Within the ever-changing environment experienced by the Brazilian electric power sector, CTEEP finds itself confronted with a number of challenges, among which are the diversification of energy sources; the introduction of renewable energy sources into the system; the constant evolution of management concepts; development of more intelligent management techniques; coupled with both the expansion of energy grids and the introduction of new intelligent grid concepts. In order to tackle this issue, the Company has been striving to become well structured and to prove capable of transforming difficulties into opportunities towards innovation, in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

Within the context of CTEEP`s Research & Development Program, and in accordance with Law 9991/2000, which establishes that a fixed percentage of Net Operating Revenues be allocated to innovative projects, in 2012, the Company examined and structured a number of projects considered to be strategic for the consolidation of an innovative environment, and aligned with the Company`s values. In 2012, four new projects were implemented, namely:

• Desenvolvimento de metodologia para avaliação e minimização das causas de vazamento e da deterioração dos materiais de vedação em equipamentos isolados a gás SF₆
This project is intended to identify the leading causes of SF6 emissions at the Company, considering the general losses along the system, the losses deriving from leakage, losses during maintenance, as well as losses from gas cylinders. This project also aims at developing a methodology intended to analyze the deterioration of sealing materials on service, with the purpose to help prevent and repair leakage detected in SF6 gas-insulated equipment and to determine the specification of sealing materials applicable to such equipment.
Operational partners: Diagno and Universidade Regional de Blumenau
• Development of a Pilot System for Automatic Assessment of Dynamic Performance of the Electrical System, based on Synchronized Phasor Measurement
  
In 2012, the Company started to develop a pilot system for automatic assessment of dynamic safety, intended to provide support to real-time decision making, by taking into account buffer zones and synchronized phasor measurement data. Thus, this initiative is expected to lead to prospecting of strategic resources concerning voltage control, and therefore prevent from resorting to unnecessary procedures; speed up and help restore the grid components, by providing real-time determination of maximum angles for the shut-down of rings, in addition to providing suggestions for re-dispatching measures; to provide support, within a very short-term time period, the assessment of the need to apply emergency-response interventions in the grid equipment, based on real-time data; to pursue enhancement of performance, aimed at mitigating the risk of producing any impact on major load centers of neighboring states. These results are expected to contribute to improve the quality of the electric public utility services.
Operational partners: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina and HPPA Consultoria
• Development of Voltage Sourced Converter (VSC) modeling for interconnected High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) grids
  
Started in 2012, this project involves development of VSC technology, intended for application in power flow studies; electrical and electromagnetic transients; controlling performance; and operations in meshed network systems and multi-terminals. This new modeling will enable an easier comparison between the technologies of line-commutated converters (LCC) and VSC, in addition to foster the use of meshed transmission grids and through direct current, which should support the integration of solar parks and wind farms.
Operational partner: J2 Consultoria

• Profile of Multi-Chip Integrated Circuits (MCPs) for the Brazilian Transmission Market for Host System Application
  
This project aims at determining a model for the integration of existing and future electric power transmission system management in Brazil. CTEEP has built up a vast knowledge on asset management and codified a major portion of this expertise into several computer programs, to meet the sequencing steps of business processes within this complex environment, featuring a strong interaction between the geographical scattered teams and diverse technical expertise. This project aims at developing tools that will act as platforms of existing or future system connections that CTEEP may acquire or develop.
Operational partners: InForma Software and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

In 2012, investments in new and ongoing projects amounted to R$ 12,952,112.42. This amount represents part of the total investment of R$ 46 million in 22 projects, of which two cover Strategic themes proposed by ANEEL.


