The SynchroTeq is a modular system used to synchronously activate high-voltage circuit breakers.

The SynchroTeq is a modular system used to synchronously activate high-voltage circuit breakers. It can control a brand of breakers on the market. When using a SynchroTeq system, there is no requirement for switching resistor banks, therefore reducing expenses related to auxiliary chambers. It also improves the quality of the wave delivered on the network and protects the breaker contacts.
The SynchroTeq Plus system adds to the Point On Wave switching capability of the SynchroTeq but also manages the residual Flux for improved performance and added grid control flexibility. A few features include:

• Point On Wave switching platforms are suitable for all high-voltage circuit breakers, regardless of manufacturer

• Reduced stress on electric networks and high-voltage-power equipment. Therefore, they lower maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of expensive power equipment

• Capabilities such as residual-flux management for power transformer energization and integrated C/B monitoring

• A single platform accommodates rackmount installation in substation control house or integration within high-voltage circuit breaker’s control cabinet. Compatibility with major substation protocols including IEC 61850 / DNP3 / IEC 60870-5-10x.

Downloadable documents regarding SynchroTeq platforms come from the company’s Registration link.

Vizimax
www.vizimax.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

The 2000 series SoDARs measure vertical and horizontal wind speed, and wind direction with 10-m resolution up to 700m.

The 2000 series SoDARs are intended as high-altitude sensors. These use three parabolic dishes in three separate enclosures. The 2000 series can operate in lower power consumption mode, pulsing each antenna at different time intervals. Or, they can be configured to sample all three beams simultaneously, increasing the number of complete samples during the averaging intervals. This unit captures data in real-time. The 2000 products measure vertical and horizontal wind speed, and wind direction with 10-m resolution up to 700m. The digital facsimile offers a look at the atmospheric structure exposing inversions and other critical information. The equipment can work remotely or in a network.

Atmospheric Systems Corp.
www.minisodar.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

Power Conversion forsees the electrification trend doublling over the next 20 years. The oil and gas industry will lead the trend and use electrical systems to extract and transport natural gas more efficiently.

A supplier of power generation and energy-deli equipment says the first step in the integration of its acquisition of Converteam is to rename it Power Conversion. The company’s skill in process controls, automation, and high-efficiency power electronics, motors, and generators will let the company better meet the needs of customers looking to improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Large industrial companies are replacing mechanical processes with high-efficiency, customized electric alternatives that deliver better reliability, require less maintenance and create lower emissions in industrial processes. This electrification trend is expected to double over the next 20 years. One of the trend’s leading drivers is the oil and gas industry, which is using electrical systems to extract and transport natural gas more efficiently.

About 25% of electricity produced globally is used to power electric motors in a wide range of industrial applications. Power Conversion’s solutions could help improve their energy efficiency by 30%, helping reduce electricity consumption and energy intensity. Power Conversion, with GE’s Industrial Solutions business will address all steps in the energy conversion chain with a portfolio built around rotating machines, power electronics, wind converters, solar inverters, and process control technologies.

The fastest growth in the industrial automation sector is expected to be in Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and the Middle East. The expansion will be driven by a demand in energy efficiency, and integrated electrical and mechanical equipment critical to customers competing in highly competitive industries.

GE
www.ge-energy.com/

Windpower Engineering & Development

The SEL-734B Three-Phase Monitor and Capacitor Bank Control automates and monitors three-phase banks, combined with T&B’s selection of VerSaVac one and three-phase vacuum switches for pole-top capacitors, and VBM distribution vacuum switches.

Voltage regulation and volt ampere reactive (VAR) compensation wield the most influence over the efficiency of a power distribution system, according to Sergio Arellano, product line manager with Thomas & Betts. “The fastest way to improve the efficiency of power distribution is to install switched capacitor banks with smart electronic controls. It also provides the quickest return of investment of all possible methods.”

Among the new capacitor bank controls offered by this collaboration is the SEL-734B Three-Phase Monitor and Capacitor Bank Control, which is used to automate and monitor three-phase banks, combined with T&B’s selection of VerSaVac (VSV) one and three-phase vacuum switches for pole-top capacitors, and VBM distribution vacuum switches. Capacitor bank upgrade kits are also available for applying the capacitor bank control system to existing fixed-capacitor banks.

