eNewsletter

March 2009

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SEL Releases New Modular Substation Control System
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) has released a new modular substation control system. PowerCore-M is a turnkey system that can be distributed around a substation yard. This SEL Job Done solution includes all communications, automation, protection and control equipment for new installations or for replacement of existing, site-built control houses.

PowerCore-M utilizes a design that saves 50 percent or more space over conventional designs. SEL multifunction protective relays minimize the number of devices and wiring needed, allowing a simplified design. Protection can be placed directly at the associated equipment and connected with fiber cables to the main enclosure. While having a compact size, the main enclosure is configured to still have ample room for testing and operation. The modular, distributed design allows for low-cost, simple, future expansion.

The use of SEL protection, monitoring and communications equipment, coupled with diagnostics information, improves system reliability and enables condition-based control of substation equipment. Designed to meet the needs of generation, transmission and distribution applications, the PowerCore-M is a completely engineered solution including custom panel design, in rugged, NEMA 3R compliant enclosures.

Landis+Gyr Launches New Smart Grid Solution
Landis+Gyr has created a solution brand, Gridstream, for global use in smart metering and communications system deployments. Gridstream is an energy management offering that represents the company’s latest technology for satisfying customers’ needs in multi-energy metering, distribution management solutions and personal energy management devices. Designed to provide utility customers a flexible, scalable, interoperable and open two-way communication and network solution, Gridstream is supported by Landis+Gyr’s technology portfolio for all advanced metering infrastructure/management (AMI/AMM) deployments.

8-Channels of A/B Switching and Remote Access with the New IP Addressable M7465
Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL), has introduced the new Model 7465 eight channel RJ45 A/B switch with 10/100 Base-T LAN Telnet Access. This IP addressable switch connects a device between two other devices or networks for each of its eight channels. The Model 7465 enables independent control of each channel via an Ethernet 10-Base-T connection or manually via eight front-panel pushbuttons.

This network switch utilizes Telnet commands to allow users to remotely select or query switch position and lockout front-panel pushbuttons. User setup allows assignment of IP address for the switch unit. Switched ports are transparent to all data and the switch will continue to pass data in last position during power loss.

ECC Introduces Solar Controller
Electronic Control Concepts has introduced the first product in its new line of alternative energy solutions. The Solar Controller, model 510, features ECC’s own intelligent charge regulator designed to maximize efficiency and minimize the cost of implementing many solar solutions. The unit is proven to extend battery life by automatically preventing both overcharge and deep discharge.

The Model 510 is a user-friendly, flexible solar controller that makes it easy to implement a wide variety of solar applications that use photovoltaic panels, batteries and a DC output or load. Applications include emergency power, DC lighting, water pumps, running a DC motor and more. In many applications, all that is necessary is to connect the recommended battery to the Model 510, hook up an appropriate solar panel, connect the DC load and configure the Model 510 switches for a particular application. The Model 510 marries the battery, solar panel and DC load so that they operate together seamlessly.

Each unit is fully customizable to meet the clients’ needs with several user-selected operating modes including duty cycle, deep cycle and night mode. There are four photovoltaic / battery configurations (12, 24, 36 and 48 volt systems are available). The model 510 makes it easy to integrate photovoltaic panels, a battery and a DC load into an operational system without the need to understand complex technical specifications.

New MZ-3330-06 Indoor/Outdoor Camera is IR and IP Ready
Industrial Video & Control is now shipping the MZ-3330-06 fixed, manual zoom camera. This product only requires a powered Ethernet cable resulting in significant savings on installation and maintenance costs.

The camera features a WDR (wide dynamic range) sensor that can cope with a broad range of difficult lighting conditions. It includes built-in IR illuminators that emit near invisible light to produce video in total visible darkness at ranges up to 15 meters. The lens is manually adjustable between 3.3 and 12 mm and has an automatic iris.

The camera has an automatic IR cut filter for excellent day-night operation apart from the IR illuminator mode, which automatically engages when the light level drops below the lowlight night mode. The camera is IP ready and includes both MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression codecs. The camera is housed in a rugged weather proof enclosure rated to IP-66.

“The great value of this standard is that it draws together the best thinking on industrial cyber security management from experts at leading companies and organizations across the globe,” said Jim Gilsinn of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. Gilsinn served as the lead editor for the standard.

The new standard follows last year’s publication of the first standard in the series, ANSI/ISA-99.00.01, which serves as the basis of all standards in the ISA99 series by presenting key concepts, terminology and models. Additional ISA99 standards under development will cover how to operate a security program after it is designed and implemented, and technical security requirements for industrial automation and control systems.

As American National Standards, the ISA99 series serves as the foundation for the IEC 62443 series of the same titles, as being developed by IEC TC65 WG10, “Security for industrial process measurement and control - network and system security.”

