Two Employees Receive Technology Transfer Awards

Charles Cunningham, center, received the award on behalf of AEP. He is flanked by EPRI President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Howard, left, and Generation Vice President Tom Alley, right.

(Story by Rachel Hammer)

Two AEP Generation employees have earned prestigious Technology Transfer awards from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the industry’s research and development organization.

Charles Cunningham, chemist senior, and Derrick Westfall, control technician senior, both at Mountaineer Plant, were recognized for their work on developing smart chemistry alarms.

In addition to Cunningham and Westfall, two former employees received recognition. They were Paul Ayres, now retired, and J.D. Ketchem, who transferred to Lightstone.

Their work used EPRI research on cycle chemistry measurements and instrumentation validation. The alarms help minimize the risk of steam and water cycle component damage. They identify specific issues, such as condenser leaks or pH excursions, and warn operators to take immediate action.

Details of the project are available on the EPRI website.

Presented annually, EPRI’s Technology Transfer Awards recognize industry leaders and innovators who help companies deliver safe, affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity through initiative, collaboration and leadership that transform research into results in the utility industry.