The Windy City is Hosting the IEEE PES Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exposition April 21-24 at McCormick Place. The March 2008 issue of Transmission & Distribution World provided extensive coverage of what attendees can expect to see and learn at the upcoming conference, who will be exhibiting and where they will be located on the show floor, as well as what products will be demonstrated. Here are some last-minute updates of this show, the biggest event in T&D in 2008.

IEEE SHOW BLOG

Tens of thousands of attendees and exhibitors are poised to take part in the 2008 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition in Chicago. IEEE PES is launching a Weblog, or as it is commonly known a Blog.

Gene Wolf, chairman of the IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Committee and an IEEE Fellow, will share his perspectives on the preparations leading up to the expo, followed up by his experiences at the show itself. Join Gene at http://ieee-pes-td.com/ as he participates in events major and minor, wanders the show floor, meets intriguing individuals and investigates the latest in technologies.

Postings on the IEEE Show Blog will begin two weeks prior to this Chicago event and run continuously during the week of the show.

STUDENT JOB FAIR, LUNCHEON

The 2008 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition is pleased to announce a new initiative in workforce development. The 2008 T&D event will feature a first-ever Collegiate Job Fair, an exclusive Collegiate/GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Reception and an Industry Luncheon. All three events are designed to help you and your organization recruit your next generation of engineers.

The Collegiate/GOLD Reception will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Collegiate Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Collegiate/GOLD/Industry Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 beginning at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All of these events provide you with an excellent opportunity to recruit the best power and energy students from well-known universities and colleges.

EXHIBITOR BOOTH UPDATES

The following changes are current as of March 31^st.

Acuity Brands Lighting	1196
AMETEK	cancelled
Bay Metal Inc.	1091
BCS Switchgear Inc.	2297
Bird-B-Gone	cancelled
Byram Laboratories	1080
Chatsworth Data Corp.	990
CONAM Inspection and Engineering Services	983
Custom Material Inc.	cancelled
DAO Electric Power Transmission CAD Software Co. Ltd.	2674
Electric Power Systems 1293 Eltel Industries	1297
Energy Central	1796
Entec Electric & Electronic Co. Ltd.	554
Georgia Power, a Southern Company	cancelled
Geospatial Corp.	2097
IML Inc.	1079
Interduct.com	981
Korean Pavilion	254 + 455
KLG Systek	cancelled
LumaSense	cancelled
Marigold Industrial USA	988
Marketech	985
Messerstrom Inc.	463
Nokian Capacitors USA Inc.	235
North American Galvanizing Co.	1282
On Load Gear	cancelled
Opsense Inc.	cancelled
Partner Software	cancelled
Pyung II	2197
RFS Utility Consulting	cancelled
Southwest Transmission Cooperative Inc.	1187
Sunrise Electric	2195
Syntronics	1078
Terrafix Geosynthetics Inc.	2296
Tower Solutions Inc.	1382
Transamerican Power Products	423
Underground Imaging Technologies Inc.	1298
U.S. Biodiesel Machines	cancelled
VIEngineering	1296

Digital Voltmeter

HD's DVM-25T is a compact, high-accuracy single-stick digital voltmeter with capacitive test point mode and ground lead. The DVM-25T measures voltages up to 25 kV and can be used in both overhead and underground applications. The DVM-25T includes an overhead hook probe and carrying case.
HD Electric Co. | www.hdelectriccompany.com
Booth 941

32-Port Substation Switch

GarrettCom Inc.'s newest convection-cooled, managed Ethernet switch, the Magnum 6K32FC, offers up to 16 standard fiber ports or 8 gigabit ports in a rack-mount space-efficient package. For use in fiber-rich power-utility substation applications, the 6K32FC supports double the number of standard fiber ports and double the number of gigabit ports as the Magnum 6K32TRC switch. A typical application may include fiber connectivity to IEDs, RTUs, HMI computers, routers, video-surveillance cameras, smaller field switches and other managed switches including multiple gigabit-backbone interconnections and redundancy.