Silver Spring Networks and OG&E Electric Services Partner to Deploy Smart Grid Technology
OG&E Electric Services, a utility serving 765,000 customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas, and smart grid infrastructure provider Silver Spring Networks, has successfully completed the initial phase of a smart grid technology pilot project.

The project involved the deployment of Silver Spring Networks’ advanced network infrastructure and the Greenbox energy management web-based portal in 25 homes in northwest Oklahoma City. In addition, meters connected to Silver Spring Networks’ advanced technology were installed in about 6,600 apartments in the same area to allow remote initiation and termination of service.

OG&E selected the pilot program location in northwest Oklahoma City due to the area’s historically high number of service calls, approximately 10,000 per year. Using SmartPower monitors and Silver Spring Networks’ networking infrastructure, OG&E was able to respond to service requests and remotely reconnect service during outages in less than 10 seconds. Previously, the process required a field representative to drive to the location then obtain a reading and complete any maintenance work on the meter in person.

Silver Spring Networks' IP-based Smart Grid, known as the Smart Energy Network, enables a more efficient, reliable grid that could cut the growth-rate of worldwide energy consumption by more than half over the next 15 years, drastically reduce carbon emissions and enable utility providers globally to realize additional operational and environmental benefits in the future. Silver Spring Networks supports a full-range of smart grid applications, including the advanced metering and home networking applications implemented in the OG&E project.

Consumer response to the OG&E Positive Energy SmartPower project has been overwhelmingly positive. Participating residents said they gained flexibility and control over their household's energy consumption by monitoring their usage on in-home touch screen information panels. In fact, results of the pilot project appear promising enough that OG&E intends to present a plan for expanded deployment to the Oklahoma Corp. Commission for their consideration.

Toshiba Makes Full-scale Entry into Solar Systems Business
Toshiba Corp. has entered into the solar photovoltaic systems business. On January 1, Toshiba’s Transmission Distribution & Industrial Systems Company established the Photovoltaic Systems Division, a dedicated business management and promotion organization that will take the initiative in responding to a surge in demand for solar photovoltaic systems.

Toshiba will secure orders for large solar power generation systems by drawing on its competitive advantages. In components, the company’s expertise includes high-efficiency power conditioning systems and the SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery) Toshiba's rechargeable battery that offers safety, long life and rapid charging. In system integration, Toshiba can point to capabilities in system integration, particularly in connecting generation systems to distribution systems, in microgrids that connect and manage dispersed small-scale power generation sources and in large plant system engineering capabilities.

In fiscal year 2015 the global solar photovoltaic systems market for utility and industrial plants is expected to reach approximately $24.4 billon from that approximately $13.3 billion in fiscal year 2008. Toshiba will promote business expansion by utilizing existing global sales channels and expects to achieve an annual business scale of approximately $2.2 billion by fiscal year 2015.

EPRI Report Describes Benefits Achieved Through Implementing Smart Metering Initiatives
In collaboration with four Ohio utilities, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has completed a report that describes a range of potential benefits to utilities, consumers and society as a result of deploying smart meter technologies. The study concluded that these potential benefits may produce enhanced service, a more responsive and efficient delivery system, more effective demand response systems, environmental benefits and new products and services. The report also describes methods to evaluate the deployment of these benefits in monetary terms.

This study was prepared with funding from four utilities: American Electric Power, Dayton Power and Light, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy.

The report shows that smart metering is an enabler that has the potential to change how electricity is provided and used in a manner that may benefit consumers, but it does not assure that these benefits are actually realized. It further concludes that consumers must be induced to change the way in which they use electricity, which may require utility incentives and other infrastructure investment beyond that directly associated with smart metering.

March 2009

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.satellitetod ay.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

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

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.

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.

UTC Telecom 2009
June 1-4, 2009
Las Vegas, NV

For every telecommunications, information technology and networking professional at every energy and water company the Utilities Telecom Council's Annual Conference and Exposition – UTC TELECOM 2009 – is an essential learning experience.  UTC TELECOM 2009, will be held June 1-4, 2009 in Las Vegas , Nevada ,  and will feature unique opportunities for everyone in the critical infrastructure communications business to learn and network with industry experts and peers. This year's event features an educational program designed to save your money and time as soon as you get back to work, a key element in today's economy.  Join us at UTC TELECOM 2009 to get access to education and networking events that will benefit you all year long.

Connectivity Week
June 8-11, 2009
Santa Clara, Calif.

As we enter a new era in the 21st century,  an era of change and action upon a background of challenging economic times around the world,  the need for efficiency has never been so critical. As the challenges of energy supply are now realized as a major factor in world economics,  politics and security,  the control and management of energy sourcing,  transmission and consumption become the subjects that are prime for Information Technology.

Please link to www.ConnectivityWeek.com

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