Australian Power and Energy News Vol21 No104 January 2017

Redmond Gary

RG

Australia Pty. Ltd

Please see our Editorial and Advertisement on Pages 4 and 5

Please see our Editorial and Advertisement on Page 3

VOL. 21 NO. 104 - January 2017

Print Post No. PP100000928

All enquiries phone: +61 7 5478 9432 Email Enquiries: apen@worldpacific.com.au

Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand each issue

Redmond Gary Australia introduces all new TL14M Mobile Elevating Work Platform See Full Story on Page 20

Ausgrid appoints Chief Executive Officer R ICHARD GROSS has recently been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ausgrid by its new Board of Directors.

“I want to build on the many strengths of the business, including the deep technical expertise of its people and their commitment to great customer service and safety.

“There are also real opportunities for sustainable growth through taking advantage of developments in network services technology, regulation and increased customer engagement.

“I am also pleased to advise that Ausgrid’s Interim Chief Executive Officer Trevor Armstrong will continue in the business in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.”

Mr Gross has held senior roles in Powercor and CitiPower since 2009, including General Manager Strategy and General Manager Regulation and Business Development. He is a former CEO of Wellington Electricity and Manager Economic Regulations for Melbourne Water. He holds a Masters of Commerce in Economics and Finance, a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics. He attended the Harvard Advanced Management Program in 2011.

The Board will be led by independent Chairman Peter Magarry following AustralianSuper and IFM Investors’ acquisition of a 50.4% interest in the long-term lease of Ausgrid.

Mr Gross, who acted as an advisor to AustralianSuper and IFM Investors on their Ausgrid investment, has extensive experience in the energy sector, its infrastructure and operations and the regulatory environment.

Mr Magarry said his appointment takes effect immediately.

“Richard has the depth and breadth of experience we need to take Ausgrid forward into our new era,” he said.

“He has a track record in completing business transformations which have benefited customers and investors alike. He understands the regulatory environment and sees tremendous potential in the company and its future.”

Mr Gross said Ausgrid clearly had underlying strengths that attracted AustralianSuper and IFM Investors to invest in the business.

GUSS takes out Queensland Engineering Award

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RGON Energy’s innovative GUSS program, which is helping to significantly improve power quality in the bush, has won the Excellence Award for Innovation, Research and Development at the 2016 Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) for Queensland.

Ergon’s Technology Innovation Engineer Stephen Richardson said it was a thrill for the team to win the award after years of innovative thinking and application to bring the Grid Utility Support Systems (GUSS) program to fruition.

“Given the constraints on sections of our western SWER network, we developed an innovative solution that is improving the quality of power supply in selected rural areas. That in turn is helping the rural economy and quality of life of people in these communities. GUSS is also a benchmark for Australian engineering and raises the standard for best practice energy storage and application,” Stephen said.

The award also recognised Ergon’s commitment to technology.

“Technology is helping us find innovative solutions and GUSS demonstrates that Ergon is at the forefront of thinking and the application of technology.”

More than 700 regional Queensland premises in remote areas are now benefitting from 2 megawatt hours of distributed battery energy storage thanks to the rollout of 20 GUSS units.

The final GUSS was installed and commissioned at Middlemount in central Queensland in August.

GUSS development

the concept on Ergon’s Single Wire Earth Return, or SWER, network.

“The network-side battery energy storage technology is now providing voltage reliability on at least 10 SWER powerlines – vital electricity conduits that provide an economic energy supply to many primary producers in western Queensland communities,” he said.

Rural customers on 2700 kilometers of SWER are now benefitting from the GUSS implementation, which began late last year.

GUSS units could reduce SWER network augmentation costs by more than 35 per cent on current estimates he said.

Rural homes and farms have more electrical items today than when SWER was rolled out in the 60’s, 70s and 80s, so it’s inevitable rural Queenslanders’ expectations, and the demand for reliable power via our SWER network, has increased too he said.

“Each GUSS unit has 56 Lithium-Ion type batteries which provide 25kVA and 100 kilowatt hours nominal capacity. This is enough to power the average home for up to five days and, the GUSS units operate by ‘topping up’ during quiet times and ‘decanting’ into the network during times of higher demand when voltage levels need levelling out, “ he said.

Where the GUSS units are located Ergon maintains about 65,000 kilometres of SWER network which services the electricity needs of around 26,000 rural Queenslanders.

GUSS units have been located and connected to our SWER network at Weir (near Charters Towers), Taroon, St George, Tambo, Dajarra, Middlemount, lines between Rockhampton and Mackay, north of Alpha.

