the more
well as enhanced transformer performance over traditional units
traditional transformers of yesteryear. Filled with the revolutionary
insulated with mineral or synthetic oils.
Envirotemp FR3 fluid, the new transformers ensure a clean,
environmentally sustainable distribution of power.
Staying Ahead of the Game
This past winter, Boston’s historic Fenway Park reaffirmed its
place on the growing list of venues that have recently installed
liquid-filled transformers that utilize the Envirotemp FR3 fluid.
In February of 2008, Cooper Power Systems teamed with
Granite City Electric in Quincy, MA, to install a pair of Envirotran
transformers into the hallowed grounds at Fenway Park. The
new transformers, which provide operational voltage for two
FR3 Fluid Becoming a Fan Favorite
Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a unique dielectric coolant whose
base oils come from a renewable natural resource—seeds.
Specially formulated with performance-enhancing food-grade
additives, the essentially non-toxic, readily biodegradable
insulating fluid is changing the landscape in the commercial
power industry.
THE LINE – August 2008
3
“Envirotemp FR3 fluid is quickly
becoming a mainstream product, with
over 100,000 transformers utilizing the
ground-breaking biobased dielectric
coolant in service worldwide,” said Patrick
McShane, Global Technical Manager at
Cooper Power Systems. “In addition,
recent tests show that, due to the
CO2-absorbing qualities of the soybean
plants used to make the product, FR3
fluid actually produces a negative carbon
footprint. There is no question FR3 fluid is
truly an industry revolution in the making.”
The Complete Package
In addition to its positive environmental
attributes, FR3 fluid offers an exceptionally
high flash point of 330 °C (compared
to 145 °C for petroleum-based mineral
oil), making it considerably less of a fire
hazard. Plus, FR3 fluid is listed as a LessFlammable Dielectric Liquid by Factory
Mutual Insurance Company (FM Global®)
and Underwriters Laboratories (UL®)
for use in complying with the National
Electrical Code standards (NEC) and
insurance requirements.
These listings can qualify all Cooper
Power Systems Envirotran transformers
for installation indoors as well as on
pedestrian walkways, adjacent to
buildings, or even on rooftops, proof that
transformers filled with FR3 fluid pose
very minor threats as fire hazards. In fact,
Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has
been powered by six indoor Envirotran
transformers since it opened in 2001.
“Virtually all of the stadium’s power is
supplied by transformers that use FR3
fluid,” said Roger Bengtson, Market
Segment Manager, Cooper Power
Systems. “Miller Park was one of the first
large-scale venues to enjoy all the benefits
of FR3 fluid. The park made a commitment
to install the relatively new Envirotran
transformers instead of the more
traditional dry-type transformers, which, at
the time, was very forward-thinking.”
Whether it’s a need for undisputable
fire safety in Milwaukee or a commitment
to sustainable methods of operation in
Boston, it’s clear that more and more
venues across the country are seeing the
benefits of using Envirotran transformers.
“The benefits of FR3 fluid are
immeasurable,” said McShane. “It
represents a true commitment to the
players and the fans that they are in an
environmentally friendlier and sustainable
place to work and enjoy a ball game.
Envirotran transformers are safer for the
environment, as well as the people and
buildings they serve.”
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cooperpower.com
An FR3 Fluid-filled transformer is integrated into Fenway Park’s structure.
A Truly GREEN Monster
As with the first project, there were
again some challenging obstacles
associated with placing two new
transformers into a 95-year-old inner-city
stadium. Strict electrical codes combined
with the many idiosyncrasies associated
with the very old ball park made for a
complex assignment that required the
experience and insight of proven industry
professionals.
“This was far from an ordinary
installation,” said Neal Doherty. “Fenway
is an old park, in an older, historic city with
numerous obstacles around every corner.
Add the unfavorable weather associated
with a Northeast winter, and you get an
idea of the challenges we faced getting
these units installed and operating in time
for the start of the baseball season.”
The end result of the installation was a
grand slam. The new transformers were
successfully installed in early February
2008, two months prior to the start of the
2008 season.
“Fenway Park is virtually a national
landmark, comparable to other great
symbols of history and architectural
accomplishment,” said McShane. “The
ballpark’s use of Envirotemp FR3 fluid
in its new transformers carries with it
a strong message of environmental
accountability to the fans, players, and
employees of the park.”
Since 2006, Fenway Park has
equipped four of its seven light towers
with Envirotran transformers to provide
voltage to light up the field at night. Over
the next three years, there are plans to
replace the three other transformers
with Envirotran transformers. To many in
the industry, Fenway Park’s use of FR3
fluid serves as an illustrative model of
responsible, forward thinking. Although
this recent installation is just one small
gesture towards a more environmentally
responsible way of life, it proves to the
fans, the players, and the staff in Boston
that Fenway Park will remain committed to
reducing the environmental impact of its
operations. That’s one commitment that
fans of any team should be rooting for. n
Technology Advances in Surge Arresters
Improve Reliability and Energy Efficiencies
Michael Skowronek, Global Product Manager, Surge Arrester Products;
Michael Ramarge, Senior Product Engineer, Surge Arrester Products; and
James Strong, Field Product Engineer, Surge Arrester Products – Cooper Power Systems
Performance expectations are set high for electric utilities.
Reliable service, environmental leadership, financial returns for
shareholders, and value creation for customers are common
goals set by the more than 3,5001 electric utilities serving the
United States.
Historically a low-cost, often commoditized asset, surge
arresters were purchased only to protect distribution equipment
from overvoltages and offered little in added value beyond basic
surge protection. With the introduction of the UltraSIL polymerhoused Evolution distribution-class surge arrester, Cooper
demonstrates that, through technology advancement, a surge
arrester can provide added value:
■■ Measurably improve energy efficiencies
■■ Reduce carbon emissions
■■ Boost asset utilization
■■ Support inventory objectives
■■ Improve system reliabilities
Cost-Effective, Energy-Efficient Improvements
Electric power generation is a large contributor of
greenhouse gas emission in the world. Because of this,
environmental leadership is a role that utilities are taking on in
increasing numbers. This is driving demand for energy-efficient
technologies.
