3-MW Wind Turbine

Alstom announces the market introduction of its 3MW ECO 110 wind turbine, specifically designed to ensure the highest energy production on low to medium wind speed sites throughout Europe and worldwide.

The ECO 110 features a 110-m (361-ft) rotor diameter to capture even greater amounts of wind on a given site, maximizing the energy yield of the turbine. The ECO 110 can produce enough energy for 2000 households and avoid the production of 7000 tonnes a year of CO₂. Its 53-m (174-ft)-long blades, over half a soccer field long, have been designed to capture more power more effectively. This means fewer turbines and less land space are required to generate the same amount of power.

Alstom's wind turbines are based upon the Alstom Pure Torque rotor support concept, which protects the gearbox and other drive-train components from deflection loads. The concept fully separates the gearbox from the supporting structure, ensuring that only torque is transmitted through the shaft to the gearbox, and all deflection loads are transmitted directly to the tower.

The ECO 110 has been designed to reduce its installation, operation and maintenance costs. Its modular design allows the use of industry-standard transport and installation equipment. The ergonomic design of its nacelle leaves room to perform easy maintenance of all components and allows direct access from the nacelle to the hub.

The ECO 110 also has been designed to minimize noise emission. By keeping the rotor speed below 13.7 rotations per minute, Alstom Wind's team has designed one of the most silent wind turbines available on the market.

Alstom | www.alstom.com

Phase Rotation Meter

HD Electric's Phase Rotation Meter (PRM) is used to determine which is the leading phase of any two phases of a three-phase conductor system.

The PRM is a dual-range 0-kV to 5-kV and 0-kV to 15-kV device that can be used as high as 45 kV when optional resistor sticks are added. It consists of two sticks with a connecting cord and ground lead.

Phase rotation is determined by taking readings on the two phases; first in one direction then the other. The meter will indicate which phase is leading and which is lagging. The PRM can be used in overhead applications or in underground applications by adding the appropriate underground probes for your application.

HD Electric Co.
www.HDElectricCompany.com

Business-Rugged Laptop

Panasonic Solutions Co.'s Toughbook F9 features an Intel Core i5 processor, 320GB HDD, high-resolution widescreen display, optional Qualcomm Gobi2000 mobile broadband and an integrated handle.

The Toughbook F9 includes a standard voltage 2.40-GHz Intel Core i5-520M vPro processor with Turbo Boost Technology (delivering speeds up to 2.93 GHz) and has Intel anti-theft and vPro technologies to improve hardware-assisted security and manageability capabilities that enhance IT's ability to maintain, manage, discover, heal and protect networked computing assets.

The new device, which delivers up to seven hours of battery life, also features a high-resolution 14.1-inch (358-mm) WXGA+ widescreen display with LED backlighting and a DVD multi-drive.

The Toughbook F9 helps maximize mobile productivity through a variety of embedded wireless technologies. The device combines the latest Intel WiFi chipset (Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN) and Bluetooth v2.1 +EDR, with an option for WiMAX (4G) or Gobi2000 (3G) mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. Gobi2000 simplifies multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments and allows a company's mobile work force improved connectivity options while traveling at home or abroad and adds GPS capabilities for easy integration with mapping software.

Panasonic | www.toughbook.com

Service Pack Upgrades

Telvent has released its ArcFM Solution 9.3.1 service pack upgrades. The update to the popular ArcFM GIS solutions offers a number of enhancements for current users while improving performance and stability.

For ArcFM users, Telvent introduces the OMS Responder Mobile, which allows users to view and edit outage incidents while in the field. Not only is the Responder Mobile easy to use, but it does not require installation of any additional ArcGIS, ArcFM or Responder applications on the field machine. The ArcFM Solution also introduces the ArcFM Replication Schema Change Wizard to make it easier to update a replica with small changes.

Telvent | www.telvent.com

Exothermic Ignition System

BURNDY announces the BURNDYWeld QIKLITE battery-operated ignition system for exothermic connections. This new system uses innovative technology combined with traditional features and benefits unmatched in the industry.

The QIKLITE unit is the only remote exothermic system that guarantees ignition 100% of the time. The self-contained unit offers a built-in battery life indicator, 6-ft (2-m) igniter cord and separate buttons for power and ignition. Also, no starting powder is used with this system so emissions are greatly reduced. QIKLITE works with standard molds and weld metal, so contractors and installers can continue to use the same quality BURNDYWeld products and have the option of using a traditional flint igniter or the new QIKLITE system.

Another feature is the speed of ignition, with virtually no delay between depressing the “push to operate” button and ignition of the weld metal. This instant ignition feature offers quick reassurance to the installer, without the delay experienced with other options currently on the market.

BURNDY | www.BURNDY.com

Unified Portal and Content Server

Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the manufacturing and infrastructure operations industries, announces the release of Wonderware Information Server version 4.0 software. Information Server is easy-to-use software for Web-based graphical visualization, reporting and analysis of real-time plant operations data, helping to drive productivity excellence across client organizations. The new version features support for ArchestrA graphics, critical for those customers now using the company's Wonderware Systems Platform and InTouch HMI products; enhanced operating system support; and superior Web-based graphics built on Microsoft Silverlight technology.