The environmentally friendly 6K32FC uses techniques such as internal heat barriers, multiple heatsinks throughout the unit, extra cooling space and premium high-efficiency components to optimize cooling efficiency. The switch comes with comprehensive LAN software support and network-management security, and is available in two versions: MNS-6K basic and MNS-6K-SECURE. The four configuration slots in the Magnum 6K32FC support more than 30 port modules, offering a comprehensive variety of port types and combinations.
GarrettCom | www.garrettcom.com
Booth 2250

Diagnostic Testing Service

The newest addition to Doble Engineering's consulting services, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Diagnostics offers a noninvasive, on-line surveillance technique that can detect and identify defects in a motor or generator and associated electrical systems, while each power system remains in service. This is a passive, totally noninvasive measurement technique with no applied signal. Data is collected without affecting operations, and the process is inherently safe. EMI Diagnostics can provide valuable maintenance recommendations on the first test. The testing equipment is sensitive, and measurement accuracy is traceable to NIST standards.
Doble Engineering | www.doble.com
Booth 1254

Magnetic Shield

The MG2005 Series magnetic shield from ILJIN Electric Co. Ltd. is designed to protect against electron waves, which can occur wherever there is electricity. Electron waves can cause cancer and leukosis. High-permeability alloyed steel can be used to screen from electron waves. The MG2005 Series has been designed to protect against electron waves using calculations from analysis of magnetic waves. This product covers extra-high-voltage power cable in Rosa, Italy.
ILJIN Electric Co. Ltd. | www.iljinelectric.co.kr
Booth 435

Revised EPRI Red Book

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has documented and distilled the knowledge of the world's top overhead transmission experts in the EPRI AC Transmission Line Reference Book: 200 kV and Above, Third Edition. In collaboration with member utilities, EPRI assembled a global team of experts who updated 11 chapters in the book and added four new ones to cover the full spectrum of overhead transmission topics
EPRI | www.epri.com
Booth 143

Global Navigation Satellite System

Trimble has introduced a flexible global navigation satellite system receiver for geographic information system (GIS) data collection and mapping. The GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver combines a high-performance GPS receiver with Trimble's H-Star technology, OmniSTAR correction capability, and optional GLONASS capability to provide various levels of positioning accuracies — from submeter to decimeter (10-cm) accuracy.

The GPS Pathfinder ProXRT is a rugged receiver designed for tough field conditions and it can operate even in extreme temperatures. The integrated lithium-ion battery is designed for all-day use. Setup options for the ProXRT receiver include a backpack, range pole or vehicle mount.

With Bluetooth technology, the GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver allows for cable-free communications to a field computer. The receiver can be connected to a variety of field computers.
Trimble | www.trimble.com
Booth 1478

Corona Camera System

Ofil Ltd.'s DayCor family of products are adaptable to inspect a variety of electrical facilities in various modes and methods.

The DayCor Ranger is a vehicle-driven inspection system for detecting corona and arcing with full remote command and control from inside the vehicle. This permits a comfortable, safe and efficient work area for crews.

The DayCor Superb is a portable handheld daytime solar blind corona and arcing detecting system designed to assist with the routine, predictive and preventive maintenance tasks performed during foot patrol.

The DayCor Classic is a robust bi-spectral UV-visible imaging system, designed to aid indoor and outdoor tasks of testing and research.

The DayCor Rom is an airborne absolute solar blind corona and arcing detecting system in a gyro-stabilized gimbaled payload.
Ofil Ltd. | www.ofilsystems.com
Booth 138

Digital Relay Series

Schneider Electric's Square D Sepam digital relay product line for electrical protection and monitoring comprises three relays. The Series 80 relay is for critical sources and loads; the Series 40 relay is for important sources and loads; and the Series 20 relay is for more basic source and load requirements.

All of the Sepam models comply with ANSI standards and use ANSI symbols. Sepam relays are suited for the most commonly encountered applications in utility substations, and industrial and large commercial environments at low-, medium- and high-voltage levels. A graphical software package programs all relays with context-sensitive help.
Schneider Electric www.powerlogic.com
Booth 450

Dynamic Temperature Sensor Protection Modules

EasiLinc Protection Modules from POWER Engineers reduce electrical design costs, and setting and integration costs, shorten installation outages, and simplify operations and maintenance. Each protection module includes a high-quality protective relay, mounted in a subpanel and prewired with appropriate test switches, and electronic copies of schematics and wiring diagrams for the devices. Visit the booth for a demo.
POWER Engineers Inc. | www.easilinc.com
Booth 834

Consulting Solutions

Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm.

