Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Generating Power with Asphalt
Solar cells are typically used to generate solar power, but the asphalt used to surface roads and parking lots may work almost as well. Power reports that researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are finding ways to use asphalt to generate both heat and power. Although less efficient than solar cells, asphalt is much cheaper.
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Predict Cable Failures
A major component of an electric utility distribution system is underground cable. This T&D World article shows how and why Southern California Edison developed a strategy to analyze underground cables to predict failure rates. Once failure rates can be predicted, utilities can determine payback rates for replacing aging cables.
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Connectors Star in Medical Device Movie
Electrical connectors are integral to implantable medical devices like pacemakers, neurostimulators, and sensing devices. But showing designers how these connectors work when implanted in humans requires imagination. MarketWatch shows how animation sequences can depict the performance of sealing and connecting solutions in medical devices.
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Putting the Heat on Executive Jets
Combining circuit breaker, load monitoring, and relay functions in a plug-in power controller offers advantages. Embraer is using a power controller for windshield heating in its new executive jets. According to rotor.com, the controller combines data acquisition and power control to provide smart control and protection.
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New Terminal Block and Shrink Sleeve Marking Options
PHOENIX CONTACT Inc., USA
Phoenix Contact's thermal transfer printers mark terminal blocks, wires, and equipment with clear, non-smearing 300 dpi output that withstands harsh industrial conditions. The new THERMOMARK W2 thermal transfer printer also now simultaneously prints on both sides of Phoenix Contact's endless shrink sleeves.
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StepperPower Power Supplies
PowerVolt, Inc.
The STP series of power supplies provide unregulated DC voltage for motor power and tightly regulated 5Vdc power for logic circuitry. The PC board and transformer are assembled on L-shaped aluminum chassis with threaded (# 6-32) PEM nuts provided on the side for mounting drive module, thus making an integral power and driver unit.
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Solar Panel Connector: Helios H4 from Amphenol
Amphenol Industrial
Amphenol Industrial now offers the low-loss 4 mm Helios H4 connector for photovoltaic systems that features a locking design to meet NEC 2008, and improved gasket materials to enhance reliability for long-term use in any environment. The connector includes a TUV-compliant touch-proof casing for increased product and user safety as well.
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Let Our Warehouse be Your Power System Components Warehouse
Interpower Corporation
Interpower Corporation has over 4 million parts in-stock including cords, modules, cable, plugs/sockets, socket strips, and much more. We offer a 1 week lead-time on any manufactured non-stock cord or component, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipments available for in-stock items.
Order online at www.interpower.com. |
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Your Personal RFID System
Need to keep an inventory of household items, like maybe your DVD collection? A new product will let you set up a home RFID tracking system. RFID Update says that a $70 kit includes an RFID read/write device with a USB cable, three user-encodable RFID stickers, and software. Additional stickers cost $25/dozen.
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Harvest Power from Flowing Fluids
Wireless remote sensors still need wiring for power. Harvesting power from compressed air and water pipes could shorten required wiring and make wireless sensors work in more applications. ScienceDaily reports on technology that converts energy from flowing air and water into electricity; it even charges remote sensor batteries.
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MEMS Improve Illumination
High-intensity discharge headlights provide more light than halogen systems, but misaimed, they can blind drivers in oncoming vehicles. Sensors says most vehicles adjust headlight level based on stationary load. MEMS-based systems measuring tilt and pitch would enable dynamic leveling to compensate for braking and acceleration.
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World's Most Complex MEM
Small Times was determined to find the world's most complex MEMS device at the recent SEMICON West trade show. The leading candidate was a bio-MEMS device that sorts rare cells. The disposable chips are wafer-level packaged with integrated 3D microfluidics and on-board reflective and refractive optics.
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Thinking of Terminal Blocks? Think Americor!
Americor Electronics, Ltd.
International and Domestic Terminal Blocks:
• Screw and screw-less terminal strips and blocks
• Connectors with and without wire protections
• Connectors with catch pins
• Connectors for Protection Class II
• Connectors with fuse
• Plugs and sockets
• Block connectors
• Low-voltage connectors
Also see our Electromehanical Relays.
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CAN120 Repeaters
Mesa Systems Company
The CAN120 inductively coupled power and CANbus data repeaters communicate over a small air gap. Powered by 12 VDC (a vehicle's battery), the repeaters continuously transfer 120 W to mobile electronics/controllers. Simultaneously, CANbus SAE J 1939 protocol data is reliably repeated. The CAN120 repeaters operate in dirty/demanding environments.
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Ultra-low Capacitance Diode Arrays for ESD Protection
Littelfuse, Inc.
Two new silicon ESD protector families are now available from Littelfuse. The SP1000 for low frequency applications and the SP3000 for high frequency applications to meet IEC61000-4-2.
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Get a Free Trial of the IEEE Xplore® Digital Library!
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
IEEE Xplore provides instant, full-text access to all IEEE journal articles, conference papers, and standards - all the cutting-edge research in all aspects of electrical engineering and technology.
Get a free trial for your company today and start downloading IEEE documents.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
Engineer Your Career
My Perfect Gig, Inc.
My Perfect Gig helps engineers find the perfect career. Use My Perfect Gig's skill cloud to see how your skills stack up in the marketplace. Also, visit us on YouTube.
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Advance Your Career ONLINE
Drexel University
A better education means a better career. Earn a top-ranked Master's or Bachelor's degree or a certificate online from Drexel University Online. Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Library and Information Science, and MORE.
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Semiconductors to Buck Recession
Many are anticipating a semiconductor industry bust a la 2001. Fear not, says Malcolm Penn, CEO of industry analyst Future Horizons, in this EDN interview. Penn says semiconductor downturns are triggered more by industry specific demand and supply issues, and less by general economic trends. He says that since capacity matches demand, any downturn will be mild and short-lived. Capacity cutbacks made more than 20 months ago should minimize the effect of a coming slowdown.
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Increase MPG by 20%
Temple University's Physics Department has developed an electric field device that thins fuel so that smaller droplets are injected into the engine. Six months of road testing in a diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz automobile showed that the device decreased highway fuel use by 20%. City driving mileage was improved by 12% to 15%. InTech reports that further advances in the device could lead to even greater mileage improvements.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
Death of Print?
Many manufacturers and industry trade magazines are pushing content via podcasts, videos, e-newsletters, and the Internet. Will this trend accelerate and drive printed magazines, newspapers, and books to extinction?
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