About Us
Our Team
Principals:
Gary L. Ford
John Meehan
Mark Vainberg
Associates:
W.J. (Bill) Bergman
John Lackey
Izy Polishchuk
Brian F. McConville
Tim Molony
Gary Walters
Lou Cappa
Dennis Hines
Mark Vainberg, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Mark is well known for his expertise in asset management and risk assessment, as well as in information acquisition and decision support technologies. He has a proven record of achievement in managing and delivering technical services in the electric utility sector. He has an excellent grasp of industry trends and the ability to quickly and accurately assess customer needs and requirements. This combined with careful project formulation and management, results in delivering a wide variety of projects on time and on budget.
View Extended CVProfessional Achievements
- Launched PowerNex Associates Inc. PowerNex Associates Inc. provides services to the electric utility sector including: Technology Information scanning and acquisition, Decision Support studies and analysis, Technical Services, New Technology development and training
- Development and implementation of probabilistic and risk based approaches and models in transmission and distribution applications, including risk-based assessment of options for substation security, risk modeling and management for circuit breakers, probabilistic uprating of substations, development of new risk-based approaches for aged transformer fleet management, and variety of other applications.
- Development and facilitation of High Level Asset Management strategies for a number of large Canadian and US utilities
- Lead projects to develop risk-based decision support tools to quantify life-cycle management of key utility assets for Canadian and US utilities. Also lead technology development in a number of projects related to identification of the State-of-the-Art in condition assessment and Diagnostics and Monitoring of major utility assets, as well as in developing Dynamic Rating systems allowing utilities to increase equipment utilization without taking any additional risks
- Experience in development of e-business and technology strategy for number of clients
- Development and Provision of extensive training and support in the areas of Asset Management and Benchmarking as a tool for identifying and using best practices in utility and other industries
Career Highlights
- As part of a small team of experts successfully developed and introduced probabilistic uprating of substations into utility practice and was recognized as a recipient of New Technology Award (for saving a major Canadian utility over $50M)
- Helped a number of utility clients to develop, formulate and implement Asset Management Strategies (AMS) and develop a framework for integration of AMS with an existing Work Management and other systems
Achievements
Ontario Hydro New Technology Award 1990
Advanced Models for End of Life Decisions (view)
Authors: M. Vainberg, G.L. Ford
Publication: Presentation at CEATI's Underground Cable Workshop
City: Vancouver
Date:
March 3rd, 2008
Keywords: advanced model, end of life decision, risk-based method, probabilistic analysis, asset management, risk quantification, cables
Review and Summary of Key Standards and Guides for Station-Class Power Transformers
Authors: J. Lackey, M. Vainberg
Publication: (CEATI Report T074700-3043)
Date:
2008
Keywords: standards, guides, power transformers, classification, station liquid-filled power transformers, requirements and test codes, bushings, load tap changers, current transformers, insulating oil, transformer installation, loading, monitoring and diagnostics, lightning arresters, application, guides for transformers, transformer applications, transformer specifications, transformer factory testing, transformer installation and commissioning, transformer loading and monitoring, transformer field testing, transformer life extension.
Short-Circuit Design Requirements for Power Transformers
Authors: J. Lackey, M. Vainberg
Publication: (CEATI Report T074700-3048)
Date:
2008
Keywords: description, summary, short-circuit design for power transformers, generic guidelines, process for dealing with power transformer manufacturers on short-circuit Issues
Replacement / End of Life Criteria for Distribution System Assets
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: (CEATI Report T074700-5067)
Date:
2008
Keywords: end of life, criteria for EOL, distribution assets, financial model, NPV, asset management
Advanced Models for Transformer Life
Authors: Ford G.L., M. Vainberg, C. Kurtz, B. Desai
Publication: CIGRE Colloquium Brugge
Date:
October 2007
Keywords: asset management, transformer life, estimation, risk model, probabilistic analysis, advanced model
Factoring in Cost of Poor Reliability into Procurement Decision (view)
Authors: C. Kurtz, G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg
Publication: Presentation at the Doble Spring 2007 Conference
Date:
March 2007
Keywords: advanced models, transformer life, risk, probabilisitic analsyis, hazard rate function, life estimation, decision support, asset management, risk quantification, reliability, performance, decision making
Factoring In The Cost Of Poor Reliability Into The Procurement Decision
