TECHNOLOGY.
INNOVATION.

www.powertechlabs.com

The Science of Innovation
At BC Hydro, we’re always looking for smarter ways to

In the utility realm, Powertech works on a range of

maintain a reliable system and deliver clean, affordable

innovations—from how we generate electricity, to how it’s

electricity.

used by our customers.

We want to be the most trusted, innovative utility in North

This brochure celebrates innovation—our homegrown

America, and leading the way in our efforts to achieveingenuity and its impact on the broader world. By

that lofty goal is our own

necessity, it’s a catalog of “firsts”—

world-renowned testing

ground-breaking research that has

and research laboratory,
Powertech Labs.
A wholly owned subsidiaryof BC Hydro, Powertech
Labs is made up of about
180 scientists, technicians,“

It is difficult to dismiss theinnovations coming out ofchanged the way we operate, andsolutions that have been adopted byutilities around the globe.

Powertech. It is a large lab ofapproximately 180 experts in theirown field who understand theEqually important is that these
innovations have provided value forour customers and our employees.

engineers, and specialists.

utility business. This expertise

It’s a value measured in avoided

They pool their efforts

is used to bring changes into thecosts, productivity gains, extension

and expertise to support

marketplace”, says Lings, Presidentof the service life of facilities,

electrical utilities, original
equipment manufacturers,& CEO of Powertech Labs.

and the automotive industries.

Jessica McDonald
President and CEO
BC Hydro
Chair, Powertech Labs

enhanced performance, optimized
maintenance, and energy efficiency.

The new tools profiled here have made their mark in the“It is difficult to dismiss the innovations coming out ofreal world. They’ve made utility field work safer, ensured

Powertech. It is a large lab of approximately 180 experts

the reliability of grid operations, and cut the costs ofin their own field who understand the utility business. This

energy delivery. And they’ve reduced environmental

expertise is used to bring changes into the marketplace”,

impacts while allowing customers to use electricity moresays Lings, President & CEO of Powertech Labs.

efficiently and conveniently.

Raymond Lings
President and CEO
Powertech Labs

02

Technology. Innovation.

INNOVATIONS AT A GLANCEHyStEP—Hydrogen Fueling Performance04

Testing 70 MPa Hydrogen Fuel
Storage Systems 			04

First 70 MPa Hydrogen Fueling Station

05

evCloud — Electric Vehicle Charging Data 06
Electric Vehicle Smart Charging		
Modelling Wood Transmission
Pole Risk of Failure			

06

07

AeroMACS				08Isolated Safety Ground Device		

13Intelligent City Accelerator (ICA)		

09

Testing of Self-Lubricating Bearings

13

SF6 Leak Detector Technology		

10Emulated Phase Measurement Unit (PMU) 14

On-line Transformer Diagnostics		

10Integrating Renewables into the Grid

PCB Online Decontamination		

11

On-line Dynamic Security Assessment(DSA)						15Transformer On-line Oil Purification

12
Small Signal Analysis Tool (SSAT)		

14

15

Equipment Health Rating (EHR)
of Transformers				1203HyStEP—Hydrogen Fueling Performance

Testing 70 MPa Hydrogen Fuel Storage Systems

Powertech designed and built the new Hydrogen Station Equipment Performance

Testing of high-pressure gas components and fuel systems used in alternate-(HyStEP) device to reduce the commissioning time of new hydrogen fuelingfuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure ensures the safety of the public who

stations from an average of several months to just one week.

purchases and drives these vehicles.

The device—the first of its kind in North America—ensures public hydrogen

Powertech is a world leader in the testing of high-pressure gas systems, andrefueling stations meet industry standards but does so more efficiently thanhas been at the forefront of the industry for more than 30 years. In this role,previously possible. The HyStEP device addresses a key challenge for hydrogen

