| |||
| ||||||||||||
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
PhD Scholarship: Optimization of electricity market with wind power and DG units for good economics and grid security
PhD Scholarship: An interactive energy system with grid, heating and transportation system
| ||||||||||||
PhD Scholarship: Intelligent automation and control of generation units at distribution systems
| ||||||||||||
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The ABCs of HVDC Transmission Technologies
 |
| Monopolar HVDC converter station. |
HIGH VOLTAGE DIRECT CURRENT (HVDC) TECHNOLOGY has characteristics that make it especially attractive for certain transmission applications. HVDC transmission is widely recognized as being advantageous for long-distance bulk-power delivery, asynchronous interconnections, and long submarine cable crossings. The number of HVDC projects committed or under consideration globally has increased in recent years reflecting a renewed interest in this mature technology. New converter designs have broadened the potential range of HVDC transmission to include applications for underground, offshore, economic replacement of reliability-must-run generation, and voltage stabilization. This broader range of applications has contributed to the recent growth of HVDC transmission. There are approximately ten new HVDC projects under construction or active consideration in North America along with many more projects underway globally.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Power Engineering Guide Transmission and Distribution (5)
Surge Arresters
The main task of an arrester is to protect equipment from the effects of overvoltages. During normal operation, it should have no negative effect on the power system. Moreover, the arrester must be able to withstand typical surges without incurring any damage. Nonlinear resistors with the following properties fulfill these requirements:
_ Low resistance during surges so that overvoltages are limited
_ High resistance during normal operation, so as to avoid negative effects on the power system and
_ Sufficient energy absorption capability for stable operation with this kind of nonlinear resistor, there is only a small flow of current when continuous operating voltage is being applied.
Power Engineering Guide Transmission and Distribution (4)
Live-Tank Circuit-Breakers for 72 kV up to 800 kV
 |
| live tank C.B |
The construction
All live-tank circuit-breakers are of the same general design, as shown in the illustrations.
They consist of the following main components:
1) Interrupter unit
2) Closing resistor (if applicable)
3) Operating mechanism
4) Insulator column (AIS)
5) Operating rod
6) Breaker base
7) Control unit
The uncomplicated design of the breakers and the use of many similar components, such as interrupter units, operating rods and control cabinets, ensure high reliability because the experience of many breakers in service has been applied in improvement of the design. The twin nozzle interrupter unit for example has proven its reliability in more than 60,000 units all over the world.
Power Engineering Guide Transmission and Distribution (3)
Design of Air-Insulated Outdoor Substations
Air-insulated outdoor substations of open design must not be touched. Therefore, air-insulated switchgear (AIS) is always set up in the form of a fenced-in electrical operating area, to which only authorized persons have access. Relevant IEC 60060 specifications apply to outdoor switchgear equipment. Insulation coordination, including minimum phase -to-phase and phase-to-ground clearances, is effected in accordance with IEC 60071.
 |
| outdoor substations |
Outdoor switchgear is directly exposed to the effects of the environment such as the weather. Therefore it has to be designed based on not only electrical but also environmental specifications.
Power Engineering Guide Transmission and Distribution (2)
Power Transmission Systems
The supply of power means more than just the combination of individual components. Particularly in countries where demand for power is growing at an above-average rate, there are large-scale projects under way, e.g. transmission systems or industrial complexes. Setting up such large-scale projects calls for an expert partner, capable of diligently analysing demand and of planning the project integrally, taking all marginal conditions into account. This means a competent partner who produces top-quality components both for power transmission and for system management tasks. Such a partner must also ensure that the systems will be properly installed.
Experienced project management – the way to the successful project
With all key technologies in house, Siemens can provide turnkey solutions for individual demands in the field of power transmission and distribution.
The scope of supply includes all components from the generator terminals, via AC or DC transmission and the high-voltage grid to the HV, MV and LV distribution system going down to the individual customers. The benefits of turnkey projects are:
_ All project coordination is in one hand and
_ The interfaces between customer and supplier are minimized
_ The turnkey responsibility of Siemens reduces the project risk for the customer. In close cooperation with the customer, the task definition for the scheduled project is drawn up, and all marginal conditions clarified.
16 PhD Scholarships- Graduate Teaching Assistantships at the University of Salford (UK)
Applications are invited for the Graduate Teaching Assistantships at the University of Salford. There are 16 scholarships available for PhD students, starting in September 2011.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships offer a valuable opportunity to study for a PhD while teaching in subjects broadly related to your PhD research.