The company's multidisciplined staff of more than 2600 includes engineers, architects, contractors, planners, estimators, economists, technicians and scientists, representing virtually all design disciplines. Burns & McDonnell plans, designs, permits and constructs T&D facilities all over the world with one mission in mind — to make clients successful.
Burns & McDonnell | www.burnsmcd.com
Booth 2438

Fault Tamer Fuse Limiter

S&C Electric Co.'s 38-kV Fault Tamer Fuse Limiter was developed in response to requests for a two-component fusing system for use at 38 kV. The 38-kV backup limiter has the same size and shape as the 25-kV backup limiter, but contains an additional length of ribbon element as required to successfully clear faults on 38-kV systems. The molded cover prominently identifies the 38-kV maximum voltage rating of the 38-kV backup limiter, to help ensure the device is properly applied.

The 38-kV series fuse tube design represents a departure from the fuse tubes used on the 15-kV and 25-kV Fault Tamers. Instead of an engineered plastic molding, the new fuse tube uses the same MultiWind material as in Type XS Fuse Cutout fuse tubes. This material is stronger and has equivalent or better arc-interrupting properties.

The continuous-current rating of the 38-kV Fault Tamer is 20 A, the same as the rating for both the 15-kV and 25-kV models. The 38-kV Fault Tamer can protect a wide range of overhead distribution transformers rated through 250-kVA single phase and 750-kVA three phase.
S&C Electric Co. | www.sandc.com
Booth 1015

Hotline Tools

Ritz, formally known as Ritz DoBrasil, has teamed up with Jim Rauckman to form American Hotline, LLC. Located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Ritz produces hundreds of products related to the live-line maintenance of electric utility lines.

The Ritz offering includes transmission tools up to 800 kV, substation maintenance tools, distribution hotline tools and tools for maintaining energized secondary voltages. Ritz has been supplying hotline tools in South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East for nearly 40 years. Additionally, Ritz has supplied component parts for many years to several U.S. manufacturers of hotline tools.

American Hotline, LLC is managed by Jim Rauckman — who runs Rauckman Utility Products, LLC and who with Kevin Clizer also operates Rauckman High Voltage Sales, LLC. American Hotline will offer the Ritz products through a network of independent manufacturers' representatives.
American Hotline
www.americanhotline.com
Booth 160

Fault Detection

CURRENT's advanced distribution current sensing and remote underground fault-detection system accurately detects the location of URD cable faults.

The CURRENT Smart Grid solution makes continuous detailed measurements of voltages and currents using sensors throughout the distribution system. Distributed intelligence within the sensor systems identifies measurements that may indicate system problems.
CURRENT | www.currentgroup.com
Booth 1690

Electronic Utility Markers

3M has expanded its family of RFID-enabled electronic utility markers with the 3M Near-Surface Marker and the 3M Full-Range Marker, to address the broad range of permanent marking needs. 3M RFID markers locate specific underground facilities precisely and efficiently. The new markers are designed for both shallow markings 2 ft (0.6 m) below the surface and deeply buried applications at 8 ft (2.4 m). Both are available as active (programmable) or passive (nonprogrammable).

When placing underground pipelines or cables, durable, anti-freeze fluid-filled marker balls containing an electronic tuned circuit and electronic marker RFID (tags) are buried above key underground elements. These markers use the new RFID technology (with custom RFID chip inside), programmable in the field, which stores details of that marking tailored to a specific company's needs. RFID tag information ranges from marker identification number and installer's name to the purpose and date of installation. GPS coordinates indicate where the elements are, making companies safer and more productive.
3M Electrical Products | www.3M.com
Booth 226

Laminated-Wood Structures

E-LAM engineered laminated-wood utility structures from Laminated Wood Systems are manufactured from renewable, managed-growth southern yellow pine or coastal Douglas-fir timber. Because laminated wood structures are not subject to the shortages and surcharges common with steel, costs have remained stable with delivery lead times consistently averaging eight weeks after drawing approval.