Powertech has continually “pushed the envelope” to test next-generation

refueling stations. The current commissioning practice for these stations can beprototypes. Among its firsts, Powertech was the first lab in the world to test

time-consuming because each manufacturer of hydrogen vehicles conducts its

70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen fuel storage systems. A pressure of 70 MPa

own validation tests to measure the performance of hydrogen dispensers withoffers hydrogen-fueled vehicles a range of up to 500 km (300 miles)—a range

respect to fueling protocols. This could delay the commissioning of stations incomparable to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Funded by six major

areas such as California, where new stations are coming online, and as many

vehicle OEMs, and in collaboration with the world’s leading high pressure

as 35 new stations are scheduled to be commissioned in 2016. The HyStEP

component manufacturers, Powertech led a project to develop and test 70 MPa

device acts as a surrogate for vehicles, eliminating the need for each automotivehydrogen fuel storage system components. The project introduced 70 MPa

manufacturer to test separately. The device connects to a hydrogen station andcomponents to the world and allowed the vehicle OEMs to start building theirmonitors and evaluates pressure, temperature, and communications data to

next-generation vehicles, effectively jump-starting the movement toward today’s

ensure the station operation and fueling process meets the standard method for

longer-range hydrogen-fueled cars.

compliance with industry protocols.
KEY BENEFIT: Reduces time to commission following industry standards

04

KEY BENEFITS: Ensures safety and advances low carbon
transportation capabilities

Technology. Innovation.

First 70 MPa Hydrogen Fueling Station
Powertech has been a pioneer in the development of this high-pressure hydrogen technology on both thevehicle and fueling sides. The company designed Canada’s first hydrogen fueling station that used 35 MPa

If hydrogen-fueled vehicles areto meet the demands of today’s
drivers, they must have an
operating range comparable toconventional gasoline-poweredcars. This range is achieved by
the high-pressure, on-boardhydrogen storage in the vehicles.

pressure in 2001, and subsequently designed and built the world’s first hydrogen fueling station capable ofdelivering hydrogen at 70 MPa in 2002. The 70 MPa pressure provides a range of up to 500 km (300 miles)
and makes these alternate-fueled vehicles more practical options. Since 2001, Powertech has designed
and constructed 12 turnkey, compressed hydrogen fueling stations which are installed across North
America. As an industry leader in hydrogen stations, Powertech is responsible for a number of other firsts.
The company pioneered turnkey, containerized hydrogen fueling station packages, which allow for easy
installation to respond to the market demand for fueling infrastructure. Powertech also developed thefirst hydrogen station capable of fueling four fuel-cell vehicles simultaneously, built the first retail-styledispenser, and is currently developing the first 70 MPa fast fill mobile fueler using pre-cooled hydrogen.
KEY BENEFITS: Renewable, environmentally friendly fuel, safety, higher efficiency, carbon reduction05

— Electric Vehicle Charging Data

Electric Vehicle Smart Charging

evCloud is a unique web-based platform developed by Powertech to collect andPowertech is an industry leader in developing, testing, and demonstrating

display usage data from over 450 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations acrosselectric vehicle (EV) smart charging technologies.

more than 200 locations in British Columbia.

While electric vehicles represent a significant new load for electric utilities,

The platform accesses charging data by leveraging the energy metering andsmart charging can help to minimize the impact of charging on electricalcommunications capabilities built into a variety of types of charging equipment.

infrastructure and capitalize on the potential flexibility of electric vehicle

Among the data collected are: number of charge events, total energy

charging loads. Using advanced communication technologies, smart charging

dispensed, approximate fuel displaced, and approximate greenhouse gas (GHG)

solutions include pricing and load management signals that can delay or vary

emissions reduced. Powertech analyzes this data to provide policymakers withthe speed of charging, enabling electric vehicle drivers to avoid charging

insight into current usage patterns, rate of electric vehicle growth, geographic

during periods of high demand or take advantage of available renewabledistribution of stations, congestion at stations, and usage at different types

energy. Powertech has developed and tested a variety of smart charging

of station venues (retail, government, workplace, etc.), while enabling more

solutions, including smart charging stations (using wifi, cellular and smart

informed decisions for forecasting and deployment strategies of the electric

metering infrastructure communications), mobile and web apps to help

vehicle infrastructure.

electric vehicle drivers manage their charging, and utility operator interfaces

Information is also accessible to the public, allowing the province’s growing
number of electric vehicle drivers to better understand the location andavailability of charging stations.
KEY BENEFITS: Green (clean) transportation solution, greenhouse gas
reduction, customer support, and economic impact.

for leveraging electric vehicles and other controllable loads as Virtual Power
Plants. In collaboration with BC Hydro and academic researchers, Powertech
is demonstrating these innovations in a variety of contexts, including
workplace charging, residential charging, and charging depots for fleet
vehicles.
KEY BENEFITS: Cost savings for utilities and customers,
environmental impact.

