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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTakotna Status, Trip and Field Notes 1988TH W) Orr Steve Cowper, Governor Alaska Power Authority State of Alaska December 23, 1987 Ms. Jan Newton, Vice-Chairman Takotna Community Association, Inc. Box 86 Takotna, Alaska 99765 Dear Ms. Newton: Thank you for your recent letter and request for technical assistance from the Alaska Power Authority. As you know, Alaska Power Authority field engineers Peter Hansen and Hans Jensen visited Takotna during the third week of November and conducted an on-site inspection of the community's electrical system. I am pleased that we were able to respond to your request for assistance so quickly. Because of our tremendous amount of incoming requests for technical assistance it usually takes longer to schedule and conduct new site visits in the order received. As it worked out, Alaska Power Authority staff were scheduled to travel in the McGrath area and were able to arrange for the stop in Takotna. To Takotna's credit, I have been informed that your electrical system has been well maintained and the power plant was in good overall condition. However, they did find some minor problems with the extended secondary lines which should be improved. At this time we are looking at mid-January, 1988 for completion of the engineers' report which includes the findings and recommendation on their Takotna site visit. We will provide you with a copy of the report when completed. Sincerely, f fy | f Qurt VUZE Brent N. Petrie Director of Operations SW/BNP/ds 1218/805 PO. Box AM = Juneau, Alaska 99811 (907) 465-3575 KPO. Box 190869 704 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0869 (907) 561-7877 ‘ BOX 86, TAKOTNA, ALASKA 99675 Derothy Anderson, CHAIRMAN PHONE: 298-2211 ae Takotna Community Association, Ine. “27° ‘ ¢ November 20, PECg, iy iy bwisy Mr. Bob Le Resche, Executive Director Noy lly Alaska Power Authority ¥ 27 1337 / P.C. Box 190869 Alaska, Po Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0869 AUTHOR, ma Dear Sir; During the past 8 years we have recieved two State Grants tc, first, put in place an electrical system for the village of Takotna and second, to upgrade the system. At that time we completed every detail to the best of our ability using what expertise that was available in the village. Now, several years down the road we are experiencing tre following built-in troubles and/or hazards. 1. 20-30 amp on a bare nuetral leg at United Utilities Building. 2. 10-12 amp on a bare nuetral leg at several residents, enough that a small spark is observed when a arounding device is attached. 3. Your dept. alonc with AFUC have both commented and questioned the large line loss we have with the distribution we have. 4. Our effenciency has improved from 3.6 (fuel to KWH) to 7 or 8, but is still way tc low. 10 KWH per gallon of fuel would be acceptable to us but 11-12 or even 12.5 would be more in line with an efficient system. There are many other small problems that should be changed tc improve efficiency and some that are a defenite safety hazard such as the hot nuetrals. Therefore, we are requesting technical assistance from your department at your earliest opportunity. Hopinc this request can be placed on your calendar within the very near future. _ . - — --- —_——— Remain, err ee Si Dsiice gan Newton, Vice/Chairman ; Duwig- Chabarft 7 B Reb Memo to tile Subject: Takotna By: Larson Date: 11/20/87 “Telephone call from Uick Newton, plant operator, village of Takotna. Phone, city 289-2211, or store 289-2213. The origional powerhouse burned Nov.’8Z. At that time (2) SOKW and (1) 85KW Ueutz Generator sets were installed. These units are still on line. Generation is 480V 3 phase, no transformers, distributing 3- single phase loads. Phase balance is stated as good. Step down transtormers are dry type, pole mounted on United Utilities poles. Ihe poles are 30 ft.,class 5, telephone poles installed in 1984. APUC has been giving the utility warnings that their line losses are unaccptable, running 2-3000kwh/month. Also noted is a hot neutral, at 25-30amp. Ae city is writing APA a letter requesting technical assistance on inspecting and upgrading their system to meet NESC and or REA standards. Steve Cowper, Governor Alaska Power Authority State of Alaska Date: February 8, 1988 To: Jan Newton Takotna Community Association, Inc. P.0. Box 86 Takotna, Alaska 99675 Re: Request for Loan Information--per Peter Hansen of our office Enclosed is the following information you requested, concerning loan programs administered by the Alaska Power Authority: [x] Summary--"APA Loan Programs" {x] "General Instructions for Loan Applicants" [x] Loan Application Form--PPF/RERLF [x] Alaska Statutes (AS) and Administrative Code (AAC)--PPF/RERLF Although loan funds are currently limited, interested parties are encouraged to complete and submit an application as soon as possible. Loan applications are processed in the order received, and having loan applications in-hand helps support the Power Authority's budget request. Please contact me at 561-7877 if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, - E.R. Whitney Loans Officer ERW:nc Enclosures as indicated. Note: the same "package" is beng sent to Joe Cooper, DC&RA, Fairbanks er Peter Hansen 7467 /687 PO. Box AM Juneau, Alaska 99811 (907) 465-3575 [% POBox 190869 704 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0869 (907) 561-7877 Seg TE eT ew FIELD TRIP REPORT Date: 12/3/88 Site: Takotn ly Crew: Jae Peter N. Hansen. Purpose of visit: Technical assistance. We left Nikolai at 2.30 p.m. and arrived in Takotna 30 minutes later. After a 20 minute walk to town, we arrived at the City Office, where we met with members