The systems were developed by a team of Ergon engineers and trials since 2011 proved

Above: Mr Richard Gross

Publisher:

AUSTRALIAN POWER INDUSTRY NEWS PTY LTD ACN 109 354 467

ABN 49 109 354 467

Publishers of:

Published Bi-Monthly - Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand

Circulated to all key personnel within the Australian Port Authorities and Associated Port Industries throughout Australia and New Zealand

Head Office: 14 Merriman Court, Palmwoods QLD 4555 Postal Address: PO Box 1176, MOOLOOLABA QLD 4557 Telephone: (07) 5478 9432 • Facsimile: (07) 5445 9431 Email: apen@worldpacific.com.au Web: www.amrcn.com.au (Click on ‘Other Publications’) Page 2 - Australian Power & Energy News

Above: Left to right - General Manager Engineering Standards and Technology Jason Hall, Technology Innovation Engineer Stephen Richardson, Principal Engineer Technology Innovation David Ingram and Distribution Network Standards Officer Candice Horig

RETRACTION In a recent editorial in Australian Power & Energy News it was mistakenly stated that A.C. Whalan had signed a contract with Essential Energy.

The company has supplied composite utility poles to Essential Energy on a project basis but has not signed any contracts with that organisation.

The error is regretted.

Redmond Gary Australia introduces all new TL14M Mobile Elevating Work Platform

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EDMOND GARY Australia has recently delivered the first production model TL14M MEWP. This machine was designed to have similar components to the TL17M and will replace the outgoing model TF14M. The introduction of DuraComp 40 into Redmond Gary’s manufacturing process has enabled the company to offer a high voltage rated basket and high strength fly boom.

DuraComp 40’s unique properties combine high strength with high dielectric strength, saving weight while at the same time introducing a sealed fly boom which does not require internal cleaning.

The high voltage basket is also of low profile design and has zero catch points for manoeuvring between conductors.

In addition to the use of DuraComp 40 in its construction, the flight envelope has been enhanced to enable the fly jib to have 160° articulation. The basket is rated for 325kg and as it does not require an additional liner, the entire work load limit can be utilised by operators and their tools.

Redmond Gary

Australia Pty. Ltd

The basket is front mounted and can rotate 180° with no change in work load limit. Due to the design of the basket, the overall height of the basket has been reduced by 250mm.

The entire machine has been optimised to reduce weight where possible and increase the carrying capacity of the MEWP. An extensive locker system has been incorporated and at the same time, an increase of approximately 300kg carrying capacity has been achieved making it possible to carry equipment and tools on the truck weighing approximately 2,200kg on an Isuzu FVD1000.

The TL14M has been thoroughly tested

by Energex prior to it being put into service.

Work groups have given positive reports on the machine’s performance including better power line access in comparison with the previous model.

The TL14M following:

features

include

the

• Fly boom and basket manufactured from DuraComp 40 • Insulation rating 5 / 33 / 132 kV rain

TL14M

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM

• High voltage basket tested to 50 kV with integrated liner • Sealed fly boom • Low profile basket • 180° basket rotation

Basic Specifications: Working Height

16.0m

Basket floor height

14.0m

Basket WLL

325kg

Maximum side reach

11.2m

Distance to front of basket

10.5m

Slew

360o

• Improved fly jib articulation • All new hydraulic and electrical systems • Integrated diagnostics for MEWP and radio remote system with data logger standard • Internal and external basket steps • Zero turret trail swing

Travelling height 4.1m (depending on cab chassis height) Manufactured from space age material – Dura-Comp 40

Redmond Gary Australia – Phone: 07 5594 9844 Email: sales@rg.com.au Website: www.rg.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 3

Home-grown composite poles pass every test F OR the last few years A.C. Whalan Composites has been proving how much smarter its composite utility poles are than traditional timber ones.

The company’s composite poles are rapidly becoming the preferred option in the delivery of power to the consumer. The CSIRO is the latest in a long line of regulatory bodies to approve the Australian-made product and the company’s composite pole continues to pass every test.

One of the main benefits of A.C. Whalan’s composite pole is a dramatic reduction in installation and maintenance costs. This cost saving begins at the point of installation and continues throughout the much longer life of the composite pole.

The ease of installation is also a huge logistical advantage, particularly when expanding or replacing network infrastructure in rough terrain and hard-to-reach places.

The company’s composite poles have recently been installed in the Snowy Mountains without the use of heavy equipment or the need for a track or access road to be carved out. It’s simply a case of a 4WD utility and a small ground crew and in no time at all the pole is up and ready to be ‘networked’.

Energy provider ActewAGL has signed contracts with A.C. Whalan for the supply of its composite utility poles. Essential Energy has also used the poles in some of its projects. Both companies are environmentally proactive and their use of composite poles not only creates a better ‘network image’ but is more in tune with the environment.

Not only that but adopting the poles is a very smart move cost-wise. Once installed, the cost of ownership of composite poles is negligible when compared to the traditional timber pole and it will last a lot longer in Australia’s extreme climate.

In addition, Australia is a land where bushfires often strike and there again, the composite pole is a winner and resistant to fire and pests. It’s a wonder that composite poles aren’t mandatory in bushfire-prone areas. There’s always a potential

Page 4 - Australian Power & Energy News

for litigation due to the inherent weakness of timber utility poles when stuck by lightning.

Even in cases where poles are damaged by fire they can quickly and easily be recoated insitu and brought back to a like-new standard by an A.C. Whalan crew. The recoating process is not complex and the client’s own staff could also be trained quickly to carry out the task.