Each year millions of distribution-class surge arresters are
sold into the market to protect transformers and underground
lines. Some large investor-owned utilities estimate that their
arrester installed base exceeds one million arresters. A common
10 kV class surge arrester can generate up to 500 mW of power
loss. One arrester energized 24 hours/day results in measurable
inefficiencies on an annual basis:
500 mW × 24
hour
× 365 days = 4.38 kWh
day
For a utility with one million arresters on their system, this
represents 4,380,000 kWh of unbilled energy, generating 3,408
metric tons2 of CO2 emissions.
The technology used to construct the Evolution surge arrester
reduces watts loss to 20 mW on average. Assuming the same
conditions described above but calculating energy lost if the
Evolution surge arrester replaced the common 10 kV product,
the utility could avoid releasing 3,271 metric tons of CO2 into
the atmosphere. As a point of reference, in 2001 a single-family
home’s electricity consumption generated 7.55 metric tons of
CO2 annually2.
Modernizing the electric grid to reduce harmful emissions
will come through investment in new technologies. But it
begins with incremental changes taken one transformer, riser,
and mid-line arrester at a time. The Evolution surge arrester
is a small, cost-effective, energy-efficient modern technology.
Utilities with a financial interest in saving energy now have an
option—adopting arresters that cost tens of dollars adds up to
big savings for the climate.
THE LINE – August 2008
5
Boost Asset Utilization
8x20uS IR Comparison
35.0
30.0
Discharge Voltage (kV)
Utilities maximize asset utilization by
ensuring systems are running efficiently
and reliably. The Evolution surge arrester
addresses efficiencies with the 20 mW loss.
Maximizing asset utilization demands
an evolution in surge arrester technology.
Based on field experience, moisture
ingress has been widely accepted
as the most significant contributor
to premature arrester failure. The
Evolution surge arrester incorporates a
patented manufacturing process that
utilizes composite matrix technology
to encapsulate the arrester module
assembly. A photograph of a composite
matrix module is shown in Figure 1.
Evolution
31.6
28.1
HD
RP
25.4
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
10
Arrester Rating (kV)
Figure 2. The Evolution surge arrester has lower discharge voltages as
compaired to standard heavy-duty and riser-pole arresters.
Lower Discharge Voltage,
Potentially Lower Inventories
Figure 1. 10 kV Composite Matrix
Module.
The composite matrix material consists
of a homogenous fiberglass and epoxy
resin matrix. The composite matrix
has excellent dielectric properties and
moisture impermeability. Cooper Power
Systems performed the Water Immersion
Test (IEEE C62.11™-2005 Standard) on
the Evolution surge arrester without the
polymer housing installed. The arrester
module was submersed in deionized
water with 1kg/m³ NaCl content while
elevated to 80 ºC for 52 hours.
Parameters for pre- and post-tests
consisted of the following:
■■ < 10% Change in 60 Hz Power
Frequency Sparkover
■■ < 10 pC Internal Partial Discharge
Each sample met the verification
testing and demonstrated superior
resilience against moisture ingress.
The result is an arrester that will survive
the elements and protect equipment from
damaging overvoltages.
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cooperpower.com
The demand for better discharge
voltages and improved margins of
protection for equipment has led Cooper
Power Systems to develop an arrester
that can be used for overhead and riserpole applications. The Evolution surge
arrester will lead the way in reducing
equipment failure rates by vastly improving
discharge voltages. The Evolution surge
arrester has lower discharge voltages as
compared to standard heavy-duty (HD)
and riser-pole (RP) arresters, which are
shown in Figure 2.
Lower discharge voltages result in
greater margins of protection. The greater
the margin of protection, the less stress is
on the protected asset, resulting in longer
asset life.
By applying the Evolution surge
arrester for both riser-pole and heavy-duty
installations, one arrester can be stocked
for both applications.
■■ Reduce inventory
■■
■■
Better match supply
with demand
Have the right arrester
at the right time
Consolidating part numbers reduces
forecast complexity. This allows for
reductions in safety stock, decreased
freight costs due to fewer expedites, and
lowered cost of inventory.
Increased Expectations
As expectations for performance
increase, electric utilities will turn to
manufacturers to assist them in achieving
their goals. Green supply chain managers
will expect products that meet their
requirements; supply chain improvement
initiatives will continue to be a top
corporate priority; and system reliability
requirements will increase. With the
UltraSIL polymer-housed Evolution surge
arrester, utilities can achieve measurable
improvements in reliability and energy
efficiencies, while reducing carbon
emissions—satisfying those increased
expectations. n
1. Source: The EIA Form 861-Annual Electric Industry Report
2. http://epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/calcmeth.
htm#homeelectric EPA Emissions Green Power
Equivalency Calculator 7.78 x 10-4 metric tons CO2 / kWh.
FR3 Fluid Provides Sustainable Alternative for
Reducing Carbon Footprint
Michelle Meyer, Marketing Analyst Associate, Distribution Transformers and Fluids – Cooper Power Systems
With the mounting evidence of global
warming and the growing recognition that
increasing atmospheric levels of carbon
dioxide (CO2) are a key contributing
factor, regulatory pressure to reduce CO2
emissions has been gaining momentum.
As the global community is focused on
mitigating the effects of global warming
by reducing greenhouse gases, there is
an increased demand for products and
solutions that would limit and/or offset a
company’s carbon footprint.
FR3 Fluid Information
Envirotemp FR3 transformer fluid is a
soy-based, biodegradable, fire-resistant
dielectric coolant used to insulate electric
transformers. Because FR3 fluid is derived
from 100% edible seed oils and uses safe
additives, it has a superior environmental
and safety profile when compared to
mineral oil.
Among the many notable
environmental advantages FR3 fluid has
over mineral oil, there is one in particular
that is gaining awareness in the industry.
Studies show that using FR3 fluid instead
of conventional petroleum-based mineral
oil will reduce a company’s carbon
footprint. The primary material for FR3
fluid is derived exclusively from soybean
plants, which sequester carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere.
A Comparison
The U.S. National Institute of
Standards and Technologies (NIST)
developed software—Building
for Environmental and Economic
Sustainability (BEES)—that provides a
life-cycle assessment of building materials
at every stage in the production life that
includes initial investment, replacement,
operation, maintenance and repair, and
disposal. Using the BEES software, NIST
performed an analysis on transformer oil,
juxtaposing conventional mineral oil and
its environmental performance to that of
the soy-based biodegradable FR3 fluid.
