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October 2014
ABB Power Update

Fall maintenance strategies to keep the power flowing

As utility needs evolve, so do the solutions for solving today’s power challenges, such as how to maximize equipment longevity with the appropriate maintenance, while simultaneously maximizing high voltage equipment uptime at the peak rate. As tools and technology are developed at a faster pace, they become the most cost-effective option for tackling these challenges. >> Discover three solutions for maximizing equipment uptime during fall maintenance.        

>> