The Big Easy is hosting the IEEE PES Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exposition April 19-22 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The March 2010 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 2010.

Smart Grid Boot Camp

The 2010 conference will feature a new event, the Smart Grid Boot Camp. Based on the NIST Smart Grid Framework, this course covers all aspects of the smart grid, from why smart grid now, to the key technologies that make up the smart grid. It introduces the work of the UCAIug OpenSG, GridWise Architecture Council, NIST, DOE's Modern Grid Project and other key efforts from around the world. The course will help the participant:

• Understand the value of smart grid and interoperable systems
• Understand the key standards that will underpin the smart grid in the U.S.
• Be introduced to the key industry projects that are serving as key test beds
• Be introduced to the key smart grid organizations and provide a pointer to involvement
• Understand the key technologies that compose a typical smart grid.

The attendee will leave with a better understanding of the current state of the art in regulation and technology provided in a candid and unbiased fashion by some of the top practitioners in the industry. The session will be lead by Erich Gunther of EnerNex Corp. Speakers include Larry Clark of Southern Company, Wayne Longcore of Consumers Energy and Mark McGranaghan of EPRI.

Student Job Fair and Luncheon

The 2010 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition will offer, for the second time, a work force development initiative. The event will feature a Collegiate Job Fair and an exclusive Collegiate/GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Industry Luncheon. The events are designed to help you and your organization recruit the next generation of engineers.

The Collegiate/GOLD Industry Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Collegiate Job Fair will be held preceding the luncheon on Wednesday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in exhibit hall F.

IEEE EXPOSITION Schedule of Events

Monday, April 19
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Tutorial Sessions
7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Technical Tours
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.	Conference Reception
Tuesday, April 20
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room and Fashion Show
8 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.	Opening Session
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Special Short Course
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open (Halls F, G, H, I, J)
10:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.	Technical Poster Sessions Panel Sessions
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Luncheon in Exposition Halls
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.	Student Poster Sessions
1 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.	Education Track
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Engineering Ethics
1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.	Super Session 1
Wednesday, April 21
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center
8 a.m. - 5 p.m	Companion Hospitality Room
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Smart Grid Day at T&D
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Special Short Course
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Info Session
8 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.	Education Track
8 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.	Technical Poster Sessions Panel Sessions
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.	Engineering Ethics Encore
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Technical Tours
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Super Session 2
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.	Student Job Fair
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open (Halls F, G, H, I, J)
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Collegiate/GOLD/Industry Luncheon
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Super Session 3
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.	Networking Reception
Thursday, April 22
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	International Visitors Center
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Special Short Course
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Companion Hospitality Room and Fashion Show
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Info Sessions
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Technical Poster Sessions Panel Sessions
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Education Track
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Technical Tours
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Exposition Hall Open (Halls F, G, H, I, J)
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	Super Session 4
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.	Special Interest Sessions
2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.	Closing Celebration and Reception

IEEE Exposition Products & Services

Smart Grid-Ready Advanced Feeder Protection

Beckwith Electric's M-7651 feeder protection relay offers many advanced features, including 18 protective relaying functions, providing synch-check and four-step reclosing capabilities with user-selectable single- or three-phase breaker.

The base relay is a simple three-phase and ground overcurrent relay with three digital inputs and four contact outputs, and has options for expanded inputs and outputs and Ethernet. The sampling rate of this relay is 128 samples per cycle, which provides advanced metering and power-quality-level harmonics recording and analysis for THD (total harmonic distortion) and individual spectrum.

The M-7651 provides sequence-of-event (SOE) recording with 32 fault event reports and 3500 event records. Oscillography is user configurable for 16 or 32 samples per cycle, with 7 to 255 partitions and up to 2100 cycles per record. The M-7651 may be optioned to include 18 programmable inputs and 15 contact outputs, Ethernet and, along with programmable front LED and function buttons, the user may configure to any and all application requirements.

Beckwith Electric
www.beckwithelectric.com
Booth 2321

Transmission Insulator Catalog

This recently updated Ohio Brass (Hubbell Power Systems) Quadri*Sil transmission insulator catalog gives complete details about the insulator that overcomes today's unpredictable environment. The insulator incorporates a revolutionary four-point seal that prohibits moisture intrusion.

Hubbell Power Systems
www.hubbellpowersystems.com
Booth 1941

Padmount Transformer Connectors

UTILCO's new DMPTF padmount transformer connectors are range-taking and feature left- or right-hand mounting from either end of the connector. Dual rated for copper and aluminum conductors, DMPTF connectors can be used with ⅝-inch and 1-inch (15.976-mm to 25.4-mm) transformer studs, which make it suitable for multiple applications. A clear cover option is available for ease of installation and inspectability with both sides open for cable insertion. Oxidation piercing grooves improve contact between the transformer stud and connector.