Wonderware Information Server is a unified portal and content server for the company's InFusion Enterprise Control System components, including Wonderware System Platform, InTouch HMI and SCADA software, MES and Intelligence applications, and Foxboro I/A Series distributed control systems, enabling flexible access to applications, reporting and visualization information using a web browser. When used with Wonderware Intelligence, an enterprise manufacturing intelligence product, Wonderware Information Server provides a corporate-wide view of production operations and KPIs, providing all workers in a manufacturing enterprise with a common real-time information dashboard.

Invensys Operations Management | iom.invensys.com

Configurable Power Supply Drives

Emerson Network Power announces the µMP4 (MicroMP4), its latest configurable ac-dc power supply that rivals the cost of nonconfigurable power supplies, while providing market-leading density, efficiency, reliability and agency approvals.

The low-profile 1U (1.75-inch [44-mm]) µMP4 offers a power density of 13.9 W per cubic inch and operating efficiency of up to 91% typical at full case load. The case can deliver up to 600 W of output power with no minimum load requirement. In addition, users can mix and match up to four modules with outputs ranging from 0.9 V to 60 V, enabling nearly limitless output power configurations.

Designed to ensure high efficiency and reliability, the µMP4 is rated for performance at temperatures from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). It can withstand a shock/vibration of more than 50 G, contributing to a high demonstrated mean-time between failures of more than 550,000 hours at full load. Conformal coating is also available as an option.

The µMP4 accepts a wide input voltage range of 85 Vac to 264 Vac and is equipped with active power factor correction rated at 0.99 typical to minimize input harmonic current distortion.

Microcontrollers integrated into the case are supported by Emerson Network Power's intuitive GUI-based PMBus control software, which can be downloaded free.

Emerson Network Power | www.EmersonNetworkPower.com.

Transformer Ohmmeter

Megger's MTO210 transformer ohmmeter makes it easy to measure the dc resistance of all types of magnetic winding rapidly, safely and accurately. The unit is also ideal for checking the operation of on-load tap changers.

The Fast Test technology employed in the MTO210 has been specifically developed by Megger to stabilize the test current in the shortest possible time, thereby significantly reducing test times.

Further time saving features include dual-channel operation, which allows the resistances of transformer primary and secondary windings to be measured simultaneously, and bidirectional current output capabilities that allow users to take advantage of any existing magnetization in the winding core to aid rapid current stabilization.

When used to check the contact resistance of make-before-break tap changes and voltage regulators, the MTO210 provides fast, dependable indication of pitted or misaligned contacts. A remote probe is available that allows the user to operate the tap changer while the tester is in operation.

To ensure safe operation, circuitry is included that automatically discharges the winding or windings under test when the test is completed, if a lead is accidentally disconnected, or in the event of a power failure. Provision is also made for driving a warning beacon and for interlocking the operation of the instrument with, for example, a safety fence.

The MTO210 offers facilities for demagnetizing winding cores before or after resistance testing is carried out, and it can also be used as a stand-alone core demagnetizer. Its versatility is further increased by its wide resistance range of 1 µΩ to 2000 Ω, which allows it to be used for heat-run testing of many types of transformer.

Test results are shown on large liquid crystal displays and can be stored in the instrument's internal memory for later printing or downloading.

Megger | www.megger.com

Insulation Testers

Fluke Corp. has introduced the new Fluke 1555 and redesigned Fluke 1550C insulation resistance testers designed for a wide range of diagnostic and predictive maintenance programs.

These testers offer digital insulation testing up to 10 kV (Fluke 1555), making them ideal for testing a wide range of high-voltage equipment, including switchgear, motors, generators and cables.

Fluke insulation testers can now conduct the entire range of test voltages specified in IEEE 43-2000 with a best in class, three-year warranty and CAT III, 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V safety rating.

With measurement storage and PC interface, the Fluke 1555 and 1550C are perfect tools for long-term equipment monitoring.

Fluke Corp. | www.fluke.com.

Molded Vacuum Interrupter

The new Thomas & Betts Elastimold Molded Vacuum Interrrupter (MVI) is the industry's only unit of its kind designed to fit through wind tower doorways. The unit is maintenance-free and environmentally friendly, containing no gas or oil, and is available for subsurface, vault, tower, padmount or riser-pole applications.

The 38-kV 25-kA MVI incorporates Elastimold's proven combination of EPDM-molded insulation with a vacuum interrupter. This latest addition to the Thomas & Betts Elastimold solid-dielectric family of switchgear uses a 25-kA symmetrical vacuum bottle interrupter and a magnetic actuator mechanism, along with our current sensor and a broad line of control options, ranging from our internal E-Set software to our 80 Control or the SEL 351 relay.

Thomas & Betts Corp. | www.tnb.com

Field Design Software

Powel Inc. has released the latest version of its signature StakeOut mobile field design application that synchronizes office, customer and engineering data for accurate, streamlined work management.

