communications consulting qualifications - quanta...

Communications Consulting Qualifications

Prepared by: Quanta Technology

Contact: David E. Boroughs, PE

4020 Westchase Blvd., Suite 300

Raleigh, NC 27607

[email protected]

(919) 334-3098 office

(571) 358-7315 cell

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Quanta Technology

Quanta Technology is an independent consulting company providing business and technical expertise to the energy and utility

industries. Our mission is to provide value to our clients in every engagement with the best technical and business expertise, the

most holistic and practical advice, and insightful thought leadership in the industry.

In addition to Communications consulting services, we offer a full spectrum of services in the following areas:

Transmission & Distribution Regulatory & Compliance

Protection & Controls Optical Sensors

Asset Operations Automation & Testing

Asset Management Synchrophasors & WAMPAC

Enterprise Integration & Smart Grid Strategies Applied R&D

Renewables Energy Integration, Storage & Microgrids Workforce Training & Augmentation

Quanta Technology's client base is well established in North America and in numerous international markets. Our clients include

energy delivery utility companies, large industrial companies, energy suppliers, Regional Transmission Operators/Independent

System Operators (RTOs/ISOs), and energy industry research and support organizations.

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), a leading specialized engineering, procurement and

construction services company, delivering infrastructure network solutions for the electric power, natural gas and cable television

industries. Our combined comprehensive services include engineering, designing, installing, repairing and maintaining network

infrastructure nationwide. With operations in all 50 states and Canada, we have the manpower, resources and expertise to

complete projects that are local, regional, national and international in scope.

This document contains a summary of qualifications for Quanta Technology to assist electric utilities and owners of electrical

delivery facilities (transmission, substations, distribution and industrial) with issues related to communications engineering and

planning standards and guidelines.

Communications Strategy is the "glue" that holds the

communications components together. Not only is it

important to develop the communications network to

meet utility business objectives through cost-effective

communications implementation, but also to ensure the

network can meet performance criteria for mission-critical

operations, including a secure and reliable network

infrastructure.

This qualification document contains information about

Quanta Technology, a summary of related projects

previously performed by Quanta Technology staff and

associates, and the credentials of key personnel.

For more information, please contact:

David Boroughs, PE Quanta Technology LLC 4020 Westchase Blvd., Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 334-3098 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Telecommunications Network Planning & Architecture Development Telecommunications networks in electric utilities have undergone a tremendous transition over the last few years. A solid strategy

is imperative due to evolving business requirements, such as Distribution Automation (DA), Smart Grid, AMI, Demand Response

(DR), renewables integration, transmission and substation automation, enterprise IT and operational WAN, and mobile data.

Networks are evolving from multiple, independent single-purpose (i.e., SCADA only, protection only or corporate-specific

networks) to more of a single-platform network supporting different data types, each type with its own performance requirements.

In the new age of "convergence", managed Ethernet, IP, MPLS and numerous wireless technologies are offered by vendors, and

utilities must decide on a migration path appropriate for its environment. With Smart Grid requirements to overlay on top of the

telecommunications infrastructure, the utility has communications challenges that have never before been encountered.

Communications Consulting Offerings Our Communications consulting team is comprised of industry experts with extensive utility and telecommunications experience.

We have a strong customer focus to ensure that our clients' objectives are fully and effectively met. Our service offerings are

flexible so that they can be tailored to meet specific client objectives.

These include services for communications system development including:

Telecommunications strategy development, feasibility studies and assessments

Communications Assurance assessments to ensure network dependability IT/OT, cyber security, storm hardening

Renewables & Smart Grid ― Solar/wind, microgrids, Smart Grid architecture

System Automation, Protection & Control ― IEC 61850, remote access, substation automation, sensors, SPS/RAS

Communications Strategy Development

Quanta Technology has devised a modular approach to Integrated

Communications Strategy (ICS) and roadmap development that can

be tailored to your specific needs. The ICS is developed through a

series of assessments that are conducted in phases and, when

formed together, lay out a comprehensive roadmap that best fits

your utility's objectives, both operationally and businesswise.

A typical engagement may include some or all of the elements

shown in the figure. Without a well thought out strategy, later

implementation can be jeopardized, resulting in budget overruns

and schedule delays.

Strategy development begins with a review of the current

telecommunications infrastructure and its adequacy to serve the

current and foreseeable service requirements, taking into account

ongoing projects and expansion or upgrade plans for the transport

networks, and the wire-line and wireless networks used to provide

operational data services. The resultant Business and Technical

analyses identify network strengths, weaknesses, threats and

opportunities (SWOT) described in a way such that strategy

development can be structured to fill in the gaps to meet identified

requirements, and prioritize the technology options that can meet

the utility requirements most cost-effectively.

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Industry Benchmarking An important aspect of communications strategy development is to confirm and validate that an approach is reasonable.

