Jobs and People

HYDROVISION International offers unique small group, hands-on training

HYDROVISION International offers unique small group, hands-on training

Two groups of HYDROVISION International attendees had the chance to visit facilities for hands-on learning and training: the Western Area Power Administration’s Electric Power Training Center and Denver Water’s Hillcrest small hydro plant.

These targeted hands-on training opportunities, new this year, were requested during focus group gatherings held at HYDROVISION in 2023. Attendees said they need opportunities for hands-on training, in addition to the workshops, summit sessions and other offerings at HYDROVISION International.

At WAPA’s Electric Power Training Center, attendees go to work with a Miniature Power System (MPS). The MPS is a self-contained, fully operational power system simulator with over 40 full-size panels of operator controls. It includes three generators, a wind farm, four substations, many hundreds of miles of transmission lines, a dispatch center, and a variety of loads spread throughout the system. Attendees of this small group workshop worked together to get the grid back online by finding the location of an introduced fault.

At Denver Water’s Hillcrest plant, attendees enjoyed a short tour of the plant, built to reclaim energy from a water delivery system. They then learned the ins and outs of proper lockout/tagout procedures to ensure personnel safety. An expert discussed troubleshooting a hydro generator and answered attendees’ questions. Finally, attendees visited the associated pumping plant.

HYDROVISION’s location in Denver provided a unique opportunity to access these training facilities and move attendees out of the convention center and into facilities.

The bulk of the education program for HYDROVISION takes place on Wednesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 18. It kicks off with the opening keynote session at 8 am on July 17.