Recently, the CSIRO rigorously tested A.C. Whalan’s composite poles specifically for their ability to withstand bush fires and large flaming sources. The poles passed the test with flying colours in accordance with Australian Standards (AS) 1530.8.1.

In developing an Australian utility pole to withstand Australian conditions, A.C Whalan Composites began the design process by consulting extensively with Australian utility providers. The design team took into account climatic conditions faced, types of terrain encountered, physical pressures endured by transmission structures and the various pole lengths required by the power and energy sector.

The end result is a utility pole that not only meets the needs of the energy sector but which has developed specifically to withstand the conditions it will encounter. It is constructed from fire retardant laminates and the company put that feature to the test with a simulated bushfire.

The poles have been tested by the CSIRO using the power pole bushfire test method and all required fire resistance tests in accordance with Australian Standards (AS) 1530.8.2. The results proved that A.C. Whalan’s composite poles are made of the right stuff when facing the challenges of Australia’s bushfire-prone environment.

The poles are inert and non-conductive which was successfully proven after having undergone extensive testing at Ergon Energy’s dedicated testing facility. The range of tests included Leakage Current Lightning Impulse and 50Hz Flashover.

The results of all the tests confirmed the superb quality of the composite pole and

throughout the process the structural integrity of the pole remained unaffected. The results of the Ergon Energy tests are available from A.C. Whalan on request.

Corrosion is a by-product of our climate and Australia also has more than its fair share of termites. Aussie termites don’t like A.C. Whalan’s composite pole at all. The ingredients include Vinyl Ester Resin, so poles are not only termite resistant they are also resistant to caustic alkalis and hypochlorite bleaching chemicals and that eliminates corrosion as well.

A.C. Whalan’s composite poles are environmentally friendly and there are no toxic preservatives used in the manufacturing process to leach out into the soil or ground water when the pole is installed.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits in a variable economic climate where money can be too tight to mention is that the dollars matter.

Every dollar spent, particularly in the power and energy sector where poles and wires are critical, must achieve a greater return than the initial investment. This is where A.C. Whalan’s composite poles really stand tall with a much longer life expectancy than your average timber pole and they are extremely cost effective.

The composite poles are manufactured from epoxy vinyl ester resins with UV Stabilisers added to the outside barrier of the pole. This is important as the use of UV Stabilisers preserves the life of the poles way beyond the life expectancy of traditional timber poles.

The A.C. Whalan composite poles have a life expectancy of around 70 to 80 years based on QUV accelerated-age data testing and related studies.

A.C. Whalan’s composite poles are manufactured in a cylindrical taper shape similar to the timber pole so they are compatible with all current associated hardware such as cross arms and bolt-on foot pegs. It means that timber pole networks can be gradually replaced by the composite pole over a period of time as existing fitments can be attached using similar methods as for traditional timber poles.

As for installation itself, the composite pole is much easier to handle being on average around

40% lighter than the equivalent-rated timber pole. The erection methodology is very similar to the timber pole but due to its lightweight construction the composite pole is a much easier proposition where access is restricted or difficult due to the terrain.

Furthermore, smaller plant and equipment can be used in the installation process which leaves a much reduced work site footprint and reduces the impact on surrounding public areas. The ease of handling and installation minimises traffic disruption with less requirement for lengthy road or lane closures.

Due to its lighter weight, transport to the site is also far more cost-effective and the composite poles can be stored and handled in much the same way as timber poles, other than the use of nylon straps to protect the surface of the pole instead of the traditional chains and dogs.

From its NSW base at Mt Thorley, A.C. Whalan manufactures composite utility poles in various configurations using the filament winding process. The poles can be made up to 12.5m as a one-piece or as a two-piece to provide a variety of lengths from 9.5m up to a 15.5m.

The production process provides a textured surface finish in grey but the poles can be coloured to suit the client’s requests.

A.C. Whalan Composites is an ISO 9001 accredited manufacturer and quality control is assured. The company uses state of the art Filament Winding machines with Siemens controllers in combination with CADWIND and with such finite accuracy A.C. Whalan can guarantee the quality and consistency of every pole produced in accordance with AS/NZZS 4676.2000 Structural Design Requirements for utility service poles.

The company’s commitment to quality and service was recognised recently when it was nominated as a finalist in the Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2016.

For more information about A.C. Whalan’s composite utility poles visit; www.acwcomposites.com.au Or, email the team at; composites@acwhalan.com.au Or call 02 6574 6012

N E W G E N E R AT I O N O F A U S T R A L I A N M A D E U T I L I T Y P O L E S The Advantages of the Composite Pole System Lightweight The composite pole is on average 40% lighter than the equivalent rated timber pole.

the CSIRO to AS 1530. 8.1 BAL40 simulating bushfire attack and large flaming source fires.

Hardware & Fitment The composite pole is constructed from Vinyl Ester Resin giving it resistance to Caustic Alkalis, Hypochlorite Bleaching Chemicals and high temperatures and termites.

