eNewsletter

February 2009

Methanol Fuel Cells: A New Alternative Energy Source for Remote Applications 
Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO, SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG
 
Ensuring a 100 percent reliable supply of power to essential off-grid equipment has become one of the most urgent requirements of operators of all kinds of systems for early warning, catastrophe management, security,  surveillance and monitoring. As the systems themselves become more refined, precise and useful, their power consumption rises, and the challenges in providing enough power to ensure their uninterrupted operation become more difficult.

Continue Article in PDF Format here.

New GSM Thermometer with E-mail and Data Logging
HW Group s.r.o., a Czech Republic based manufacturer, has introduced a new product to the market, the HWg-Tg11. This GSM thermometer with temperature logging into its internal flash memory is intended for temperature monitoring in remote locations. A unique feature of the product is the transmission of alert messages as well as of measured data by e-mail over GPRS.

The Tg11 store temperature readings in a central system and is designed to send a SMS or dial a call to the responsible manager if the temperature exceeds a set range. The HW Group supplies the Tg11 as a complete solution, and it can be purchased with either a Windows based data collection application (CapTemp) or a Web-based service (SensDesk portal). Typical applications include small plants, warehouses, surveillance and others.

OSI Introduces a Configurable Logic Control Function for its OSIRIS RTU
Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI) has released configurable logic control capabilities for its OSIRIS remote telemetry unit (RTU). OSI’s versatile Linux-based secure RTU, the OSIRIS (OSI Remote Information System) now provides full IEC61131-compliant programmable logic functionality.

The automation control platform (ACP) option is designed to process data and events from/to any connected device. When combined with current protocol conversion/data concentrator functions, communications capabilities and direct-wired analog, status and control I/O points, OSIRIS provides control and monitoring functionality and value in a compact, hardened remote unit.

Highlighting the ACP is an intuitive application development environment. Sophisticated logic can be programmed to interact with any of the points on the unit and perform all desired calculations, from simple control logic to very sophisticated algorithms.
The ACP for OSIRIS provides tools to support five logic language forms: ladder diagram, function block diagram, sequential function chart, structured text and instruction list plus flow chart.  Programming and configuration tools were developed for ease of use and application flexibility.

Included in the ACP are powerful editing and debugging tools. Validation of entire programs can be completed offline during development. Once deployed, applications can be monitored in real-time. Through the development interface application program, execution can be traced and the state of the program variables can be inspected.

Cermetek Introduces New Internet Enabled GPRS/GSM RF Cellular Radio Modem 
Cermetek Microelectronics, Inc. has introduced the CH2168, an external, Internet enabled, GPRS/GSM wireless modem. The CH2168 provides TCP/IP cellular radio communications for autonomous or semi-autonomous M2M applications, and is pre-approved on AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the US and GCF approval for the European Union. 

Typical applications for the GPRS/GSM external wireless modem include remote data transmission/reception systems, such as those found in the chemical production and bulk transportation industries, energy production market segment, and scientific research where robust, reliable communication is a must.  The CH2168 is housed in a rugged aluminum enclosure and comes complete with numerous Industry Standard interfaces, including: TCP/IP stack, μLinus OS, BSD socket API and all necessary protocols to conduct multiple and simultaneous Internet operations.

The CH2168 delivers a convenient, reliable wireless data solution for remote systems.  It can be controlled by an external host via an RS232 serial interface or can run C, C++ or C# user applications on the onboard Coldfire processor. By hosting the user application, the modem allows the system to employ a less powerful host controller or even eliminate the need for an external host controller.

The RS232 serial interface simplifies integration of the CH2168 into existing systems.  Operation can be controlled by issuing simple, intuitive commands through the serial interface.  Two watts of output power insure reliable communications even in remote locations.

The CH2168 is the first in a family of GPRS/GSM modems planned for introduction by Cermetek incorporating a multi-network approved GPRS/GSM dual band radio and Coldfire processor.  The internal 2 watt GPRS/GSM radio handles encoding, transmission and reception of the data signal.  The Coldfire processor runs the TCP/IP stack, manages the data stream, executes both system and user supplied API and monitors/controls the data/Internet link(s). When required by the user application, operation of CH2168 can be controlled by the user by issuing simple intuitive commands to the CH2168 via its RS232 interface. 

