Application and testing of a fiber optic communication system at Grand Coulee

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · IEEE Trans. Energy Conver.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/60.4191· OSTI ID:7229170

Osburn, G D; Arnold, R G

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) operates the world's largest, fully operational hydroelectric facility at Grand Coulee Dam located on the Columbia River in eastern Washington state. Data transmitted for control, protection, and communication between this facility's Third Powerplant and 500-kv switchyard are essential for the safe and efficient operation of the Bureau's equipment and the integrity of the connected power systems. To accomplish the reliable, high speed transmission of such data over the relatively long distance between these two locations having unequal ground potential rise (GPR) a fiber optic communication system was installed, tested, and placed into service. The paper discusses the rationale for applying fiber optic technology in this application with emphasis on the related design considerations important in control and protection of this large hydroelectric facility. Brief summaries of hardware used and installation considerations are given. Fundamentals and principles of fiber optic system design are not intended or covered. Discussion of factory and unique field testing, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) induced transient influence and timing tests, is included. Operating experience and projected future use are summarized.

• Research Organization: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Engineering and Research Center, Denver, CO (US)
• OSTI ID: 7229170
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Energy Conver.; (United States), Vol. 3:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
COLUMBIA RIVER
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
FIBER OPTICS
DESIGN
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
TEST FACILITIES
USA
CONTROL SYSTEMS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
RIVERS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS
130200* - Hydro Energy- Site Geology & Meteorology
990300 - Information Handling
990230 - Mathematics & Mathematical Models- (1987-1989)