Intelligent condition monitoring for transformer substations.

For decades, transformer protection has primarily focused on preventing catastrophic failures caused by excessive temperatures. While this remains essential, modern power distribution networks require significantly more than simple overtemperature protection. Operators increasingly need comprehensive information about the actual condition of their assets in order to improve reliability, optimize maintenance schedules, and reduce operating costs.

ZIEHL has introduced the UR series of universal monitoring relays, This follows their long-established TR250 temperature relay, which has been protecting transformers worldwide against overheating for decades. One of its most versatile members, the UR840IP, is already being deployed in the first transformer substations, where it transforms conventional monitoring into a comprehensive condition monitoring solution.

The UR840IP is a web-enabled universal relay equipped with Ethernet connectivity, making it an ideal platform for implementing holistic condition monitoring in distribution transformer substations. Rather than monitoring only transformer temperatures, it combines multiple process variables, stores operating data, communicates with higher-level control systems, and enables advanced diagnostics based on real operating conditions.

The result is a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution that transforms a conventional transformer substation from an isolated "black box" into a transparent, intelligent component of the modern smart grid.

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@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #ZIEHL #Power #PAuto

Grid management solutions to advance energy reliability and decarbonisation.

Supporting stable and safe energy supply throughout Spain.

Emerson's AspenTech Digital Grid Management solutions are being used by Enagás, S.A., to monitor, operate and optimise Spain’s gas transmission network. As Spain’s national gas grid operator, Enagás relies on Emerson’s software to support the continuity, safety and security of the country’s natural gas supply.

Emerson helps Enagás manage more than 11,000 kilometres of gas pipeline, while driving the digital innovation needed to operate its network with more diverse gases such as biomethane and hydrogen. Enagás’ advanced energy infrastructure puts it in a position to meet ambitious business goals, safeguard pipe
line operations and maintain best-in-class energy delivery for Spain.

Enagás uses AspenTech OSI monarch SCADA™ and AspenTech OSI Continua Pipeline Management™ for the supervision of the gas transmission network. Enagás benefits from real-time energy calculations, gas tracking and proactive mitigation of hazardous conditions, such as overpressure and rupture detection, to ensure safe, secure and compliant gas services across its expansive network.

“Industry leaders like Enagás recognise the importance of digital technology in achieving more resilient and efficient utility operations,” said Stuart Harris, general manager, digital grid management at Emerson’s Aspen Technology business. “Our digital grid management solutions provide Enagás with full visibility across its mission-critical systems, in addition to the comprehensive insights needed to support the region’s natural gas supply well into the future."

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@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation  @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Spain

Space power conversion applications.

A new Smart Integrated Magnetics solution designed for advanced power conditioning and distribution units (PCDUs) operating in constrained and demanding environments such as space systems has been developed by Exxelia. This solution is not a standard catalog product; it is the result of a custom development. It has been engineered to meet specific electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements defined at system level and can be adapted to meet any set of customer specifications.

This new Smart Integrated Magnetics solution combines the transformer and the inductor of a Dual Active Bridge (DAB) within a single, compact magnetic assembly. This integrated approach aims to reduce volume, mass and interconnection complexity while maintaining electrical performance at high switching frequencies. The targeted application is isolated DC-DC power conversion in space-grade PCDUs, where efficiency, reliability, and mechanical robustness are key design drivers.

From a technical standpoint, the Smart Integrated Magnetic is designed for a power level of 1 to 2kW at a switching frequency of 100 to 200kHz (example). The associated inductor provides an inductance of few µH. The overall assembly reaches an efficiency level close to 99% under nominal operating conditions, reflecting careful optimization of core materials, winding architecture and magnetic coupling. Particular attention has been paid to losses and thermal behavior, which are critical in low-convection environments.

Mechanical integration was a central aspect of the development. The complete magnetic solution fits into a low-profile / planar package measuring approximately 75 × 65 × 20 mm, with a total mass of around 250 g. This compact form factor is intended to facilitate integration into densely populated power electronics modules, while also supporting resistance to mechanical stresses typically encountered during launch and operation.

The design was carried out to address severe environmental constraints, including thermal cycling and mechanical loads, which are characteristic of space applications. Material selection, impregnation processes and structural design were adapted accordingly to ensure long-term stability and compatibility with qualification requirements.

While the solution presented here is specific to a given program and set of constraints, it reflects a broader approach that can be adapted to other high-reliability applications requiring compact, efficient and integrated magnetic designs.