Contemporary Controls Debuts New EISK16 Ethernet Switch
With 16 copper 10/100 Mbps ports, Contemporary Control’s new plug and play EISK16-100T switch is designed to increase the functionality of networks. This compact switch occupies 41 mm of DIN-rail space, making it well suited for areas with limited space. Housed in a metal enclosure, it provides reliable connectivity for industrial and building automation systems in a cost-effective manner.

The EISK16-100T expands the CTRLink family of Ethernet 5 and 8-port switches. Just power it up, and this unit will auto-configure each port for data rates at 10 or 100 Mbps and cable requirements. These ports support half-duplex operation with backpressure flow control or full-duplex operation with pause control. This device does not require any configuration or software, making installation simple. With Auto-MDIX support, there is no need for crossover cables when connecting to another switch.

Convenient mounting is available with the attached DIN-rail clip. Low-voltage 10 to 36 VDC or 24 VAC (± 10 percent) 47 to 63 Hz powers the unit. It is designed to operate in  0°C to 60°C industrial temperatures. The auto-negotiation protocol allows this switch to link with any compatible 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX device. It will function with any application layer that works with Ethernet including Modbus/TCP, BACnet /IP or EtherNet/IP.

UCLA Researchers Create Polymer Solar Cells with Higher Efficiency Levels
Currently, solar cells are difficult to handle, expensive to purchase and complicated to install. The hope is that consumers will one day be able to buy solar cells from their local hardware store and simply hang them like posters on a wall.   

A new study by researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has shown that the dream is one step closer to reality. Yang Yang, a professor of materials science and engineering, and colleagues have designed and synthesized of a new polymer, or plastic, for use in solar cells that has significantly greater sunlight absorption and conversion capabilities than previous polymers.  

The research team found that substituting a silicon atom for carbon atom in the backbone of the polymer markedly improved the material's photovoltaic properties. This silole-containing polymer can also be crystalline, giving it great potential as an ingredient for high-efficiency solar cells.  

But while polymer solar cells have been around for several years, their efficiency has, until recently, been low. The new polymer created by Yang's team reached 5.1 percent efficiency but has in a few months improved to 5.6 percent in the lab. Yang and his team have proven that the photovoltaic material they use on their solar cells is one of the most efficient based on a single-layer, low-band-gap polymer.   

At a lower band gap, the polymer solar cell can better utilize the solar spectrum, thereby absorbing more sunlight. At a higher band gap, light is not easily absorbed and can be wasted.  

Swann’s MovieStick Simplifies Shooting and Sharing Videos On-the-Go
Swann Communications has released its MovieStick camera and recorder. One of the world’s smallest digital video recorders, the MovieStick is an alternative to the camcorder as it allows people to shoot video and easily distribute it.

Weighing less than an ounce and slightly larger than a pack of gum, the MovieStick easily fits into a pocket and can be taken anywhere. All footage is recorded on a removable Micro SD card that allows for easy transfer to a computer for viewing or storage. With a 2 GB Micro SD card, the MovieStick can record up to 2.5 hours of video.  The device’s built-in lithium battery that regains its charge via a USB port located on the bottom of the MovieStick.

Cooper Aquires Cyme International
Cooper Industries, Ltd. has acquired Cyme International, a power engineering software and services provider that enables utility engineers to design, analyze and optimize their networks. Additionally, Cyme’s products allow utilities to manage power outages, leverage advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data, integrate and manage distributed generation assets such as renewable sources of electricity and maximize the productivity of their networks.  Cyme will become part of the Energy Automation Solutions (EAS) group within Cooper Power Systems.  Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“This acquisition complements Cooper Power Systems’ ability to provide utility customers with comprehensive smartgrid solutions to improve power quality, reliability and efficiency in their transmission and distribution networks,” said Cooper Industries chairman and CEO Kirk S. Hachigian.  “Cyme’s capabilities in power systems engineering and software development, coupled with our recent acquisitions of Cannon and Cybectec, enable Cooper to provide automation solutions and ‘smart’ products that offer enhanced value to our utility customers.” 