StakeOut 7.5 features a dozen new enhancements for improved control, navigation and input options to create precise and easy-to-read construction documents or staking sheets.

Some of the new features include:

• Better control of staking sheet graphics - Allows users to modify StakeOut's automatically generated graphics page content into a defined, highly legible staking sheet print that shows exactly the content needed for a specific job.

• Tiled graphics pages - Staking sheets can be generated with tiled graphic pages. These identically scaled pages can be ordered diagonally (upper left to lower right) or based on station order.

• Improved graphics for large jobs - Powel responded to multiple enhancements requested by users to improve staking sheet prints for large jobs, such as subdivisions and re-conductoring work, making them easier for designers to create and easier for construction crews to read.

With StakeOut, users can remotely design new job sketches, add construction units, generate job documents, including cost estimates and staking sheets, and edit job sketches and units to reflect as-built changes. The software also features a built-in rule base to ensure design standards are met. Work performed on a client is automatically synched with the on-premise server or remotely from the job site through a wireless network.

Powel Inc. | www.powelinc.com

Wireless Sensors

ABB's GridSync sensors and wireless communications, allowing utilities to increase grid visibility and efficiency through volt var optimization. GridSync provides high-accuracy current, voltage and frequency information in real time for smart grid applications, including volt var control (VVC), demand response and load monitoring.

GridSync uses the CVC-110ER extended-range combination current and voltage instrument transformer to obtain highly accurate current and voltage readings from distribution feeders. This real-time data is fed into GridSync's remote terminal unit and then sent wirelessly to the utility for analysis, action and integration into their distribution management system.

ABB | www.abb.com

Dielectric-Loss Analyzing System

The Tettex Dielectric-Loss Analyzing System Dielectric-Loss Analyzing System 2840 is designed for measurement of very low dielectric losses and impedances (dissipation factor and power factor) of high-voltage apparatus (e.g., extruded insulation on power cables).

The instrument works on the principle of a combined bridge-vector-meter and is capable of analyzing capacitive and inductive loads — especially shunt reactors — with outstanding accuracy and stability.

The graphical user interface of the instrument is highly intuitive, is focused on convenience with built-in useful programs and uses a large color touch screen as the input device.

While the manual mode provides quick measurements, the automatic test mode supports complete automated test sequences. Advanced software functionalities such as insulation temperature correction, programmable test sequences with pass/fail limits and graphical visualization of measured data make this instrument a powerful tool for analysis of high-voltage equipment.

The instrument incorporates standard interfaces that enable easy exchange of measurement result and related settings for further analysis or reporting.

Hipotronics.com | ww.hipotronics.com

Integrated Communications Optical Network

The SEL ICON (Integrated Communications Optical Network) is a versatile communications product that can operate as an OC-48 SONET multiplexer and/or a gigabit-fast Ethernet switch.

SEL ICON features include precise time distribution accurate to 1 µs over a wide-area network, an optional SONET line signal AES-256 encryption, a real-time latency monitor for each channel, and a robust universal platform that can support both SONET and Ethernet along with DS0 interfaces such as C37.94 and EIA 232.

By installing an SEL ICON in several different locations, a customized communications network can be built. SEL ICON networks are easy to configure with software that automatically reads the connected network and builds a visual network representation. They can be managed from one or several locations, either through SEL management software called SELSA or through a generic SNMP manager.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. | www.selinc.com

Helicopter-Acquired Remote Sensing Data

Merrick & Co.'s geospatial solutions business unit, Merrick GeoSpatial Solutions, is expanding its services and will now provide helicopter-acquired remote sensing data products and services. The firm is purchasing a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor that will be co-mounted with additional sensors for high-resolution color orthophotography, high-resolution oblique imagery, color infrared orthophotography and hyperspectral imaging. Currently, Merrick has three existing multi-sensor platforms mounted in fixed-wing aircraft. The addition of a helicopter to the fleet will allow the firm to acquire higher accuracy, higher fidelity and higher density remotely sensed data. Merrick's helicopter system will be ideal for smaller area mapping projects such as flood plains, wind/solar farms and forestry tracts, as well as linear projects such as transmission corridors, transportation systems, coastlines, railroads, levees, airports, pipelines, sea ports and international borders.

Merrick & Co. | www.merrick.com

Portable Supports

The Ver-T-Pol is professionally certified to support an object weighing up to 21 tons (working load) in a vertical position for an extended period of time.

A major factor is the ability to install/remove Ver-T-Pol portable supports in blind easement situations where a line or boom truck is not accessible. Just one to two men are required for installation (15 minutes) and removal (10 minutes). The Ver-T-Pol can be used for supporting a pole while excavation is being performed next to the pole, or to support a broken or rotted pole. Their low cost, easy installation and ability to be used over and over again have made them the preferred tool. The system meets/exceeds ANSI and OSHA requirements.

Oklahoma Design Technologies
www.oklahomadesigntech.com