Power Substation
Complete overview of lightning arresters (part 2)
Continued from article Complete overview of lightning arresters (part 1) Surge arresters are devices that help prevent damage to apparatus due to high voltages. The arrester provides a low-impedance path to ground for the current from a lightning strike or… Read more
Sep 29, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
Energy Efficiency
Smart Ways to Save Money with Alternative Energy
Alternative energy is currently a hot button topic. Whether your desire to use alternative energy stems from concern for the environment or a desire to create a healthier home, you will benefit financially from making the switch to alternative energy…. Read more
Sep 28, 2011 | By mirha494
Solar Power
How solar collectors works?
Solar energy (solar radiation) is collected by the solar collector’s absorber plates. Selective coatings are often applied to the absorber plates to improve the overall collection efficiency. A thermal fluid absorbs the energy collected. There are several types of solar… Read more
Sep 26, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
What is the Static Var Compensator (SVC)?
Static Var Compensator is “a shunt-connected static Var generator or absorber whose output is adjusted to exchange capacitive or inductive current so as to maintain or control specific parameters of the electrical power system (typically bus voltage)”. SVC is based… Read more
Sep 25, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Transformers
Diagnosing Transformer Winding Insulation (video)
This video tutorial shows the progression of power factor or dissipation factor over frequency. Furthermore, measuring transformer winding insulation, including the connection of measuring leads, is explained. Reasons why recording frequency responses is important for a correct diagnosis of a… Read more
Sep 25, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Cables
Ionization (Corona Discharge) Tests
The ionization test is used primarily for detecting ionization (corona discharge) and slot discharge in generator windings. Both ionization and slot discharge may cause deterioration of insulation. Ionization generally occurs in voids inside the insulation within the ground shield section… Read more
Sep 24, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Complete overview of lightning arresters (1)
Lightning can create voltage surges in several of the following ways. Lightning can score a direct hit on your house. It can strike the overhead power line which enters your house, or a main power line that is blocks away… Read more
Sep 23, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
Transformers
Understanding Transformer Polarity
With power or distribution transformers, polarity is important only if the need arises to parallel transformers to gain additional capacity or to hook up three single-phase transformers to make a three-phase bank. The way the connections are made affects angular… Read more
Sep 23, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Cables
Understanding Underground Electric Transmission Cables
Underground cables have different technical requirements than overhead lines and have different environmental impacts. Due to their different physical, environmental, and construction needs, underground transmission generally costs more and may be more complicated to construct than overhead lines. The design… Read more
Sep 21, 2011 | By Bipul Raman
Low Voltage
Types Of Electrical Power Distribution Systems You Should Know About
Electrical power is distribution either three wires or four wires (3 wire for phases and 1 wire for Neutral). Voltage between phase to phase called Line Voltage and voltage between phase and neutral is called Phase Voltage. This forth wire… Read more
Sep 19, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
Environment
Want to live and use energy on Mars? Why not?
The problem of energy accessibility and production on Mars is one of the three main challenges for the upcoming colonisation of the red planet. The energetic potential on its turn is mainly dependent on the astrophysical characteristics of the planet…. Read more
Sep 17, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Virus-Powered Battery
Engineers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have figured out a way to deal with virus that is better than just killing them: they’re putting them to work. The researchers have developed a new technique wherein a key component of… Read more
Sep 16, 2011 | By Bipul Raman
Energy and Power
Ready for wind power? It’s time.
Galloping climate change and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels are driving ever-greater interest in renewable energy. As a result, wind energy is booming worldwide. Not since the heyday of the American farm windmill has wind energy grown at such a… Read more
Sep 15, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electronics
State Machine Design
Written by Ray Salemi State machines are a foundation of digital design. Eventually we all reach the point where we need to control our digital algorithm, and we almost always turn to a state machine to do the job. Because… Read more
Sep 14, 2011 | By elaina
High Voltage
GIS vs AIS – Substation Earthing
Compressed SF6 gas used in MV and HV switchgears as an insulating medium has led to the development of compact gas-insulated substation (CIS) technology (figure 1). GIS , having many advantages over often used and conventional air-insulated substations (AIS), have… Read more
Sep 12, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