Graduate Teaching Assistants work with academic staff in a range of teaching, learning and assessment activities to support undergraduate student learning for 180 hours per academic year.
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship covers full tuition fees and the scholarship for three years, based on successful PhD progression. The scholarships are worth £13,590 per year (based on 2010-2011 levels).
The research areas in which Graduate Teaching Assistantships are offered this year are:
PhD studentship in Investigating electric power system design concepts for the all-electric aircraft (UK)
Supported by Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, a studentship up to £17,000 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
Cranfield University have a collaborative research opportunity with Rolls-Royce, which aims to investigate future possibilities and concepts of an electric power system for all-electric, low emission aircrafts.
Given the predicted growth in air traffic, the demand to reduce the effect the aerospace industry has on the environment (emissions and noise), the increasing cost of kerosene and the technical maturity of present solutions, the aerospace industry is increasingly looking to more radical solutions with the aim of reducing emissions, fuel burn and noise. Examples of more radical propulsion options which generally require advanced electrical technologies include: lightweight energy storage, lightweight power electronics (cryo cooled), and lightweight electrical machines (super conducting).
Working as part of a wider future aircraft concept research team, this research will build on a previous project, which developed a functional assessment for the electric power system design of the all-electric aircraft (AEA). This research focuses on the future concepts of the electric power system for the AEA. The overall project objectives are to:
EPSRC PhD Studentships in Power Electronics Machines and Drives (Newcastle University-UK)
Power Electronics, Machines and Drives Research Group
Newcastle University
Subjects: Computing and Computer Science | Electrical/Electronic Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Supervisors: Professor B. Mecrow, Dr. M. Armstrong, Dr. D. Atkinson, Dr. W. Cao, Dr. D. Giaouris, Dr. V. Pickert, Dr. B. Zahawi
Duration of the award: 3 years
Duration of the award: 3 years
Project descriptions
The Power Electronics, Machines and Drives research group is offering funded PhD positions in a range of topics within the field of power electronics, machines and drives to start in September 2011. Example projects include:
The Power Electronics, Machines and Drives research group is offering funded PhD positions in a range of topics within the field of power electronics, machines and drives to start in September 2011. Example projects include:
Electric and Hybrid vehicles
Electric vehicles are expected to become mainstream within the next few years and are likely to eclipse the internal combustion engine within 30 years. There are many challenges facing their development, including performance, efficiency and cost. Through our close links with the automotive industry, we are able to offer topics in leading edge research, ranging from charging systems using inductive power transfer, through power electronic converters and their thermal management to traction motors.
Electric vehicles are expected to become mainstream within the next few years and are likely to eclipse the internal combustion engine within 30 years. There are many challenges facing their development, including performance, efficiency and cost. Through our close links with the automotive industry, we are able to offer topics in leading edge research, ranging from charging systems using inductive power transfer, through power electronic converters and their thermal management to traction motors.
Renewable Energy/Electrical Engineering PhD Studentship ( University of Exeter - UK)
Power electronics converter for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles Ref: 652
About the award
Primary supervisor: Dr Mohammad Abusara
Secondary supervisor: Professor George Smith
Secondary supervisor: Professor George Smith
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) shares the characteristics of the traditional hybrid electric vehicle in that it has an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator, and a battery. In addition, the PHEV has a plug to connect to the grid during parking. The battery can be charged during off peak periods when the demand on the grid electrical power is low. During peak loads, the parked vehicle can act as a battery powered distributed generator that helps balancing the grid load demand by delivering electrical power into the grid. The vehicle communicates with utility grid operator, via a radio signal for example, to determine charging/discharging mode and rate. An important component of a PHEV is the power electronics converter that performs the battery charging and discharging tasks.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Power Engineering Guide Transmission and Distribution (1)
 |
The equipment listed in this guide is designed, rated, manufactured and tested in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recommendations. However, a number of standardized equipment items in this guide are designed to take other national standards into account besides the above codes, and can be rated and tested to ANSI/ NEMA, BS, CSA, etc.
Friday, January 21, 2011
India to Install The Largest Tidal Power Plant in Asia
 |
The Atlantis turbines, which also come in a 2 MW size, use a double turbine design to harness the flow of the tide. The planned Indian facility would be among the first in Asia, but tidal power -- along with wave power and related projects -- is clearly trending upward around the world. There are large proposed projects in South Korea, and Atlantis alone has other projects in Australia and Scotland.