UTILCO
www.ilsco.com
Booth 301

Real-Time Monitoring and Control

OSI will be showcasing its Monarch platform, a state-of-the-art real-time system for supporting high-performance mission-critical applications for monitoring, control, scheduling and optimization of complex networked operations for the electric, oil and gas, transportation and water industries.

Specific applications of the Monarch platform include supervisory control and data acquisition, energy management system, distribution management system, generation management system, market management system and network management system for fluid networks.

OSI also will be showcasing OSIRIS, its Linux-based secure RTU, as well as its stand-alone new SOLUS Universal Serial Controller platform, hosting ISIS (Inline-Serial-Information-Shield), OSI's hardware-based serial security solution.

Open Systems International Inc.
www.osii.com
Booth F727

Storm Damage Solution

Thomas & Betts' Homac Storm-Safe provides a solution to storm damage, such as falling branches and debris, that often snags utility service entrance cables between the utility distribution pole and the customer's building or home.

Depending on how the cables fall, they may be energized, causing a safety hazard to the public, emergency response and utility personnel. In addition, the mechanical loads may cause damage to the customer's facilities or homes that may require costly repairs and time delays in service restoration.

When the service cable is struck, the Storm-Safe breakaway link immediately releases the service mechanical support and disconnects the electrical service. As a result, the service cable comes down de-energized without damage to the utility equipment or customer premises.

Storm-Safe consists of two primary components: a mechanical breakaway link and mating contacts for the electrical service. The mechanical breakaway link breaks at a prescribed force, preventing damage. The mating contacts separate after the line breaks, providing a safe disconnect of power. After the storm passes, power can be quickly and cost effectively restored by installing a new link and re-inserting the contacts.

Thomas & Betts
www.tmb.com
Booth 1040

Wi-Fi-based Home-Area-Network

Aclara announces a home-area network (HAN) based on Wi-Fi technology. The system was developed in conjunction with Intwine Connect, a technology company specializing in Internet-based connectivity solutions. The Aclara HAN solution can connect numerous interoperable home devices through a portal operating on a standard Wi-Fi networky. The demonstration is working in real time through an energy portal created by Intwine Connect, exemplifying the power of Wi-Fi to support HAN. Aclara's strategy is to Wi-Fi enable a variety of devices that allow electric, water or gas companies to afford consumers direct access to critical data and control information to better manage resources.

Aclara
www.alcara.com
Booth 253

Self-Powered Video Surveillance

SmarterCam from Smarter Security Systems is a self-powered video surveillance system that provides real-time remote assessment of threats. With IR for nighttime viewing and video motion detection technology, the system sends e-mail alerts of alarm via its built-in wireless modem and can include an image or video for verification. Remote operators can connect to SmarterCam and view live or recorded video to protect outdoor assets and assess intrusion attempts.

Smarter Security Systems
www.smartersecurity.com
Booth 2621

Thermal Imager

Fluke has added a new member to its thermal imaging family. The new Fluke Ti32 combines a powerful 320×240 sensor into the rugged design of the Ti25 and Ti10, delivering the first industrial-grade, high-performance thermal imager. The result is strikingly crisp, detailed images that, blended with Fluke's patented IR-Fusion, are sure to make a lasting impression.

Fluke Corp.
us.fluke.com
Booth 954

High-Voltage Control Systems

Nomos designs and manufactures control systems for high-voltage equipment. The company works closely with manufacturers of power transformers, circuit breakers, isolating switches, capacitors and electrical utilities, as well as businesses that provide network maintenance. Nomos Systems specializes in detailed electrical engineering, integration, component assembly and specialized equipment configuration (e.g., intelligent transformer monitors, tap changers and monitoring systems).

Nomos Systems
www.nomossystems.com
Booth 251

Dossert Substation Accessories

ACA Conductor Accessories now offers the Dossert brand of substation accessories for the power utility market. ACA/Dossert's products include copper and aluminum connectors for substations, switchyards, transmission lines, grounding systems and industrial applications. It also features a complete line of bolted and welded fittings for cable and bus; clamps for cable, pipe, rod and bus; plus copper and aluminum clamps and terminals. ACA offers that one source needed in a market that sees continuous and escalating growth.

ACA Conductor Accessories
www.ACAsolutions.com
Booth 607

LiDAR-Based Mapping Services

Network Mapping is an international provider of LiDAR-based transmission line corridor mapping services. A U.K.-based company with a strong U.S. presence, Network Mapping has the in-house skills and equipment to provide a full range of services from high-density LiDAR data and ortho-rectified right-of-way imagery collection to delivery of end-user engineering products, including full PLS-CADD models.

Network Mapping
www.network-mapping.com
Booth 226