Utilities want to ensure that the various technology options are thoroughly tested and performance is validated before full-scale

deployment. This includes the establishment of private communications networks, as well as considerations for outsourcing

telecommunications services to public network carriers. Quanta Technology's team has contacts through its relationships with

utility clients, vendors and industry organizations, such as UTC and IEEE, to develop a thorough understanding of industry

trends and the extent of utility/telecom carrier partnering efforts.

Communications Assurance Communications assurance consulting helps to establish the communications network as a safe, reliable entity that can be

trusted to deliver data, regardless of environmental or cyber conditions. Two aspects of this consulting include cyber security

assessment and environmental vulnerability analysis.

Cyber Security in the Mission-Critical Environment A utility network's security risk can generally be thought of as having three separate risk and associated vulnerability

components. They are summarized as the three points of the security triad: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. How well a

specific communications platform can meet these requirements will determine the viability of a technology for a specific

application.

NERC CIP 002 through 009 define cyber security requirements for remote access to critical assets in bulk power substations.

The resulting effect on the protection engineer varies depending on type of communications, type of equipment in the

substation, and utility network architecture. Some arrangements cause no impact, while others can completely inhibit remote

access.

The introduction of microprocessor relays in substations changed the work process for the utility relay engineer. What

previously required a field visit can now be performed by communications. Relay fault records, oscillography and settings are

readily available via a dial-up or other communications links. This has greatly facilitated faster and more accurate fault analysis,

although current work processes and procedures are based on the availability of communications access to protection and

control devices in the field.

Utility personnel require remote access to the protection, control and monitoring devices located in substations scattered

throughout the system. This access is of paramount importance, but it is recognized that security measures are necessary for

regulatory compliance and there are issues to be addressed for secure operation:

• Impact of the security measures on the protective relay system is not always well understood and protection

performance may be affected

• Shortcomings of legacy relay devices in the field with regard to interoperability with firewalls are not easily understood

or mitigated

• Protective relaying procurement specifications lack cyber security requirements, which mean that even new devices

may not integrate well with applied security measures

It is necessary to differentiate between communications for pilot relaying (teleprotection) and communications for remote relay

access. The security measures have to take this into account as neither the communications requirements nor the protocols

are the same. Quanta Technology's cyber security assessment methodology advocates an in-depth defense and layered

security architecture. Our team will review existing security controls and determine gaps in the information security architecture,

security control framework, security products and capability deployments, and identify potential solutions that can best be

integrated into the communications infrastructure.

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Storm Hardening/Vulnerability Assessment

Every year, the occurrence of extreme weather events seems to be increasing. While the utility power system is designed to

withstand natural events, what about the communications systems that support it? Without a resilient communications system,

the power system vulnerability is exposed. Quanta Technology can assess communications system hardening and resiliency

requirements, and evaluate vulnerabilities and risks to weather events such as hurricanes, wind and ice storms, or other

emergency situations. Key considerations include:

• Extent of reliance on external telecomm carriers

• Reliability/redundancy of communications systems

• Communications equipment accessibility and availability of maintenance/restoral documentation

• Communications physical facilities and routing paths

• Age, condition, usage and utilization of technology

An assessment methodology quantifies the level of risk of the communications facility, and makes recommendations for mitigating

system vulnerabilities and risk. The plan and strategy for improvement can be used as a means for justification to regulators.

Communications for Renewables & Smart Grid Integration

Distributed Energy Resource (DER) & Renewable Energy Resources (RER) Integration

Quanta Technology engineers have solved problems of DER and RER integration, and are working on leading edge projects for

future DER and RER integration as part of the Smart Grid. DER and RER integration includes protection issues and impact on

distribution and transmission systems, communications with distributed resources, and unified automation and control of these

resources in coordination with operation of the formerly centralized grid.

Whether the components are solar or wind PVs or microgrids, communications interconnection

plays a big part in a successful deployment. Power meters, sensors and direct feedback from field

devices are used for continuous real-time monitoring and control of the microgrid. Using

communications systems such as secure cellular communications and web-based data exchange

through gateways, authorized remote operators can poll real-time data, such as battery state of

the charge and alarms, send commands and reconfigure the network for power and energy

balancing (e.g., curtail generation during low-demand periods or disconnect unessential loads

during periods of high demand).

Communications options may include leased carrier services or private connections. If leased

services, especially leased T1 point-to-point, the feasibility of these connections to a "Greenfield"

site needs to be assessed and coordinated with the telco, as well as the connecting utility. Quanta Technology experts are

knowledgeable in working with telcos to coordinate connecting facilities, as well as evaluating alternatives if leased connectivity is

not available to a site.

