Power Substation
Complete overview of lightning arresters (part 3)
Continued from article Complete overview of lightning arresters (part 2) There are several types of lightning arresters in general use. They differ only in constructional details but operate on the same principle, providing low resistance path for the surges to… Read more
Oct 08, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
Hydropower
What would be the cost of micro hydro plant?
In the examples examined in the five countries, the capital cost13 of micro hydro plants, limited to shaft power, ranged from US$714 (Nepal, Zimbabwe) to US$1,233 (Mozambique). The average cost is US$965 per installed kW which is in line with… Read more
Oct 07, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Insulating materials in electrical equipment
The reason for using insulating materials is to separate electrically the conducting parts of equipment from each other and from earthed components. Earthed components may include the mechanical casing or structure that is necessary to enable the equipment to be… Read more
Oct 05, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Supercapacitor – The future of energy storage
Supercapacitors have been around since 1966 but were never considered as a serious alternative for batteries. Ironically, we could have the said the same for AM radio before Armstrong developed the superheterodyne receiver. It may not be long before a… Read more
Oct 05, 2011 | By Olan
Cables
How to locate underground faults on cable?
A common approach to test cable and determine insulation integrity is to use a Hi-pot test. In a hi-pot test, a DC voltage is applied for 5 to 15 min. IEEE-400 specifies that the hi-pot voltage for a 15-kV class… Read more
Oct 04, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Typical Constructions Of Overhead Lines
Along streets, alleys, through woods, and in backyards, many of the distribution lines that feed customers are overhead structures. Because overhead lines are exposed to trees and animals, to wind and lightning, and to cars and kites, they are a… Read more
Oct 03, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
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