The Composite poles are manufactured in a cylindrical taper shape similar to the timber pole. This means that all current hardware such as cross arms & bolt on foot pegs and their fitment to the pole will be done the same way or using a similar method.

Cost Efficient Installation

Transport & Storage

The composite pole is installed in similar fashion to the timber pole, however, being lighter it is more cost effective to install in those applications with access restrictions.

Composite poles can be transported, stored & handled in the same way timber poles are, with consideration taken to protect the surface of the pole. This simply means nylon straps in place of chains & dogs. Because the composite poles are lighter in weight, transport costs become more efficient.

Corrosion & Termite Resistant

Non-Conductive System The composite pole is inert and the structure is non-conductive. Our poles have successfully undergone testing at Ergon Energy results are available upon request.

Fire Resistant The poles are constructed from fire retardant laminates.

A. C Whalan Composite Poles have been fire tested by

Life Expectancy Composite poles based on US & European manufacturers’ data & studies have a life expectancy of 70-80 years. Combined with the other advantages of fire, corrosion, termite, rot resistance & lower transportation cost, the composite poles installed cost becomes extremely competitive.

A. C Whalan Composites Pty Ltd Lot 101 Maskey Road, Mt Thorley NSW 2330 Mobile: 0417 746 811 | Phone: +61 2 6574 6012 | Fax: +61 2 6574 6422 Email: composites@acwhalan.com.au www.acwcomposites.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 5

Darwin Power Networks crews play it safe

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OINCIDING with National Safe Work Month, Power and Water’s Top End Power Networks crews have been upskilling and participating in training at the Allwright Training Centre at 19 Mile, Darwin.

The refresher rescue training is a one day course which includes Elevated Work Platform – rescue and escape, pole top rescue and low voltage switchboard rescue. For authenticity, the workers practice the actual techniques used in the field and are required to climb ladders, wear harnesses and operate specialist safety equipment just like they do in real operations.

Felino Molina, Authorisation and Compliance Trainer in Power and Water said that the annual training is mandatory for Power Networks crews across the Territory.

“One of the requirements of live work is to know live rescue,” he said.

“You can‘t be complacent with electricity, it doesn’t give you too many chances if you make a mistake.

“Our Power Networks crews work in environments that are sometimes hostile with high winds and heavy rain, especially coming into the wet season.

Photo courtesy Shane Eecen – Creative Light Studios

“This type of training arms the crews with the techniques and knowledge to work safely and be able to respond in an emergency.

“The annual refresher training is a reminder of the importance of safety checks necessary to keep crews safe and gives the staff confidence in each other.

“It ensures crews maintain their skills annually and are up to date, confident and competent in current safety processes.”

Clayton Twining, an Electrical Fitter Mechanic from the Power Networks substations crew, has been working at Power and Water for four years.

“It’s important with our type of work that we are getting this type of training and that everyone from the crew is on the same page in relation to safety,” he said.

“Because we train every year, it keeps our skills current.

“The training definitely makes you feel more confident that everyone in the team has the skills and can respond in an emergency.”

Training for the Power Networks crew is provided twice a year throughout the Territory in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Innovative Satellite Technology helps AusNet Services Protect Border Communities AusNet Services has installed the State’s first ever satellite-linked electricity network control devices along Victoria’s remote north eastern border, which will help reduce bushfire risk and also improve reliability in the region.

The devices, known as Auto Circuit Reclosers (“ACRs”), service the communities of Bendoc, Bonang, Tubbut, Goongerah, and Deddick Valley.

In 2012, AusNet Services took over operational control of the Bonang, Bendoc and Lower Bendoc 22kV spur lines located in the north eastern tip of the Snowy River National Park and supplied with electricity from Bombala in New South Wales.

Bushfires in February 2014 around Goongerah (80km south of Bendoc) were one of the key drivers for the safety-related project to install five state-of-the-art ACRs along the spur line.

Above: Bendoc satellite ACR controls being installed Page 6 - Australian Power & Energy News

Three of the ACRs were installed at the New South Wales and Victorian border crossing points near Bendoc and Delegate, and one each at Goongerah and Tubbut.

Remote controls for the three ACRs on the border operate through Telstra’s 3G service.

However the remaining two sites on the Victorian side are located outside of Telstra’s 3G coverage area, and the only option left was to use satellite communications.

After lengthy in-house trials, AusNet Services selected as Inmarsat Satellite-based solution at the two ACR sites in Goongerah and Tubbut.

“This innovative solution helps protect these remote Victorian communities by significantly reducing the risk of fire starts during total fire ban and code red days. It completes the final implementation of this recommendation from the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission” said AusNet Services’ Project Manager Anand Sobandevu.

Above: Bendoc satellite ACR link CU

New Nifty-Lift insulated 16m EWP with innovative multifold boom unveiled

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ICTORIA-based Nifty-Lift, a leading manufacturer of Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) for over 25 years, has launched a class-leading new insulated 16m model.

