Purchase of SCADA tech puts smart grid in reach

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Excerpt: CG Automation, a subsidiary of MSE Power Systems Inc., has acquired ADMS Wind SCADA and wind-turbine-monitoring systems from Second Wind Systems Inc. Combining SCADA with its expertise in utility automation, MSE Power Systems and CG Automation can offer more reliable, interconnections for smart-grid …

A-star and four industry players to develop smart-grid equipment

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Excerpt: Groundbreaking began for the Experimental Power Grid Center (EPGC) on Jurong Island, Singapore, for an R&D facility that will function as a laboratory for smart-grid tech. Four companies – Rolls Royce, Vestas, SP PowerGrid, and CEI Contract Manufacturing – have partnered with the Agency for …

Study explores role of grid technologies in growth of U.S. wind energy

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Excerpt: A recent report, Business Strategy: Optimizing Transmission for Wind Integration examines the role of key transmission technologies essential for the rapid growth of the U.S. wind energy market. The report (Document # EI223579, June 2010) from IDC Energy Insights, Framingham, Mass., (idc.com) descri …

Inverters for 500 to 5,000 kW

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Excerpt: Magnetek’s E-FORCE Wind Inverter, on display in Booth 15707, maximizes the full potential of wind turbines operating with permanent-magnet generators. The modular platform can be customized for 500 kW to 5 MW applications. E-FORCE Wind offers peak efficiencies of over 97% when operating at full po …

Step-up transformers just for wind farms

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Excerpt: Pacific Crest Transformers, a manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers, will be highlighting the PCT WTSU step-up transformer, specially designed for the wind farm turbine market in Booth 10037. The PCT WTSU transformer addresses the needs of the wind farm turbine. It reduces lost rev …

7.2 kW inverter works at 99.4% efficiency

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Excerpt: The power conversion efficiency rating of the Aurora Wind Interface model PVI-7200 W is 99.4%. It accepts three-phase input from a permanent-magnet generator (PMG) and outputs a max 7,200 W. The inverter has a fused wind input feature and an automatic brake function for the maximum 530 Vdc and a …

Liquid cooled inverters ready for hot jobs

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Excerpt: A liquid-cooled inverter provides optimal thermal performance in a compact design for applications unsuitable for air cooling. Manufacturer Magnetek Inc. says the liquid cooled inverters are ideal for sealed-structure applications such as near shore wind turbines or wind turbines installed in co …

Construction firm shows grid upgrades need not stretch over years

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Excerpt: Not long ago, a New York utility needed a 345 kV, single circuit aerial line to connect a new 700 MW power plant to the state’s electrical grid. The project route passed through a city and required an intense permitting in addition to fast-track detailed engineering. The project schedule allowed o …

Small power transformers handle 5 to 15 MVA

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Excerpt: The recent line of small power transformers is customized for use in municipal power substations. The utility-focused smaller power transformers, from Pacific Crest Transformers, Medford, Oregon, are rated from 5 to 15 megavolt-amperes. They are ruggedly built, using disk-wound coils with cruciform …

Variable Transformer Frequency Connects Unruly Grids

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Excerpt: Four separate electrical grids cover the U.S. and Canada. Most are synchronous (same frequency and phase) so they can be connected by direct transmission lines. They are all busy places but the Eastern Seaboard is perhaps more so because of large population concentrations, such as New York City. …