During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity:
• Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible) to be found and priced as an aftermarket product
• Plants are exposed to forced outages and loss of production due to poor equipment reliability
• Employee safety is often in question due...
Power has weaved its way into nearly every intrinsic detail of our lives. It has become an afterthought during the course of the day and indeed, it is a staple in our way of life.In July of 2019, in the heart of the nation’s capital, a Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) substation in...
Electric utilities are constantly searching for the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective methods to deliver electricity to customers. A vision for accomplishing this is the migration of the electrical grid from a reliable, but inflexible system to the Smart Grid, which promises adaptability...
Exploring 3-D design techniques for electrical substations BY MIKE MINELLI, & HAROLD HARKONEN, Nordmin Engineering Since the 1970s, engineering consulting firms typically have been designing substations using two-dimensional computer aided design software (CAD). This common technique produces...
In the rapidly evolving landscape of power grid management, digital twin technology is emerging as a game-changer for substations. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, digital twins bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enabling enhanced operational efficiency and...
The IEC 61850 protocol has become the global standard for substation automation, enabling high-speed communication, interoperability, and streamlined integration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). It plays a foundational role in transforming traditional substations into digital substations...
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...
In the rapidly evolving landscape of power grid management, digital twin technology is emerging as a game-changer for substations. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, digital twins bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enabling enhanced operational efficiency and...
The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters are placing unprecedented strain on the world's electricity networks, with severe implications for global energy security. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the effects of climate change are pushing many electricity grids to...
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology revolutionizes long-distance power transmission, offering improved efficiency and reliability over traditional alternating current (AC) systems. This article explores the latest developments and applications of HVDC substations, providing a technical...
As substations become more interconnected and automated, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. These critical nodes of the power grid are essential for ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply, making their protection paramount. Strengthening substation automation controls is key to...
