February 2015

Power Update: Automation & Power World Special Edition

Overcoming urban power distribution challenges with technological innovations

The people responsible for managing urban electric utilities are presented with a set of special challenges beyond those that face managers of suburban or rural substations. There are few pieces of distribution equipment designed specifically to meet the needs of urban substations. However, some technologies deliver solutions that are especially valuable to this market. >> Discover suggested solutions to resolve the challenges of safety, increased power requirements, right of way and cost in urban substations.

Don’t miss “Restructuring distribution: how technology can enable the transition” at Automation & Power World! >> Register now for FREE!

Microgrid Solutions

Microgrids: weathering the storm

If there’s a bright side to events like Superstorm Sandy, it is the wakeup call it provides to utilities, regulators, and communities, alerting them to the need to modernize the power grid to improve stability and reliability and harden it against disasters, both natural and man-made. One such solution is the microgrid, small, self-sufficient power grids that serve a group of consumers such as a university campus, military base, or municipality. The microgrid can draw power from the main grid or it can operate in “island-mode”, where it neither draws power from the main grid nor supplies power to it. >> Learn how microgrids ensure safe and reliable power to communities and industry, even in the face of disaster.

Interested in learning more about microgrids? Choose from seven educational sessions on microgrids at Automation & Power World. >> Register now for FREE!

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

Power Systems Consulting

Renewable energy design considerations

As more renewable energy sources come online, they will take on greater and greater importance in the overall generation mix. It is therefore vital to build our understanding of the engineering challenges these installations present. >> Read about the most common sources of system disturbances and equipment failure in renewable facilities and how to overcome them.

Lean more in the “Distributed energy resources and renewables” track at Automation & Power World. >> Register now for FREE!

>> I’d like to consult with someone about power systems.

Smart Grid

A public power guide to building a low-risk, low-cost smarter grid

For any utility, deciding on the optimal smart grid solution that maximizes both customer service and operational effectiveness can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Combine that with constrained budgets, personnel challenges and the return-on-investment demands for a public power utility and the decision becomes even more complex. Most utilities recognize that there are potential benefits to a smart grid implementation, but may be unclear how best to proceed. >> Here is a five-step incremental approach to implementing smart grid technology that helps ensure an adequate ROI while providing a firm foundation for future enhancements.

Get more “Grid modernization” ideas at Automation & Power World. >> Register now for FREE!

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

Power Service

Taking the first steps toward condition-based maintenance

Most major utilities are taking strides — albeit of different lengths — toward condition-based maintenance (CBM). Successful implementations are being made and benefits are being captured at installations that range in scale from network-wide to single-assets. Once CBM is in place, maintenance managers can capitalize on the common sense approach of servicing assets when they require it, not based on an arbitrary schedule. >> Take the first step toward condition-based maintenance by downloading this white paper.

For similar topics, join the “Asset management” track at Automation & Power World. >> Register now for FREE!

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

White papers

The ‘smart’ approach: Integrating distributed energy resources >> Download now			RESILIENCY: How Superstorm Sandy changed America’s grid >> Download now

Videos

Harnessing solar energy >> Watch now			Realizing the future sustainable grid >> Watch now

Educational opportunities

Wireless communication training February 24 – 27; Sunnyvale, CA HVDC planning, modeling, and economic justification March 24-25; Raleigh, NC Sub-synchronous oscillations March 31-April 1; Raleigh, NC		Recloser & recloser control 2015 dates announced; Lake Mary, FL High voltage breaker service 2015 dates announced; Greensburg, PA Distribution & transmission protection and control 2015 dates announced; Coral Springs, FL

Events

ABB Automation and Power World March 2-5, 2015 in Houston, TX FREE! At ABB’s Automation & Power World, you will meet world-class industry experts, receive answers to your business challenges and experience the most innovative automation and electrification technologies and solutions for manufacturers and utilities being developed today. With a business forum, technical training, hands-on exhibits and networking time, you can’t afford to miss the power and automation industries’ most comprehensive educational experience. >> Register now!		International Conference of Doble Clients March 22-27; Boston, MA

For More Information

Click here to learn more about ABB Power Products and Power Systems offerings.

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