The new capacitor-bank control includes a power-quality monitoring, control, and reporting functions, and can be combined with metering accuracy measurements. Its plug-and-play pole mount enclosure provides weather-protected space to mount network radios, power supplies and encrypting transceivers. The capacitor-bank controls also include SEL standard software tools, a 10-year product warranty on SEL products, and technical support.

 Thomas & Betts Corp.

www.tnb.com

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
www.selinc.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

How to make superconducting wire

“The validation of General Cable Superconductors shows that the Conductus 2G HTS wire development is progressing to meet the demand of innovative power applications such as Roebel cable, which offers high current carrying capacity for future superconducting applications such as motors, generators and transformers,” says Jeff Quiram, STI’s president and chief executive officer.

Superconducting motors, generators, transformers and other rotating machines are expected to generate the large future demand for HTS wire. Manufacturing process cuts and cables 2G HTS wire to long lengths and flexible current rating from 200A to 2kA. Coils using HTS wire will let a range of devices operate at higher power densities. When compared to a copper wire based electric machine with equivalent output power, future superconducting motors and generators will enable significant size and weight reductions for the motors with higher efficiency.

Superconductor Technologies Inc.
http://www.suptech.com

A developer of high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials and associated technologies says General Cable Superconductors Ltd. (GCS) has completed testing of STI’s second generation (2G) HTS wire. General Cable Superconductors, a HTS continuously transposed cable provider in New Zealand, developes HTS cable using advanced designs with multiple successful projects presently in operation. GCS tested the wire, from Superconductor Technologies Inc.,  and confirmed that it met their critical current power objective.

“The validation of General Cable Superconductors shows that the Conductus 2G HTS wire development is progressing to meet the demand of innovative power applications such as Roebel cable, which offers high current carrying capacity for future superconducting applications such as motors, generators and transformers,” says Jeff Quiram, STI’s president and chief executive officer.

Superconducting motors, generators, transformers and other rotating machines are expected to generate the large future demand for HTS wire. Manufacturing process cuts and cables 2G HTS wire to long lengths and flexible current rating from 200A to 2kA. Coils using HTS wire will let a range of devices operate at higher power densities. When compared to a copper wire based electric machine with equivalent output power, future superconducting motors and generators will enable significant size and weight reductions for the motors with higher efficiency.

Superconductor Technologies Inc.

http://www.suptech.com.

Windpower Engineering & Development

The DT Series Large Aperture Current Transducers combines a hall effect sensor and signal conditioner into a single package for use in dc-current applications up to 1,200 amps.

The DT Series Large Aperture Current Transducers combines a hall effect sensor and signal conditioner into a single package for use in dc-current applications up to 1,200 amps. Factory calibrated ranges simplify operation and eliminate zero and span pots. Industry standard 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 5 Vdc or 0 to 10 Vdc outputs are magnetically isolated from the input to provide maximum safety, and eliminate insertion losses. Internal power regulation delivers reliable operation and helps keep installation costs low, even in applications with unregulated power. A DIN-rail mount enclosure makes installation easy.

“DT series current transducers provide design and process engineers with a rich source of equipment information,” says Philip Gregory, President, NK Technologies. “The devices are said to be economical and reliable tools for monitoring equipment status, detecting process variations and allow taking corrective action before a failure occurs, and ensuring personnel safety.”

The ability to monitor circuit up to 1,200A makes the large aperture current transducers well suited for applications that include:

• Monitoring load and charging currents, and verifying operation, of battery banks
• Measuring traction power or auxiliary loads in transportation applications
• Monitoring dc powered motors in cranes, saws, sorters, and positioning equipment
• Measuring produced or consumed current, and detecting mechanical problems before a failure, in wind and solar applications.

Test and evaluation units are available to OEMs at no cost. The Engineering Resources section of NK Technologies website provides numerous application notes, and technology white paper on current sensing technology.