Investments carried out in 2012 are related to the following ongoing projects:


• Identification of Potential Green Shield Areas, as an alternative to mowing areas not suitable for agriculture and Permanent Preservation Areas (PPA) under the Transmission Lines (Green Shield)
  
This project initiated in 2009, aimed at developing a technique that allows for occupation of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) with small native species. This initiative contributes to reduce maintenance carried out by trimming or mowing and help mitigate the risks of accidents and fires, in addition to bringing environmental benefits, such as the interconnection of forest fragments, by means of the formation of ecological corridors, preservation of water resources, as well as protection of the local fauna and flora diversity. The development of this project led to the preparation of a Manual of Recovery of Riparian Forests under Electric Power Transmission Lines, in addition to the creation of a workshop to be attended by transmission line technicians, with a view to disseminate the technology.
Operational partner: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queirós – USP
• Use of new methodologies to track oil spills in OF cables
  
Since 2009, this project has developed a local technology, based on the use of perfluorocarbon (PFC) gas traits to help tracking oil spills in OF cables, within the fastest time span possible, without the need to shut down the line, without hindering power supply. At present, this methodology is being used along the CTEEP`s XAV-BAN Line (Xavantes – Bandeirantes).
Operational partner: AJOL Engenharia
• Development of Methodology and Computer Intelligence Tools to support Automatic Assessment of Occurrences
  
The development of this project aimed to automate of the process of assessing occurrences along the electric power transmission system, based on application of computer intelligence models, with the purpose of enhancing the quality of the electric public utility services.
Operational partners: Asotech and Enacom
• Development of a Specialized Diagnosis System based on on-line monitoring of noise level produced by transmission transformers, allowing for identification of internal electrical malfunctions
This project is geared towards developing an automated specialized system that provides support to decision-making, aimed at assisting the maintenance area in identifying and tracking malfunction in transmission transformers, by providing accurate diagnoses as to the most suitable type of maintenance, whether predictive, preventive or corrective.
Operational partners: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos – USP and Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) – Baurú
• Development of a Management System to monitor transmission line teleprotection and protection commands
  
The objective is to develop a management system to monitor transmission line teleprotection and protection commands, based on the information related to the functioning of this type of relays, and thereafter providing support to the maintenance management of teleprotection systems.
Operational partner: Fundação para o Desenvolvimento Tecnológico da Engenharia

• Interactive System intended for Diagnosis of equipment malfunction, by means of Bayesian Networks
  
This project aims at developing an innovative methodology to support to expansion planning, provision of preliminary inputs and assistance to the identification of causes for failure in substation equipment and transmission lines.
Operational partners: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina and Instituto Tecnológico de Pesquisa da Baixada Santista
• Strategic integrated reliability concerning cable connections of overhead high-voltage lines.
  
This study aims at developing a methodology to enable enhancement of Reliability in Electric Power Transmission Systems, particularly as concerns the line splices, as well as to help programming preventive inspections and maintenance, with a view to perfecting the quality of processes related to the execution of such splices.
Operational partner: PRINSIS Engenharia
• Efficient Methodology for an optimal Coordination of directional overcurrent releases in Meshed Electrical Systems
  
This projects aims at seeking development of an advanced and innovative methodology, which can enable practical and safe solutions concerning the problem of adjustment of directional overcurrent releases in protection systems installed in electric power transmission grids, with the purpose of assuring electrical system stability.
Operational partner: Fundação Para o Desenvolvimento de Bauru – FUNDEB
• Intelligent system intended to electric power transmission asset management, by means of tracking partial discharges.
  
Partial discharges from any equipment are responsible for the majority of failures in extra-high and high-voltage equipment services, in addition to being considered hardly detectable on site. This project aims to develop an intelligent system dedicated to detection, analysis and tracking of equipment partial discharges, involving an automated interpretation of the electric discharges identification, taking into account the statistics measured under both laboratory and on-site conditions.
Operational partner: IEE – Instituto de Eletrotécnica e Energia/USP
• Application of FACTS Technologies in Transmission Systems aimed to enhance Electrical System Performance
  
Initiated in 2011, this project is intended to assess the application of FACTS equipment in the transmission grid, particularly in the Brazilian electric power industry’s Basic Grid. The expected result is to attain an improvement in voltage control, damping of occasional oscillation in the system, alleviation of short circuit current, tighter control of the network components load, thus reducing the incidence of blackouts.
Operational partners: Marangon Engenharia and Universidade Federal de Itajubá
• Real Time Adaptive Islanding System (AIS) Based on Monitoring the Stability of the Brazilian Interconnected System
  
