Part 1 - Using Automated Infrared Transformer Monitoring to Reduce Onsite Inspections 
In this session, Alabama Power will explain how automated infrared monitoring will provide real time data on the condition of its transformers, helping the utility reduce onsite inspections. Alabama Power has a fleet of over 1,400 transformers installed in 600 substations in southern Alabama. Sending crews to inspect these sites is a costly and time-consuming process. Alabama Power wanted to extend the inspection cycle from 6 years to 20 years by deploying a remote monitoring solution that could provide transformer health data on a continuous basis. Alabama Power used thermal imaging to perform manual inspections and knew it could be used to detect defects in many transformer subsystems from bushings, arrestors and connection points to load tap changers and radiators. Hear how the utility found an automated system that could thermally monitor the condition of the transformer and subsystems, and provide the data to their APM system to make ensure success.

Part 2 - Grid Modernization and Asset Health Management

Utility grids are undergoing a paradigm shift. The old, static model of substation design-deploy-and-forget can no longer manage an influx of electrical assets to existing (‘brownfield’) substations. These additional assets support the growing number of inverter-based resources, microgrids, grid storage, EV charging stations, and other capabilities. They require unique protection and control considerations. This is causing brownfield changes where Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) do not have flexible configuration features and are not being considered in the near-term refresh cycle. Join this session to learn how distributed energy resources (DERs) are impacting Salt River Project’s (SRP’s) grid and the steps they’ve taken to address this impact. Attendees will learn about SRP’s need for more scalable and dynamic IEDs. The presenters will walk through the driving factors, impacts, and end state goals required to maintain grid reliability at a reasonable cost. Federal mandates are coming, and the issues facing SRP (Arizona) will begin to impact all states, as well as the rest of the world, as carbon-neutrality mandates become a reality. The presenters also will then speak on the industry’s role in grid modernization and sustainability for a fully digital substation. Many industry entities have been on a unique journey to amplify the concerns of the energy providers like SRP and work together to co-develop a virtualized protection and control system for substations.