NK TECHNOLOGIES
http://www.nktechnologies.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

The HyStat30 electrolyzer will be part of the fourth hydrogen fueling station contract awarded to Hydrogenics in 2011.

The developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products has announced a contract with Ballast Nedam IPM, awarded at the end of December 2011, to supply a HySTAT30 electrolyzer for integration into a Netherlands’ based hydrogen fueling station. The owner of the fueling station will be Waterstofnet, a non-profit organization financed by the Flemish and Dutch governments. It is likely the electrolyzer will be powered in part by offshore wind-generated electricity.

Hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell vehicles have been embraced as a significant part of Europe’s transportation solution towards the achievement of 2050 carbon-emission targets. Multiple regional initiatives are underway throughout Europe to this end.

With over 35 hydrogen fueling installations world-wide, Hydrogenics’ HySTAT electrolyzers continue demonstrate a role in the energy mix for transportation, with scalable capabilities to produce hydrogen on demand. This is the fourth hydrogen fueling station contract awarded to Hydrogenics in 2011.

“Our success in supplying electrolyzer-based hydrogen fueling stations is directly linked to our considerable experience in industrial hydrogen markets,” says Daryl Wilson, Hydrogenics President and Chief Executive Officer. Over the past 10 years, Hydrogenics has added over 200 industrial installations worldwide to its 1,800 install-base.

HySTAT 30 electrolyzers are capable of producing up to 65 kilograms per day of pure hydrogen. The unit will arrive mid-2012 and produce hydrogen by year’s end.

HYDROGENICS Corp.
www.hydrogenics.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

- S&C Electric Company

The U.S. operates about 164,000 miles of highvoltage electric transmission lines. These are divided into five grids. Despite its vital role, the transmission grid has been neglected and allowed to become outdated over the past three decades. While electricity demand increased by about 25% since 1990, investment in new facilities has decreased about 30%. While investments are still being made, the growth of the transmission system hasn’t kept up with demand.

Today, 70% of the nation’s transmission lines and large power transformers are at least 30 years old. Experts agree that America’s transmission grid is in need of investment. For instance:

• The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s energy infrastructure a D in the organization’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

• According to the U.S. DOE, transmission and distribution losses (never sold) grew from about 5% in 1970 to 9.5% in 2001, primarily due to heavier use and more frequent congestion.

• The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has documented that the present transmission system will require “significant transmission additions and reinforcements” to accommodate the widespread integration of renewable resources.

Congested transmission lines and an outdated infrastructure have compromised efficiency and led to brownouts and blackouts. According to the DOE, major power outages and power quality disturbances cost our economy between $25 billion and $180 billion annually.

New transmission has been a private-equity effort so far. The FERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, governs the growth of wind farms and the grid but provides little guidance as to how the grid should grow despite all the talk of a smart grid. Still, wind farm owners are working to build transmission lines to load areas. For example, one recent line will extent from wind farms in East Texas to North Mississippi. Such projects create new jobs, generate investment and economic development.

Windpower Engineering & Development

Fuel cells are one of the most promising method of energy storage attracting the highest amount of investor interest among other power supply technologies.

The growing consumer demand for a reliable energy storage has resulted in a series of inventions in the energy-storage market. In recent years, significant progress has been made in in advanced batteries, fuel cells, flywheels, and ultracapacitors. There has been significant progress in increasing the expected battery life and in developing battery technologies capable of effectively powering digital devices, power tools, electric-vehicle batteries, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

A hydrogen fuel cell is a zero-emission source of power. Some fuel cells use natural gas or hydrocarbons as fuel, but even those produce far less emissions than conventional sources. Therefore, fuel cells eliminate or at least vastly reduce the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, and because they are also quiet in operation, they also reduce noise pollution. The advantages of advanced energy storage devices are significantly increasing consumer demand with a trend expected to continue. A few comments on several developments are in order.