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@Exxelia #Aerospace #PAuto

Smart sensing for future power grids.

There has been a surge in the digitalization and integration of renewable energy resources into electric power grids to enable efficient and intelligent energy management. However, existing power systems face increased vulnerabilities to challenges such as more frequent and severe weather conditions and evolving cyber attacks.

The report, "Smart sensing for future power grids", developed by the IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB), establishes that making power grids smart by implementing advanced sensors and intelligent control systems is one of the answers for a more stable, reliable and resilient future of electric power grids.

It also notes that such a robust power grid with efficient monitoring is a crucial facilitator in realizing a cleaner future.

The report discusses the challenges and opportunities related to smart power grid sensing and looks at the immense potential of sensors in diverse applications like power generation, transmission and measurement of carbon emission.

It further presents a vision of the future power grid architecture built upon smart sensors and potential technology roadmaps. Several key technologies have been emphasized, such as sensor placement optimization, sensor calibration, edge computing, AI data analysis, and cyber security.

Finally, the report analyzes the standardization efforts in this domain, which it deems vital in promoting the technologies’ widespread adoption.

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@IECStandards #Power #Energy

Safety system.

The Acti9 Active Safety System, the latest in Schneider Electric's Acti9 range of safety system controls, offers a digitally enhanced connected system with complete visibility at final distribution.

“The Acti9 Active Safety System brings unprecedented visibility and connectivity for electricians, without compromising on safety. The electrical industry is undergoing monumental changes, and this solution helps electricians to navigate the complex changes by providing a ready-made offering compliant to the latest regulations.” says Nico van der Merwe, VP Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric

The next generation of Acti9 Active, which features the hybrid Acti9 Active arc fault distribution board (AFDD), brings an innovative addition to the Acti9 Isobar P range of distribution boards, incorporating efficiency, safety, and best-in-class connectivity compliant with the latest wiring regulations BS7671 18th Edition Amendment 2.

Through alarms and pre-alarms, the Acti9 Active Safety System alerts and protects against electrical faults, providing electricians with the ability to detect a fault and work efficiently and safely to fix it. 

The Active Safety System consists of three elements that simplify what would be a complex connected system:

• Acti9 Active device and Hybrid distribution board – a single 36mm device that acts as an Active all-in-one breaker offering enhanced visibility and greater protection from arc-fault related fires.
• EcoStruxure Panel Server – the gateway allowing the connectivity down to the final circuit in the distribution board.
• EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert – the software platform that enables electricians to easily view the information coming from the distribution board at final circuit levels.

Historically, energy meters were used in distribution boards to show an aggregated view of multiple circuits. However, the Acti9 Active Safety System’s total integration of circuit protection, gateway, and software mean that, for the first time, enhanced visibility is available at the final circuit level. This allows electricians to be one step ahead of the electrical system so they can proactively address potential faults and issues before they occur.

Furthermore, the level of information provided by the Acti9 Active improves operational resilience and reduces overall downtime for the electrical system. By having complete visibility of what is happening within the system itself, electricians and building owners have unprecedented control, allowing them to make informed decisions to achieve their energy efficiency goals and make changes to support their sustainability journeys.

@SchneiderUKI @SchneiderElec @teamlewisglobal #Electric #PAuto

Automation for the largest green hydrogen plant.

Integrated control and safety platform optimises world’s largest green hydrogen production and storage facility and supports reliable, clean power generation.

Mitsubishi Power Americas has selected Emerson to automate the world’s largest green hydrogen production and storage facility. The industry-leading hub will help integrate renewable energy by producing and storing green hydrogen for long-duration energy storage. Mitsubishi Power will leverage Emerson’s hydrogen production experience and automation software expertise to increase safety, decrease costs and simplify maintenance across the lifecycle of the facility.

Mitsubishi Power will use Emerson’s digitally connected Ovation architecture to optimise the industry-leading Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub’s production efficiency and help ensure safe operations. Photo: Mitsubishi Power.

Excess renewable energy generated during the winter and spring is difficult and costly to store in its native state for use during the peak summer season and, as a result, is wasted. The Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub will use renewable electricity to power electrolysers to produce green hydrogen. The produced hydrogen will be stored underground in salt caverns so that it can be dispatched when required to generate clean electricity from hydrogen-fuelled turbines, which will help stabilise the grid with sustainable sources and create a new pathway to decarbonisation of the western United States.