The results indicate that petroleumbased mineral oil has a significantly higher
environmental impact in comparison
to Envirotemp FR3 fluid. The primary
component of FR3 fluid is derived from
soybean plants, which act as a carbon
sink. This CO2 absorption during the
growing period for soy plants contributes
to the sequestering of carbon emissions
and assists in reducing a facility’s carbon
footprint.1 FR3 fluid, manufactured from
domestically grown soybeans, performs
considerably better as it has a significantly
smaller carbon footprint than mineral oil.
According to the latest BEES report (4.0e),
a 1000 kVA rated transformer containing
500 gallons of Envirotemp FR3 fluid
lasting 30 years has an estimated carbon
footprint of roughly 34,260 g CO2e/unit,
whereas a transformer with the same
specifications containing mineral oil has
a carbon footprint of 1,899,973 g CO2e/
unit. In other words, mineral oil produces
56 times more carbon emissions than that
of the FR3 transformer fluid.
Another benefit of using FR3 fluid
is that it extends the lifespan of the
transformer, providing longer utilization.
Cooper Power Systems has done
extensive studies showing FR3 fluid
extends the life of the insulating paper by
5 to 8 times—which directly extends the
expected thermal life of a transformer.
From testing, this life-extending property
of soy-based FR3 fluid has been
conservatively estimated to double the
lifespan of the transformer. By deferring
the need for replacement, the longer
lifespan also delays the amount of carbon
emitted from manufacturing and installing
a new transformer and disposing the old
units. In addition to having a significantly
larger carbon footprint, mineral oil, which
is a derivative of crude oil, is a finite
resource. World demand of petroleum is
expected to increase over 40% by 2030,
which will contribute to the depletion of
our increasingly limited supplies of oil.2
As supplies are limited, FR3 fluid provides
a sustainable alternative to traditional
mineral oil as its main ingredient is from a
renewable resource.
Utilities Commitment
Utilities across the United States
are becoming aware of the exceptional
environmental performance FR3 fluid has
over conventional mineral oil. Xcel Energy
was one of the first major utilities to make
the switch and plans to install as many as
15,000 new single-phase transformers
filled with FR3 fluid. Based on their
annual purchasing history of distribution
transformers, Xcel Energy would avoid
the use of approximately 336,000 gallons
of mineral oil by specifying FR3 fluid,
ultimately reducing their CO2 emission by
nearly 16,000 tons annually.
Other utilities have also committed
to using FR3 fluid in their distribution
transformers, in attempts to reduce their
carbon footprint. It has been estimated
that ComEd will reduce annual carbon
dioxide emissions by more than 1,400
tons of carbon dioxide per year by using
overhead transformers with soy oil
insulation fluid. Alliant Energy has also
made the switch to FR3 fluid—reducing
its carbon footprint by 7,280 tons
annually. “That’s the equivalent of taking
1,210 cars off the road each year. Those
numbers include eliminating the need
for about 168,000 gallons of petroleumbased mineral oil annually.”3
Continued on page 17
THE LINE – August 2008
7
Protecting the
Dungeness Spit.
Cooper Power Systems’ FR3 fluidfilled transformers provide safer
power for environmentally sensitive,
historic locations.
It’s been a local landmark since 1857, and the New
Dungeness Lighthouse is now a living museum
following an upgrade to commercial electrical power
and facility and foghorn automation. For more than a
decade, the New Dungeness Light Station Association
has been performing maintenance and working on
restoring the facility to its early 20th century condition.
As part of the restoration, the original three-phase drytype transformer was removed from the lighthouse.
So as not to detract from the restoration efforts, a
FR3 fluid-filled single-phase transformer was installed
away from the lighthouse, in the Dungeness National
Wildlife Refuge, home to 250 species of birds, 41of
land mammals, and 8 of marine mammals.
Prior to installation, approval was sought and secured
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the use of
the FR3 fluid-filled transformer. Approval was granted
based on the fluid’s foundation of edible oils and
impressive level of biodegradability. In addition, the
transformer’s stainless steel construction protects
its contents from the salt-water conditions it endures
during the winter rising sea levels. This two-tiered
transformer protection is the perfect fit for the
environmentally sensitive location.
If the environment is a factor in your transformer
installation plans, please contact your Cooper Power
Systems representative or visit www.cooperpower.com.
www.cooperpower.com
All Cooper logos are valuable trademarks of Cooper US, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. You are not permitted to use Cooper trademarks without the prior written consent of Cooper US, Inc.
Positive Regulations and Standards Developments for
Natural Ester Dielectric Fluids
Patrick McShane, Global Technology Manager, Fluids Products – Cooper Power Systems
Natural ester dielectric coolants, led by
Envirotemp FR3 fluid, are migrating to the
mainstream. This trend is further bolstered
by the release of a new technical standard
and an amendment to the U.S. Federal
biobased procurement guideline.
New Industry Standard
the Federal Biobased Products Preferred
Procurement Program (FB4P). Included
in the nine new product categories are
fluid-filled transformers. A subcategory
includes vegetable oil-based fluid-filled
transformers, such as the Cooper Power
Systems Envirotran transformers. Starting
in May 2009, all federal agencies and
their contractors are required to purchase
biobased products listed in the program
using Total Life-Cycle Cost as the criteria,
provided the product meets their functional
specifications.
The federal program requires that
the biobased natural esters used in the
transformers contain at least 95% bio-
federal agencies that have the responsibility
for drafting or reviewing specifications for
items to be procured shall ensure that the
relevant specifications require the use of
biobased vegetable oil-based fluid-filled
transformers.
Looking Ahead
A new Institute of Electrical and
There is no question that more and more
Electronic Engineers, Inc., (IEEE®) standard
companies, institutions, and government
Guide for Acceptance and Maintenance of
agencies are incorporating “green” in their
Natural Ester Fluids in Transformers—was
strategic goals. Reducing their environmental
approved by the Standards Association
impact and increasing their supply
Board on May 9, 2008. This standard guide
sustainability are important components
was published July 2008. Having an IEEE®
of their green goals. FR3 fluid has become
Standard Guide is often a requirement
increasingly recognized as a means of
by standards engineers for
contributing to both goals.
acceptance and approval of
The favorable results from the
FR3 fluid is becoming widely recognized as
a new technology. The IEEE®
National Bureau of Standard’s
guide’s 28 pages provide practical
BEES life cycle includes
a sustainable, carbon-friendly product that
information and recommendations
substantiating FR3 fluid’s lower
meets industry standards.
for acceptance of new fluid,
overall environmental impact
new fluid as received in new
than petroleum-based dielectric
equipment, and limit values for continued
coolants. The analysis substantiates the
content and should have received an
service. It provides information on the
carbon-offsetting potential of FR3 fluid,
acceptable total life-cycle analysis, based
differences and similarities of key properties
allowing utilities, federal agencies, and large
on the National Institute of Standards and
between natural esters and mineral oil. The
Technology’s Building for Environmental and users of electricity to help mitigate and
standard guide is the result of five years
reduce their CO2 emissions.