In development for over three years, the innovative new NL160TF-HV has been designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of power authorities and major electrical contractors around Australia.

Nifty-Lift had been approached by power industry stakeholders who expressed their need for a new 16m EWP platform that featured the high performing Nifty-Lift 180° Fly Boom, 180° Basket Rotator and large 350kg basket that would also allow them to carry the largest possible payload.

Nifty-Lift’s in-house engineering team set to work to design the ultimate 16m HV insulated EWP using Finite Element Analysis and ANSYS simulation software which would provide the safest possible structure with the lightest weight.

Above: The NL160TF-HV recently featured at the Powercor Innovation Day

With a 16m working height, a class-leading 12.3m working reach, 180° articulating fly Boom, 180° basket rotator, this live-line capable EWP seeks to set the new standard in Australia.

Sales Manager Adam Youl said the company’s design engineers took a cue from the crane industry and created an innovative eight-sided multifold boom design.

This new high tensile steel boom along with an optimised fibreglass design allows the NL160TF to be mounted either on a 4x2 or 4x4 singleaxle cab chassis and achieves up to 3 tonnes of payload while keeping the standard bodywork and lockers.

The NL160TF also offers new enviro-friendly options such as a Fuel Saving Mode (FSM) which switches the motor off when the platform is not in operation and restarts whenever the remote is activated or the battery needs recharging. This exciting new system seeks to greatly reduce fuel consumption and noise pollution.

This EWP also features Nifty-Lift’s popular Enhanced User Interface system which provides simplified controls for easy operation and maintenance as well as fault diagnosis and troubleshooting which results in reduced downtime.

Nifty-Lift is also offering a new range of lifting accessories and attachments for the basket which will make it easier for linesmen to load or

Above: The new NL160TF-HV is the latest addition to Nifty-Lift’s popular fly boom range lift cross-arms and other heavy and awkward pole components. “We believe that the NL160TF is a market leader in its class with better side-reach and payload than any of its

competitors. It is the first new design from Nifty-Lift in the past two years and, with 19 orders already taken, it will be a very important product for the company,� said Mr Youl.

NL160TF Roadshow The NL160TF will be setting out on a countrywide roadshow in March and Mr Youl invites anyone interested in taking a look at this remarkable new machine to contact the Nifty-Lift sales team on (03) 9725 0077 or via email at sales@nifty-lift.com.au

UNRIVALLED PERFORMANCE Introducing the all new Nifty-Lift NL160TF N XPSLJOH IFJHIU Ĺž N XPSLJOH TJEF SFBDI Ĺž x BSUJDVMBUJOH Ç‚MZ CPPN Ĺž

x CBTLFU SPUBUJPO Ĺž 6Q UP UPOOF QBZMPBE Ĺž

W O R L D L E A D I N G E L E VAT I N G W O R K P L AT F O R M S P: +61 3 9725 0077 | sales@nifty-lift.com.au | www.nifty-lift.com.au

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 7

HAWCS continued to deliver top-flight results in 2016 T

HIS year has brought with it enormous change for many utilities throughout Australia leading to an increased need for them to have the clearest possible picture of their assets.

In 2016, HAWCS continued to deliver that picture to their clients by capturing,

processing and analysing more than 67,000 kilometres of data for electrical utilities across Australia.

HAWCS was this year proud to announce the inclusion of Endeavour Energy and TasNetworks to their client base in addition to continuing as a successful contractor for other companies including Essential Energy, Ausgrid, Energex and ActewAGL.

“Continuing to see utilities embrace the HAWCS’ methodology for deep analysis of their asset and vegetation management needs demonstrates the industry’s commitment to safe and reliable power supply”, HAWCS Managing Director, Galen Gunn said.

“Every network requires a tailored approach to their asset management needs and HAWCS presents solutions that best suit individual requirements across all voltages and regions”.

LiDAR - HAWCSCAN HAWCS is the most experienced provider of LiDAR data to Australian utilities and is at the forefront of this industry -wide technological breakthrough. Benefits of the technology include accurate vegetation analysis customized to the Utility’s guidelines, pre-modelling to determine ground, road and water conductor

clearances and accurate positioning of all assets in the network on GIS.

Defect Identification HAWCEYE HAWCS uses detailed asset inspection techniques to achieve accuracy in both defect identification and location. High resolution imagery is taken of all assets and then inspected post-flight by experienced linesmen.

At this resolution, 99% of defects are accurately detected and the position of the

defect is referenced to the utility’s pole ID. All defects are coded according to the utility’s guidelines and then reported through Excel spreadsheets for seamless integration into existing GIS systems.

PDF reports are also generated to give asset managers an overall perspective of the condition of each feeder and maintenance area. Any urgent defects detected by experienced HAWCS’ observers, on the ground or in the air, are reported immediately from the field.

HAWCS owns and operates its own fleet

of MD series helicopters which have proven to be the best powerline utility helicopter in the world due to their manoeuvrability and stability in more difficult terrain and weather conditions. Each machine has been modified to reduce its noise as far as possible so that HAWCS is able to patrol with fewer disturbances than ever before.