“Generating, storing and transmitting electricity with zero carbon emissions is critical to meeting the world’s sustainable power generation needs,” said Michael Ducker, senior vice president of Hydrogen Infrastructure for Mitsubishi Power Americas and president of Advanced Clean Energy Storage I. “Emerson’s hydrogen expertise and digitally connected architecture design will help shorten time to start-up, while also developing a safe, reliable and easily scalable transmission system to meet our goals for renewable energy production and storage.”

The Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub will convert renewable energy through the 220-megawatt (MW) electrolyser bank to produce up to 100 tons of green hydrogen per day. The facility will have storage for 300 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy in two salt caverns. In comparison, the battery storage capacity across the United States is 2 GWh via lithium-ion batteries. The Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub has space for up to 100 caverns.

This first-of-its-kind integrated facility will provide short- and long-duration hydrogen storage for use during peak seasons and throughout the year at the nearby 840 MW Intermountain Power Project (IPP Renewed). IPP Renewed will use 30% (vol) hydrogen fuel in Mitsubishi Power M501JAC gas turbines at start-up, transitioning to 100% (vol) hydrogen by 2045. Emerson and Mitsubishi Power are collaborating on digital solutions for IPP Renewed to optimise plant performance, improve reliability and create cleaner, more reliable power.

“One of the most complex issues in power distribution is successfully managing variability of demand and supply to reduce stress on the grid,” said Bob Yeager, president of Emerson’s power and water business. “Mitsubishi Power has successfully leveraged the digital automation stack to develop an innovative, sustainable way to solve that problem, enabling providers to consistently use peak-production renewable energy in peak-consumption hours.”

Mitsubishi Power will use the Ovation™ integrated control and safety platform to optimise the Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub’s production efficiency and help ensure safe operations. The Ovation platform will provide reliable control and monitoring of the renewable hydrogen production process and emergency shutdown, fire and gas protection. The platform will also gather and contextualise data from the plant’s wide variety of third-party systems to help eliminate complexity and risk. Emerson’s PACSystems™ RSTi-EP I/O will provide easier field connectivity and help facilitate project changes without extending timelines or increasing cost, while AMS Device Manager will help monitor the health of plant assets to improve safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability.

@EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @EmersonExchange T @MHI_Group @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Power #USA

Optimising high-voltage network in Europe.

Software will help TenneT improve the reliability, efficiency and safety of its high-voltage network.

TenneT, a leading European electricity transmission system operator, has selected  Emerson to provide software and services to optimise and secure the high-voltage transmission network responsible for delivering power to nearly 42 million people across the Netherlands and Germany.

Emerson’s OSI digital grid solutions* offers a reliable and adaptable platform, Monarch™, that will help support TenneT’s transition to a more dynamic, complex and interconnected power market, which is currently experiencing a strong increase in renewable energy. To balance electricity supply and demand while incorporating more environmentally responsible energy sources, Emerson’s technology will provide better data for real-time and accurate decision-making.

To optimise operations, Emerson will provide TenneT with enhanced forecasting, operational planning and equipment outage scheduling capabilities, as well as an operator training simulator. The adoption of Emerson’s big-data historian technologies will improve the collection and archiving of system metrics and asset performance data, delivering high availability and improved disaster recovery for TenneT’s network.

“We’re enormously proud to have been selected by TenneT to strengthen its transmission grid,” said Al Eliasen, president of Emerson’s OSI digital grid solutions business. “We look forward to a successful project and lasting partnership that supports TenneT’s commitment to deliver a secure and continuous supply of electricity to its customers.”

* Emerson strengthened its international electrification capabilities through the October 2020 acquisition of Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI Inc.). Emerson’s domain expertise in power generation, combined with OSI Inc.’s complementary software and reach within the power transmission and distribution sectors, enables companies to monitor, control and optimise operations in real-time across the power network.

@EMR_Automation @OSI_USA @TenneTTSO #PAuto #Energy #Germany #Netherlands

Cybersecurity and lifecycle costs reduced at British power supplier.

Westermo has helped Electricity North West (GB) to enhance cybersecurity and reduce the lifecycle costs of a data communications network which supports the electricity distribution network in the North West region. Westermo industrial networking technology has been used to create a resilient IP-based network that has enabled the implementation of services such as NMS (Network Management Service) and CLASS (Customer Load Active System Services). These support Electricity North West’s goals of improving reliability of supply and creating operational savings that can be passed on to customers.