06

Technology. Innovation.

Modelling Wood Transmission Pole Risk of Failure
Powertech has developed the first-of-its-kind model for consistently quantifying theremaining life, or risk of failure, of aging wood transmission poles, using structuralreliability analysis.
The model is part of a project to support Lines Strategy and Standards of BC Hydro T&D
Asset Investment Management, and is designed to help advance the utility’s maintenanceprogram for its 120,000 wooden transmission poles in terms of efficiency, prioritization,and saving money. It allows risk quantification of wood pole failure through structuralreliability analysis, by incorporating uncertainties such as wood species, weather

Use of the model will help to ensure
public safety, support system
reliability, and reduce expenses by
avoiding premature replacement,
which can cost $30,000+ per poleand involve a system outage.

conditions (wind and ice) at that location, and inspection accuracy. The result of theanalysis is a probability of failure for a specified window ranging from one to ten years.
The model considers other intervening factors and uncertainties, unlike the current
method that uses only pole strength reduction. Powertech’s model will
permit a consistent replacement policy applied across an entire system with logicaljustification for replacement. In conjunction with the model, Powertech is also
developing a mobile device application for use by field inspectors and a
database and web-host server with built-in analytics that will allow
administrators to store and manage inspection and asset data and maketimely replacement decisions.
KEY BENEFIT: Public Safety, reliability, financial benefit

07

AeroMACS
The global aviation industry needs to upgrade its airport surface communication
systems to keep pace with burgeoning demand. Powertech is the only
AeroMACS Designated Certification Laboratory in the world with the capabilities
to test and certify equipment using the new communications system known as
the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System, or AeroMACS.
AeroMACS is a broadband wireless technology for airport surface
operations, and has been selected as the next-generation global standard by
EUROCONTROL and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The technology
operates in the protected aviation spectrum band from 5091 to 5150 MHz forsurface operations that involve the safety and regularity of flight. AeroMACS
will replace existing cable loop systems, which are expensive to maintain,
and will deliver the reliability, security, and speed of broadband wirelessconnectivity necessary to support new and expanded applications as air trafficsystems evolve. Powertech is also actively involved in WiMAX Forum, developing
test standards for AeroMACS, and hosted the first AeroMACS Multi-Vendor
Interoperability Demonstration Event, which brought together equipment
manufacturers from around the world to test their leading-edge equipment.
KEY BENEFITS: Financial benefit, reliability, security

08Technology. Innovation.

Intelligent City Accelerator (ICA)
Cities are beginning to embrace technology to create safer, more comfortablecommunities for both living and working. By adopting Internet of Things
solutions, cities can put technology to work in traffic pattern monitoring, air

To make cities intelligent, an
integrated approach is needed
to modernize infrastructure andleverage technology to improve
efficiency and capacity. The
Intelligent City Accelerator(ICA) program and the living lab
at Powertech present a newopportunity to experience andevaluate smart technologies.

quality analysis, community safety, and bylaw enforcement in a way neverbefore imaginable. All of this requires mapping the right technologies withan integrated solution that is deployable with low risk and high success. A
new collaboration between the City of Surrey, Simon Fraser University, andPowertech Labs is aiming to demonstrate technologies to add intelligence toa typical urban infrastructure. At the heart of this collaboration is Powertech
Labs’ Intelligent City Accelerator, which provides some of the most advanced
and complete facilities for technology integration in North America. The
Intelligent City Accelerator uses Powertech’s longtime expertise and leadershipin networking and communications technologies to host test-bed technology
development, rapid prototyping, and demonstration in a simulated real-world
environment. The first technology to be tested will be GE’s Current Intelligent
LED solution, which features software and sensor-enabled LED lighting. Future
projects will include optimizing renewable energy and new intelligence forelectric vehicle charging and building energy management.
KEY BENEFITS: Community safety, reliability

09

SF6 Leak Detector Technology

On-line Transformer Diagnostics

Powertech is a recognized industry leader in the analysis of sulfur hexafluoride,