Using their unique data capture system, the need for turns and hovering (the noisiest part of helicopter operations) is greatly reduced. This also enables them to fly higher (from 300-1000 feet) which further reduces the noise and enormously increases flight safety. Flying higher also allows more of the network to be inspected from the air. HAWCS is the only company that captures both LiDAR and detailed photography over urban areas from 1000 feet in one pass.

HAWCS customers continue to appreciate the company’s innovative realtime web portal service for electricity providers which was introduced in recent years. The technology uses advanced algorithms and it allows a power utility to, in effect, obtain a bird’s eye view of power lines and associate componentry. It will identify weaknesses in a particular network so that the utility is much better placed to apply its maintenance budget in a far more cost effective manner.

“This is an exciting development for the utilities industry. Although we’ve always been able to provide data in spreadsheet form which in itself is extremely helpful, the new web portal service takes HAWCS’ data analysis to a much higher level including risk profiles and maintenance scheduling.” said Mr Gunn For more information about HAWCS call 0427 608 068 or visit; www.hawcs.com.au Page 8 - Australian Power & Energy News

KNOW YOUR NETWORK Galen Gunn DIRECTOR OF HAWCS

Mobile: 0427 608 068 galen@hawcs.com.au www.hawcs.com.au

P: (07) 5432 3700 F: (07) 5496 3599

3/25 Lear Jet Drive Caboolture QLD 4510

Australian owned and operated.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 9

Page 10 - Australian Power & Energy News

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 11

Three new products from Sonel UROPEAN MANUFACTURER Sonel has lifted the bar with three gamechanging test instruments which pack in more features and capability but maintain economy of ownership and are fully supported in Australia.

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New products comprise:

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5Kv Insulation Tester

is 2-years with the added comfort of Sonel’s Australian service and calibration support B = # 6 9 4I 8 Wide Distribution Sonel

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PACIFIC TEST Equipment Unit 27, 7 Anella Ave

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Page 12 - Australian Power & Energy News

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sales@pacifictest.com.au www.pacifictest.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 13

Ausgrid powers Sydney’s newest pedestrian tunnel

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ENS of thousands of commuters in Sydney are safely navigating the city’s newest pedestrian tunnel thanks to work by Ausgrid to install a new CBD substation.

The Wynyard Walk provides a six-minute link by foot between Wynyard train station, one of Sydney’s busiest transport interchanges and the emerging new jobs precinct at Barangaroo on the western foreshore of Sydney Harbour.

The project includes a nine-metre wide, 180 metre long underground tunnel, pedestrian bridge, lifts and escalators to relieve pressure

on busy city footpaths above. It is designed to be used by 20,000 commuters every hour.

Ausgrid substation technicians, cable jointers and protection employees, built and installed an 11kV/415V Triplex substation to power the tunnel. The substation was part of the Transport for NSW development of their site with the tunnel below ground and a commercial tower above.

The triplex substation is now operating and allows Ausgrid to take one feeder out of service for works at any given time without affecting the network. The project used Dry Type Transformers to mitigate the risk of any oil spills.

Zone substation refurb recharges Rocks Ferry

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SSENTIAL ENERGY recently refurbished its Rocks Ferry zone substation on the NSW Mid-North Coast to replace ageing high voltage equipment and improve network security and power reliability for customers.

The 12-month project involved the upgrade of 33kV outdoor infrastructure – including installation of a new busbar, underground cable, air break switches, and electrical earthing and circuit protective devices – as well as an insulation upgrade and vermin proofing of the site’s 11kV switchboard.

Aside from the civil works to prepare the footings and foundations, the bulk of the project was carried out by Essential Energy employees and was delivered on time and under budget.

Project Manager Zone Substation Refurbishment, Nigel Byrnes, said the major project would improve the substation’s operational performance, safety, and reliability,

as well as reduce the need for future maintenance at the zone substation which was constructed in the 1960s.

“Overall the project achieved excellent outcomes for Essential Energy in terms of quality, cost and time efficiency and highlighted the breadth of skills we have within the business,” Nigel said.

“From conception through to construction, the project was delivered using mostly internal resources, including teams from network substations, major projects, network design, transmission services, and zone substation construction and maintenance.”

Employees used specialist equipment to test for partial discharge of the zone substation’s switchboard after the vermin proofing was completed. The Ultra TEV Plus+ equipment saved Essential Energy time and reduced project costs and is likely to be used for testing the company’s padmount substations in the future.

Above: Zone substation electrical technicians, Stephen Thurston and Steven Dennis, at Essential Energy’s refurbished Rocks Ferry zone substation Page 14 - Australian Power & Energy News

Ausgrid secures grant for regeneration work H IDDEN among the sand dunes and industrial hub of Sydney’s Port Botany, one of the city’s electricity substations has become a haven for native birds and wildlife thanks to a regeneration project to protect endangered vegetation.

The Bunnerong substation in Matraville has1.54 hectares of endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub which now has 80% native vegetation cover thanks to regeneration works on the site The work to maintain the site is now continuing after Ausgrid was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Greater Sydney Local Land Services (NSW Government).