Economic Sustainability (BEES) evaluation.
The inclusion of biobased dielectric
of collaboration and consensus among
Envirotemp FR3 fluid meets these
fluid-filled transformers in the new federal
technical leaders representing end users,
requirements.
preferred purchase program is solid
transformer manufacturers, suppliers of
Envirotemp FR3 fluid-filled transformers
evidence of the sustainability potential and
natural esters, and testing laboratories.
received the program’s official designation
recognition of FR3 fluid.
for product eligibility under this expansion
Federal BioPreferred ProgramSM on June 10. The listing of FR3 fluid is
The pending issuance of the IEEE®
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
guide for natural ester fluids is another
now on the USDA BioPreferred web site.
(USDA) announced on May 14, 2008,
giant step in the industry acceptance
In accordance with this act, procuring
that it is adding nine product categories
and recognition of the new, revolutionary
agencies must give a preference for
(items) for designating biobased products
technology for distribution and power
qualifying biobased vegetable oil-based
for the federal program formerly known as
transformers. n
fluid-filled transformers. By that date,
10
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Demand Response: A Good Thing for Everybody
Phil Holt, Proposal Writer, Marketing Communications;
Dan Merilatt, Manager, Demand Response Systems; and
Charles Parsons, Business Development Manager, Demand Response Solutions – Cooper Power Systems
Stories about environmental issues and global warming are
in the news headlines every day. Behind the headlines lurk the
very real challenges of addressing these large-scale issues of
preserving the environment on a local level while balancing the
need for sound economic energy management. The Cannon
demand response solution by Cooper Power Systems is uniquely
positioned to help utilities address these tough problems, while
bringing balance to the equation.
Reducing emissions is the key to address the challenge of
preserving the environment. Cooper Power Systems has the tools
required to handle this important task. Assuming 100 hours of
control per year, each megawatt of control (about 1,000 residences
allowing some reduction in their air conditioning usage) has the
potential to eliminate approximately 700,000 pounds of carbon
dioxide (CO2), 700 pounds of nitrogen oxide (NOx), and 3,000
pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2). This reduction is crucial because
both CO2 and NOx are greenhouse gasses while SO2 is the main
component of acid rain. The significant environmental impact of
these reductions is seen in the fact that currently the United States
has over 3,600 MW of residential demand under control.
Cannon’s demand response (DR) solution significantly impacts
the local environment by decreasing pollutants. These pollutants
contribute on a global scale as well. This benefit pleases users
and as a result they are more inclined to enroll and stay enrolled in
these programs. The DR solution using the Cannon programmable
communicating thermostats (PCTs) will create greater benefits
for the environment through documented energy savings. There
are documented energy savings from 10% to 15%—provided
participants use the programming features.
DR programs can displace the need for some new peaking
capacity. With wide deployment, they can reduce the likelihood for
brownouts and rolling blackouts. Many consumers welcome an
opportunity to participate in DR programs due to these benefits,
because they want to help keep electricity costs manageable, and
they view these programs as environmentally benign.
To be sure, it is vitally important to balance the need to
preserve the environment with the needs for sound economic
energy management. Today, our national electric grid stresses
because of generation and transmission capacity constraints—
growing demand pressing against fixed capacity. The cost for
peaking generation continues to rise. Today it varies between
$650 and $850 per kW while DR networks are from one- to
two-thirds less. Part of the solution will be to grow the grid in
an economical and environmentally responsible way. Another
part of the answer lies in the further promotion of peak demand
management programs—demand response programs. Cooper
Power Systems is working toward the goal of finding this balance.
Cannon Demand Response
With Cannon solutions, Cooper Power Systems currently
offers one of the largest and fastest-growing brands of peakload management tools in North America. DR/load management
solutions include load control relays (LCRs). These devices are
for the direct load control of electric HVAC systems, electric
water heaters, and electric pumps and motors. Cooper also
offers advanced programmable communicating thermostats
(PCTs) enabling the more efficient use of HVAC systems. Utilities
can also use our PCTs for the direct load control of customers’
HVAC systems or for implementing dynamic and innovative
pricing options.
Networks of load management devices (as well as other
“smart grid” equipment of various kinds) require management.
Cooper’s network management system is a versatile energymanagement software platform known as Yukon. This platform
helps improve important parts of the electrical distribution network
while connecting utilities with their customers through its load
management products.
Why Demand Response?
That’s a fair question. Cooper has been successful in selling its
demand response solutions to utilities throughout North America.
Why? Why would utilities be interested in reducing their peak
demand? Why would their consumers voluntarily relinquish some
control over their air conditioning, water heating, and other major
electrical loads to the electric utility serving them? The answers to
these questions illustrate the benefits that DR provides.
Benefits of Mass-Market Demand Response
A successful mass-market DR program is beneficial to both
the utility and its customers. Many customers like these programs
because they lead to reduced outages. These programs provide
opportunities to participate in environmentally friendly programs.
Utilities are happy because peak-load management programs
do not materially affect kWh sales. They help utilities avoid using
interruptible contracts and they help avoid spot market purchases
while sometimes allowing additional spot market sales. Massmarket demand response programs support many utility goals
including community value, environmental responsibility, saving
scarce resources, increasing system reliability, and increasing
customer satisfaction.
THE LINE – August 2008
11
Peak Load Reduction
Customer Satisfaction
One of the misconceptions of demand
response programs is that customers
become uncomfortable and therefore
unhappy with their participation in the
program. Metered evidence has shown
that with air conditioning load controlled,
indoor temperatures only rise slightly as
shown in figure 1.
Participants in well-run demand
response programs are more satisfied with
their utility than are its non-participating
consumers. Consumers appreciate it
when utilities introduce programs designed
to help keep the lights on and electricity
cost low—especially when they are not
discomforted.
