Develop a testing procedure to quantify acceptable performance when disconnecting "unloaded" separable connectors. Specifically, the proposed performance test was to address the propensity of energized (but unloaded) elbow connectors to occasionally flashover when being disconnected. Testing was conducted at vendor high-voltage labs, with test procedures and flashover performance observed by both DSTAR and vendor representatives. The objective was to demonstrate and quantify elbow flashover behavior with a test procedure that is acceptable to both vendors and users. The performance test procedure which was to be developed was to be ultimately proposed for adoption into ANSI standard 386. Despite extensive effort, however, this project was not successful in finding a realistic and practical means to accelerate flashovers to the degree necessary for meaningful evaluation of elbow performance.

Deliverable: "Investigations of Elbow and Insulated Cap Flashovers", joint final report for Projects 5-1 and 6-1, 9/97.

Develop an algorithm by which peak summer distribution transformer kVA demand of existing loads can be predicted based on monthly kWh usage patterns, climatological data, and customer demographics. The expected application of this algorithm is identifying excessively overloaded transformers for replacement, and to determine if an existing transformer has available capacity to serve a new load.

Deliverable: "Distribution Transformer Demand Algorithm", final report, 2/98.

Enhance the D-TOCS (DSTAR Transformer Owning Cost Software) program to obtain enhanced user functionality. Included are new data management features, import and export of data, new analysis features, and a context-sensitive help function. Investigate application of D-TOCS for transformer inventory optimization and transformer purchase budget optimization.

Deliverable:

• DSTAR Transformer Owning Costs Software ,Version 3.0, Beta release 5/98

• Transformer Owning Cost Analysis Software - Application Guide Revisions (1/98)

Validate the thermal and loss of life algorithms of TOCS by comparing with other calculations. Enhance the D-TOCS (DSTAR Transformer Owning Cost Software) program to accelerate calculations and to implement a batch operating mode for analysis of multiple transformer designs. Develop software for automatic optimization of stocked transformer ratings, and optimized transformer procurement selection within budget constraints.

Deliverable:

• "Validation of DSTAR Transformer Owning Cost Software (TOCS) Thermal and Insulation Life Calculations", final report, 7/98.

• TOCS Optimizer - Excel spreadsheet application, 8/98

Create a convenient Windows-based tool for calculating voltage imbalance and transformer loading when unbalanced transformer banks are used, or unbalanced loads are applied to a balanced bank.. Included are both inherently unbalanced bank connections (e.g., open-delta) and the application of transformers with dissimilar impedances in normally balanced banks (e.g., wye-wye).

Project commenced 5/97.

Create a convenient Windows-based tool for calculating the electrical parameters of distribution cables as a function of the physical characteristics of the individual cables and the manner of cable installation (i.e., duct spacing, cable lay, etc.) Included are concentric, drain wire, tape shield, and longitudinally corrugated neutral cables, with and without separate neutral wires. Parameters include the cable impedances in both phase and symmetrical component form, charging current, losses, dielectric stress, etc.

Deliverables:

• DSTAR Cable Electrical Parameters Software (CEPS), Version 2.1, Beta release 3/99

• "Cable Electrical Parameters Software (CEPS) Application Guide", draft final report and program application guide, 3/99

Investigate the thermal impact of external heat sources on cable for the following types of situations where longitudinal heat transfer along the cable or along the conduit may significantly affect ampacity: cable in parallel with another cable for a limited longitudinal extent, cables crossing other cables (perpendicularly or obliquely), or cable taps in and out of transformers and switchgear.

Deliverables:

• "Ampacity of Underground Cables Near Limited-Distance External Heat Sources", final report, 7/98.

• Interference Temperature Calculation Spreadsheet, Excel spreadsheet application, final version, 6/98.