“This is a natural integration of two companies who know that the smart grid is a business driver for utilities,” said Marc Coursol, president and CEO of Cyme. “We look forward to seeing our solutions and engineering services integrated into the Cooper Power Systems offering to better serve our mutual customers the world over.”

Leaf River Energy Center LLC Receives FERC's Certificate of Necessity for Natural Gas Storage Facility
Leaf River Energy Center LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Westport, CT based NGS Energy LP, has been issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to develop and operate a salt dome natural gas storage facility and the associated pipeline infrastructure.

Leaf River is expecting to file for Authorization to Commence Construction with the FERC and start building the facility immediately after that authorization is granted.
The storage facility will consist of caverns that will be created in two salt domes situated on over 400 acres in Smith and Jasper Counties, Mississippi and when completed, will provide up to 32 Bcf of working gas capacity. The 43 mile pipeline header system associated with the facility will stretch between Smith, Jasper and Clarke counties in Mississippi and interconnect with Southern Natural, Gulf South, Transco, Tennessee, Destin and the proposed Kinder Morgan Express Pipelines.

This highly deliverable and flexible storage facility will be able to inject up to 1 Bcf/d and withdraw up to 2.5 Bcf/d across the facility and is expected to be in service by the summer of 2010.

Besides the multiple turn firm and interruptible storage services, Leaf River will provide park and loan and hourly balancing services and interruptible wheeling services at market based rates.

Echelon Wins Smart Metering Project in France
Echelon Corporation has announced that the Group of Electricity Distributors in France (GAELD), a consortium of electricity distributors, has chosen Echelon’s Networked Energy Services (NES) system for up to 90,000 homes. The project, awarded to Echelon partner Alter Way, is expected to begin within the next few months and to be completed by 2013. In the past two months the NES system has gained momentum across Europe, including projects in Germany, Denmark and now France.
         
One of the utilities in the GAELD consortium, Régie d’électricité de Loos, is allowing homeowners to sell back solar produced electricity to the utility. They are doing so using the ability of NES meters to measure the amount of electricity produced separately from the energy consumed, as opposed to simple “net metering” in which the details of production versus consumption are lost, making this the first instance of Echelon’s meter to be used in an alternative energy application in France.

“We are excited to increase our position in the French market, which has traditionally been difficult to enter due to strong local competition. We believe our success here, and recently in other countries such as Germany and Denmark, is a reflection of the growing awareness among utilities of the benefits that the NES system, together with smart grid applications, bring to their operations,” said Frits Bruggink, Echelon's senior vice-president and general manager, service provider group.

WBF Releases New Integrated Version of B2MML and BatchML
WBF has released version V0401 of B2MML and BatchML, which combines the two markup languages into a single related set of standards useful to the general process industries.

B2MML (business to manufacturing markup language) is an XML (eXtensible markup language) implementation of the ISA95 family of standards, known internationally as IEC/ISO 62264. BatchML (batch markup language) is an XML implementation of the ISA88 family of standards. B2MML and BatchML consist of sets of XML schemas written using the World Wide Web Consortium’s XML Schema language, and implement data models for ISA95 and ISA88 respectively.

Remote Monitoring and Networking Solutions for Utilities and Infrastructure – 5 Pack

For those of you who were unable to attend the 2008 Remote Conference and Expo, you can still stay up-to-date on the latest advancements for monitoring, managing and networking your utility and infrastructure based assets with the new Remote Monitoring and Networking Solutions for Utilities and Infrastructure 5 Pack.

Included in the 5-pack is the PDF presentations given at Remote 2008, as well as two videos of the actual sessions.

