Energy and Power
Harmonic distortion and high frequency applications
The presence of harmonic frequencies in addition to the fundamental 50Hz, bring about distortion of the fundamental sine wave. Considerable problems may arise dependant upon the level of this distortion. Sources of harmonic distortion can be: Variable Speed Drives UPS… Read more
Jul 07, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
How the Weather Affects Conductors
Notice how a conductor is strung between poles. It is not pulled tight; it sags. In hot weather it sags even more than in cold weather. Consider the analogy of the clothesline. A tightly strung clothesline as shown in Figure… Read more
Jul 04, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Protection
Protection Against Overexcitation Of a Transformer
Overexcitation of a transformer means that the magnetic flux in the core is increased above the normal design level. This will cause an increase of the magnetizing current and the transformer can be damaged if this situation isn’t taken care… Read more
Jul 02, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Cables
An example how to calculate voltage drop and size of electrical cable
According to the National Electrical Code, in order for general use circuits to operate reasonably efficiently, the maximum voltage drop for branch circuit conductors is 3% and for feeder and branch circuit conductors combined it is 5%. When designing circuits… Read more
Jun 30, 2014 | By Jignesh Parmar
Safety
How dangerous are induced currents in transmission towers and poles?
Landowners and developers should be aware of the potential for nuisance and startle shocks (caused by induced voltage) that can occur when someone comes in contact with a large conductive object (eg. a vehicle, building or even fencing) located on or off… Read more
Jun 27, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electrical Lectures
2 Most Common Contributing Factors In Motor Insulation Failure
The most frequent failure in electrical equipment is the degradation and breakdown (flashover) of the insulation. Electrical insulation can be liquid or solid, organic or inorganic. Organic insulation material consists of: enamels, varnishes, resins, or polymers that are applied to the steel surface to provide… Read more
Jun 25, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Arriving at the scene of a substation fire. What should you do first?
Power substations contain transformers, large quantities of oil, energized electrical equipment and, in some cases, cylinders of compressed gas. Some of the oil may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). On arriving at a substation fire, normally you should first call for firefighters… Read more
Jun 23, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers
Various types of devices are available for carrying out the switching and protection tasks listed under a title that are specially designed to fulfill the respective requirements. The various parts of IEC 60947 (Low voltage switchgear and controlgear) specify the… Read more
Jun 20, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electric Motor
Selecting AC induction motors for cement plant applications
This technical article relies on the great paper written by Barton J. Sauer (Siemens Energy & Automation) which goes into essence of selecting the proper AC motor for cement plant applications. Although motors may appear to be the least complicated component… Read more
Jun 18, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Why is continuous on-line monitoring of partial discharge in the switchgear necessary?
Not sure? You know that periodical maintenance test like partial discharge test can still leave switchgear in virtually unknown condition. Insulation defects and deterioration may very well develop in service within maintenance cycle. These defects are often not detectable with… Read more
Jun 16, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Transformers
An Example Of Transformer Tap-Changer Correct Adjustment
A 13800V/4160 V transformer has five taps on the primary winding giving -5%, -2 1/2 %, nominal, +2 1/2 % and +5 % turns. If, on-load, the secondary voltage reduces to 4050 V then, which tap, should be used to… Read more
Jun 13, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
High Voltage
How to mitigate effects of very fast transients (VFT) on HV equipment
The level reached by very fast transients (VFT) overvoltages originated by disconnector switching or line-to-ground faults inside a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) are below the basic insulation level (BIL) of substation and external equipment. However, aging of the insulation of… Read more
Jun 11, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electric Motor
How to measure insulation resistance of a motor
If the motor is not put into operation immediately upon arrival, it is important to protect it against external factors like moisture, high temperature and impurities in order to avoid damage to the insulation. Before the motor is put into… Read more
Jun 09, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
6 Factors Influencing Requirements for a Good Grounding System
In an industrial plant or other facility that requires a grounding system, one or more of the following must be carefully considered (refer to Figure 1 below): Limiting to definite values the voltage to earth of the entire electrical system…. Read more
Jun 06, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electric Motor
PLC application for reduced voltage-start motor control
Figure 1 shown below illustrates the control circuit and wiring diagram of a 65% tapped, autotransformer, reduced-voltage-start motor control circuit. This reduced voltage start minimizes the inrush current at the start of the motor (locked rotor current) to 42% of that… Read more
Jun 04, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