Environmental Considerations
Cooper’s Cannon DR Solution has a
significant impact on the local environment
by decreasing pollutants and contributing
on a global scale as well.
The Economic Bottom Line
In addition to the environmental
benefits, perhaps the most surprising thing
about this impressive list of benefits is the
cost. The total cost for mass-market peakdemand reduction programs is lower than
the cost of supplying those peak demands
from generation. They are not just a little
lower, but can be one-third to two-thirds
as much. The total present-value cost
for a mass-market DR program including
the costs for program management,
marketing, recruitment, equipment,
installation, service, and maintenance will
vary from about $250 per kW of peak
reduction to about $500 depending on the
DR equipment used and the overall size
of the program. When peaking-capacity
costs about $750 per kW installed plus its
annual operations and maintenance costs,
the value of mass-market DR becomes
obvious.
The Market for Demand
Response
Is the market nearly saturated or will
it grow? If it will grow, at what rate will it
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cooperpower.com
Controlled versus Uncontrolled 96 °F Max Temp Day
76
75.5
75
Indoor Temperature Reading
The purpose of mass-market DR
programs is to reduce the peak demand
placed on utility systems. This peak
demand typically occurs on the hottest
summer days. Research has shown that
a load management network of LCRs or
PCTs can significantly reduce this peak
demand and provide greater stability to the
electrical system, while reducing the need
for new peaking capacity.
Max Temp
Difference 1.24 ° F
74.5
74
73.5
73
Control Event
control
72.5
no control
72
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Hour of Day
Figure 1. Indoor temperature variation between controlled and uncontrolled
electricity loads using Demand Response systems.
Actual Peak Load Reductions from Load Management (in MW)
(Source: DOE/EIA Form 861 Filings)
17,000
16,000
15,000
14,000
13,000
12,000
11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Figure 2. The residential Demand Response market has room for growth.
grow and for how long? These are difficult
questions because they involve anticipating
the future. Some contributors to the
answers are in the facts.
Recent Demand Response
Activity
■■
In 2006, the latest year for which
data is available from the United
States (U.S.) Department of Energy
(DOE), North American utilities
delivered 11,281 MW of peakperiod load reductions.
■■
This amount of demand response
is encouraging but not recordbreaking and far short of the over
16,000 MW of peak-period load
reductions recorded for 1995.
■■
Of the 11,281 MW of peak-period
load reductions delivered in 2006:
• The industrial sector delivered
53%.
• The commercial sector
delivered 15%.
Continued on page 17
Cooper Provides Utilities DOE 2010 Standard-Efficient Designs
Jim Kozak, PE, Field Product Engineer, Distribution Transformers ­– Cooper Power Systems
On October 12, 2007, the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) issued
its long-awaited transformer efficiency
standard. The standard establishes
required efficiencies for new distribution
transformers rated 2500 kVA and below
sold in or imported to the U.S. after
January 1, 2010. The standard defines
a legal requirement rather than merely a
guideline or recommendation for these
transformers.
Cooper Power Systems is offering
a proactive approach to meeting
requirements of the DOE standard
early packaged along with innovative
Envirotemp FR3 fluid to provide
utilities with “green” energy-efficient
transformers. These highly efficient FR3
fluid-filled transformers combine the
most environmentally favorable dielectric
fluid available with energy-saving, highefficiency designs. The result is a more
favorable carbon footprint along with
reduced energy generation requirements.
Background
The U.S. Federal government has
been setting energy efficiency standards
for products for several years. These
products include home appliances such
as air conditioners, washers, dryers,
and refrigerators, as well as fleet miles-
per-gallon averages for automobiles.
There are several objectives for these
efficiency standards; deferral of additional
generation and transmission capacity,
reduced greenhouse gas emission,
and less dependence on imported
energy. Reducing energy consumption
decreases the amount of power that
is required to be generated and allows
postponement of building new power
plants and transmission lines. It also
reduces the amount of primary fuels like
coal and natural gas burned in power
plants to generate electricity. Gasoline
and electric power generation primary
fuels are both big sources of greenhouse
gasses. Additionally, reduction in
consumption of gasoline and other
petroleum products lessens U.S. reliance
on foreign petroleum products.
Implications for Transformer
Manufacturing
Transformer buyers typically specify
evaluation formulae for losses which
dictate the most economical transformer
design given their cost of power. By one
manufacturer’s estimate, at least 60%
of distribution transformers purchased
in 2007 were below the DOE’s efficiency
levels established for 2010. This implies
that in order to comply with the DOE
standard, the majority of transformers
sold in the U.S. will require redesign
before 2010. Higher grades of conductor
material and core steel will be necessary
to obtain required efficiencies. In some
cases, aluminum conductors will be
replaced with copper and in most
cases, lower-grade M5 core steel will be
replaced with lower-loss M2 and M3 core
steel to increase transformer efficiency to
compliant levels.
Transformers represent a small sliver
of total mild steel, aluminum, and copper
use. The large markets for these metals
will be primarily influenced by world-wide
demand from all sectors—rather than
changes in demand from the transformer
industry. Surging economic growth in the
emerging Asian and Far East markets
will be primarily responsible for the price
pressure for these commodities.
However, it is estimated that price
and availability of mild steel, copper, and
aluminum will be largely unaffected by the
DOE’s action. The same is not necessarily
true for the specialty grain-oriented
silicon core steel used in distribution
transformers. Transformers represent a
very large portion of the consumption of
this core steel; therefore, the prices for M2
and M3 core steel are quite inelastic
with transformer demand.
THE LINE – August 2008
13
Complicating the issue, there are very
few manufacturers of this magnetic core
steel and adding capacity at these mills
is an extremely lengthy and expensive
undertaking. Capital expansion projects
at the steel mills can take years to
implement and cost millions of dollars.
Global demand for the premium core steel
is expected to surpass global supply, and
it may take several years for the small
number of existing suppliers to catch up.
Proactive Approach Helps
Customers Now
Quite a number of customers are
proactively moving to DOE efficiency levels
rather than waiting until the mandate to
purchase DOE-compliant transformers.
These customers have chosen to
take advantage of higher-efficiency
transformers sooner—locking in the lower
cost and smaller-size designs while there
is M2 and M3 core steel available.