The IP-based data network connects well over 500 primary substations across a vast geographical area, enabling monitoring and controlling of equipment which reroutes power should problems arise. Previously, a VF Serial-based network offered limited bandwidth, no redundancy and insufficient resilience. A lack of network reliability created high operational costs and resulted in regular faults that affected capital projects supporting Quality of Service programmes.

Westermo Wolverine Ethernet Line Extenders, based on SHDSL communications, enabled the Ethernet network to be created using existing copper cabling.

“Replacing the 11,000km of ageing copper cabling with fibre optic infrastructure was unfeasible in terms of budget and timescale,” explained Lee Wakefield, Telecoms Transmission Engineer, Electricity North West. “The use of Westermo’s Wolverine Ethernet Line Extenders eliminated the need to replace the cabling and made the project feasible by significantly reducing costs.”

“Almost 1000 Wolverine devices were installed over a two-year period at the primary substations. With both time and engineering resources limited, it was crucial to minimise the number of visits to each site. Westermo’s WeConfig configuration software supported this by enabling the configuration, diagnostics and testing tasks to be performed at a central location. An estimated 2100 engineering hours (300 work days) were saved and this efficiency improvement was critical in enabling the project to be completed on time and to budget.

“The Westermo technology provides Electricity North West with the capability to monitor and trend the performance of the network connections to the primary substations. This enables potential issues to be identified at an earlier stage and better scheduling of cable maintenance to prevent unexpected network downtime. Better planning reduces the cost of doing the work and enables better use of our internal resources.”

“Using the performance data, we identify areas that are problematic and make a business case for investment in new cabling. Work may be brought forward to enable a new communications cable to be installed sooner,” explained Paul Gornall, Network and Field Operations Manager, Electricity North West. “The result has been an improved communications network, which in turn helps to improve the overall power delivery service.”

The combination of implementing a reliable IP network and, the ability to identify cable issues, has reduced the time spent on callouts maintaining the data network by approximately 2100 working hours a year. This has not only reduced operating costs, but also allows engineers to focus on capital investment improvement projects that contribute towards better quality of service for customers.

“The use of Westermo’s WeConfig network configuration tool was a key factor in the success of the project, helping the telecoms team to configure, test and implement network security," explained Gornall. “Having installed the network, the technology has continued to support efficiency savings and plays a vital role in keeping the network secure.”

Network security is enhanced by `locking down’ the configuration settings, changing the factory passwords and blocking all unused ports of the Wolverine devices. The Westermo WeConfig tool simplified this task, ensuring a uniform approach, with consistent steps for every device that removed the possibility of human error. Over 500 working hours would have been required to perform this task, which may not have been feasible, thus WeConfig was essential to maximising network security.

WeConfig has enabled firmware updates for groups of installed devices over the network, without the need to visit the substations. The task is performed from the office and when the firmware is being uploaded the engineer is free to do other tasks. This has helped to save around 140 working hours to date.

“WeConfig has been an extremely valuable tool when performing firmware upgrades that provide us with greater network functionality and security,” said Wakefield. “By automating the process, we have not only increased worker efficiency considerably, but also minimised the possibility of human error.”

 @westermo  #Power  @HHC_Lewis 

Power appointment!

Powerstax has appointed Phil James as Sales Director.

Phil James

“I’m really pleased that Phil has joined our team to head up the Sales organisation,” said Chief Executive Officer Tim Worley in announcing the appointment. “He brings a wealth of power sector experience and many industry contacts which will underpin the ambitious sales growth plans we have for Powerstax. Phil’s specific knowledge of the high voltage power sector will also allow us to broaden our product lines and reach and will result in an increased number of cross selling opportunities”.

Having served a classic M.O.D apprenticeship in Military Aircraft Avionics, Phil completed an HNC in Industrial Measurement and Control Systems and following three further years with the M.O.D, began his career in the Power Electronics industry eventually joining Glassman Europe Ltd in 1994. During more than 24 years’ service at Glassman Europe he progressed from Sales Engineer to European Sales Manager and finally to General Manager, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in markets and applications for high voltage and programmable dc power supplies.

 “Following the acquisition and subsequent changes to the Glassman business, I seized the opportunity to join Powerstax Ltd. as Sales Director. Having known its CEO Tim Worley for many years, I was convinced of the conviction, quality and drive of this principled Power Conversion company and its highly skilled and flexible workforce. I very much look forward to adding my own skills and more than 30 years of industry experience to help drive the company even further forward," says Phil.