Authors: Kurtz C. G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, B. Desai
Publication: Doble Engineering Company, 74th Annual International Doble Client Conference Doble
Date:
2007
Keywords: asset management, transformer life, estimation, risk model, probabilistic analysis, advanced model, fleet management, hazard rate, reliability
Management of Aged Transformer Fleets
Authors: Kurtz C., G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, B. Desai
Publication: Edison Electric Institute Transmission Committee Meeting
City: San Francisco, CA
Date:
October 11th, 2006
Keywords: asset management, transformer life, estimation, risk model, probabilistic analysis, advanced model, aged assets, fleet management
Blending a Substation into its Environment
Authors: G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, M. Lebow
Publication: Volume 1:State of the Art Review (EPRI report 1010599)
Date:
September 2005
Keywords: substation, blending into environment, state of the art review
High Voltage Disconnect Switch Asset Management – Information Requirements
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: CEATI Report T013700-3036)
Date:
August 2005
Keywords: Disconnect switch, asset management, end-of-life
Survey of Existing Multi-Criteria Substation Equipment Asset Management Methods
Authors: M. Vainberg, J. Meehan
Publication: (CEATI Report T013700-3032)
Date:
August 2005
Keywords: multi criteria, substation, substation equipment, asset management, survey
Managing Aged Transformers
Authors: Kurtz, C. G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg
Publication: Transmission and Distribution World
Date:
July 1st, 2005
Keywords: aged assets, transformer, end of life, asset management
Innovative Data Analysis and Decision Support for Managing Aged Transformer Fleets
Authors: Kurtz C., B. Ward, G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, M. Lebow
Publication: EPRI Diagnostics Conference
City: New Orleans
Date:
March 2005
Keywords: advanced, innovative analysis, aged, transformer fleet, decision support
Innovative Methodologies for Managing Aged Transformer Fleets
Authors: C. Kurtz, G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, M. Lebow, B. Ward
Publication: 2nd Annual EPRI Power Delivery Asset Management Conference
Date:
November 2004
Keywords: Transformer, Aged Assets, Asset Management, Risk-based, probabilistic approach
Risk-based Station Security
Authors: M. Vainberg, M. Lebow
Publication: 2nd Annual EPRI Power Delivery Asset Management Conference
Date:
November 2004
Keywords: risk-based, station, substation, security, assessment, management
Practical Asset Management for Transmission and Distribution
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: Canada Power Conference
Date:
September 2004
Keywords: asset management, transmission and distribution
Circuit Breaker Asset Management Requirements
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: CEATI Report T013700-3019
Date:
March 2004
Keywords: circuit breaker, end-of-life, asset management
Effective Monitoring Technology For Circuit Breakers
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: CEATI Report T013700-301
Date:
January 2003
Keywords: circuit breaker, monitoring
End of Life Decision on Circuit Breakers
Authors: J. Meehan, M. Vainberg
Publication: CEATI Report T013700-3016
Date:
January 2003
Keywords: circuit breaker, end-of-life, asset management
Determination of the Mechanical Resistance of Soils for Distribution Systems
Authors: G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, D. Horrocks, H. Radakrishna
Publication: CEATI Report T024700-5034
Date:
2003
Keywords: mechanical resistance, soil, distribution system
Rating of Cables in a Nonuniform Thermal Environment
Authors: Anders, G., J.M., Braun, M. Vainberg, S. Rizzetto, H. Brakelmann
Publication: Transmission and Distribution Conference, 1999 IEEE, 04/11/1999 -04/16/1999, 11-16
City: New Orleans
Date:
1999
Pages: 83 - 88
Keywords: rating, cables, non-uniform thermal environment
Workstation for Distribution System Applications
Authors: M. Vainberg, S. Cress
Publication: CEA Position Paper SD-322
Date:
1998
Keywords: workstation, position paper, distribution system application
Application of Asset Management Planner Model to Load Tap Changer Transformers and 345 kV Air Blast Breakers
Authors: M. Vainberg, G. Anders, M. Lebow, M. Alfieri, L. Savio
Publication: EPRI Substation Equipment Diagnostics Conference V
Date:
February 1997
Keywords: asset management, asset, management, model, load tap changer, ltc, transformer
Assessment of Maintenance Policies for Transformer Tap Changers – An Application of the Maintenance Planning Advisor Program
Authors: G.J. Anders, J. Endrenyi, M. Vainberg, M. Lebow
Publication: PMAPS 1997
Date:
1997
Keywords: transformer, tap-changer, LTC, maintenance policies, maintenance planning advisor, probabilistic model
Probabilistic Asset Management and RCM at Substations
Authors: M. Vainberg, G.J. Anders, M. Lebow
Publication: ERA Conference on Engineering Asset Management for Utilities
Date:
1997
Keywords: probabilistic, asset management, rcm, substation
Application of a Maintenance Planning Model for Rotating Machines
Authors: B. Reichman, J. Stein, D. Loberg, G.J. Anders, H.G. Sedding, M. Vainberg, J.F. Lyles
Publication: paper 11-204, CIGRE
Date:
1994