In the future, when transformer
manufacturers cannot get enough of the
low-loss, efficiency-friendly M2 and M3
core steel to meet demand, they may be
required to make do with sub-optimal
designs using the more plentiful M5 core
steel. The resulting designs will be larger,
heavier, and more expensive than the
optimal M2/M3 core steel designs.
Dimensions, weight, and cost can
increase anywhere from 10% to 30%
when lower-grade core steel must be
used instead of the optimized M2 or M3
core steel-based designs. Additionally,
for overhead transformers, the increased
weight of the transformer may require
more expensive and heavier-duty utility
poles. Replacing utility poles typically
costs utilities $3,000 to $4,000 in material
and labor costs.
For pad-mounted transformers,
existing concrete pads may be too small
to accommodate the larger designs. And
for all transformers, larger and heavier
transformers mean fewer per truck,
increasing logistic costs and fuel used in
transportation. Transformer consumers
will definitely be at an advantage if they
can obtain the scarce M2 and M3 core
steel for their designs. Late adopters will
most likely be left to settle for the best
configurations that can be obtained with
the inferior core materials and the higher
transformer costs and larger units that go
with M5 core steel limitations on design.
Soy-Based Transformer Fluid
Helps Meet Green Objectives
The redesign efforts necessary to meet
the DOE minimum efficiency requirements
also present a great opportunity for
14
cooperpower.com
First installation of a FR3 fluid-filled transformer at ComEd in March 2008.
customers to re-evaluate dielectric fluid
options. Fully embracing the “green” effort
includes specifying FR3 fluid, which is
made almost entirely from soy oil. Growing
soy consumes CO2 and produces O2.
Even considering the CO2 produced
to support the growth of seed crops,
the soy is a net CO2 consumer rather
than producer, and CO2 reduction is a
big reason why the DOE established its
standard efficiencies.
FR3 fluid is also non-toxic1 and fully
biodegradable per an EPA Standard
test2—extremely beneficial properties in
the event of accidental spill. Specifying
FR3 fluid also reduces the demand
for petroleum-based mineral oil and
requisite drilling activities. Finally, the
life-extending properties of FR3 fluid
mean that transformers do not require
replacement as often. More infrequent
transformer replacement means less
aluminum, copper, and steel required for
manufacture. Production of each of these
materials introduces greenhouse gasses
to the environment.
Studies show that using FR3 fluid
instead of conventional petroleum-based
mineral oil will reduce a company’s carbon
footprint. As related to transfomers, per
NIST BEES report, the soybeans used
in FR3 fluid consume CO2 from the air
while they are growing. The CO2 impact
from the soy is still a net reduction for
the environment even after considering
the tractor fuel, fertilizer, processing and
transport used in production of FR3 fluid.
This contrasts with mineral oil which is a
net CO2 emitter in the drilling, refining,
processing, and transport processes.
The list of utilities opting to convert to
FR3 fluid concurrently with the change to
DOE standard efficiency levels includes
Alliant Energy, ComEd, Xcel Energy, and
American Electric Power. They have all
selected FR3 and DOE compliant designs
in 2008. Many more customers are in the
process of converting to DOE standard
efficiency early and including FR3 fluid in
their conversion plans. These utilities are
embracing both the intent and the letter of
the DOE standard. Their proactive actions
benefit both the customers and the
environment—a win for all involved. n
1. Per OECD G.L.203
2. EPA OPPTS 835.3110
For more on greenhouse gas emission, refer to the related
article, FR3 Fluid Provides Sustainable Alternative for Reducing
Carbon Footprint, on page 7.
Photo courtesy of Waverly Light and Power
The Winds of Change:
Waverly Light and Power - a Pioneer in Sustainable Energy
Connie Schnick, Marketing Communication Specialist – Cooper Power Systems
Glenn Cannon, Former General Manager – Waverly Light and Power
Waverly Light and Power™ is a cityowned electric utility providing service to
almost 5,000 customers in a 33 square
mile area located in the Northeast corner
of Iowa, along the scenic Cedar River.
Waverly Light and Power (WLP) has
been leading the way in sustainable
energy since the late 1980s when it
was the first municipal utility to own and
operate wind generation in the Midwest.
As they are continually searching for
environmentally friendly, renewable
energy resources, wind has been an
important resource—leading the way
in providing a clean, emission-free, and
inexhaustible energy resource.
Response to Increased
Energy Demand
During the late 1980s, Waverly’s
energy demand grew at a rate of 4.2%
per year—almost twice the national
average. Faced with termination of its
purchased power contract in 1999 and
steady growth in demand, WLP became
increasingly concerned about future
energy supplies. A study was performed
by an independent utility consultant to
evaluate options for conserving energy
and generating it from renewable
sources. The study showed wind to be a
viable resource in Iowa.
In 1993, after receiving grants from
the American Public Power Association,
Waverly Light and Power erected Skeets
1, the first turbine, located on a farm
just outside of Waverly (Zond 80 kW),
and according to Glenn Cannon, former
General Manager of WLP, “became the
first public power system in the Midwest
to own and operate wind generation.”
Positive response from local consumers,
a grant from the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory, and the success of the
original turbine lead to additional turbines.
In 1999, two 750 kW Zond Z-50 wind
turbines, Skeets 2 and 3, were placed on
small farms near Alta, Iowa. They are part
of the Storm Lake Wind Facility which
contains 259 wind turbines.
Late in 2001, Skeets 1 was retired
and replaced with a 900 kW turbine. The
NEG Micon NM52 turbine came on-line
in December 18, 2001, and produced
over 111,000 kWh through January
1, 2002. The production during those
15 days was greater than the previous
turbine, ‘Skeets 1,’ produced in an
average year.
In order to ensure future reliability,
two of WLP’s wind turbines were sold in
November 2005. The selling of these two
units allowed Waverly Light and Power
to continue researching and investing in
turbine and wind renewable upgrades.
Two additional turbines are planned for
installation in 2009.
Innovative Program
Waverly Light and Power Iowa Energy
Tags™ program was launched in March
of 2001. This innovative program allows
companies and individuals to purchase
tax-deductible certificates (tags) to
help pay for future renewable energy
resources. Iowa Energy Tags have been
purchased worldwide. From Denmark to
Waverly, residents realize the value in the
Iowa Energy Tags program.