@powerstaxplc #Power

Reliable measurement in heavy current networks

Based on the principle of "good enough", Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is introducing the SIRAX-ECOLINE series. This expands the product portfolio in the mid-range performance segment with products for electrical measurement functions.

The devices include the basic functionality of a transducer and are used as cost-effective standard solutions for safely capturing measurement values in single-phase or three-phase heavy current networks. They are particularly suited to performing measurements in electrical distribution networks or industrial systems and machines. All parameters can be configured on-site or by means of an additional programming software utility. Modbus RTU (RS485) or Modbus TCP (Ethernet) interfaces are available to link the devices to higher-level systems.

Display devices in the SIRAX line are available in two categories: Basic Monitor (BM) or Multifunctional Monitor (MM). The differences are in the display and operator controls. The MM version has a TFT-based touchscreen and it allows additional energy consumption values and standard electrical parameters to be entered and displayed such as current, voltage, frequency, power, energy and many others. In some versions, digital and analogue pulse outputs are supported.

The DIN top-hat rail devices in the SIRAX line from Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG are mono-functional. They each convert one heavy current parameter such as current, voltage, frequency or power into an analogue low voltage signal (current or voltage). All devices are equipped with an LCD screen that shows the values in a clear, easily-readable format. Integrated LEDs also display the current operating status of the device. Analogue outputs, linear or kinked, support data transmission to a control system.

#CamilleBauer #PAuto #Power #Metrowatt

Fast engineering of power distribution boards.

Explosion-protected R. Stahl power distribution boards for zone 1, 2 and 21, 22 hazardous areas are now based on a modular design. Lighting and power distribution solutions, trace heating and socket distribution boards can now be precisely configured, requested and offered more easily and much more quickly.

In many cases, customers will benefit from faster deliveries as a result of time saved in the planning and engineering stage. All performance characteristics and certifications of the modules are precisely documented. In addition, frequently required assemblies have been predefined based on many years of experience: these instantly available components can be combined for a vast variety of solutions that directly meet customer requirements.

Many customers will find they can dispense with one engineering phase altogether: based on the specified purpose, ambient conditions, loads, wiring parameters and fuse on the supply line, R. Stahl is able to supply ready-to-use power distribution boards that comply with EN/IEC 61439. Like all R. Stahl products, the new modular solutions feature a low-maintenance design and good usability. They are available with a wide variety of breakers.

Suited for all climates, GRP or stainless steel R. Stahl distribution cabinets withstand extreme conditions in an exceptionally broad temperature range from -60 °C to +135 °C, unless components inside require narrower specifications. Numerous certifications ensure solutions are available for use around the world.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland by Douglas Control & Automation.

Line voltage regulator!

Economic and environmentally friendly solution for voltage control contributes to the evolution of smarter and greener grids

ABB has launched its line voltage regulator (LVR) product family for distribution networks that will boost reliability as grids receive more electricity from renewable energy installations.

Low Voltage model

Increasing amounts of energy from renewable resources, especially wind and solar, lead to more dynamic and intermittent power entering the mix. This can result in instability and frequent variation of voltage levels in the distribution network, which can pose a risk to electrical equipment if beyond the maximum allowable level set by regulators. The line voltage regulator is designed to help manage these variations and adjust the voltage accordingly.

ABB offers line voltage regulators for medium-voltage (MV) and for low-voltage (LV) grids. The MV regulator is available for ratings up to 8 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and the LV regulator for ratings up to 250 Kilo Volt Ampere (kVA), and both allow the voltage to be adjusted by up to +/-10%. Both products are designed for quick installation and have low energy losses.

“This latest line voltage regulator can automatically adjust the voltage based on the actual load or generation mix in the distribution system, addressing a key stability challenge posed by the increasing amount of renewables entering the power network,” said Bernhard Jucker, President of ABB’s Power Products division. "It can make an important contri-bution in the evolution of smarter and greener grids. This development is in line with our Next Level Strategy, and addresses the dynamics of the evolving power grid.”

ABB developed the LVR in conjunction with Germany’s “Networks of the future/Smart Country” initiative. It has worked with the German utility RWE AG to test it on distribution grids in Germany, as well as separately in Switzerland where since 2014 it has been successfully smoothing out the typical voltage fluctuations generated by a solar power station in a rural area.