In the US, pilot projects are underway in the northwest and elsewhere, and there is interest in installing hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River. Even New York City gets a tiny portion of power from tidal resources, with turbines under the East River providing small amounts of power to Roosevelt Island.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
NEMA Launches Educational Videos for Smart Grids
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has launched its “Vids for Grids: New Media for the New Energy Workforce” (V4G) program with the first two videos of a 12-video series that demonstrates a best practice in integrating new media into engineering core curricula.
“Switchgear,” filmed at NEMA member Eaton Electrical, explains how high voltage and large currents can be controlled efficiently in a large industrial facility as well as a university campus. “Surge Arresters,” filmed at NEMA member Hubbell Power Systems, shows how distribution arresters and ground lead disconnectors improve grid reliability. They are available at www.youtube.com/vids4grids.
Future videos will address capacitors, conductors, connectors, dynamic line ratings, energy storage, flywheels, industrial automation, lighting management systems, and meters. NEMA expects to release one new video per month.
According to NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis, there is a dire need for workforce training in the electric power sector.
“Smart Grid is our future,” he said. “An aging workforce has created a brain drain in the electric power sector. This series will introduce Smart Grid concepts to tomorrow’s engineers.”
In collaboration with member manufacturers, the series features Smart Grid equipment, explains electrical engineering concepts, and portrays careers in power engineering. Curriculum has been developed in conjunction with Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Online Courses: Beginner's Guide to ATP-EMTP
Introduction
 |
ATP is a universal program system for digital simulation of transient phenomena of electromagnetic as well as electromechanical nature. With this digital program, complex networks and control systems of arbitrary structure can be simulated. ATP has extensive modelling capabilities and additional important features besides the computation of transients.
ATP has been continuously developed through international contributions by Drs. W. Scott Meyer and Tsu-huei Liu, the co-Chairmen of the Canadian/American EMTP User Group. The birth of ATP dates to early in 1984, when Drs. Meyer and Liu did not approve of proposed commercialization of BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) EMTP by DCG (the EMTP Development Coordination Group) and EPRI (the Electric Power Research Institute). Dr. Liu resigned as DCG Chairman, and Dr. Meyer, using his own personal time, started a new program from a copy of BPA's public-domain EMTP. Requirements of ATP development include honesty in all dealings and non-participation in EMTP commerce. ATP is not in the public domain, and licensing is required before ATP materials are received (refer to Licensing).
Online Courses: Introduction to Power Systems (The University of Manchester– UK)
Lecture (1) Introduction to Power System Analysis
 |
| Major power system components |
Definition (Power System Analysis)
It is the sub-discipline of electric power engineering concerned with the study of the behavior of electric power systems under a variety of possible operational conditions (“normal”, “faulted”, etc.)
PSA relies on knowledge and methods from
ü Physics: System modeling, electromagnetic field theory, classical mechanics.
ü Circuit theory: AC circuits & phasors, 3-phase networks.
ü Mathematics: Linear algebra, differential equations, numerical methods.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Assistant Professor or Instructor of Electrical Engineering Technology - (USA)
| Institution: | University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown |
|---|---|
| Location: | Johnstown, PA |
| Category: |
|
| Posted: | 01/18/2011 |
| Application Due: | 02/21/2011 |
| Type: | Full Time |
Responsibilities include: teaching emphasis in areas of power, machines, controls and basic engineering sciences with a teaching load of four courses (lecture and laboratory) per term, professional development, academic advising, supervision of student design projects and university service. Candidate must have experience with some areas in power generation and distribution. Requirements include: Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology and a minimum of three years of relevant industrial experience are required. Professional registration and previous teaching experience are required.
Pitt-Johnstown is seeking energetic and creative faculty members for openings in many areas of our institution. These faculty positions feature competitive salaries and benefits packages. Job duties for all positions include a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, evidence of engagement in scholarly activities, and service to the university, students, and the surrounding communities. Please visit our website atwww.upj.pitt.edu/employment for further position details and complete application information. Review of all applications will begin on February 21, 2011 and continue until the positions are filled. All faculty positions will begin in late August 2011.
Pitt-Johnstown is seeking energetic and creative faculty members for openings in many areas of our institution. These faculty positions feature competitive salaries and benefits packages. Job duties for all positions include a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, evidence of engagement in scholarly activities, and service to the university, students, and the surrounding communities. Please visit our website atwww.upj.pitt.edu/employment for further position details and complete application information. Review of all applications will begin on February 21, 2011 and continue until the positions are filled. All faculty positions will begin in late August 2011.
