Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for impedance shift analysis for failure prediction in an electrical power distribution network. In an embodiment of the invention, the method includes receiving a sequence of electrical measurements indicative of an impedance measured for a segment of an electrical power distribution network over a period of time. Then, a set of impedance measurements is computed for the period of time and the set of impedance measurements is organized into a distribution correlating each one of the impedance measurement with a corresponding computed current measurement. A trend line for the distribution is identified and a slope computed of the trend line. Finally, on condition that the slope exceeds a threshold steepness, an impending failure in the segment is determined and a notification transmitted over a computer communications network to an end user requesting physical inspection of the segment.

Abstract: A method, controller and computer readable storage medium for dosing ammonia in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for reducing NOx emissions in a flue gas, are disclosed. The method generally includes calculating a running long term average of NOx emissions, calculating a running short term average of NOx emissions and automatically adjusting an instantaneous NOx setpoint based on the running long term and short term averages to ensure compliance with a permit limit. The ammonia dosing requirement is based on a chemical mass-balance approach, and accuracy is enhanced by adjusting for the NO2 to NO composition of NOx.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing operational system components. Maintenance schedules for each of a number of systems are maintained. A worn component scheduled to be replaced in an initial system is identified. An identified component that is scheduled to be removed from another systems and that is able to replace the worn component is identified. Based on the maintenance schedules associated with the systems, the identified component is able to be refurbished after its scheduled removal from the selected remote system in time to be used as a replacement for worn component when it is scheduled to be removed from the initial system. An indication associated with the identified component is stored that indicates that the identified component is scheduled to be: removed from the other system; refurbished; and installed into the initial system at the time of the scheduled removal of the worn component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deterring avian species from approaching a sensitive area. A determination is made that a bird is approaching a sensitive area. A predefined flight path is selected from a plurality of predefined flight paths based on the determination that the bird is approaching the sensitive area. Each of the predefined flight paths of the plurality of predefined flight paths is configured to avoid objects within the sensitive area. An unmanned aerial vehicle is instructed to traverse the predefined flight path that has been selected.

Abstract: A system, an alternative system, and a computer readable storage medium, for a power outage notification system that proactively manages communication of power outage alerts messages to customers of a power distribution system. Wireless communications between smart meters at the edge of an electrical power distribution network and a proactive outage alerts processing engine at an outage alerts notification information processing system facilitate management of communications of power outage alerts messages to customer communication devices. Power outage alerts messages can be communicated to customers using email messaging, text messaging, and voice mail messaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine open neutral conditions in a poly-phase electrical connection. Voltage measurements of at least two phases of poly-phase electrical power delivered to a customer premises are received from an electrical meter via a communications network providing communications among many electrical meters. The electrical power is delivered with a neutral conductor separate from the at least two phases. A first voltage measurement of a first phase and a second voltage measurement of a second phase of at least two phases are received. Based on determining that a difference between the first voltage measurement and the second voltage measurement exceeds a phase-to-phase threshold amount, a likely open neutral condition in the neutral conductor is determined. An indication of the likely open neutral condition is sent to a customer service system.

Abstract: An energy management system receives voltage and current data from each of a plurality of fault indicators. Each fault indicator is positioned on a powerline of a power distribution system immediately upstream of a respective one of a plurality of disconnect switches. The energy management system also determines a status of each disconnect switch based on the voltage and current from the plurality of fault indicators.

Abstract: A service ticket control can close an open service ticket for a field service visit to resolve a power outage experienced at a given customer premises. The open service ticket can be closed in response to usage data from a given smart meter at the customer premises indicating that the customer premises is consuming power above a predetermined threshold level. The service ticket control closes the open service ticket prior to a service crew assigned the service ticket arriving at the given customer premises.

Abstract: In the context of electric power generation facilities, a system and method that enable control of maximum sustained rate of change in output to accommodate changing load conditions and to facilitate efficient use of system resources are disclosed. In accordance with aspects of the disclosed subject matter, a ramp rate for an electric generator source may be set, operating parameters may be monitored, rates of change or discrepancies of the operating parameters over time may be computed; and output signals may then be used selectively to control certain system components.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for monitoring the health of blades in a combustion turbine engine is provided. Sensors mounted around the circumference of a rotor sense and record the passage of blades during turbine operation. Analysis of information from the sensors indicates whether a blade is damaged. Analysis of blade vibration and amplitude, as measured by the sensors, is used to predict the number of cycles the blade can undergo before replacement or maintenance.

