Autumn Vargo

This talk discusses the integration of Automated Circuit Support and Volt Var Optimization (VVO) in distribution utility systems to improve grid reliability, efficiency, and power quality. Circuit Support focuses on reducing the duration and frequency of outages by enabling automated switching operations among nearby circuits during fault events. This system utilizes equipment with real-time fault detection and automated responses like backfeeding to restore power to affected zones. The benefits of automated circuit support include reduced outage times and reliability in the electric utility grid. VVO enhances system performance by optimizing the voltage and lower reactive power (VAR) levels to reduce energy loss throughout the circuit. The importance of maintaining a low VAR-to-real power ratio is highlighted, particularly in mitigating the impact of inductive loads from industrial and residential sources. Autumn will also outline the process of designing and constructing distribution systems, including structural analysis, wooden utility poles, and line reconfiguration. The combination of these projects leads to a more efficient and resilient electrical grid, capable of better serving customers while minimizing the impact of outages and improving power quality.

Biography:

Autumn Vargo is a Power Systems Engineer with a bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University, where she graduated in 2019. Specializing in electrical engineering, she has built a solid foundation in various aspects of the field, with particular expertise in High Voltage Equipment and Analog and Digital Communications. She currently resides in Denver, CO with her husband, Greg, and dog, Jackson.

During her time at The Ohio State University, Autumn gained valuable industry experience through two internships. One with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in the Intelligent Technology Group, where she worked on advanced technological systems to improve transportation infrastructure. The other, with TRC Companies in the distribution design group, where she gained direct field experience and learned more about the electric utility distribution system equipment and concepts. This role allowed them to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

After earning her degree, Autumn became a licensed Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and has since developed a robust skill set in distribution system planning, overcurrent protection, and system modeling. Her technical expertise has contributed to optimizing electrical distribution systems, ensuring they are both efficient and reliable.