Ausgrid Environmental Officer Eve Bleuel said the grant will fund ongoing work by the Bush Habitat Restoration Co-op.

“This grant has made a significant difference for the site because it means we can continue to fund ecological restoration works. This is of benefit to the future of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub in the area as well as biodiversity in general.”

“Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub is a very special vegetation community and if we don’t look after it, once it’s gone it’s gone,” she said.

Ausgrid commenced restoration on the site in 2009 with the Bush Habitat Restoration Co-op which carries out the work. The project included weed removal, erosion control, fauna protection and flora and fauna monitoring.

When work first began the site was covered with weeds such as Bitou Bush, Lantana and African Love Grass but clearing work has seen a significant increase in native flora and fauna.

John Diamond from Bush Habitat Restoration said their focus is to restore the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub which is listed as endangered.

“When you see Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub at its’ best it is glorious, it’s quite a beautiful place.”

If we don’t follow up on our work we lose it and the weeds grow back,” Mr Diamond said.

Staff report the work is paying off with an increase in the number of species sighted in the area including the Golden Whistler, Grey Wagtail and Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo.

Above and left: Bush Habitat Restoration workers clearing part of the site

Above: Ausgrid Environmental Officer Eve Bleuel (far right) with Bush Habitat Restoration workers

Participants sought for innovative trial

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SSENTIAL Energy is encouraging Collombatti residents to participate in a trial to assess the potential for customer-owned battery storage systems to better manage electricity network demand.

In a joint project with the University of Technology Sydney, Reposit Power and SMA Australia, Essential Energy will test battery storage systems with eligible customers in a two-year partially subsidised trial.

Essential Energy’s Acting General

Manager Asset Management, Paul Brazier, said the rural town of Collombatti, northwest of Kempsey, had been selected for the trial due to the high concentration of solar customers in the area and the potential to address an emerging network constraint of demand exceeding grid capacity.

“This is an exciting opportunity for these residents to be part of the rapidly evolving energy ecosystem, while helping to explore the potential benefits of battery storage integration into electricity networks,” Paul said.

“If successful, this technology may reduce the need for future network investment and expansion and, as a result, help Essential Energy maintain downward pressure on electricity prices.”

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (AERNA) has provided $1.87 million in funding for the trial with participants eligible for an upfront subsidy of up to $5,500 towards the installation of a battery storage system.

Participants with existing solar systems can purchase either a separate eligible

battery storage inverter, or an inverter that combines both solar and battery storage.

During the trial, participants will receive payments based on the level of network support their system provides.

Participants will retain ownership of all batteries and inverters installed as part of the trial.

To register your interest in participating in the trial, contact Reposit Power on 02 8294 6124 or online at: https://reposit. wufoo.com/forms/expression-of-interestnetworks-renewed/.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 15

Entura completes Suma Park Dam upgrade in NSW

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PECIALIST power and water consulting firm Entura has recently completed the Suma Park Dam upgrade in New South Wales, Australia, after developing an innovative solution to increase the height of the dam wall by three metres while maintaining regular operations.

Suma Park Dam is a 30.5m-high singlecurvature concrete-arch dam near Orange, central New South Wales. Entura was engaged

by Orange City Council in 2010 to develop a risk-based concept design to address the dam’s known spillway deficiency, and explore its uncertain seismic stability. Increasing storage at the dam to firm up the yield from its integrated water supply system was also a key objective for the Council.

In 2013, the concept design developed by Entura was accepted by Orange City Council and the NSW Dam Safety Committee, allowing the project to proceed. Subsequent works undertaken by Entura included detailed design, environmental studies and approvals, and preparation of tender documentation.

Led by Entura’s Specialist Dams Engineer Paul Southcott, the innovative design process involved the project team creating a computer

model of Suma Park Dam that allowed the design solution to be developed and assessed prior to implementation.

“A ‘water load’ or pressure was applied to the 3D design model allowing us to calculate the stress in the concrete wall, so when it came to the real thing we knew how to strengthen it to make it safe,” said Mr Southcott.

“The solid concrete dam wall actually deflects, although it is too small to see it. As the water load changes, the deflections are very small and the computer models could show us that deflection.”

Mr Southcott explained that his team identified a logical staging of remedial works that allowed Orange City Council to spread the capital cost over two or more years to help manage its budget. Additionally, Entura’s recommendation to revise the flood hydrology resulted in a significant reduction of the physical scope of works required to bring the dam up to standard. Careful modelling of the dam under seismic loading demonstrated that no seismic upgrade was required.

During the construction phase, undertaken by civil contractor Geotechnical Engineering, Entura provided construction support as Owner’s Engineer. Precast parapet wall slabs were designed and built away from the dam

Above: Suma Park Dam opening wall and then brought in and placed on top of the existing dam wall in order to increase the height. A wheeled crane was used to place one piece and secure it, then it would drive along that piece to place the next piece, 87 times until all of the concrete slabs were secured.

