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September 2014
ABB Power Update

Stepping up more than voltage in wind farms with transformers

It’s clear that wind and solar will play an increased role in how power is generated and distributed as America’s power landscape evolves toward more diversified sources of generation and a more decentralized set of distributed energy resources. As the wind industry works through its challenges, a key issue discussed with increasing regularity involves grid integration. How do you take increasing amounts of wind-produced power, seamlessly transmit it to load centers, and in a way that does not interfere with reliability or break the bank? One way is to specify standardized products in order to decrease delivery time and improve profitability. >> Learn more about how a new strategy for standardizing renewable-energy based generator step-up transformers can improve the profitability of wind projects.


Automation & Power World
Experts wanted: Showcase your expertise in Houston next March

Share your industry knowledge and be part of ABB’s largest and most comprehensive educational experience in North America. Through September 30, we are accepting presentation proposals for next year’s ABB Automation & Power World, an education and networking program that provides ABB customers and other industry professionals with relevant and useful solutions to help them solve challenges and improve day-to-day operations. Help shape the curriculum of the conference and submit a proposal for a presentation. >> Submit your presentation topic now!

Power service
The changing service landscape

Talented, young technicians are replacing retiring veterans. This new generation is more likely to rely on laptops than wrenches to make repairs. Scheduled maintenance and the break/fix approach are being replaced by predictive- and condition-based approaches. The service landscape is slowly, but significantly shifting. Embracing and adapting to the coming changes can reduce both costs and outages. >> Download this white paper to unlock the benefits behind a condition-based maintenance approach.    

To learn more about “The changing service landscape”, attend ABB’s FREE PowerED power education webinar on September 29 at 11:00 am EDT. >> Register now 

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

Smart grid
How utilities are using big data

There are three main areas where utilities are working to build big data operations: improve distribution grid management, particularly around storm restoration; improve system health management by precisely assessing risks of asset failure; and manage distributed energy resources integration into transmission and distribution systems. How are other utilities incorporating big data into their operations? >> Find out how four utilities are using big data to generate big dollars.    

You might be interested in ABB’s FREE webinar “Simple steps to grid modernization”, sponsored by the Smart Grid Center of Excellence on October 16 at 2 pm EDT. >> Register now

>> I’d like to talk to someone about smart grid

HVDC
The second electrical revolution

DC power is again having its day. A convergence of factors—from growing use of renewable energy sources, to an explosion in the number of power-hogging data centers, to recent safety regulations for industrial control panels, even consumer aesthetics—are driving renewed interest by utilities and industries in using both high- and low-voltage DC electrical systems. Much of this interest comes from efforts to reduce the energy lost between AC and DC conversions, which can be 10 percent or more, especially when multiple conversions are required between an AC electrical distribution system and actual use of the electricity by equipment. While no one expects a wholesale switch to DC power, there are applications and industries where direct current provides an advantage. >> Learn more

You might be interested in ABB’s PowerED FREE power education webinar “Resiliency planning for the transmission grid” on October 15 at 11 am EDT. >> Register now

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

Asset health center
End-to-end asset health

It's no secret why asset management is becoming so crucial. Most utilities are faced with aging transformers, breakers and other critical infrastructure. On top of that, many of their top people are retiring, taking their equipment expertise with them. And in some areas – the Sandy-ravaged Northeast and Tornado Alley in the U.S., for instance – grid hardening is a major theme with regulators and ratepayers alike. As a result, asset health management is elevating from the departmental level to the C suite. It is becoming a strategic imperative. >> Discover how unlock the hidden surprise in your data.

Interested in “Asset management”? Then register for ABB’s FREE Smart Grid Center of Excellence webinar on September 30 at 11 am EDT. >> Register now

>> I’d like to talk to someone about asset health

White papers
Building physical grid security

>> Download now
  Addressing power quality issues in solar PV installations

>> Download now

Videos
Wireless mesh networking

>> Watch now
  Applications and benefits of reclosers

>> Watch now

Educational opportunities
 
 

Events

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