Smart Grid Enterprise IT/OT Communications & Integration

The benefits of deploying converged communications and supporting network connectivity, as well as state-of-the-art technology,

requires the design and implementation of a robust technology and control framework that includes technical, operational and

management controls, and security policies, procedures and supporting processes. Enhancements to a utility’s communications

infrastructure support the two-way flow of both electric power and information between the electric power company and electricity

consumer. Methods and capabilities addressing interoperability should be included. "Interoperability" is generally defined as the

capability of two or more networks, systems, devices, applications or components to share and readily use information securely

and effectively with little or no inconvenience to the user. Easing the integration effort to achieve interoperability is an important

enabling aspect of Smart Grid deployments, and requires cooperation between the IT and OT organizations.

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Corporate network requirements may require different considerations from operational traffic, such as performance, data priority,

etc. Also, a scheme to separate the corporate data from the operational data must be developed as necessary to ensure the

integrity of the critical operational data is not compromised in terms of latency, performance, reliability and security. Therefore the

strategy must lead to a design to address and identify the corporate data and how it will be segmented from the operational data,

including access through firewalls and trusted networks. While the consideration of VoIP requires that it be handled as real-time

data to ensure voice quality parameters are met, it still must be considered a lower priority than critical operational data. In some

cases, non-real-time engineering data retrieved from protective relays or other field operational devices may also ride in the

corporate portion of the network.

Quanta Technology can help develop, justify and implement a Smart Grid communications strategy and enterprise integration

plan that focus on the enabling technologies as well as utility enterprise systems, such as geospatial information system,

enterprise resource planning, and field force automation. Our team is comprised of industry experts with extensive utility and

energy industry experience. We have a strong customer focus to ensure that our clients' objectives are fully and effectively met.

Our service offerings are flexible so that they can be tailored to meet specific client objectives.

Distribution Automation (DA) & Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

Utilities reviewing grid modernization challenges are discovering that smart distribution offers a strategic, holistic way to approach

grid efficiency and reliability upgrades, providing a solid foundation for smart distribution, smart metering and smart consumer

capabilities. Effective smart distribution can also translate into real dollars as the network begins to help utilities automate

switching processes and shorten or even prevent outages. These improvements can mean significant savings.

Smart Distribution applications can be different in scope from one utility to another. With regard to communications, it could

reference the field applications in Distribution Automation, Advanced Metering Infrastructure and mobile workforce applications. It

is also important to consider the transport protocols, such as MPLS, Ethernet, IP or serial communications that may also be

implemented in a smart distribution system. This will also influence technology options that may provide a fit for a distribution

application. These solutions could include, but not be limited to, an array of a wide range of technology options:

• Third-party cellular network offerings (GSM/EDGE, CDMA 2000/EDVO Rev 0/Rev A)

• 4G: WiMax, UMTS/HSPSA, LTE

• Licensed and unlicensed radio in point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and mesh networks

• Fiber PON (GPON, GEPON), OTN

• SONET

• Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint digital microwave

• BPL/PLC

The Quanta Technology team has developed network traffic and performance models for wide-area protection (synchrophasors),

substation automation, protection and control, distribution automation, as well as AMI and smart grid networks, and concludes

that generally there is no single technology that "fits all". There may be a combination of solutions needed to achieve the

necessary performance requirements.

Communications for System Automation, Protection & Control

Some of the major concerns for protection engineers are:

• Cyber security measures (firewalls, gateways) do not integrate well with older relays in the field, resulting in unreliable

remote access

• Dealing with the overwhelming stream of information from product and software vendors for solutions that may or may not

properly interface with existing field devices

• Lack of information exchange between utilities that deal with the same type of problems for remote relay access

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Quanta Technology experts have guided major utilities as they evolve and update their designs and organizational support for

transmission and distribution system/substation protection, control and communications. Our multidisciplinary team works with

clients to assess the state of existing systems, and collaborates with the responsible organization. The strategic offering is

structured for collaboration and organizational absorption of new designs and approaches, and aims at solving problems and

bringing benefits that are uniquely relevant in each utility's situation. Some of the key communications-related consulting is

described below.

Communications Systems & Equipment for Transmission Line Protection & Transfer Trip Schemes

The most demanding communications applications with regards to latency and dependability requirements are pilot relaying and transfer trip where the communications channel is an integral function of the protection scheme. Quanta Technology engineers are experienced in the detailed application of:

Pilot protection schemes and the scheme interaction with the characteristics of the pilot communications channel

IEC 61850 peer-to-peer GOOSE messaging; inter- and intra-substation

TDM (time division multiplexing) over Ethernet for protective relaying applications

Communications for wide-area protection schemes (system integrity protection schemes; SIPS)

Multiplexed digital communications systems – T1/E1 and/or SONET/SDH with microwave or fiber optic media

Direct fiber optic communications

Relay to channel equipment digital communications

Power line carrier communications equipment

Practices and design for carrier coupling systems, including switchyard equipment

Data Communications for System/Substation + Enterprise Integration including Ethernet Networking

Modern substation integration systems connect communications ports of relays and substation IEDs to host devices and

concentrators. Serial data communications are the most common today, but Ethernet networking is advancing rapidly as IT

development yields simultaneous multi-protocol capabilities and cost effective integration options beyond what serial

communications can achieve. Ethernet networking for substation applications requires special expertise and attention that

combines with, but goes beyond, what IT experts can bring. Substation protection & control faces a hostile electrical environment,

and supports mission critical and time critical messaging requiring hardware redundancy, monitoring and substation-specific

protocols.