The $18 million dam wall upgrade was officially opened last Friday by Mayor John Davis OAM and NSW Government Duty MLC for Orange, Sarah Mitchell.

As part of Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest renewable energy producer and water

manager, Entura draws on more than 100 years of experience of planning, building, managing and maintaining the many dams of Tasmania’s hydroelectric power system.

Entura has undertaken detailed design for many of Australia’s key new dam projects over the past decade, including Paradise Dam, Wyaralong Dam and Bromelton Offstream Storage in Queensland, the Samson Brook Pipehead Dam in Western Australia, the enlarged Cotter Dam in the ACT, and the Meander Dam in Tasmania.

Above: Suma Park Dam wall overflows July 2016

Above: Suma Park Dam upgrade

TasNetworks tables Annual Report TasNetworks’Annual Report for 2015-16 has been tabled in Parliament recently.

“TasNetworks has again demonstrated the benefits of operating as an integrated network business, delivering a profit after tax of $98.4 million,” TasNetworks CEO Lance Balcombe said.

“We remain focused on running the business efficiently and our sound financial management is already contributing to the lower distribution network charges our customers are receiving in 2016-17.

“The 2015-16 year was a period of great challenges and achievements for our business.

Unrelenting weather conditions tested the resilience, focus and teamwork of our entire business, with our field crews safely restoring

power to more than 95,000 affected customers.

Despite these volatile conditions, our overall network service performance for the year was above target and delivered strong financial results.”

Mr Balcombe also paid tribute to the organisational agility demonstrated in response to the state’s energy supply challenge.

TasNetworks assisted in the rapid and timely installation of over 220 megawatts of diesel generation to secure supply for Tasmania.

“Looking forward, we invested $171 million in our network to ensure we continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient services to our customers.

“We expect to see further process and system efficiencies through our business transformation

project, Ajilis, which will provide an integrated IT platform to simplify operations and create more efficient ways of working.

“Importantly, we are also looking to the future, as we adapt, evolve and trial new technologies, including batteries and electric vehicles, so we continue to add value to our customers over the long term.

“The 2015-16 year has seen TasNetworks further improve the value we provide to our customers, our shareholders and the broader Tasmanian community, as we strive to achieve our vision of being trusted by our customers to deliver today and create a better tomorrow,” Mr Balcombe said.

TasNetworks’ full Annual Report is available at the TasNetworks website

Leading the way in geospatial technology

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RGON Energy’s geospatial mapping abilities have come leaps and bounds in recent years after a wave of investment in the fast changing world of geographic information systems.

Whether it’s ROAMES, Smallworld or the latest ESRI ArcGIS platform – our network planners now have access to some of the most sophisticated technology available, and it’s caught the eye of the founding father of the digital geographic movement.

Engineers from Energy Queensland recently attended a Geographic Information System Page 16 - Australian Power & Energy News

(GIS) conference where they met one of the pioneers of the industry ESRI Founder and President Jack Dangermond.

“Jack is considered by former US President Barack Obama as one of the biggest change advocates of the digital age. Bill Gates describes him as “one of a kind” and attributes him to the rise of modern mapping,” System and Strategy Manager Thorsten Hohenstrater said.

During Jack’s presentation both Ergon and Energex were praised for leading the way in how they were using the ESRI platform. Ergon also attended the “Workforce for ArcGIS” workshop to gain a deeper understanding of the value of

the popular mobile platform apps; Collector for ArcGIS and Survey123.

Both Ergon and Energex have already trialed the ESRI mobile platform successfully. Now workforce application will enable Ergon to dispatch work in a “agile” way.

ESRI provides sophisticated technology to display accurate and timely asset information on maps and detect emerging patterns and trends to changing conditions.

Most significantly, the technology will allow a faster response to disaster events, as trialed during Cyclone Marcia in 2015, with real-time decision-making tools and analysis.

Mackay electricity hub gets $24 million upgrade

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OWERLINK Queensland is investing $24 million to upgrade the Mackay Substation to further secure electricity supply and support continued economic growth in the region.

The six-year project, which is supporting 39 jobs, involves upgrading a transformer, rebuilding the switchyards and installing new support systems to improve network performance.

Work on the project is ongoing and planning for stage two is underway. Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2019.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said the project would ensure the reliable and cost effective supply of high voltage electricity in the Mackay region.

“Powerlink’s transmission network plays an important role in powering the Queensland economy, being responsible for providing electricity to almost four million people,” Mr Bailey said.

“Mackay is a major business centre for the mining, agricultural and tourism industries so it is critical the region continues to have access to a reliable supply of electricity.”

Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the focus of the project was to extend the life of the substation at the lowest long run cost for consumers.

“Rather than undertake a major replacement, our approach is to target specific equipment such as replacing one of the three transformers and upgrading the support systems,” Ms York said.

“As part of our focus on delivering better value for consumers we undertook a review of the project which achieved a $9 million cost reduction while still meeting our statutory reliability standards.

“All works have also been planned to avoid disruptions to supply.”