Each tag represents the
environmental benefit of 2,500 kWh of
wind generation, offsetting fossil fuel
production and importation of the same
amount of energy. This means a savings
of 5,300 lbs. of CO2 emissions—along
with a host of other greenhouse gases—
for each Iowa Energy Tag sold.
Envirotemp Transformers and
FR3 Fluid
In 1992, Cooper Power Systems
began research and development of
vegetable oil-based transformer fluids. In
1996, the first field trials began, and a soy
oil-based dielectric coolant, trademarked
Envirotemp FR3 fluid, was commercialized
in 1999. Also forward thinking, Waverly
Light and Power, in cooperation with the
University of Northern Iowa’s AgricultureBased Industrial Lubricants (ABIL)
Laboratory, developed a soybean-based
transformer oil. In 2002, their technology
was acquired by Cargill, Inc. In 2004,
Cooper and Cargill formed an alliance
to transfer the production of FR3 fluid
to Cargill Industrial Oils and Lubricant
facility in Chicago to take advantage of
their larger manufacturing base. Waverly
Light and Power continues to support
and promote the sale of FR3 fluid. Cooper
Power Systems developed a line of
transformers, Envirotran transformers,
that solely use FR3 fluid. WLP uses FR3
fluid exclusively for both new and retrofil
applications to support their commitment
to the environment. In September of 2007,
WLP purchased two 1000 kVA Envirotran
3-phase pad-mounted transformers,
connective equipment including inserts
and bushing wells, and Bayonet fuses to
be used with two new wind turbines to be
installed in early 2009.
Exceeded Expectations
Today, Waverly Light and Power’s
wind generation serves the
THE LINE – August 2008
15
equivalent of 261 homes annually. It
also offsets nearly 2,330 tons of carbon
dioxide (CO2), a leading greenhouse
gas associated with climate change.
Renewable generation contributes 3% to
their total generation portfolio annually.
In May of 2002, NEG Micon USA, Inc.,
stated Waverly’s wind turbine was among
the highest producers for NEG Micon
turbines in the United States. “It was the
highest producer of all NEG Micon turbines
in the Midwest in May,” said Steve Butler,
Technical Services Advisor for Waverly
Light and Power. The Utility had an
estimated capacity factor of 27% annually,
but to-date it has averaged 32.5%.
Commitment to Future
Development
Through the strong leadership of the
WLP Board of Trustees, Waverly Light and
Power has maintained its position as an
industry leader in renewable energy and
energy efficiency over the years. In 2006,
the Board committed to make renewable
resources the source for 20% of WLP’s
system energy requirements by the year
2020. This commitment has reaffirmed
WLP’s position at the threshold of energy
markets for the next century. New
options are currently being pursued in this
visionary effort. Cooper Power Systems
has been developing new and exciting
equipment to help WLP and other utilities
meet the ever increasing demands for
safer, environmentally friendly, and more
efficient transformers. n
For more on Cooper Power Systems proactive approach
to meeting the requirements of the Department of Energy
standard while incorporating innovative FR3 fluid to provide
utilities with “green” energy-efficient transformers, please
read: Cooper Provides Utilities DOE 2010 Standard-Efficient
Designs by Jim Kozak, PE.
Efficiency in the field
starts with training in
the classroom.
Cooper Power Systems’ training program
improves operator performance,
increases efficiency, and optimizes
equipment operation. For product
training information, visit:
www.cooperpower.com/EventCalendar
www.cybectec.com/training
16
cooperpower.com
Cable Preparation and Termination Training
Ken Easterday, Product Specialist, LiPE - C&I – Cooper Power Systems
The need for lower-cost mediumvoltage installations, in an extremely
competitive contract environment, which
is under short time constraints—all
of these issues are running through
the minds of Cooper Power Systems
customers. Also of importance, but
at times overlooked, is the need for
experienced and trained cable and
termination installers. No matter who the
customer, the location of the installation,
or the application, there is potential that
the contracted installers are new to the
project and they may have very little
experience with proper medium-voltage
cable preparation. Cable Preparation
and Termination Training (CPTT) is not
only needed, but sometimes required,
depending on the end customer.
Since cable preparation training needs
have become more frequent, some
Cooper representatives have filled the
need and conducted these training events
themselves. Michael McClellan, Jr., of
Haddon-McClellan Associates, Inc., looks
to provide CPTT for his customers with
medium to large cable accessory orders.
“We provide cable training because it is
necessary to support the sale, solidify
the customer relationship, and provide
customer service for both HaddonMcClellan Associates, Inc., and Cooper
Power Systems,” says McClellan. “We
usually provide 3 to 4 training sessions
per year.” In addition, McClellan mentions
“It’s a great opportunity to talk to the
customers about the tools needed for the
preparation and perhaps get clarification.”
Another Cooper representative, Rick
Denno, from RM Clark Associates, Inc.,
uses CPTT as an opportunity to get
Cooper cable accessories in front of
potential customers. “I talk to them about
separable connectors, and then we all
go through the CPTT. Five times out of
ten, it results in added requirements for
loadbreak elbows, junctions, splices,
and sector cabinets. I call on several
large government campuses that require
their contractors to have training before
they can work on MV terminations. This
is a good opportunity to get Cooper in
front of them, provide CPTT, as well as a
certificate of training.”
Cooper Power Systems can provide a
certificate of completion for all CPTT that
includes a Cooper logo, description of the
training, the location, and a signature of
the person performing the training.
In addition, Cooper will be introducing
a 200 A and 600 A CPTT training video
on DVD that covers the latest techniques
and tools for proper cable preparation
and terminations. Look for this DVD in the
summer of 2008. n
FR3 Fluid Provides Sustainable Alternative for Reducing Carbon Footprint
From page 7.
By utilizing a soy-based dielectric
fluid, utilities across the nation are able to
deliver reliable service to their customers
and participate in the global effort of
reducing atmospheric levels of CO2.
Public owned utilities are also using FR3
fluid in their distribution transformers,
including the California-based electrical
utility Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
Regulation
In the current political climate,
FR3 fluid has the potential to do more
than just reduce a company’s carbon
footprint. The volume of domestic and
international carbon regulatory bodies,
such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative, the Carbon Climax Exchange,
and the European Union Emission Trading
Scheme, has been increasing substantially
in recent years. In many cases, these
institutions place limits to the amount
of carbon that can be emitted into the
environment—allowing for companies to
purchase carbon offsets to reduce their
carbon footprint. Examples of carbon
offset projects include those which
incorporate wind generation, contain
methane generated by farm animals and
landfills, include planting trees, or enhance
energy efficiency.