Substation Integration

Communications of data with the right performance specifications supports operational needs – SCADA and EMS. Other data

from the same substation relays and IEDs is required by the enterprise for event analysis, maintenance, engineering assessment,

asset management, system planning and other enterprise users. Modern integration architectures tie together communications,

RTUs, host processors or data concentrators, and substation servers to serve the needs of multiple clients at multiple remote

sites. Quanta Technology engineers are experienced in mapping data and information needs to unified substation integration

architectures, including add-on systems and support of legacy systems.

Communications Protocols for Substation Integration including IEC 61850

Our industry experts have participated in development of the IEC 61850 protocol since its inception in 1995, and through its

absorption of EPRI UCA in 2000, to yield the single international multi-vendor standard for substation protection and data

integration. IEC 61850 is a massive compendium of definitions of communications services and objects at several layers of the

OSI 7-layer communication stack. Utilities need help in relating these details to their applications and practical needs. They need

to map specific services of IEC 61850 to design practical substation protection and control systems, with assessment of products,

tools, risks and risk mitigation strategies for each facet of the solution.

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Selected Project Experience

Following is a list of projects that members of the Quanta Technology team have led in recent years. These projects have been

selected due to their relevance to the topic of this document. Brief project descriptions are provided and detailed descriptions are

available upon request.

New York Power Authority (NYPA)

Communications System Storm Vulnerability Assessment (2013-2014)

The purpose of this study was to review the communications systems associated with the major generation plants and perform an assessment of their vulnerabilities and risks to extreme weather events or other emergency situations. This work included a review of operational communications circuits and architecture and how the infrastructure is designed to support the operation in terms of priority, reliability and performance requirements that may affect the reliable transport of critical circuits in times of system stress.

Quanta Technology's approach began with developing an understanding of the existing communications standards and configuration within the utility system. This approach included field inspection/sampling of the generation facilities to understand the current system, a review of available communications system design documentation and interviews with NYPA personnel to determine the level of reliability, redundancy and performance that is required and built into the system. Aspects of the infrastruc-ture review included:

Maturity Assessment: Qualitative assessment summarizing age, condition, usage and utilization of the network in the NYPA generation environment and ability of existing technology to perform the job for which it is intended.

Congestion Analysis: Quantitative analysis identifying locations within the network where bandwidth utilization exceeds the desirable or where there might be a cause for latency.

Business Continuity Analysis: Identifies Single Point of Failure (SPF) conditions and locations within the network that have no redundancy and, if failed, would have a dramatic negative impact on critical users and business processes.

System Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: Qualitative assessment of system vulnerabilities including devices, maintenance, security, system procedures and practices.

Centre for Energy Advancement through Technological Innovation (CEATI)

Best Practices Guide to Utility Communications Platform Deployment in System Automation (2013-2014)

The primary objective of this report is to inform distribution utilities about the best practices to integrate the right telecommunica-tions technology with the desired or needed Smart Distribution application. The goal of the report was to provide guidance in the key topics of:

Smart Distribution Applications: Identify the various applications that are available or in use in the industry today, or planned for the future.

Telecommunications Technologies: Identify the various technologies that are available or in use in the industry today, or planned for the future.

Successful Deployments of Smart Distribution Applications: Identify deployments that have been successful, experiences and challenges encountered, as well as lessons learned.

Vendor Products as Part of Successful Deployments: Identify key vendors who support the distribution applications, their technologies and guidelines used for technology deployment.

The project was achieved through various levels of information gathering:

A comprehensive literature search and review of relevant information in industry standards, trade publications, technical journals, web searches and conference presentations.

A survey of CEATI and other industry participants to document current utility practices and lessons learned in deployment of communications solutions to meet Smart Distribution application requirements.

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Review of Regional Demonstration projects from the Smart Grid Demonstration Program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as case studies from the major communications vendors.

From the information gathered and industry findings, a set of guidelines were developed to assist the utility in the decision making process for implementing a telecommunications technology in support of smart distribution applications.

Secure Wireless Communications in the Electric Utility Industry (2013)

Quanta Technology investigated how wireless communications can be applied in the electric utility industry, taking into account security concerns and reliability issues that must be considered and mitigated for their effective application. The focus was on six key wireless protocols and technologies:

6LoWPAN

3G+4G architectures, including GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE

IEEE 802.11

900 MHz spread spectrum

RF Mesh (Zigbee, etc.)