E-LAM structures are available in tangent and unguyed angle designs through 165 ft (50 m). Single-pole, H-frame, switch and substation structures are available to meet most any application and loading requirement.
Laminated Wood Systems
www.lwsinc.com
Booth 1260

Distribution Profilers

Megger's MDP series of distribution profilers provides utilities with accurate and extensive information to precisely evaluate loading on feeders and overhead lines, and to identify needed upgrades or replacement. Three different models range from a simple current-only version to the most advanced unit offering several market-requested features. The profilers can be installed at any point on the distribution line. All units are mechanically identical and weigh less than 4.6 lb (2.1 kg), so they are easily mountable to many readily available clamp sticks for installation on live lines.
Megger | www.megger.com
Booth 2115

Dissipation Factor Measuring System

The dissipation factor and capacitance measuring system LDV-6 from HV Technologies is a high-precision, modular acquisition and analysis system for measuring current and key characteristics of electrical equipment. Complete electrical insulation between acquisition units and the control station provide safety in high-voltage test setups. High-resolution digital processing enables exceptional measurement precision. The user-friendly software features various real-time visualization and monitoring options, and integrates with multiple LDIC products. The LDV-6 consists of two acquisition units: a PC adapter box and a PC. USB 2 technology allows for plug and play with any recent desktop, rack-mount or laptop computer.
HV Technologies Inc. | www.hvtechnologies.com
Booth 1154

SCADA-Ready Switches

G&W Electric Co. has simplified the process of automated switching with a SCADA-ready, 3-phase switch design. Part of G&W's Trident Solid Dielectric switchgear line, the compact switch features integral, high-speed magnetic actuator operation; a load break or fault interrupter application; integral current and voltage sensing; and open-platform circuitry for a wide selection of programmable automated controls.

All components are internal to the switch housing, making it ideal for submersible vault applications. Other features include maintenance-free operation; modular dead-front construction; a compact footprint; time-proven EPOX solid insulation; and ratings through 38 kV, 12.5 kA interrupting.

The switches are designed and tested to applicable ANSI C37.71, ANSI C37.72, ANSI C37.60, IEEE 386, IEC 265, IEEE 592 and ANSI C119.4 standards. Trident switches are also available in single-phase and multiway configurations through 27 kV, 12.5 kA interrupting.
G&W Electric Co. | www.gwelec.com
Booth 1800

Load Research Software

The Load Research System (LRS) 2.0 from Itron Inc. is a tool for analyzing load research data. The program is designed to simplify load research processes, reduce data collection and analysis costs, and increase accuracy of load profiles. LRS uses the latest Windows .NET technologies. The resulting graphical user interface enables analysts to view input data and estimation results in a variety of statistical views, providing improved capability to detect and resolve problems and increased confidence in the final results.
Itron Inc. | www.itron.com
Booth 838

Slip-Resistant Ground Mat

Chance has introduced a second form of its Equi-Mat Personal Protective Ground Grid with a napped surface for superior footing in rain, snow and ice conditions. The new Slip-Resistant version is black. This distinguishes it from the original standard (orange) Equi-Mat Grid, which is still available and in the same sizes as the Slip-Resistant: 58 inches by 58 inches (1.5 m by 1.5 m), 58 inches by 120 inches (1.5 m by 3 m) and 120 inches by 120 inches (3 m by 3 m). Both versions comply with OSHA 1910.269 for equipotential requirements near vehicles, underground gear, overhead switches and in substations. All sizes also come in prepackaged kits with a grounding-cable set, ball stud and storage bag.
Hubbell Power Systems
www.hubbellpowersystems.com
Booth 1032

Dielectric Response Analyzer

DIRANA from Omicron is a FDS-PDC dielectric response analyzer. Due to ever-increasing pressure to reduce costs, the power industry is forced to keep old power transformers in service as long as possible. The analyzer provides an analysis of water content in oil paper insulations of power and instrument transformers; a diagnosis of OIP, RBP and RIP high-voltage bushings; a diagnosis of generator and motor insulation; and a diagnosis of cable insulation.