To ensure system reliability, electric utilities must maintain the operation andor SF6, and its decomposition products.

prolong the life of power transformers. Transformers are not only critical to utility

SF6 is an anthropogenic gas whose excellent dielectric and arc-quenchingproperties make it an ideal insulating gas for medium- and high-voltage

for availability.

equipment. However, when the gas decomposes, it forms byproducts that are

One key factor affecting the service life of oil-filled transformers is that they areharmful to equipment, toxic to maintenance personnel—and very difficult tosubjected to numerous stresses that degrade their solid paper insulation and can

detect at low concentrations. SF6 decomposition products degrade at a fast

lead to equipment failure. Knowing the condition of the paper is key, because therate posing a key challenge for lab analysis. Powertech developed a uniquelife of the transformer is determined by the life of the paper. To provide insightfield-portable SF6 decomposition product detector capable of identifying theinto this degradation, Powertech conducted innovative research to identify the

predominant byproducts on site at low parts per million levels. The detector canchemical compounds that form as the paper degrades and to determine how thosebe used on in-service equipment and eliminates sampling errors encounteredchemicals—so-called “paper decomposition markers”—can be detected in thewith traditional instrumentation requiring transporting gas samples to a lab.

transformer oil. Researchers subsequently developed instrumentation that can

SF6 has also been identified as one of the strongest greenhouse gases known.

be installed on operating transformers for detecting the presence of the markers

Canada, the United States, and the European Union have regulations governing

without taking the transformers out of service. Lab analysis of an oil sample

emissions of SF6, and utilities are required by some jurisdictions to monitor andfor these chemical compounds can determine the extent of degradation. This

report on SF6 losses. To address this issue, Powertech engineers developed ainformation enables utilities to take steps to reduce the paper aging process andthermal imaging camera that can produce infrared images of leaking SF6 gas.

extend transformer life.

With this information, utilities can repair or remediate leaks.
KEY BENEFITS: Safety, fast, accurate detection of low level SF6 leaks

010

operation, they are also costly to replace and often have multi-year waiting periods

KEY BENEFITS: Condition based assessment, safetyTechnology. Innovation.

PCB Online Decontamination
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are chemical compounds that were widely used as
insulating fluids in electric equipment until the 1970s, when their use was prohibited due
to environmental concerns. However, PCBs remain in many legacy electric components(usually in very low levels as contamination), and managing PCB compounds in powertransformers and other electrical equipment remains a constant challenge for utilities.
Canadian utilities face an urgency due to federal regulations specifying an end-ofuse date of 2025 for equipment contaminated with PCBs. Powertech has patented
technologies for destruction of PCBs and developed a new system that is the only one ofits kind on the market for the online extraction of PCB compounds from transformer oil.
The mobile unit is self-contained and can be directly dispatched to a job site anywherein the world. It uses extraction cartridges with proprietary absorbent technology toselectively remove PCBs from the oil of an in-service power transformer. The technology
reduces PCB levels to less than 2 ppm, and brings the oil back to as-new condition.
Decontaminating transformer oil is more cost effective than replacement, and theprocess allows for reuse of the existing transformer oil, avoiding costly disposal ofcontaminated transformer carcasses and lowering environmental impact.
KEY BENEFITS: Cost effective, mobile, efficient, safe and convenientsolution to PCB management

Pioneering PCB
Destruction Technology
In the 1980s, Powertech obtained
the first Canadian patent forthe destruction of PCBs fromcontaminated insulating oil and therecovery and re-use of the oil. The
process is based on the use of sodium
dispersion to remove PCBs at low
temperature. Since 1987, BC Hydro
has used the process to treat andreclaim over 24 million litres oftransformer oil. The process has
also been licensed for use in Japan.