Infrared

The technologies were assessed and compared with regard to:

1. Technical Performance & Reliability: Speed and timing performance, latency, Quality of Service (QoS), coverage, bandwidth, cost

2. Security: Encryption, authentication, vulnerabilities, next generation techniques

3. Utility Applications: Protection, monitoring, control, maintenance, administration

Input for the project was obtained through a comprehensive literature search and review of related wireless industry trends and standards, and a survey of IPSIG participants and industry vendors to document current utility practices in wireless applications.

Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL)

(1) TMS Network Evaluation; (2) Evaluation Options for Separation of GMS from PPL Network (2014)

TMS Network Evaluation: Quanta Technology was commissioned by PPL to perform an evaluation of their current transmis-sion management System (TMS) network (an IP network utilizing SONET as a WAN transport) and make any recommenda-tions for changes that would be more consistent with industry practices. The present network design was reviewed relative to application and traffic requirements, performance requirements, and infrastructure developed. The present network manage-ment system and process for TMS was also reviewed, in relation to the best industry practice for monitoring and managing core mission operational networks such as TMS. From the findings, a list of recommendations was developed based on industry practices and direction that can help fill these gaps. In addition, risks associated with the current situation were noted in relation to current industry practices.

GMS Network Separation: PPL was in the process of spinning off its generation assets to a separate entity. The existing TMS network was reviewed as to how the generation management system (GMS) utilized PPL network resources in terms of infrastructure, capacity and security. Quanta Technology also reviewed FERC/NERC guidelines on sharing of data between generation and transmission operators, and contacted another utility to gain an industry practice benchmark. Recommenda-tions were made on potential options were available to PPL, both technically and businesswise.

Ameren Services, Inc.

Illinois Statewide Transport Strategy & Design (2008-2013)

Implementation Support: Provided implementation support for a new digital statewide microwave and fiber network. Duties included developing circuit migration plans for each implementation phase, cutover methodologies for multiplex equipment,

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and general support in planning connectivity with an interconnecting leased T1 line network. This work is a follow-on to previous work provided for Ameren, as described below:

Detailed Design & RFP Development: Building on an initial high-level design developed in a previous stage of the project, project manager for a follow-on project to develop the detailed baseline design for the Illinois statewide transport network for microwave, fiber and DACS/TDM/Ethernet optimization. The project also included several areas of further study that were identified in the prior design effort to further optimize the design detail (including fiber vs. microwave analysis), leased line optimization, and connectivity to outlying generation facilities and business offices. The baseline design formed the basis of technical specifications for an RFP for vendor procurement, installation, test and acceptance.

High-Level Design: Responsible for the development of a high-level design for Ameren's Illinois statewide transport. The design effort included development of implementation options including total owned, primarily leased, and a mix of leased and owned facilities.

The scope of effort for this project included the provision of 3 principal deliverables:

(1) Design and provide cost estimates for four new Illinois network alternatives

(2) Evaluate and recommend a design from the alternatives

(3) Provide a high-level design documentation package/bill of materials for the chosen option

Evaluation of alternatives included a cost/benefit analysis and implementation plans with yearly CAPEX and OPEX budgets.

Communications Support for Solar PV, E.ON Climate & Renewables (2013-2014)

Performed communications consulting assistance associated with the implementation of a 20 MW Solar PV connected to PG&E grid through a 70 kV transmission interconnection with communications for SCADA, three Direct Transfer trip (DTT) lines, and connection to CAISO. The services included:

Review of current requirements for communications work Advise on communications matters of benefit to E.ON

The scope of the effort included advice to E.ON on all matters pertaining to the identification, negotiation and implementation of communications upgrades necessary to achieve the In-Service Date under the Interconnection Agreement, including the construction of new communication lines, if necessary. This also included initiating discussions with Verizon and gathering information from PG&E (through E.ON) to determine requirements for leased lines and equipment requirements at PG&E substations. Alternatives for interconnection with Verizon from the PV site, as well as requirements for ordering leased lines, were also evaluated.