Introduction to Power Quality
 |
This "Cahier Technique" aims to facilitate exchanges on this topic between specialists and non-specialists, as well as customers, manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors. The clear terminology used should help avoid confusion. It describes the main phenomena causing degradation in Power Quality (PQ), their origins, the consequences for equipment and the main solutions. It offers a methodology for measuring the PQ in accordance with differing aims. Illustrated with practical examples for the implementation of solutions, it shows that only by observing best practice and by applying strict methodology (diagnostics, research, solutions, implementation and preventive maintenance) can users obtain the right quality of power supply for their requirements.
DC & AC Electric Motors: Construction, Principles, Control and Protection
 |
There are many types of motor in existence, but 3-phase asynchronous motors, and in particular squirrel cage motors, are the most commonly used in industry and in commercial buildings applications above a certain power level. Moreover, although they are ideal for many applications when controlled by contactor devices, the increasing use of electronic equipment is widening their field of application. This is the case for start/stop control with soft start/soft stop units, and when precise speed adjustment is also necessary with variable speed drives/regulators.
How to Compromise between Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?
 |
In our society today, the rapid development of digital systems using low current links (bus) has given rise to the critical problem formed by cohabitation of high and low currents.
The real problem is how to reconcile electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. The following issues thus arise for which solutions must be found:
· How to treat the problem of exposed conductive parts,
· Which earthing system should be chosen,
· Which shields, mitigating planes, Faraday cages should be chosen and for what purpose,
Research/Teaching Associate, Electrical Engineering ( Abu-Dhabi - UAE )
| Institution: | The Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|
| Location: | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Category: |
|
| Posted: | 01/15/2011 |
| Application Due: | 03/01/2011 |
| Type: | Full Time |
The Electrical Engineering Department at The Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE is seeking applications for four positions asResearch/Teaching Associate in one or more of the following areas:
1. Applied Signal Processing. The candidate would participate in a research project focusing on high voltage insulation condition monitoring for electric machines. The monitoring is based on partial discharge (PD) data analysis using signal processing methods. Preferred applicant must have strong background in statistical signal analysis, data mining, and DSP based micro-controllers.
2. Power quality, power electronics and electric drives. The candidate would participate in a research project focusing on related topics. Preferred applicants must have strong background in Power Quality, Power Electronics and Electric Drives studies and design.
3. Insulation condition monitoring of power cables, transformers, GIS and generators. The candidate should have research and industrial experience in HV tests, insulation assessment and computer programming skills such as LabView and Visual Basic.
1. Applied Signal Processing. The candidate would participate in a research project focusing on high voltage insulation condition monitoring for electric machines. The monitoring is based on partial discharge (PD) data analysis using signal processing methods. Preferred applicant must have strong background in statistical signal analysis, data mining, and DSP based micro-controllers.
2. Power quality, power electronics and electric drives. The candidate would participate in a research project focusing on related topics. Preferred applicants must have strong background in Power Quality, Power Electronics and Electric Drives studies and design.
3. Insulation condition monitoring of power cables, transformers, GIS and generators. The candidate should have research and industrial experience in HV tests, insulation assessment and computer programming skills such as LabView and Visual Basic.
Research Engineer (Power Electronics Lab), Electrical Engineering (UAE)
| Institution: | The Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|
| Location: | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Category: |
|
| Posted: | 01/15/2011 |
| Application Due: | 03/01/2011 |
| Type: | Full Time |
The Electrical Engineering Department at The Petroleum Institute (PI) in Abu Dhabi, UAE is seeking applications for two positions asResearch Engineers to work on an externally funded project in the power electronics/electric drives and power quality area.
The Power Electronics Lab at the PI: The power electronics lab focuses on research and advanced studies in the area of power electronics systems, application on high power drives, multi level inverter circuits, and power quality issues. Currently, the lab has two active funded projects. The research engineers will be joining the power electronic research group consisting of EE faculty, a post doctoral fellow, and three graduate students. For more details on the lab, please visit http://www.pi.ac.ae.
