How do you protect network transformers in power distribution systems? Dominion Virginia Power examined the alternatives and decided on current-limiting fuses on the load side of their substation breakers. T&D World shows how these fuses prevent network transformer failure by reducing fault-current level and extinguishing the arc within a half-cycle.

Nuclear reactors are moving to the fourth stage of development, called Generation IV. Power magazine says Gen IV reactors have the features of Gen III+ units, plus the ability to support hydrogen production, thermal energy off-taking, and perhaps even water desalination. The article summarizes the characteristics of six alternative Gen IV reactor systems.

Plug connectors dominate Germany's electromechanical components market with 67% of sales. The German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association predicts 2008 growth of 2.4%, up from 2% in 2007. Demand will mainly come from mechanical engineering and automotive industries; segments that will continue to lead the market for several years.

The Small Form-Factor Special Interest Group is challenging the established PC/Consortium with a new interconnect standard. The stackable board-to-board expansion interface is intended to unify I/O cards across many single-board computer form factors. The PC/Consortium has officially adopted a competing stackable board standard called PCI/104 Express.

Mojix, a four-year-old startup in Los Angeles, CA, claims that its new RFID system can read passive Gen2-standard tags from 600 ft away. It says the reader can cover 250,000 sq ft of area, and pinpoint tag location in 3D. RFID Update says the system uses a transmitter to excite the tags along with a receiver to read tag data

Geothermal bridges use a ground source heat pump system to heat fluid that is circulated through the bridge deck. The goal is to reduce temperature extremes and black ice formation. A Sensors magazine article shows how geothermal bridges rely on networks of strain gages and temperature sensors installed in the bridge deck.

Radio controlled planes have numerous uses in defense and industrial applications. Many think that remote control of flying creatures is a logical next step. This Tech-On! report of a cyborg beetle cites video clips from MEMS 2008 depicting launching of a MEMS-equipped beetle and directing it left/right and up/down in flight.

Nanotech metal flakes and powders offer significant improvements over conventional materials in heat-sensitive printed electronic circuit applications. Small Times magazine describes how Nano-scale metals like silver, copper, and silver-coated copper improve manufacturing processes. Advantages include low melting and sintering temperatures, and stability at elevated temperatures.

Top 10 Lazy Gadgets

The best gadgets automate mundane chores and give you more time to laze around. Gizmodo gives their take on the top 10 lazy gadgets. A bed that makes itself at the push of a button carves out more time for sleep. An autonomous lawn mower allows you to nap in your hammock while it cuts the grass. And for the creative engineer in all of us, there is the beer-launching fridge.

Join a Conversation About This Month's Topic...

Should Bugs Serve Humans?

Is there something unethical about using nanotech and MEMS to control creatures for human benefit? Or is it just a logical and welcome progression of technology?