New York ISO

Synchrophasor Integration Control Center Capability Expansion (2010 – 2013)

Quanta Technology was selected as program manager for the implementation of New York Independent System Operator's three-year, $75.7 million Smart Grid deployment project. NYISO was awarded a $37.8 million grant from the Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) program of the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The project objective was to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the New York State power grid by the deploy-ment of a phasor measurement unit (PMU) network and capacitor banks that would be used to expand wide-area situational awareness and coordination of voltage across the state transmission grid. This investment provided the foundation for further development of Smart Grid infrastructure in New York, including:

Setup of a project management office, technical and procurement services

SGIG grant administration

Project scheduling and coordination with transmission owners for system implementation, testing and commissioning

Development of functional specifications for phasor management network, application software, visualization system, phasor measurement equipment, phasor management unit placement study

Preparation of Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for dynamic system calibration and controlled system separation

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Preparation of RFP for Phasor Data Acquisition and Control (PDAC) system

Development of process and criteria for vendor selection

Reviewing vendor proposals and leading the vendor selection

Supporting the system testing reviewing test documentation & test results, testing application with Quanta Technology's PMU simulator

At the end of the project Quanta Technology developed a Synchrophasor Roadmap to provide directions and recommenda-tion further development of synchrophasor technology at NYISO. NYISO and all eight New York transmission owners worked together to implement the system. Transmission Owners included: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison of New York, Orange and Rockland, the Long Island Power Authority, National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas, Rochester Gas and Electric and the New York Power Authority.

Companhia de Electricidade d Macau - CEM, S.A Smart Grid Telecommunications Strategy (2012) This was a project effort to support CEM in its Smart Grid development in the following areas:

Developing CEM's overall unified communication system strategy that considers CEM’s fiber ring and the current and future SCADA control center applications.

Review of Implementations of Other Utilities: Review similar implementations of electric utilities similar in size and scope to CEM and provide a summary of their practices in communications that might provide guidance in the plan-ning and development of CEM's communications infrastructure in terms of technology, operations and management.

Risk Assessment of Current CEM’s Communications Infrastructure: Perform a risk assessment of the current CEM communications infrastructure. The resultant analysis was a summary of the communications network Strengths, Weakness, Threats and Opportunities (SWOT), described in a way such that strategy development could be struc-tured to prioritize the Quanta Technology team efforts to optimize CEM's investment in the most appropriate imple-mentation alternative.

Technology Alternatives: An assessment of technology options that are available to meet CEM's identified require-ments was performed, including third-party cellular network offerings (GSM/EDGE, GPRS, UMTS/HSPSA, LTE), private WiMax and WiFi networks, replacement of land mobile radio (LMR) system, licensed and unlicensed radio in point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and mesh networks, gigabit Ethernet over fiber, MPLS, SDH, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint digital microwave, and BPL/PLC. The analysis covered a comprehensive range of technical charac-teristics including deployment models, link and network capacities, coverage, QoS, spectrum requirements, scalability, availability/reliability, security and relative benefits/costs.

PJM Synchrophasor Planning & Deployment

Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) Synchrophasor Deployment Project (2010-2013)

Quanta Technology provided support for project management and technical expertise, including participation in the Executive Steering Committee and support to the project team in the areas of Technical Lead, PMU/PDC System, Applications and Data Analysis, System Integration, System Testing, Cost/Benefit Analysis and Project Coordination. Specific responsibilities include risk management, project cost and benefit analysis, ensuring overall system design met system requirements (including interoperability and security), PMU consultation to TOs regarding PMUs and PDCs as needed, and overall system test plan and testing. Virginia Tech will also participate in system testing. The project is comprised of the following:

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) installed in 91 substations in 10 states (Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) and 17 Phasor Data Concentrators (PDCs), cov-ering about 73% of the PJM total load pass-through

Communications between PMUs, PDCs and PJM’s Super PDC (SPDC)

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Testing to verify PMU and PDC interoperability and compliance with IEEE and IEC standards (e.g., C37.118) and dynamic performance

Integrated data management and visualization software based on Real-Time Dynamics Monitoring System (RTDMS) and Phasor Grid Dynamics Analyzer (PGDA) of the Electric Power Group (EPG)

Data analysis using synchrophasor data in transmission system planning and operation

Cyber security assessment and improvement planning in requirement and design and in final system testing

This project provided the foundational infrastructure upon which additional PMUs and PDCs, and future advanced applications such as congestion management, can be deployed.

Smart Grid Strategy, North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) (2012-2013)

North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) distributes electricity in the north and northwest parts of Delhi and serves a population of about 5,000,000.

NDPL requested help from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for funding of a feasibility study to develop requirements and specifications for a plan for integration for the facilities and business processes it had already implemented, or was in the process of implementing, and a Smart Grid implementation roadmap for further integrating Smart Meters, etc., into its distribution system. The study included the following tasks:

Planned Pilot Project: Perform a thorough review of all infrastructure plans for the present system including an examination and review of NDPL's "as-is" systems and architecture (e.g., Customer Information System, SCADA, Outage Management System, etc.), other IT, automation and management systems and tools which are currently in use. Distribution modernization and expansion plans were reviewed with respect to new automation, IT and management systems and tools used in its daily system operations, and assessed as to whether these plans can be a part of the Smart Grid pilot with an eventual scale up deployment.

