The power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy on the east coast highlight the need for a much greater investment in smart grid technology, energy storage systems, clean power, and ultimately a move to a more decentralized power grid architecture. Some utilities are starting to employ smart grid technologies that can help automate the process of healing the grid and can even cut the length of power outages by up to 40 percent. >> Read more. 

>> We can help with Hurricane Sandy recovery; call 1-800-HELP-365

Distribution automation is defined as the operation of a device outside the power substation that is triggered by an automatic response to any change in the power distribution network. With current information and communications technology, distribution automation systems can make a significant contribution in optimizing the network to lower losses, improve voltage regulation, and manage control of reactive power via a variety of Volt/Var control techniques. Today’s distribution automation systems can also perform automated fault detection, isolation, and restoration.
>> Discover how to improve the reliability and efficiency of the distribution grid

>> I'd like to talk to someone about distribution grid management. 

Are your circuit breakers healthy?

North American electric utilities use SF6 gas as an arc quenching agent because of its high dielectric properties and low cost. However, the gas can become tainted over time and use. Luckily, current technology has the capability to remove these contaminants.
>> Learn how to prolong the life of your electrical equipment

>> I'd like to talk to someone about high voltage circuit breakers

After years of research and testing and simulation, a new hybrid DC breaker breakthrough solves a technical challenge that has been unresolved for over 100 years and was perhaps one the main influencers in the ‘war of currents‘ outcome. The hybrid breaker combines mechanical and power electronics switching that enables it to interrupt power flows equivalent to the output of a nuclear power station within 5 milliseconds. This game-changing breaker removes significant stumbling blocks in the development of HVDC transmission grids and will enable the transmission system to maintain power flow even if there is a fault on one of the lines.
>> Read how to make the high-voltage ac backbone more flexible, controllable and stable.

>> T&D World HVDC special supplement

>> I'd like to talk to someone about HVDC

Security guru Richard Clarke weighs in on cyber threat

Washington loves a good acronym, and when it comes to cyber security, Richard Clarke has a great one: CHEW. The renowned national security expert, who served three presidents as senior White House advisor, outlined what he sees as the four main threats in cyber security. They are crime, “hacktivism”, espionage and war. Indeed, Clarke noted, breaches happen every day and he expressed particular concern over the power grid as “the first target everyone talks about because everything depends on electric power." 
 >> More about securing the power grid

>> I'd like to talk to someone about cyber security

Recovery Transformer (RecX) demonstration

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Arc flash protection - what's new?

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Service goes green: Reuse materials while extending the life of power transformers

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Automation & Power World 2012 Power tour

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