011

Transformer On-line Oil Purification

Equipment Health Rating (EHR) of Transformers

Powertech has developed unique systems capable of online purification of

Many transformers in North America are approaching the end of their design lifetransformer oil. The systems address a key need of electric utilities—to reduceand in need of replacement or refurbishment.

the level of contaminants in transformer oil in order to maintain performance,
prevent failure, and prolong life.

transformers, Powertech developed a unique software called Equipment HealthConventional decontamination methods include on-site hot oil reclamation and

Rating, or EHR. The program calculates condition indexes for each transformer

retro-filling, which require a power outage, making them costly and time-consuming.

component based on test and inspection results, and combines these indexes

In addition, they may not fully remove a contaminant, especially from the solidwith equipment information such as age, known problems, and operating andinsulation, and are not selective for specific types of contaminants. The Powertech

maintenance history to provide a rating of “equipment health”. The Equipment

units are capable of removing decomposition products, moisture, and particulate

Health Rating software allows experts to review and accept the ratings, provide

matter from transformer oil and paper while restoring in-service oil quality to neardiagnostics, make recommendations on intervention, estimate the time and costnew. The technology is designed for online, unattended operation and does notfor corrective actions, and prioritize maintenance. The results can be used torequire transformer outages. Extraction cartridges, with proprietary absorbent

obtain a quick overview of equipment condition and to make comparisons within atechnology, selectively remove contaminants from the oil. Application of thesesubstation or across an entire utility.

systems helps utilities to maintain optimal transformer operation while significantly
reducing the costs associated with contaminant removal, and extending transformer
life. Cartridges can be chosen to remove specific contaminants such as moisture, oildegradation products, corrosive sulphur, and recently PCBs.
KEY BENEFITS: Prolonged life of transformer with reduced maintenance cost,safety & reliability, flexible plug and play system

012

To assist engineers in diagnosing and assessing the condition of power

KEY BENEFITS: Intelligent guide to maintenance and planning managers,
improve accuracy in fault prediction

Technology. Innovation.

Isolated Safety Ground Device

Testing of Self-Lubricating Bearings

Powertech, working with BC Hydro, developed a patented isolated safety ground

Powertech is the only lab in the world with the unique expertise to conduct life

device to protect utility workers from accidental exposure to hazardous voltages

testing of self-lubricating bearings for hydroelectric plants operated by the U.S.

during maintenance work on distribution cables.

Army Corps of Engineers.

When maintenance or repair work is required on distribution cables, the core of the

Wicket gates are used in hydroelectric plants to control the flow of water from thecable section is generally grounded at the next manhole to protect the workers frominlet penstocks to the turbine. These gates contain rotating bearings, once made ofaccidental energization. However, this procedure could allow hazardous voltages

bronze and requiring periodic lubrication with petroleum grease. Bearing grease

to occur if a ground fault occurs, for example, at the substation. Powertech andhad the potential to contaminate the water flowing through plants and to cause

BC Hydro’s isolated safety ground device addresses this problem by isolating theenvironmental hazards, leading the Army Corps to invite manufacturers to develop

cable core from ground at lower voltages to prevent current from flowing throughcomposite, self-lubricating bearings.

the worker during a ground fault event. If the voltage on the cable core rises abovea pre-set safety limit, the device flashes over and provides a low-impedance path toground. This intervention prevents utility workers from being exposed to dangerous
voltages in both ground fault and accidental energization situations.
KEY BENEFIT: Utility worker safety

Subsequently, the Corps worked with Powertech to develop a test specification toevaluate the performance of composite bearings and identify the best products.
The test specification details an accelerated wear test with low- speed oscillations
that simulate worst-case scenarios for wicket gate operations in hydroelectric
generating plants. Bearing properties such as static and dynamic coefficients offriction, wear rate, and operating temperature are continuously monitored andreported during testing under wet and dry conditions. Testing helps to ensure thatbearings with the longest life and lowest friction are installed in hydro plants andaids in avoiding the environmental impacts of greased bearings.
KEY BENEFIT: Reduces environmental impact, safety and reliability

013

Emulated Phasor Measurement Unit (ePMU)

Integrating Intermittent Renewables into the Grid

Phasor measurement unit (PMU) is a technology for measuring electricalPowertech study engineers conducted ground-breaking research to demonstratequantities with high resolution and accuracy and with time synchronizationthat our dynamic simulation software package, DSAToolsTM, can be efficiently used

across a power system. These measurements provide a real-time view ofto quantify the effects of integrating intermittent renewables resources such as

power system behavior. As new applications have been developed that would

wind and solar energy into a power grid.