Develop Enterprise Architecture & Smart Grid Pilot Project Integration: Identify the functional requirements and specifications for designing an Enterprise Architecture (EAI) that will include scalability. Detailed specifications were prepared for the integration of the following systems using EAI strategies:

SCADA/DMS systems for the distribution control center Geographic information system (GIS) Customer information system (CIS) Enterprise resource planning system (SAP) Mobile Workforce Management Outage management system (OMS) Home Area Network (HAN) and Demand Response Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter Data Management (MDM)

Technology Assessment & Review: Performed survey and assessment of the Smart Grid technologies particularly in the distribution and communications areas considering the best practices, implementation experiences and lessons learned in the Smart Grid R&D and demonstration projects. Prepared a summary of the results of the survey and assessment of the Smart Grid technologies.

Implementation Roadmap: Future scenarios for implementing Smart Grid were developed to help understand the nature and impact of the most important driving forces affecting the Smart Grid and NDPL. According to the scenarios, prioritization rules would be developed and the Smart Grid initiatives prioritized, their interdependencies identified and grouped along the time horizon. The roadmap had a 5- to 10-year time horizon and highlighted key Smart Grid initiatives.

900 MHz Unlicensed Radio Comparison, San Diego Gas & Electric (2012)

Quanta Technology was requested by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) to assist in determining the technologies available in the 900 MHz unlicensed ISM band (902-928 MHz) that could be utilized in a communications architecture to support mission

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critical operations requirements including SCADA, GOOSE messaging, mirrored bits, event record and power quality data retrieval. The 900 MHz unlicensed technology was the focus of this analysis in order to provide potential solutions for SDGE to meet near- and long-term requirements for substation communications.

Benchmark Project, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) (2012)

PG&E recognizes there is a need for better information sharing among utilities regarding cyber security best practices when it comes to enabling reliable remote relay access while maintaining appropriate levels of cyber security. Utilities face the same issues with regard to lack of interoperability between applications, communications network and devices and protective relays. A utility benchmark of remote relay access practice documenting methods, solutions and identifying where new solutions are needed is valuable for both the participating utilities and for the industry to foster interoperability efforts between relay manufacturers and communications device providers. The services included in this project include:

Reviewed existing PG&E practices and methods for remote relay access and security measures applied Surveyed vendor recommended practices, manufacturers of IEDs and IED tools, substation access devices and

presentation server software/virtual appliance software Developed a benchmark questionnaire Interviewed 5 other utilities with similar infrastructure and IEDs as that of PG&E, as well as development of a benchmark

report Developed a final report and recommendations for PG&E

IEC 61850 Substation Protection & Control, Multi-Vendor Strategy & Demonstration, National Grid & PG&E (2011)

The project included a long-term strategy for IEC 61850 implementation at these two utilities, with a focus on process bus implementation.

Fostered development by vendors of interoperable IEC 61850 solutions to today's PAC requirements at the two participating utilities. This need was especially critical for IEC 61850-9-2 (process bus or sampled values service) deployment for multiplexed, communications based switchyard data acquisition and control. The goal was to substitute this efficient and cost-effective technology for the aging, expensive to replace conventional yard wiring that required attention to maintain system reliability at both utilities. This joint initiative will include demonstrations of process bus technologies in a multi-vendor environment, as well as station bus or control house systems based on IEC 61850 communications.

Developed functional specifications and strategies that will enable National Grid and PG&E to deploy IEC 61850-based standard designs faster and at less cost than the current approach, while implementing a range of new organizational approaches and systems to support the substation PAC design strategy along with emerging regulatory and reliability requirements for the power system.

Quanta Technology's deliverables included:

Surveying needs, requirements, use cases, and situations of the two utilities to conceive a demonstration project aligned with a long-range roadmap

Developing functional specifications and business case for IEC 61850 based substation protection, automation and control (PAC) based on international standard IEC 61850 Station Bus and Process Bus communications services over Ethernet

Smart Grid Strategy Refresh & Tech Roadmap, Southern California Edison (SCE) (2009)

SCE planned to conduct a major effort to streamline its overall Smart Grid strategy and develop a roadmap. The goals of these efforts were:

Clarify 2020 Smart Grid objectives/vision in terms of federal and state policy goals and SCE internal goals Define tactical Smart Grid scoping criteria

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Refine current Smart Grid technology strategy Update 2007 strategy Use SmartConnect R3 use cases (and other sources) as input Incorporate new industry developments expected Develop Smart Grid conceptual architectures for energy & information technologies Develop Smart Grid roadmap to support 2012 General Rate Case process (Yellowbook) and 2020 policy goals Continue industry engagement to monitor external developments which could impact technology strategy and roadmap

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Key Personnel David Boroughs, PE

David Boroughs, Executive Advisor and Director, Communications, has 39 years of telecommunications experience. David provides consulting services to clients on value-added telecommunications solutions for overall network strategy, architecture design, implementation planning, and procurement assistance. Responsible for keeping abreast of related technical developments and offerings in the telecommunica-tions field, and how new technology can be applied/migrated within the infrastructure supporting protection and control, operational, and corporate data requirements. Responsible for the Company’s communications consulting practice area, developing resources, project plans, and business opportuni-ties.