Keywords: maintenance, planning, model, rotating machines
Parameters Affecting Economic Selection of Cable Sizes
Authors: G.J. Anders, M. Vainberg, D.J. Horrocks, S.M. Foty, J. Motlis, J. Jarnicki
Publication: IEEE, 93WM 113-1 PWRD
Date:
1993
Keywords: economic selection, cable size, underground cables, optimization
Utility Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Criteria
Authors: M. Vainberg
Publication: CEA Project SD-146A, CEA
Date:
November 1992
Keywords: utility, vehicle, replacement criteria
Optimization of tubular rigid bus design [in substations]; Ontario Hydro
Authors: Anders, G.J., G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, S.J. Arnot, M.D. Germani
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Volume: 7, Issue: 3
City: Toronto
Date:
July 1992
Pages: 1188 - 1195
Keywords: rigid bus, design optimization, substation
Guidelines for Design of User-Friendly Software
Authors: M. Vainberg
Publication: CEA Project SD-235, CEA
Date:
June 1992
Keywords: guidelines, design, user-friendly software
Optimization of Tubular Rigid Bus Design
Authors: G.J. Anders, G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, S. Arnot, M. Germani
Publication: IEEE, 91 WM 028-1 PWRD
Date:
1991
Keywords: optimization, rigid bus, tubular bus
Grounding Hazard Risk Assessment Methods
Authors: G.J. Anders, G.L. Ford, M. Vainberg, S. Arnot and M. Germani
Publication: Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Short Circuits in Power Systems
City: Liege, Belgium
Date:
September 1990
Keywords: grounding hazard, risk assessment methods
CEA Workshop on Grounding
Authors: F. Dawalibi, M. Vainberg, I.B.K. Simpson
Publication:
Date:
March 1989
Keywords: grounding, workshop
Short-circuit capacity of temporary grounding cables
Authors: Reichman, J., M. Vainberg, J. Kuffel
Publication: Ontario Hydro Research, Toronto, Ontario, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Volume: 4, Issue: 1
Date:
January 1989
Pages: 260 - 271
Keywords: short-circuit capacity, rating, temporary grounding cables
Asset Management Planner – Application to Maintenance Optimization
Authors: G. Anders, J. Endrenyi, M. Vainberg, A.M. Leite da Silva
Publication: Simpósio de Especialistas em Planejamento da Operação e Expansão Elétrica, 1998, Salvador., Anais do VI SEPOPE.
City: Salvador, Bahia
Date:
1988
Keywords: asset management planner, maintenance optimization, application
Probabilistic Short Circuit Uprating of Station Strain Bus System – Mechanical Aspects
Authors: M. Germani, G.L. Ford, E. Neudorf, M. Vainberg, M. El-Kady
Publication: IEEE Trans., PWRD-1, No. 4
Date:
1986
Keywords: probabilistic uprating, short circuit, station, strain bus, mechanical aspects
Probabilistic Short Circuit Uprating of Station Strain Bus System – Probabilistic Formulation
Authors: M. Vainberg, M. El-Kady, G.L. Ford, R. Ganton, M. Germani, E. Neudorf
Publication: IEEE Trans., PWRD-1, No. 3
Date:
1986
Keywords: probabilistic uprating, short circuit, station, strain bus, formulation, methodology
Electrical Shock Safety Criteria
Authors: Bridges, J.E., G.L. Ford, I.A. Sherman, and M. Vainberg (Editors)
Publication: Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Electrical Shock Safety Criteria, Book published by Pergamon Press Inc.
Date:
1985
Keywords: electric shock, criteria, safety
Probabilistic Uprating of 230 kV Strain Bus System at Substations with High Fault Currents
Authors: M. Vainberg, M.D. Germani, M. El-Kady, R.W.D. Ganton
Publication: CIGRE, paper 310-03
City: Brussels
Date:
1985
Keywords: probabilistic uprating, 230 kV strain bus system, substations, high fault current
Risk Assessment of Grounding Hazards due to Step and Touch Potentials near Transmission Line Structures
Authors: M. El-Kady, M. Vainberg
Publication: IEEE Transactions, Vol. PAS 102, No. 9
Date:
September 1983
Keywords: risk assessment, grounding hazards, step and touch potentials, transmission line structures
Probabilistic Assessment of Step and Touch Potentials near Transmission Line Structures
Authors: M. El-Kady, P.W. Hotte and M. Vainberg
Publication: IEEE Transactions, Vol. PAS 102, No. 3
Date:
March 1983
Pages: 640 - 654
Keywords: probabilistic assessment, step and touch potentials, transmission line structures
On Prediction of the Asymmetry Resonance Phenomenon of Log-Periodic Dipole Antennas
Authors: M. Vainberg, K.G. Balmain
Publication: Canadian Electrical Engineering Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3
Date:
July 1981
Keywords: prediction, asymmetry resonance, log periodic dipole antennas
A User Friendly Computer Program for Economic Selection of Cable Sizes
Authors: G. J. Anders, M. Vainberg, D. Horrocks, M. Foty, J. Motlis
Publication: Proceedings of the 3d International Conference on Extruded Dielectric Power Cables – JICABLE-91
Date:
June 1981
Keywords: user friendly computer program, economic selection, cable sizes optimization, undeground cable
Anomalies in Log-Periodic Dipole Antennas
Authors: M. Vainberg
Publication: M.A.Sc. Thesis, UofT
Date:
1978
Keywords: anomalies, log-periodic dipole antennas, studies
Interactions of Harmonics in Transparent Medium with Periodic Non-Uniformity
Authors: M. Vainberg
Publication: M.A.Sc. Thesis, UofG
Date:
1971
Keywords: harmonics interactions, transparent medium, periodic non-uniformity