Abstract: A system for maintaining and hosting an AMI command and control application is disclosed. The system includes an AMI command and control application module in a network compartment for measuring energy usage from customer meters, managing an AMI network, and executing connect/disconnect orders; and a plurality of firewalls to provide a security perimeter to the AMI command and control application module when the module is accessed by a vendor network or a utility network. The AMI command and control application module includes a VPN concentrator and a 6in4 router to provide a security perimeter between the AMI command and control application module and the AMI network.

Abstract: A method, controller and computer readable storage medium for dosing ammonia in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for reducing NOx emissions in a flue gas, are disclosed. The method generally includes calculating a running long term average of NOx emissions, calculating a running short term average of NOx emissions and automatically adjusting an instantaneous NOx setpoint based on the running long term and short term averages to ensure compliance with a permit limit. The ammonia dosing requirement is based on a chemical mass-balance approach, and accuracy is enhanced by adjusting for the NO2 to NO composition of NOx.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may use GPS, barcodes, RF signals, or other electronic technologies, individually or in combination, to identify a location of a substation at which a switching operation is to occur. At the substation location, a device camera or other optical or radio frequency reading apparatus may be used to scan a barcode or other visible indicia to confirm that the correct device or component is being switched before progressing to the next step in the switching order. RF identification, magnetic striping, and other technologies may also be used.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for using AMI smart meter messaging types and data mining decision trees to determine if local equipment failure is present. The system and method may be used to predict impending failure based upon smart meter message behaviors and to create proactive investigation tickets. The predictions models may be generated from a big database of smart meter messaging and customer outage reports. The system and method can be applied to detect failures of higher level device equipment and may be incorporated into customer service processes. The system and method may also be used to determine customer owned equipment failures for referral to electricians.

Abstract: A structure modification system may include a structure attachment portion secured to a structure, an articulating arm connected to the structure attachment portion, and a mechanical tool connected to the articulating arm. The mechanical tool may be a saw and the structure may be a vertically oriented pole or column. The structure attachment portion may be secured to the structure with one or more straps, which may wrap around the structure. The articulating arm may include first and second arm segments which may pivot with respect to one another. The operation of the system may allow for a horizontal cut of the structure by the saw from any side of the structure.

Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium containing a data server application, which when executed on a processor is configured to perform an operation providing a view of performance data based on multiple performance rating criteria for evaluating multiple customer service agents across an enterprise. The operation may include receiving data corresponding to call handling for a first agent from the multiple agents and processing the received data to generate performance data for the first agent based on process steps followed by the first agent for handling a call type. The operation also includes assigning a color scheme to the process steps depending on the importance of the steps to an enterprise and transmitting a signal to display agent performance data based on the color scheme and indicative of steps missed by the first agent.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for monitoring the health of blades in a combustion turbine engine is provided. Sensors mounted around the circumference of a rotor sense and record the passage of blades during turbine operation. Analysis of information from the sensors indicates whether a blade is damaged. Analysis of blade vibration and amplitude, as measured by the sensors, is used to predict the number of cycles the blade can undergo before replacement or maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for sequencing a meter route. The method may include a step for adding routes or premises to a map. This step may be implemented as a user initiated action with the operator creating a new route based on preexisting routes as a starting point. The premises or existing routes may correspond to a particular zip code. In one embodiment, every premise may be tied to a route.

Abstract: A system and method that enable analysis and visualization of disparate data to provide actionable insight regarding a smart meter network are disclosed. In some implementations, smart meter grid dashboard functionality may provide an improved and integrated data view and enable dynamic investigations and actions based on smart meter analytics. A method of aggregating and displaying data relevant to operations of an AMI network may provide actionable insight into operation of the network, predict failures, and recommend remedial actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may use GPS, barcodes, RF signals, or other electronic technologies, individually or in combination, to identify a location of a substation at which a switching operation is to occur. At the substation location, a device camera or other optical or radio frequency reading apparatus may be used to scan a barcode or other visible indicia to confirm that the correct device or component is being switched before progressing to the next step in the switching order. RF identification, magnetic striping, and other technologies may also be used.