His professional career included work with KEMA, GTE, Sprint, Telenet Communications, and PBS National Datacast, having increasing responsibilities in areas of engineering design, planning, implementation, and operation of both wireless and fiber networks. Mr. Boroughs has been involved with Telecommunications Architecture and Design projects for a number of utilities. The efforts range from development of a vision, benefit cost analysis and strategy for implementing a communications architecture solution, to infrastructure assessments including maturity assessment, technology assessment, platform assessment, and performance/ vulnerability analysis. Strategy and design development included backbone transport, network management, substation and feeder automation, Smart Grid, and AMI communications architecture solutions that supports operational needs, as well as enterprise level related needs such as voice, video, IP and back office networking requirements.

Solveig Ward

Solveig Ward, Executive Advisor, has over 37 years' experience working in a variety of managerial,

product management and marketing roles in the protective relaying and relaying communications

area, Solveig brings a wealth of knowledge and ability to her role as Executive Advisor for Quanta

Technology, Protection and Automation group. Combining relay expertise with communications

knowledge, she provides leadership in the area of communications systems for power system

protection and control including IEC 61850, cyber security and integration issues. Solveig is an IEEE

Fellow and Chairman of its System Protection Subcommittee. She is very active in Working Groups

and initiated and chaired groups producing reports for cyber security and for Redundancy. Solveig

received an IEEE reward in 2011 for PES Working Group Recognition Award - Outstanding Technical Report for "Redundancy

Considerations for Protective Relaying." She also received an IEEE PES Prize Paper Award in 2011 as a co-author of

"Performance of Relaying during Wide-Area Stressed Conditions."

Eric A. Udren, PE

Eric Udren, Executive Advisor, has a 42-year distinguished career in design and application of protective relaying, utility substation control, and communications systems. He programmed the world’s first computer based transmission line relay, led development of the world’s first LAN-based substation protection and control system, and managed development and application departments at Westinghouse, ABB, and Eaton Electrical. He has worked with utilities to develop new substation protection and control designs as a consultant since 2004.

Eric is Fellow of IEEE since 1999, member of IEEE Power System Relaying Committee (PSRC), Chair of the Relaying Communications Subcommittee of PSRC, and leads two PSRC working groups. He is US Technical Advisor for IEC measuring relay standards; and is member of the IEC WG developing the IEC 61850 power system communications and modeling protocol. Eric serves on the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Protection and Control Subcommittee (SPCS), and Protection System Maintenance Standard Drafting Team developing NERC standards.

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Ivette Sanchez

Ivette Sanchez, Senior Advisor, has over 19 years of technical and business experience in the energy and the power utility industries in the USA and Latin America. She has extensive experience and demonstrated project management ability in completion of comprehensive projects related to power distribution infrastructure, automation and controls, communication networks and AMI deployment. She obtained her utility operations experience working for Orlando Utilities Commission for 10 years. She specializes in microgrids, power systems, SCADA, distribution automation, communications and energy management. As a Principal Consultant with Maya Smart Energy Consulting, LLC and during her career with GE Energy, she provided consulting services for both domestic and international electric utilities customers in the areas of microgrids, distribution automation, AMI/MDM, smart grids/smart city, renewable & distributed energy technologies, communications and electric vehicle infrastructure. She has evaluated Smart Grid business cases and roadmaps, cost/benefit analysis, technologies and systems’ integration. She is a reviewer of IEEE whitepapers related to power distribution systems planning, reliability and operations.

Trevor Hall

Trevor Hall, Technical Advisor, Protection & Controls, has more than 37 years of various technical and leadership experience. Trevor Hall was a Telecom Technical Specialist with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for twenty five years in the fields of microwave, computer and power line carrier systems supporting electric transmission relay protection. His responsibilities included new equipment evaluation, maintenance planning, class instruction of maintenance personnel and start up coordination. Trevor Hall was also a maintenance supervisor and technician for the remainder of his thirty seven year career. Mr. Hall was a member of a Remedial Action Scheme first response team at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, requiring vast knowledge of electrical grid interconnection and telecommunications infrastructure.

Mr. Hall was member of Modular Protection Automation and Control (MPAC) development team. Trevor Hall also served in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard reserve and reached the rate of Senior Chief Electricians Mate. Most of his active duty time was working on shipboard steam, diesel, gas turbine propulsion control and electric generating systems. He has a U.S. Maritime Service QMED (Qualified Member of the Engineering Department) all rate certificate.

This material is intended strictly as general information about Quanta Technology, LLC and does not constitute the basis of any design advice or contract. Copyright © 2015

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