from Takotna Community Association. After a short briefing concerning the problems experienced, we walked around town for a couple of hours in order to get a better idea of the extent of the problems. The system in Takotna consists of a nice power plant with 3 ea. Deutz diesel generators connected through transfer switches directly to the low voltage (480 volt, 3 phase) distribution system. A main 3 phase feeder extends through parts of the village and is connected to a few pole mounted step down transformers. The design of the system incorporates a very peculiar method of phase balancing and consequently the secondary 120/240 volt secondary runs are very long. In some residences voltage drops are so severe that using a toaster causes severe dimming of the lights. The solution to the line loss/low voltage problem is fairly simple. The main 3-phase feeder (4 ought wire size) should be extended to the far eastern parts of the village, and single phase taps should be extended to feed transformers located immediately adjacent to the residences and commercial facilities served. This will require the addition of some new poles and the addition of several transformers. In some cases the service drop wire size should be increased from #4 to #2. While these changes will drastically reduce the line losses encountered, they will also allow for better phase balancing, thereby facilitating the operation of a smaller and more _ fuel efficient generator. A number of other changes/improvements should be made at the same time, and the following summarizes all proposed changes: 1. 480 volt, 3 phase feeder should be extended to the eastern end of town. 2. Some poles should be added to accomodate step down transformers. 3. Additional transformers should be mounted close to the residences/commercial users served. 4. Some improper overhead line hardware should be replaced for safety reasons. 5. All primary and secondary lines should be re-sagged for safety reasons. 6. Street lights should be added. (One lights should be metered to provide a basis for billings) Vs A meter should be installed on one of the community wells to provide a basis for billings. € Some feeder wires between generators and switch panel should be replaced for safety reasons as they are undersized and consequently are hot. 9. : ae c bah ee a: Some of the generator circuit breakers should be replaced to avoid generator burn out and possible fires in case of a system short circuit. In spite of the obvious shortcomings and problems with the system, maintenance efforts appear to be very good and the power plant is kept very clean. After our inspection of the system, we met with several members of the Community association to discuss the problems and possible solutions. Unfortunately, it appears that funding will be a Major obstacle, and we were not able to provide much help on that issue. We left at 6.30 p.m. and arrived back in Nikolai at 7.00 p.m. Steve Cowper, Governor BS Alaska Power Authority State of Alaska Date: February 8, 1988 To: Joe Cooper Department of Community & Regional Affairs 1001 Noble Street, Suite 430 Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Re: Request for Loan Information --Takotna Enclosed is the following information you requested, concerning loan programs administered by the Alaska Power Authority: [x] Summary--"APA Loan Programs" ] [x] "General Instructions for Loan Applicants" [x] Loan Application Form--PPF/RERLF [x] Alaska Statutes (AS) and Administrative Code (AAC)--PPF/RERLF Although loan funds are currently limited, interested parties are encouraged to complete and submit an application as soon as possible. Loan applications are processed in the order received, and having loan applications in-hand helps support the Power Authority's budget request. nen RRA Please contact me at 561-7877 if I can be of further assistance. E.R. Whitney Loans Officer ERW:nc Enclosures as indicated. Note: the same "package" is being sent directly to the Takotna Community..Assoaiation cc: Peter Hansen Zas- 7467 /687 OO PO. Box AM_—_ Juneau, Alaska 99814 (907) 465-3575 PO. Box 190869 704 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0869 (907) 561-7877 Jay L. Steve Cowper, Governor Alaska Power Authority State of Alaska December 23, 1987 Ms. Jan Newton, Vice-Chairman Takotna Community Association, Inc. Box 86 Takotna, Alaska 99765 Dear Ms. Newton: Thank you for your recent letter and request for technical assistance from the Alaska Power Authority. As you know, Alaska Power Authority field engineers Peter Hansen and Hans Jensen visited Takotna during the third week of November and conducted an on-site inspection of the community's electrical system. I am pleased that we were able to respond to your request for assistance so quickly. Because of our tremendous amount of incoming requests for technical assistance it usually takes longer to schedule and conduct new site visits in the order received. As it worked out, Alaska Power Authority staff were scheduled to travel in the McGrath area and were able to arrange for the stop in Takotna. To Takotna's credit, I have been informed that your electrical system has been well maintained and the power plant was in good overall condition. However, they did find some minor problems with the extended secondary lines which should be improved. At this time we are looking at mid-January, 1988 for completion of the engineers' report which includes the findings and recommendation on their Takotna site visit. We will provide you with a copy of the report when completed. Sincerely, f Qt V ; Brent N. Petrie Director of Operations SW/BNP/ds 1218/805 © PO. Box AM Juneau, Alaska 99814 (907) 465-3575 X& PO. Box 190869 704 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0869 (907) 561-7877