On February 28th, IEEE (PI)2 Austin hosted a Technical Meeting on  “Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration (DACR), and other Grid Improvements“ with speakers David Sanches, Manager, Power System Studies, and Haley Hirschfield, Power System Study Engineer, both of TRC, Austin

David provided an overview of the systems analyses TRC performs for its electric utility customers in Texas and the USA. TRC provides analysis of all  networked systems and linear distribution circuits supplying neighborhoods, businesses and industries. These studies include data review and analysis, of existing protective devices, capacitor banks, regulators, and feeder ties for each circuit, load allocation and load flow analysis for peak and light load conditions for each circuit, verifying distribution assets in the field verification and engineering design, and consulting services TRC regarding changes to philosophy and any identified issues.

Haley provided an in-depth review of DACR design (Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration) which is a new technology that detects a power outages and automatically reroutes the power – minimizing the number of people impacted within minutes. While distribution systems are linear (think: extension cord) as opposed to networked (think fish nets), they can be designed in a loop with an open switch in the center. Smart in-line devices can sense outages through fault detection, and reconfigure the devices to isolate the failure to a small area, minimizing or eliminating the power outage. Haley showed the interrupting curves (time-current) and how they can be coordinated within an automated system to minimize the outages. This and other Smart Grid tools have greatly improved distribution reliability.

About the Speakers:

Mr. Sánchez has over 22 years of experience in the electric utility industry with experience in power delivery including maintenance, operations, power quality, distribution system planning, distribution design, protection, system analysis, construction standards, asset management, reliability, and joint-use.  He has worked for investor-owned electric utilities and has been recognized for not only his technical skills but customer service as well.  He currently serves in the capacity of National Manager of the Power System Studies Group with responsibility for the business functions of the division including all quality, financial, administrative operations, and staff performance and development.

Haley Hirschfield has a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemistry from The University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor od Engineering in Electrical, Electronics and Communications form Texas State University. She is an active member of IEEE, and is Chair of the Austin IEEE Young Professional Affinity Group, as well as the Secretary for the IEEE (PI)2 Austin Chapter.