Carbon regulation has also manifested
into policy at the local level. California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
and Vermont are taking the first
steps to limit carbon emissions, while
Massachusetts and Kansas are in the
process of developing CO2 regulatory
legislation. Oregon and Washington have
already mandated that power plants are
required to offset a certain percentage
of anticipated carbon emissions.4
Considering the carbon political activity
at the local level, a national policy that
implements a carbon cap and trade
system is likely to occur within the
next presidential administration. If a
national cap and trade policy were to
be passed, the value of a carbon credit
has been estimated to reach or exceed
$40 USD per carbon ton. Under these
circumstances, a utility making annual
distribution transformer purchases of
$1,000,000 would yield a potential carbon
credit value of $19,000. Companies would
be gaining roughly a two percent rebate
on their transformer purchase.
significant reduction in greenhouse gases
as compared to mineral oil. From reducing
the harmful effects of transformer spills
and avoiding fires to reducing a company’s
carbon output, it is evident that FR3 fluid
not only enhances safety and reliability
for the electrical grid but assists utilities
in implementing sustainable business
practices. n
1. “Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability
Technical Manual and User Guide” National Institute of
Standards and Technology. August 2007.
2. “International Energy Outlook 2007” Energy Information
Agency. (May 2007) < http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/
oil.html>
3. “Alliant Energy makes the move to FR3 fluid for its
distribution transformers.” 26 February 2008. <http://www.
alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/
p016407.hcsp>
4. “States with a Carbon Cap or Offset Requirement for
Power Plants” PEW Center on Global Climate Change. (2
April 2001) <http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_
done/in_the_states/cap_and_offset_map.cfm>
FR3 Fluid and the Future
There are many environmental and
economic benefits to be gained by using a
biobased fluid in distribution transformers.
Using FR3 fluid would allow for a
Demand Response: A Good Thing for Everybody
From page 12.
•
The residential sector delivered
32% or 3,600 MW.
■■ These results are encouraging
because:
• DR has risen steadily since
2004.
• 2007 results may well exceed
13,000 MW.
• DR in Canada is increasing.
■■ These results indicate that the
residential sector’s market potential
for DR is primarily untapped.
The Residential Demand
Response Potential
■■ The U.S. has about 66 million
families living in single-family,
owner-occupied housing units.
■■ These 66 million families are the
primary candidates for participation
in utility-sponsored residential
demand response programs.
•
46 million of them have central
electric air conditioning.
• 24 million have electric water
heating.
• 18 million have central electric
heating systems.
■■ Assuming that 25% of these
candidates could be persuaded to
participate in summer peak-period
demand response programs:
• 11.5 million families having
more than 12.5 million central
air conditioning units would
provide over 12,500 MW of
summer peak-demand relief.
• The U.S. has yet to tap over
70% of the air conditioning
load control potential.
The Emerging Demand
Response Market—Cooper
Power Systems’ Role
States have made large investments in
load management systems. Cooper is
supporting these existing systems with its
Cannon Yukon software platform alongside
its newest technologies—allowing utilities
to migrate smoothly from older to new
technology without needing to replace the
entire investment immediately.
Secure hosted Web access through
the Yukon advanced energy services
platform supports our entire suite of
intelligent devices. The widely used Yukon
DR platform fully supports thermostat
programming, meter data integration for
dynamic pricing, consumer access, and
much more.
Cooper Power Systems looks forward
to building on its history for innovation
while solidifying its position as a leading
demand response solutions provider in
North America. n
Numerous utilities across the United
THE LINE – August 2008
17
FR3 Fluid in the News
David Bingenheimer, Global Product Manager, Dielectric Fluids – Cooper Power Systems
ComEd (Chicago) Press Conference
During a news conference held at the Commonwealth
Edison (ComEd) Chicago North Headquarters on April 23,
Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn saluted the “eco-friendly”
initiative by Cooper Power Systems and ComEd that replaces
the purchase of distribution transformers using mineral oil
with Envirotran FR3 transformers. Cooper and ComEd were
acknowledged for “demonstrating that going green can help our
environment while promoting Illinois’ agricultural economy.”
ComEd went further in announcing its plan to purchase
4,000 Envirotran FR3 transformers annually for both new and
replacement transformer needs within their electrical distribution
system. The event took place in front of a flatbed truck loaded
with an initial shipment of 50 transformers. It has been estimated
that ComEd’s movement to FR3 fluid will reduce annual CO2
emissions by more than 1,400 tons/year. ComEd was represented
by Terrence Donnelly, Senior Vice President of Transmission and
Distribution.
Exelon Supplier Summit
During the 5th annual Exelon Supplier Summit on May
30, 2008, Cooper Power Systems received the inaugural
“Environmental Leadership Award” for soy oil dielectric fluid. This
Summit was a discussion of Exelon’s commitment to reduce its
carbon footprint and the role that utility vendors could play at
both the supply chain and engineering levels. Exelon, the nation’s
largest utility, is taking a leadership role in reducing its greenhouse
gas emissions, with strategic plan focused on sustainable
elements. As a subsidiary of Exelon that delivers electricity to
Northern Illinois, ComEd is further evaluating their suppliers as part
of their own Green initiatives.
“The Green Option” PBS Nightly Business
Report Taping
As a result of the ComEd news conference, a crew from PBS’
Nightly Business Report visited Cooper Power Systems in pursuit
of a story on ComEd’s initial conversion from mineral oil to FR3
fluid-filled transformers. The story is included in their monthly
series “The Green Option” which focuses on business efforts to
implement environmentally conscious equipment and practices.
The taping, which occurred on May 22, included interviews with
both Mike Stoessl, Cooper Power Systems Group President, and
C. Patrick McShane, Global Technology Manager – Dielectric
Fluids. The filming also included the filling of transformers with FR3
fluid at the Cooper Power Systems Badger Drive production facility.
The stated intent of the story is to understand the development
history of FR3 fluid and the reasons for its growth in the
marketplace—in addition to why FR3 fluid-filled transformers
provide enhanced environmental performance. PBS initially aired the
story on Thursday, June 5, and it can be viewed on the PBS.org
and www.cooperpower.com web sites. n