use phasor measurement unit data for analysis of grid events, the need arose
for simulation of those data in order to test and validate the applications. To
meet this need, Powertech developed the Emulated Phasor Measurement Unit
module as an add-on function of its Transient Security Assessment Tool (TSAT)
software. ePMU is able to provide time-synchronized phasor data from a powersystem model, similar to those measured by a phasor measurement unit. Unlike
other software on the market, Powertech’s ePMU is capable of simulating
system models of very large sizes, up to 10,000 buses, in real time. In addition,ePMU can serve as a data source for Dispatcher Training Simulators (DTS). The
software was the first to provide trainees with real-life-like signals or scenarios
in place of simple static data previously used. ePMU is used by utilities and grid
operators, including PG&E, ERCOT, and ISO New England.
KEY BENEFIT: Provides simulated phasor measurement unit data for
application testing, training and other research

014

Intermittent renewable energy sources pose a key challenge for power system
operation—their output is intermittent and cannot be dispatched reliably tomeet demand. Power system planners and operators need to understand theeffects of this intermittency on the stability of the power system and to ensure
an acceptable performance level. Powertech’s DSAToolsTM were enhanced to
study the effects of intermittent renewable power output under different loadconditions and operation scenarios involving a sudden drop in solar and wind
power, combined with transmission line outages and wind gusts. The simulations
were able to characterize the interaction of Automatic Generation Controllers,
operation of a peaking unit, and battery energy storage. The platform thatPowertech developed demonstrates the feasibility and real value for electricutilities of studying the impacts of intermittent resources using DSAToolsTM andthereby supporting their future reliable and secure integration.
KEY BENEFITS: Reliable use of intermittent renewables, and grid security

Technology. Innovation.

On-line Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA)

Small Signal Analysis Tool (SSAT)

Powertech pioneered the technologies for on-line dynamic security assessment (DSA).

Powertech developed the state-of-the-art software tool, called Small Signal Analysis

Maintaining grid security and the reliable supply of electricity is a fundamental
requirement for power systems operations. Traditionally, the stability and transfer

Tool (SSAT), for analyzing power system low-frequency oscillations—a complicatedpower system phenomenon with the potential to cause widespread blackouts.

capability of power systems are analyzed off-line, and this process involves

On August 10, 1996, the western electric grid in the area of the Western Electricity

using estimated system conditions with conservative assumptions, resulting in

Coordinating Council (WECC) experienced a massive blackout, breaking the area into

the assessment of limited operational scenarios and reduced transfer capability

four islands. The power outage lasted up to six hours in some areas, affecting 7.5 millionof the grid. With on-line DSA, the analysis software is integrated directly to acustomers in parts of Canada, Western U.S., and Mexico. The failure was associated withpower system’s energy management system and assesses the system security inunstable low-frequency oscillations due to insufficient damping for a critical oscillatory

continuous cycles. Using real-time captured system conditions, the on-line DSA

mode in the system. Subsequently, seven major North American utilities, including

provides important information such as system security limits, types of criteria

BC Hydro, funded the development of the SSAT tool, which provides comprehensive

violations, critical contingencies, and remedial actions needed to prevent systemcapabilities for small signal analysis of large power systems. SSAT uses advanced

failures. Powertech’s on-line DSA technology has been a market leader for morecomputational algorithms and supports a wide variety of models for analyzing small

than a decade, and is used by seven of the nine independent system operators (ISOs)

signal stability. Recently SSAT was used to conduct a small-signal stability analysis ofin North America and by utilities around the world. The Electric Reliability Councila large interconnected power system. This provided valuable recommendations forof Texas Inc. (ERCOT), which serves as the ISO for most of the state of Texas,

tuning the existing and adding new power system stabilizers in the system to accomplish

estimated that by using on-line DSA an annual saving of US$27 million could be

optimal performance. Today SSAT is being used by many grid operators, power utilities,

achieved without compromising the reliability of its grid operation.

universities, and research institutes around the world.

KEY BENEFITS: Real time security, reliability of power systems, reduce risks

KEY BENEFIT: Increases reliabilityof blackouts, cost effective performance enhancement

015

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604.590.7500
info@powertechlabs.com
powertechlabs.com

2312388 - 88th Avenue
Surrey, British Columbia
Canada V3W 7R7