ENGINEERING SYMPOSIUM
GENERAL SESSION
Monday, April 8
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Mastering Power System Equipment Specifications & Design: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Moderator: Carlos Jimenez, PE, CBCP from BR+A Consulting Engineers
Panelists: Jim Briceno, PE from ASCO Power Technologies; Joseph Dickinson from Ring Power Corporation; Joe Kendall, PE from Schneider Electric; Jennifer Nekuda, PE from Kohler Energy; Mariano Rojas from Cummins
This panel is comprised of leading industry professionals who, despite representing different companies, share a consensus on crucial topics within power system design. The collaboration of diverse perspectives will provide attendees with valuable insights, best practices, and tips for navigating the intricate landscape of power system equipment specification and design. Topics include recommendations for installation, operations, and servicability of power systems equipment; power studies and selective coordination; common pitfalls to avoid when writing specifications and interpreting design documents; transfer switch specifications and uses; and when to include permanent docking station connections for temporary alternate power sources. The panel will be followed by in-depth engineering breakout sessions throughout the conference.
1 CEU/PDH Available
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Monday, April 8
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Considerations for Generator Set Selection
Presenter: Bob Kelly, Cummins
Sizing and selecting the right-sized generator set for a customer’s loads can be a challenging endeavor; we’re here to help! While most sizing exercises are best done with sizing programs or with the help of a manufacturer’s representative, it is still important to understand the fundamental factors that affect the sizing of generator sets so you can be confident you have the right equipment for your application.
After completing this course, participants will be able to: Recognize the importance of key early decisions and where to get more information even before sizing for customer loads; Identify the impact of site conditions and overall loads on generator set performance; Describe how transient performance impacts generator set sizing: including load application techniques to optimize generator set performance while minimizing generator set size requirements for motor type applications; Recognize the fundamentals at work behind generator set sizing software.
1 CEU/PDH Available
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Application and Code Considerations for Specifying Generator Set Fuel Sources
Presenter: Bob Kelly, Cummins
The installation of gaseous generator sets in a wide variety of applications continues to rise in North America while facility performance requirements, codes and standards are often most closely linked to their traditional diesel counterpart. As natural gas and propane fueled generator sets reach the market with “diesel-like” performance, it’s critical to understand how best to apply these products in order to maximize the value they provide. This course will provide an overview of gaseous generator set capabilities in various applications and will empower participants to recognize how to best apply gaseous generator sets to meet common performance and code requirements. After completing this course, participants will be able to Recognize performance requirements applicable to both diesel and gaseous generator sets; Describe key features and capabilities of gaseous generator sets; and List key application considerations unique to gaseous generator set installations.
1 CEU/PDH Available
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NEC Start Signal Integrity Update (Plus Bonus Material on NEC 2020/2023 Code Impact on Transfer Switches)
Presenter: Jim Briceno, PE, ASCO Power Technologies
The 2017 revision of NFPA 70 (NEC) brought significant changes affecting emergency power supply systems, particularly the introduction of "start signal integrity" requirements outlined in section 700.10 (D) (3). However, upon their initial release, these updates were widely perceived as unclearly defined, prompting the implementation of a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to temporarily supplement the base 2017 revision. This introduction followed by the TIA has led to confusion within the industry, as many engineers and inspectors are uncertain about which guidelines to adhere to, compounded by the slower adoption rate of NEC revisions by various states.
Adding to the complexity, manufacturers have approached this requirement in diverse ways, offering solutions that integrate control and proprietary communications-based solutions. This variety of approaches may pose compatibility challenges across equipment typically supplied by different manufacturers within a single power system, further complicating the situation. Participants in this session will walk away with a better understanding of the requirements of NFPA 70 related to "start signal integrity" and potential solutions to be considered for power system specifications. This session will also include bonus material including NEC 2020/2023 Code Impact on Transfer Switches.
1 CEU/PDH Available
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Achieving Optimal Selective Coordination in Emergency Power Distribution Systems
Presenter: Joe Kendall, PE, Schneider Electric
This seminar delves into the critical aspects of selective coordination concerning emergency power distribution systems. Focused discussions will highlight the significance of time-based ratings for transfer switches, overcurrent protective devices, and generators. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the intricate requirements and strategies for ensuring seamless and effective selective coordination in emergency power systems. The seminar aims to empower engineering professionals with the knowledge and methodologies essential for achieving robust and reliable emergency power distribution systems in compliance with industry standards.
1 CEU/PDH Available
Tuesday, April 9
9:15 am – 10:15 am
Big Changes in NFPA 110: What You Need to Know
Presenter(s): Bill Kaewert and Eric Solanyk, SENS (Stored Energy Systems, LLC)
The NFPA 110, the standard for emergency and standby power system, is revised every 3 years. This session summarizes the coming NFPA 110 changes, and what those changes mean for the emergency and standby power generation industry.
1 CEU/PDH Available
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Specifications 101: How Design Intent Becomes a Manufactured Product
Presenter: Jennifer Nekuda, PE, Kohler Energy
A specification outlines the technical requirements and performance expectations of equipment intended to be used in a particular application. In this course, we will discuss industry standard elements included in contract specifications, focusing particularly on the language used when specifying engine generator sets for emergency power applications.
At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Describe the difference between a Performance, Prescriptive and Proprietary Specifications, Define the relevant PARTs of a specification and what they cover, Discuss in-depth Part 1: General, Discuss in-depth Part 2: Product, and Discuss in-depth Part 3: Execution
1 CEU/PDH Available