February 2014
ABB's Power Update

The pulse of the grid                                



A decade after the largest blackout in the country’s history, smart grid devices known as phasor measurement units (PMUs), or synchrophasors, are opening the eyes of grid operators everywhere. But, at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), engineers are taking the technology to new levels. The agency now has the largest, most sophisticated synchrophasor network in North America, and it is the only network in the West designed to take split-second automated control actions when it detects a problem on the grid. >> Read more about the future of power grid operations


Microgrids
The key to green-powered microgrids



The job of the utility grid is to keep stable and plentiful power flowing. At the same time, the rise of distributed renewable generation, on-site energy storage systems, sophisticated building energy management systems and other grid-edge technologies are putting utilities under stress. Microgrids could play a valuable part in smoothing the transition to a decentralized, yet secure grid. Discover a new technology playing a valuable role in grid-connected microgrid systems. >> Read more



>> I’d like to talk to someone about microgrids

High Voltage Service

Radiography: The NEW sliced bread of circuit breaker and GIS maintenance

Radiography is the latest x-ray imaging technology, employed in an external environment, to capture detailed images of a circuit breaker’s critical internal components. It eliminates the need to breech the sealing system of the equipment being diagnosed; increasing equipment reliability. This technology can be deployed for half of the maintenance cost of more traditional, conventional and invasive maintenance practices. Find out answers to some common questions about radiography. >> Read more

Download white paper: Lower cost & faster maintenance via radiography

>> I’d like to talk to someone about radiography


Transformers

Spare transformers to restore the grid after disaster still await a green light* 

A portable high voltage transformer called RecX sits ready to go on its site in Houston, the prototype for a fleet of spare units that could be bundled onto heavy duty trucks and shipped to locations around the country to help restore electric power quickly after a natural disaster or devastating cyber attack. But there is not a consensus about how they should share the costs, and that is slowing the response. Delve into the dilemma confronting utilities and regulators who must justify investments to protect the grid on top of already costly budgets to replace aging grid infrastructure. >> Read more*



>> I’d like to talk to someone about recovery transformers



*Special non-subscriber link from EnergyWire with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. www.energywire.com  202/628-6500


Tropos Wireless Communication Systems

Security for wireless field area networks

The notion that wired networks are inherently more secure than wireless ones is false. When a multi-layer, in-depth defense approach is used, high levels of security can be achieved for both wired and wireless networks. Conversely, when this approach is not used, network security will suffer, irrespective of the physical medium. >> Read more      




>> I’d like to talk to someone about Tropos Wireless Networks


White papers

Three keys to designing safe, reliable and efficient substations for heavy industrial facilities

>> Download now

 

Head smart: Strengthening smart grids through real-world pilot collaboration




>> Download now


Videos
How the grid is getting smarter >> Watch now   Transformers to improve the bottom line of renewable power gen projects

>> Watch now

Educational opportunities
 
 

Events

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