DIRANA offers short measuring times, which keep the switch-off time and measurement costs to a minimum. The software facilitates automatic determination of the water content, even without expert knowledge.
Omicron | www.omicron.com
Booth 800

Fault Locator

The Model HS-DAD Directional Acoustic Detector from Hipotronics features a new concept in fault locating that uses the speed of sound to show direction to the fault (thump) from where the operator is standing. This dual-channel system is designed for primary cable-fault location and can be used with any thumper.

The sound of the thump emitting from the fault is detected at different times by two microphones placed apart on the cable route. One microphone is used until the sound of the thump is heard. Two microphones are then placed apart over the route of the cable. The first microphone is used to pick up the sound of the thump and triggers the electronics into action, but shuts down the second microphone's input.
Hipotronics | www.hipotronics.com
Booth 1032

Preservative Formulation for Wood Poles

Osmose Utilities Services Inc. has developed a preservative system for in-service poles that promises to set new standards of performance. MP400-EXT is a new and unique blending of inorganic and organic compounds that are highly active at extremely low concentrations. MP400-EXT is designed to provide improved preservative protection, while also reducing both toxicity and pesticide quantities in the formulation. Several years of research resulted in Osmose's combination of four active ingredients, producing near-zero volatile organic compound emissions and eliminating dependence on oil-based ingredients.
Osmose Utilities Services Inc. | www.osmoseutilities.com
Booth 2603

Static VAR Compensator

American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC) has introduced a Static VAR Compensator (SVC) product line. This line is based on proprietary controls technology combined with proprietary thyristor switch technology AMSC obtained through its acquisition of Power Quality Systems Inc. in April 2007.

The thyristor switch technology enables AMSC to offer SVC systems that not only have a lower initial cost, but also lower energy and maintenance costs, and a smaller footprint compared with conventional SVC offerings.
American Superconductor Corp.
www.amsc.com
Booth 1760

Test Plan Library

The Zensol Library includes generic and specific test plans for different types of breakers. The majority have been tested in the field. These test plans and test data are used in conjunction with the CBA Win software and the CBA-32P, a 16-contact circuit breaker analyzer designed to perform timing and motion analysis on all types of circuit breakers typically installed in electrical substations.
Zensol Automation | www.zensol.com
Booth 1821

Voltage Regulator Control

The SEL-2431 voltage regulator control from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (SEL) is compatible with all North American 32-step single-phase voltage regulators. SEL designed the control to fit into existing control enclosures, eliminating the costly expense of removing the voltage regulator from service to upgrade the control.

Intended for both substation and pole-mount voltage regulators, the SEL-2431 supports fiber-optic, EIA-232 and EIA-485 serial interfaces using DNP3 or SEL ASCII protocols.
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
www.selinc.com
Booth 610

Schedule of Events

Monday, April 21
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Technical Tours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Tutorial Sessions
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center Open
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.	Women In Engineering Panel
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.	Conference Reception
Tuesday, April 22
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center Open
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.	Opening Session
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Technical Tours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room Open
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Luncheon
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.	Student Poster Sessions
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.	Education Track
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.	Panel Sessions Companion Tours
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.	Super Session 1
Wednesday, April 23
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Companion Tours (morning or all day)
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Technical Tours (morning or afternoon)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room Open
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Education Track
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Panel Sessions
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.	Super Session 2
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.	Student Job Fair
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Special Short Course
9:30 am - 5 p.m.	Exhibitor Info Sessions
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Poster Sessions
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Collegiate/GOLD/Industry Luncheon
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Super Session 3
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Tutorial Session
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.	Networking Reception
Thursday, April 24
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.	Education Track
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.	International Visitors Center Open
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.	Panel Sessions
9 a.m. - 11 p.m.	Super Session 4
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.	Tutorial Session
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Exhibitor Info Sessions
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.	Poster Sessions
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Super Session 5
2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.	Closing Celebration and Reception