May 2011
Some articles in the May 2011 edition of Electricity+Control deal with the technology evolution... In the analytical instrumentation article, there is mention of micro-litre syringes which - sixty years later - are still prominent in the author's company portfolio. In the sensors article, we take a journey through progress spanning more than 30 years. In the control systems and automation article we see the influence of the marine chronometer in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - the benchmark against which, today, all local time zones are set. The marine chronometer was invented in 1725!
To the authors - thank you for taking us back in time and reminding us that much of what we achieve today is based on the ingenuity of our predecessors.
Wendy Izgorsek
Editor
011 622 4770
| This issue of Electricity + Control is available for interactive "page-flip" viewing. You'll need the latest Flash Plugin, and an ADSL or 3G internet connection to view the magazine smoothly. | You need to register with Crown Publications to read the online version of this magazine. | | LoginRegister |
Bridge into the digital future By Erich K Springer, Mecosa Erich K Springer, chairman of Mecosa, discusses how process measuring sensors with integrated transmitter improve the signal quality and calibration ‘comfort'. How ASDs affect power distribution By Wade Thompson, Fluke Wade Thompson, Fluke power quality specialist, argues that while Adjustable Speed Drives (ASDs) are usually depicted as the culprit in the PQ scenario, they are, at times, the victim load. Substation automation in sync By Justin Wu and Bruce Chen, Moxa Moxa's Justin Wu and Bruce Chen discuss IEEE 1588v2, a time protocol for industrial networks. They refer to the marine chronometer which was developed in 1735 and vastly improved in 1759 - able to support worldwide navigation. For industrial networks, every nanosecond counts - and IEE 1588v2 was designed so that industrial systems can achieve high accuracy at a reasonable cost. Evolution of sensing solutions By Gerry Bryant, Countapulse Controls Gerry Bryant, managing director of Countapulse Controls, takes us through the ‘Evolution of sensing solutions'. In three decades there has been a move from quite rudimentary-type sensors to the sophisticated laser technology of this, the 21st Century. For the space-sensitive environment By Marco da Silva, FerroTech FerroTech's Marco da Silva introduces a new UPS - a modular UPS 250 kVA/ 250 kW which delivers maximum power with the smallest footprint available on the market. Most importantly, it adds value to space-sensitive areas, data centres and IT environments in particular. Pioneering gas engine technology Leon Jansen van Vuuren, General Electric An engine with electrical efficiency of 48,7% and an output of 9,5 MW, able to provide electricity to18 500 average household? ‘Pioneering gas engine technology' by Leon Jansen van Vuuren of General Electric, details the Jenbacher J920 engine - an innovation that pioneers gas engine technology to address customer needs for decentralised, independent power in remote, hot or high-altitude regions. Absa Bank Towers West is a local example of the cogeneration plant which is powered by four of these natural gas powered generating sets. Low carbon and low cost future for electricity in South Africa: the IRP 2010 tightrope By Dominic Goncalves, Frost & Sullivan The Policy Adjusted IRP (Integrated Resource Plan) has just been released by the Department of Energy (DoE) following months of planning and public comment. The IRP, the nation's 20 year master energy plan, is a living document, and closer inspection by Frost & Sullivan reveals a number of significant changes since the release of the Draft IRP last year, although a few constants remain. The key question still stands as to whether these adjustments will impact electricity prices for South Africans.
|
   
|