HVDC control upgrade in Scandinavia.

ABB has commissioned the upgrade of the control and protection system of the Skagerrak 3 HVDC link between Norway and Denmark. The installation and commissioning time was only four weeks to minimize outage time.

In addition to the system upgrade, the delivery included control of the bipolar configuration of Skagerrak 3 and Skagerrak 4. The former transmission link was delivered by ABB in 1993. The latter, currently under construction by ABB, will be delivered later in the year. In 2007, ABB also delivered an upgrade of the control systems of the adjacent Skagerrak 1 and Skagerrak 2 HVDC links.

"This upgrade reinforces ABB’s focus and commitment to supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of the products and systems it delivers," said Hanspeter Faessler, head of ABB’s Grid Systems business, a part of the Power Systems division. “It also underlines the company’s emphasis on growing its service business.”

ABB has significant experience in delivering HVDC system upgrades around the world. Since 1990, the company has been awarded 20 major upgrade projects, including 15 major upgrades of control and protection systems.

ABB pioneered HVDC technology 60 years ago and has been awarded around 90 HVDC projects representing a total installed capacity of more than 95,000 MW, which accounts for about half of the global installed base.

The MACH system is the world's most extensively deployed control system for HVDC and FACTS with over 1,100 installations in operation. It is extensively used across a range of installations from small, highly demanding HVDC Light links, to large HVDC power transmission system, with power ratings of over 6,400 megawatts (MW).

The Skagerrak 3 HVDC link, owned by the Danish transmission system operator, Energinet.dk, and the Norwegian equivalent, Statnett, stretches over 240 kilometers and crosses the Skagerrak Strait. It enables transmission between the mainly hydroelectric-based Norwegian system and the wind and thermal power-based Danish system.

Power distribution systems

Rittal Ri4Power Form 4 distribution systems achieve internal compartmentalisation by utilising metal shielding that segregates the busbar systems, functional units and terminals.

To increase flexibility several new wiring systems are available as an option. The new wiring systems facilitate vertical and horizontal cable routing whilst ensuring internal Form 2 – 4.

Vertical cable routing and pre-punched cut-outs are provided in the mounting brackets for compartment dividers, which can easily be knocked out and used to install a vertical wiring channel.

Horizontal cable routing occurs behind the front trim panels. This entails fitting a wiring trim panel suitable to accommodate a wiring channel which, at the same time, conceals the busbar system.

Are you prepared for IEC61439?

Rittal offer a total solution that meets the new standards that will impact all control and power distribution panels from November 2014.

To satisfy the requirements of their customers Rittal have invested considerable resources to ensure they can offer a total solution to the panel builder and OEM.

Rittal also offer customers a software package that will reduce engineering time and confirm panels produced will meet the IEC61439 standard.

SCADA systems automate electrical distribution!

A white paper, “SCADA Systems Automate Electrical Distribution,” has been relaesed by Indusoft, that explains how utilities can improve operations while controlling costs.

Today’s electric utilities in both industrialized and developing nations must meet ever-increasing power demands while providing greater reliability – all from their existing facilities.

Many countries’ electric distribution providers face budget cuts that require them to do more with less, while others are in areas growing so fast that power demands are outpacing the ability to bring new distribution facilities online. Regardless of the situation, providing better service without substantial investments in new equipment is a challenge facing nearly all electric utilities.

By deploying a modern automation system, utilities can both improve performance and reliability without a huge financial investment. These systems also help automate operations for utilities facing staff reductions or difficulty in finding qualified personnel.

With an understanding of the unique needs of electric distribution providers, this non-commercial

Integrated power distribution solution

At CeBIT (5-9 March 2012), Rittal and Siemens announced a power distribution solution that uses Siemens busbar distributor systems in Rittal's live data centres.

In the context of their cooperation, Rittal and Siemens are guaranteeing the compatibility of the Siemens Sivacon LD and BD2 busbar distribution systems with the Rittal Ri4Power low-voltage power distribution system in data centre applications. The Sivacon series of busbar distribution systems includes systems ranging from 25A through to 6300A. Rittal, the system provider, links technical infrastructure with an ideally coordinated system solution.

A reliable power supply is vital for business, especially for data centres. Busbar distribution systems are therefore increasingly used for low voltage power distribution in high-performance data centres, since they are a low fire risk and have greater reliability than cables. In addition, they can be adapted to changing requirements in a much more flexible and less costly way, for example, during alterations and extensions.