August 2011
We have a number of fascinating articles in our August line-up... as well as some interesting ‘news' in Light+Current and many familiar faces in Social Engineers. So do turn the pages right to the end... we don't want you missing out on anything!
With Winter nigh behind us, I wonder how many of you have been inconvenienced and left in the dark? Is it my imagination or have these power outage occurrences been infrequent? There certainly has not been the outcry of a year... or two years ago...and if this is the case, could it be that our severe power crises are over? Just asking the question!
Until we meet next in Spring!
Wendy Izgorsek
Editor
Tel. 011 622 4770
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One for all: A unified diagnostics concept for all industrial networks
By S Himstedt, Trebing + Himstedt
A closer look at today's diagnostics concepts for serial fieldbuses (eg PROFIBUS), Ethernet-based fieldbuses (eg PROFINET) and industrial Ethernet networks reveals principal differences between the systems as well as advantages and disadvantages of existing diagnostics products. A parallel analysis of customer requirements for efficient network diagnostics shows that much is left to be desired. For this reason, the author's company has developed a trendsetting, unified diagnostics concept that features a combination of remote monitoring and central analysis.
No need for cables: Autonomous GSM/GPRS control monitors water supply shaft
Autonomous GSM/GPRS control monitors water supply shaft
The Nienburg-South water company in Germany provides some 20 000 residents with drinking water originating from the Harz and Blockhaus waterworks and combined at a remote mixing station. The autonomous control system with an integrated GSM/GPRS modem continuously monitors the measurements there - but it is not on the electric grid. By using a radio connection, they have been saved the trouble of laying almost 1 500 metres of cabling.
State-of-the-art TSSP equipment
By Dr R Billiet, NTSA
The need for Transient Switching Surge Protection (TSSP) equipment has never been more pressing... read about the emerging influences since the inception of the initial TSSP device and their implemented solutions for protection of motors, generators and transformers against vacuum breaker switching spikes.
Why do we need that VSD again?
By G Botha, Neu Bergmann Technik
Voltage source variable speed drives have made the cage rotor induction machine even more of a workhorse in industry than before. There still seems to be quite a bit of vagueness when listing the benefits of and problems associated with the application of speed control to various systems. This article takes a closer look at some of the popular themes.
Two devices will replace lead acid traction batteries
By Dr P Harrop, IDTechEx
Alternatives to short lived, toxic lead acid traction batteries, with their indifferent performance, have been sought for over 100 years. Now both lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors are near to replacing lead acid traction batteries in the many traction applications where they are still used.
Adding intelligence to power management solutions
By R Brandt, Drive Control Corporation
The importance of power management and back-up solutions for South African businesses cannot be over-emphasised. After all, even though we have seemingly moved past the infamous load-shedding incidents of 2008 our power remains notoriously unstable, with spikes, surges and dips in voltage that can cause damage to expensive equipment as well as frequent power failures that can cause loss or corruption of data.
Potential errors that can affect temperature measurement accuracy
Dr S Courts, Lake Shore Cryotronics
The ability to measure the temperature of a system accurately and with the required resolution depends on a variety of factors. While the first step in estimating the errors in a system is the sensor and instrument calibration, to really determine accuracy, it is important to look at the quantifiable factors that affect accuracy: the uncertainty of the measurement.
Bushing insulation diagnostics based on dielectric response
By M Ohlen and P Werelius, Megger
With an ageing power component population, today's electrical utility industry faces a tough challenge as failures and consequent repair and revenue loss may inflict major costs. Transformers and their bushings have become one of the most mission critical components in the electrical grid. The need for reliable diagnostic methods drives the world's leading experts to evaluate new technologies that improve reliability and optimise the use of the power network.
Energy management system standards: A structured approach to reducing energy costs
Dr J Ryan, Certification Europe
This article seeks to redress the common view that we need energy to run our business but rather, by explaining the concept of a holistic energy management system, seeks to install the concept of energy as a resource in businesses.