Since 2011, CTEEP has been engaged in the construction of an online real-time computer system intended to detect risk situations in the Company`s transmission system. When the Brazilian Interconnected System is found to have a likely risky situation, the AIS determines and automatically starts the necessary procedures to maintain power supply to certain areas during the period of power network disturbances. This is made possible by the separation of transmission stretches, thus preventing from economic and safety impacts on the population.
Operational partner: CHOICE Technologies
• Development of physic-chemical and dielectric methodologies, aimed at assessing the condition of oil-paper insulating systems in the equipment located in the Company`s substations
  
CTEEP has been developing, since 2011, physic-chemical and dielectric methodologies, aimed at assessing the condition of oil-paper insulating systems in the equipment located in the Company`s substations. The expected result is to develop a predictive maintenance tool intended to mitigate the probability of failure in this type of equipment.
Operational partner: LACTEC
• Construction of an integrated meteorological lightning, rain, temperature and wind sensor, which will enable real-time transmission of data, to be installed in a WEBGIS platform provided with an early warning system in case of severe weather phenomena
  
GRI EC2
Initiated in 2011, this project comprises the construction of an integrated meteorological sensor dedicated to measure and perform real-time transmission of data related to lightning strikes, temperature, wind and rain, installed in a WEBGIS platform, for the purpose of providing short-term weather forecast, provided with an early warning system that may allow for a more efficient risk management in power transmission. At present, there is not any sensor carrying such features available in the market.
Operational partners: Climatempo and XMobots
• System to provide adequate monitoring data on the Concentration of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl) in insulating liquid materials used in High-Voltage Electrical Equipment
  
This project started in December 2011, with the purpose of developing a system consisting of a chromatograph, methodology and software, aimed at determining the concentration of PCBs in insulating liquid materials used in electrical equipment, such as power transformers. The presence of this substance represents a toxicological concern to both the environment and human health. In this sense, the Company remains alert to accurately monitor the concentration of PCBs in the insulating liquid material in its equipment, so as to assure a responsible approach towards its operations.
Operational partner: LACTEC
• Intelligent Tools intended to Provide Diagnosis in Power Transmission Transformers Exposed to Extreme Electromagnetic Fields.
  
This project aims at developing intelligent tools integrated to decision-making supporting systems, which will enable a complete diagnosis of damages found in power transmission transformers exposed to extreme electromagnetic fields. This project also entails the performance of exhaustive testing and trials that will allow for the assessment of the progress achieved and promote initiatives that should foster its improvement.
Operational partners: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos – USP and Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) – Bauru


Two projects connected with ANEEL`s Strategic Themes are in progress, namely:


• ANEEL Call No. 6: Supercable Project – Development of High-temperature Superconductor (HTS) Technology for Electrical Power Systems
  
This project aims at narrowing the technological distance between the technical teams of the Brazilian concessionaires as compared to their international peers, which have already invested in and currently make use of the Superconductor Technology. This study encompasses the project, simulation, construction and laboratory trial of a three-phase Superconductor Cable 5-meter long prototype, by using second-generation superconducting tapes. The project also entails the installation of a prototype in a substation yet to be determined, provided with a cryogenic cooling system and a monitoring system.
Partnerships: Cemig (applicant), ECATE, NovaTrans Energia, Transmissora Aliança and Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ (project executor).
• Call nº 13 – Development of skills and evaluation of technical and commercial arrangements in distributed generation by photovoltaic systems connected to the network
The scope of this strategic project entails, among other aspects, the installation of a photovoltaic solar energy plant of 525 kWp, as well as a solarimetric station, in addition to a study and evaluation of the impact from the photovoltaic generation on the distribution system.
Partnerships: CESP and the Permanent Program for the Efficient Use of Energy (USP) and Instituto de Eletrotécnica e Energia – IEE/USP (project executors)

The second round of the Technology Prospecting Workshop held by CTEEP included a Maintenance Specialists Panel, which was attended by Brazilian and international professionals to discuss the technological trends for the electric power sector. In 2012, the highlight was the theme Maintenance Technologies applied in the Electric Power Transmission Systems, which comprised three major aspects: maintenance of substation equipment, maintenance of overhead and underground lines, telecommunication controls and commands, taking into account not only the current issues, but also the outlook for the next 10 years.