The Power Electronics Lab at the PI: The power electronics lab focuses on research and advanced studies in the area of power electronics systems, application on high power drives, multi level inverter circuits, and power quality issues. Currently, the lab has two active funded projects. The research engineers will be joining the power electronic research group consisting of EE faculty, a post doctoral fellow, and three graduate students. For more details on the lab, please visit http://www.pi.ac.ae.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Overvoltages and Insulation Coordination in MV and HV Electrical Networks
 |
Insulation coordination is a discipline aiming at achieving the best possible technico-economic compromise for protection of persons and equipment against overvoltages, whether caused by the network or lightning, occurring on electrical installations. It helps ensure a high degree of availability of electrical power. Its value is doubled by the fact that it concerns high voltage networks. To control insulation coordination:
· in the level of the possible overvoltages occurring on the network must be known;
· n the right protective devices must be used when necessary;
· n the correct overvoltage withstand level must be chosen for the various network components from among the insulating voltages satisfying the particular constraints.
Enclosures and Degrees of Protection (IP & IK Codes)
 |
The protection of persons against direct contacts is required by certain regulations (in France the Decret of the 14th of November 1988), and specified by electrical installation standards, such as IEC 364. On the other hand, types of external stresses likely to influence the behaviour of equipment are described in IEC 721-2. The protection against some of these influences is often specified in product standards.
Therefore, to explain the degrees of protection that enclosures can provide, and how standards codify them, constitutes an essential information for all, prescribers, installers, operators and inspecting organizations.
A Technical Paper on Ferroresonance Phenomena
 |
Ferroresonance is a non-linear resonance phenomenon that can affect power networks. The abnormal rates of harmonics and transient or steady state overvoltages and overcurrents that it causes are often dangerous for electrical equipment. Some unexplained breakdowns can be ascribed to this rare, non-linear phenomenon. The purpose of this “Cahier Technique” is to help readers understand ferroresonance. The methods described ensure credible prediction and evaluation of the risk of ferroresonance in existing and future installations. Practical solutions designed to avoid or eliminate ferroresonance are also given.
A Book on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Phenomena, Standards, Facilities and Tests
 |
The design, production, modification or maintenance of equipment always begin with an analysis intended to define the:
- Characteristics of materials and components capable of fulfilling the required function,
- Mechanical and electrical design rules making it possible to fulfill the desired function. Such analysis is carried out taking into account both engineering and economic constraints. From this point of view, it is advisable to bear in mind the importance of ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility of an installation right from the start of the design stage.
This is the best guarantee against malfunctions and cost escalation.
Neglecting (EMC) during analysis of a product may produce an immediate cost saving of several percent of the total cost of the plant ((EMC) specialists agree that the extra cost is 3 to 5%).
However, modifications then often have to be made at the time the installation is commissioned. The overall cost of such modifications, given low operating margins, often exceed several or even twenty percent. This causes additional delivery delays as well as problems in customer relations.
A Technical Paper on Electromagnetic Compatibility of Electric Equipment
 |
This means that all those involved, from the engineers and architects that design a building to the technicians that wire the electrical cabinets, including the specialists that design the various building networks and the crews that install them, must be concerned with EMC - a discipline aimed at achieving the "peaceful" coexistence of equipment sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances (which may therefore be considered as the "victim") alongside equipment emitting such disturbances (in other words, the "source" of the disturbances). This publication is a compilation of many years of acquired experience at Schneider Electric, presenting various disturbances encountered and providing some practical remedies.
A Technical Paper Explains the Effect of Earthquakes on Electrical Equipment
 |
This technical paper aims to facilitate dialogue between operators and specialists. After briefly summarizing the earthquake phenomena and the way in which they are specified, the author presents the theoretic approach required for seismic withstand capabilities to be taken into account at the design stage. Both design and qualification are, today, increasingly requiring numerical analysis and, as a result, powerful scientific and technical data processing methods.
Active harmonic conditioners and unity power factor rectifiers Guide
Electric loads are becoming increasingly non-linear in the industrial, tertiary and even household sectors. These loads absorb non-sinusoidal currents which, under the effect of circuit impedance, distort the purely sinusoidal voltage waveform. This is what is known as harmonic disturbance of power networks, currently a cause for concern as it gives rise to serious problems.
We recommend that harmonic non-specialist readers begin by reading the appendix where they will find the basic concepts required to understand the various standard and new solutions to limit or combat harmonics. Not only the characteristic quantities, but also the non linear equipment, influence of the sources and disturbing effects of harmonics need to be known. Last but not least, standards lay down levels of compatibility, i.e. the maximum permissible levels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)