Intelligent Infrastructure Deployment Using WiFi Technology, with Cyber Security, to Deliver a Robust Broadband Monitoring and Control Network
Fredric Fletcher, Assistant General Manager • Burbank Water and Power 
PDF of Presentation and Video included

Cutting Costs - Designing Your Own Custom Remote Monitoring RTU
Richard Lamb, President • Midwest Technology Ventures
PDF of Presentation

Trends in Substation Automation, Control Center Operations and Field Automation for the World’s Electric Utilities
Chuck Newton, President • Newton-Evans Research Company
PDF of Presentation and Video

Leveraging the ZigBee Wireless Standard for AMI Networks
Bob Gohn, Vice President • Ember Corp.
PDF of Presentation

Smart Wireless Communications for SCADA Operations
John Rasweiler, VP of Engineering and Network Operations • Arcadian Networks
PDF of Presentation

Click here to Order.

February 2009
23-26, NATE 2009, Nashville, TN. Contact www.natehome.com

23-24, World Meter Design Congress 2009, San Francisco, Calif. Contact
www.spintelligent-events.com/wmdc09/en/index.php

March 2009
45, Fieldbus Foundation General Assembly, Yokohama, Japan, Contact www.fieldbusfoundation.org

9-12, Power Test 2009, San Antonia, Texas Contact www.powertest.org

15-18, IEEE PES/PSCE, Seattle, Wash. Contact www.pscexpo.com

17-19, Transmission and Distribution Europe, Barcelona, Spain, Contact www.td-europe.eu

18-20, IWCE, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.iwceexpo.com

22-25, Metering America 2009, Miami, Fla. Contact www.spintelligent-events.com/mam2009

24-26, OFC/NFOEC, San Deigo, Calif. Contact www.ofcnfoec.org

24-27, SATELLITE 2009, Washington DC, Contact www.satellitetoday.com

31- April 1st, Mile High Industrial and Automation Conference, Denver, Colo. Contact www.mhiac.com

31- April 4th, APEX, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.goipcshows.org

Metering, Billing/CIS America 2009
March 22-25, 2009
Miami, FL

In its 10th anniversary year, Metering, Billing/CIS America conference and exhibition will examine the changes and developments effecting the utilities industy. With four dedicated tracks (metering, grid, billing and water), a host of interactive breakfast smart sessions, comprehensive instructor-lead workshops, and a stand-alone MDM seminar, Metering, Billing/CIS America 2009 stands to deliver engrossing content in an excellent networking environment. For further details please contact ryan.matthews@spintelligent.com or visit our website www.meteringamerica.com

Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) and the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC)
March 22-26, 2009
San Diego, Calif.

Together the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) and the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC) span the entire optical communications industry, from scientists and engineers to manufacturers and service providers. The combined event offers the world's largest international exhibition in optical communications plus the field's finest peer-reviewed technical programming, plenary session and networking opportunities.
OFC/NFOEC will take place in San Diego, California, March 22-26, 2009. Visit www.ofcnfoec.org for more information.

SATELLITE 2009
March 24-27
Washington, DC

SATELLITE 2009 is the premier conference and exhibition providing pertinent information, latest trends and actionable solutions to the satellite end-user community.  You’ll have unlimited opportunities to network with the entire satellite spectrum, including C-level executives, engineers and professional peers in communications, technology development, production, network operations and more!  At SATELLITE 2009, you’ll experience more than 280 exhibitors showcasing solutions and the most extensive conference focusing on the vertical markets of the satellite community.  SATELLITE 2009 takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on March 24 – 27, 2009.  Visit www.SATELLITE2009.com to register for the Conference and access to the Exhibition is free.

For more information, visit www.SATELLITE2009.com.

ISC West 2009
March 31-April 3, 2009
Las Vegas, Nev.

Attend ISC West 2009 and connect with the most up-to-the-minute technologies and solutions from over 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the globe. Gain critical insights at ISC Education in business-relevant conference sessions. Network and connect with the world of security professionals: manufacturers, dealers/installers, system integrators, and corporate end-users of security products and services. ISC West 2009 – Conference: March 31-April 2, 2009 – Exhibits: April 1-3, 2009 Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas. Register today at www.iscwest.com/Remote

Globalcon
April 1-2, 2009
Atlantic City, NJ

For 2009, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has teamed up with a powerful cross-section of cosponsors to address innovative energy management programs, distributed generation strategies, HVAC and building systems success stories, green buildings, the role of renewables, energy procurement updates, power quality solutions, and more at the GLOBALCON 2009 conference and expo on April 1-2, 2009 in Atlantic City, NJ. GLOBALCON 2009 offers more training flexibility than ever before with a multi-track conference program, intensive seminars, and an energy, power, and facility management expo.

