Power Generation, Distribution & Protection . . . |
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Solar Cell Prices Plunge
Prompted by 30% lower prices for photovoltaic cells and government incentives, Southern California Edison (SCE) and other U.S. utilities are showing renewed interest in solar energy. Power magazine says two projects in Chino, CA will cover two square miles of existing commercial roofs with 250 MW peak generating capacity.
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Optical Sensors Outpace Others
Most utilities use iron core/copper winding current transformers to measure transmission and distribution system fault currents. But two Japanese field trials demonstrate optical fiber current sensors' advantages. Optical sensors work on circuits longer than 12 miles, with no spurious operation due to magnetic saturation.
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Programmable Relays Replace PLCs
Programmable relays are growing ever more powerful, to the point where they can replace PLCs in some applications. In this example, ABB's ProgramaCube control relay replaces a legacy PLC controller. The result is a smaller footprint component that is 73% less expensive. ABB also claims a 10x improvement in reliability.
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Feedthrough Plates a Better Solution
Feedthrough plates can improve connections when multiple interconnections are needed between systems. Feedthrough plates can reduce leaks and minimize downtime. Potential applications include HVAC compressors, magnetic bearing flywheels, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, space simulation, and mass spectrometry.
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Need to Mount an LED?
Visual Communications Company, Inc.
VCC's Opto Blog is a forum for designers and engineers looking for new and innovative ways to work with LEDs. Its structure and content are optimized to provide tips and insights, solve problems, and join application discussions. It focuses on VCC's new products, design wins, and key industry developments.
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New UL489, Ring Tongue, Miniature Breakers
ABB Low Voltage Products & Systems
New UL489 listed ProM miniature breakers are smaller, faster, and energy limiting. UL and NEC branch circuit protective devices for res. and inductive loads. ABB S280U breakers offer MCCB protection up to 63A @ 240VAC. Ring tongue option for fast, secure connections. Local stock, global ABB support, upgrade your protection today. Read more.
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Calbrite — Stainless Steel Conduit Products
Cal Pipe
The Calbrite™ range of stainless steel electrical conduit products from Cal Pipe includes conduit, conduit bodies, and FS and FDC boxes. The food, beverage, and chemical industries depend on the long service life and low life-cycle cost of stainless steel electrical components. Calbrite™ is UL-listed and available through electrical distributors nationwide.
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Rack Mount Power Distribution
Interact Power, Inc.
This 120VAC or 230VAC single phase, 19 in. rack mount power distribution unit is 1 ¾ in. high and 9 in. deep. The 51103 series PDUs are rated at 15-, 20-, and 30-Amps, respectively. This series comes with a branch rated circuit breaker; standard options like remote control, filtering, and other available options. Learn more...
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How to Select an Accelerometer
Need an accelerometer, but aren't sure which is best? This Sensors tutorial can help. The article first explains the four types of measurement and the three main types of available technologies: piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and variable capacitance. It also tells which technology should be selected based on the measurement to be made.
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RFID Enables Automatic Refunds
Automatic reading of an RFID-enabled key fob at grocery store checkout may seem akin to current store programs using magnetic stripe cards. But RFID Update says that behind-the-scenes services make the Top Connection program better. For refunds, a customer calls the store, discards the product, and receives account credit.
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Nanostructures Improve Fuel Cells
Current storage techniques and reaction catalysts used in complex hydride hydrogen fuel cells have serious limitations. InTech says carbon nanostructure catalysts may be a solution. Researchers developed a solvent technique that allows the introduction of carbon fullerenes and nanotube catalysts without introducing hydride defects.
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FPGAs Forge Ahead
Advances in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) create new applications and system component interconnections. EDN shows where FPGAs work best and how to work around limitations. FPGAs can shorten design cycles, combat obsolescence, and simplify product updates — but they use more power and are slower than conventional designs.
For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Electronic Components.
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Medical and Standard Modular Power Supply
LHV Power
LHV Power (FKA HiTek Power) has the HiFlex modular power supply solution for medical and standard industrial systems. It utilizes a concept of standard, single, and multiple output power modules configured to your particular output voltage requirements. This gives you the reliability and availability of a standard product.
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CWIEME Berlin 2009
CWIEME Ltd.
Visit CWIEME Berlin 2009, the largest display of Coil Winding, Electrical Manufacturing Equipment, and Electrical Insulations Materials under one roof in the world. Scheduled for May 5-7, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.
Over 575 exhibitors from 40 countries — a growth rate of over 14.5% in the last year and over 814% since 1996.
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Tweezer Meter = One-hand CR SMD Readings
Extech Instruments Corp.
The affordable Extech RC100 SMD Tweezer Meter permits rapid, accurate, one-hand readings of chip components (SMDs). 4000 count display shows readings for resistance, capacitance, and diode test. The RC100 functions in relative mode for zero or user-supplied reference. Accuracy down to 1.2%/R, 3.0%/C. Convenient slide cover protects tweezers in storage.
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Custom Solutions for Your Business Needs
Tri Map International, Inc.
Contact us for custom solutions! Our California Concept-to-Turnkey facility provides design engineering, metal fabrication, integration and assembly, screen printing, powder coating, packaging, product logistics, and much more! Over 20 years in business in the USA!
Industries we currently provide for:
• Military and Aerospace
• Gaming and Amusement
• Industrial PC and Telephony
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
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LinkIn to a New Job
In business, they say it isn't only what you know, but who you know that counts. Social networking and rising unemployment are two fast growing trends. About.com discusses how to combine these trends in order to find a job on sites like LinkedIn, the most widely used business-to-business social networking site. Main focal points are creating a detailed profile that includes the right keywords and skills. It's also important to build your network and get recommendations.
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Geek Girls Engineer Technology
Male engineers have long since come to terms with nerd and geek labels. Newsweek says that it's the girls' turn now, as females are working hard to prove that they can be smart and feminine. Their worthwhile aim is to convince females that engineering and science are no longer male domains, but open to all comers based on merit. You can also watch this video about the Nerd Girls, part of the first generation of women raised on technology.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic
Electric Car Hoax?
Proton and Detroit Electric say their electric car will cost around $25,000, go 120 mph, and have a range of 200 miles. Are these small newcomers blowing smoke, or can they deliver?
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