Advanced-battery industry
A key drivers of the advanced-battery industry is that it is an environmentally friendly technology with fewer pollution and battery-disposal issues than other technologies. The policies and environmental standards given by different regulating authorities help in assessing the advanced battery manufacturers in terms of the environmental hazards associated with conventional batteries. The technological aspects of each advanced battery differ based on different parameters, such as the duration of storage, capacity, energy density, cost, and life cycle. Advanced batteries are secondary electrochemical energy storage devices and are large in terms of size and energy capacity. They are technologically advanced and environmentally friendly. The advanced batteries market is expected to increase from $6,500 million in 2010 to $20,190 million in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%.

Lithium ion battery market
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, cameras, electric vehicles, and power tools. Li-ion batteries provide high energy densities which lets the electronic devices recharge less frequently. Also, Li-ion batteries weigh less when compared to other forms of rechargeable batteries.
With mounting oil supply concerns and environmental pressures, Hydro-electric Vehicles (HEV) and plug-in HEVs (PHEVs) are expected to be the next generation technology for light and heavy-duty vehicles. The Li-ion battery market for hybrid electric vehicles is rapidly emerging with massive potential. Although Li-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles are still in an emerging phase, they are most likely to displace the Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) share in the future due to their growing prominence.

NiMH battery market
This well established and understood technology offers a dual advantage of low cost and acceptable performance. HEVs equipped with this battery have a greater range and offer twice the energy density of lead acid batteries at 80 watt-hours/kg. NiMH has economies of scale to reduce the overall battery system cost and is expected to remain a viable option for conventional HEVs.

Fuel cells
These are one of the most promising energy storage technologies attracting the highest amount of investor interest among other power supply technologies. Driven by the need to compensate for the ill-effects and inconveniences of lead-acid batteries, stationary fuel cells are largely used for backup-power applications. Fuel cells are considered low-maintenance, environmentally friendly storage with long life spans for long periods of back-up power. Because the market is in its developmental stage, it is characterized by low sales volumes, and consequent price falls due to lack of adequate demand. Nevertheless, the potential of fuel cells are being actively explored by the power-supply players across the value chain. The

global fuel cells market is expected to increase from $543.8 million in 2010 to $3710.3 million in 2020 at 21.2% annually.

Ultracapacitors can store a significant amount of energy due to the enormous surface area created by their porous carbon electrodes and small charge separation created by a dielectric separator. The charges they hold are analogous to the static electricity that builds on a surface, but are much greater due to the extremely large surface area of their interior materials.
Energy-storage mechanisms in supercapacitors are highly reversible and so allow charging and discharging over hundreds of thousands of cycles. Total number of charge-discharge cycles for commercial ultracapacitors varies from 500,000 to 1 million. Ultracapacitors have high efficiency and are best suited for applications that require high power density, such as consumer electronics, transportation, industrial and telecommunication.

The report authors also offers a for-sale report, Advanced Clean Energy Storage Devices – Global Market Size, Market Analysis by Major Storage Device, and Competitive Landscape to 2020. It gives, say authors, a clear understanding of the advanced energy storage devices market. It provides insight into key drivers impacting the market and its challenges. The report also provides data regarding the historical and forecast growths, market segment analysis, investment analysis, competitive landscape, major regulations and support programs.
ASDReports
ASDReports.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

Horizon L810

Ohio-based obstruction light manufacturer Hughey & Phillips (H&P) has a new LED obstruction light for longer-lasting, more efficient fixtures, specifically in the renewable energy industry. H&P says their Horizon low-intensity products offer a solution for FAA L-810 steady burning lights and can be powered using a solar array for renewable energy applications.

The Horizon L-810 is a steady burn obstacle light available in single and double configurations that operate at a range of 95 to 277 Vac or 9 to 48 Vdc. The configurations are available as new fixtures and replacement light modules for existing incandescent obstruction lights.

The light also features a life 15 times longer than traditional incandescent designs and uses approximately 96% less power than standard incandescent lamps. Weather-resistant assembly and housing and a self-contained wiring compartment protect the lamp from damage due to extreme environments.

“Horizon outshines and outlasts predecessor incandescent fixtures by significant margins, making them a perfect low-intensity solution for a new generation of obstruction lighting,” said Richard Finkbine, executive vice president of Hughey & Phillips.

Hughey & Phillips

hugheyandphillips.com

Windpower Engineering & Development