Featured topics this year are:
•Strategic Energy Planning •Profiting From Energy Management •Energy Management Success Stories •Distributed Generation & Power
•Advanced HVAC Systems •Information Technology •Green Buildings •Energy Efficient Buildings

Visit the GLOBALCON 2009 exposition and discover the latest strategies to reduce costs, upgrade equipment, and improve operational efficiency. Access to this valuable expo is included with full conference registration. The expo offers the chance to network with various equipment and service providers. We have also added a series of FREE workshops to help get you up to speed on the latest technologies and success stories. For full details on any of the events at GLOBALCON, visit the show website: www.globalconevent.com

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 Convention
April 1-3, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 event is where over 1,200 exhibiting companies and 40,000+ attendees from 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas.  Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level. Register now to be part of the Mobile Life! 

For more information, visit www.ctiashow.com.

ATA 2009
April 26-28, 2009
Las Vegas, NV

ATA's Annual Meeting is the premiere forum for the healthcare industry to discuss clinical and business issues related to telemedicine. The meeting includes hundreds of presentations, posters, workshops and exhibits.

 If you are involved with telemedicine technology solutions for healthcare, the ATA Annual Meeting is the single-most important event of the year. More than 2400 attendees from all over the world are expected. Scores of new presenters will participate in ATA 2009, keeping your personal continuing education experience fresh and relevant.

Click Here for More Information.

ENTELEC Conference & Exposition
April 29 – May 1, 2009
Houston, Texas

Join us for the 81st annual ENTELEC Conference & Exposition, April 29 – May 1, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.  This year’s event features over 30 hours of technical training sessions, 225 exhibiting companies and free breakfast and lunch both days of the exhibits.  Join us for a networking social on Tuesday, April 28 at the Hilton Hotel and then on the evenings of Wednesday & Thursday at the Convention Center.  Col. Mike Mullane, former NASA astronaut will kick-off the conference on Wednesday, April 29th at 9:00am. Using real-life experiences from his Air Force and NASA careers, Colonel Mullane will motivate the ENTELEC audience on the practice of responsibility and accountability, on leadership and trust building, on setting lofty goals and overcoming obstacles to achieve those goals.

To register for the show or for more information on our sessions, exhibiting companies or hotel/travel visit us online at www.entelec.org.

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 8-10
Rosemont, Ill.

For 23 Years, Sensors Expo & Conference Has Been the Only Industry Event in North America Focusing Exclusively on Sensors and Sensor-Integrated Systems!  The 2009 event takes place June 8-10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.  The conference program is dedicated to exploring the most up-to-date innovations in sensor technology including physical sensors, sensor networks, biosensors, MEMS/Nanotechnology, Instrumentation & Controls, Intelligent Systems, Machine-to-Machine communication, wireless sensing and IT technology. Sensors Expo & Conference identifies cutting-edge trends, explores them in an information-packed conference program and reflects those trends throughout the exhibit floor with new product announcements, technology focused tours, and a showcase of hundreds of products and services. 

Visit www.sensorsexpo.com for breaking event news, in-depth information, agenda planning and registration!

6th Remote Device Monitoring and Management Summit
June 22-26
Boston, Mass.

As the economic forecast triggers concerns over reductions in new product sales, serving older products will become key to maintaining revenue. This makes retaining the intelligence of yesterday even more critical. Today's environment requires a shift in focus. Leading companies are focusing on their most valued asset- their customers. The use of RDM is bringing about increased opportunity and benefit to the companies that adopt them including strong ROI, on-demand delivery, and ease of deployment.

The 6th Remote Device Monitoring and Management Summit will help companies:
• Reduce Costs and Support Service
• Grow Revenue
• Increase Customer Satisfaction
• Manage Risk

Please visit www.iqpc.com/us/remoteservicestrategy for more information on speakers, sessions, and best pricing.

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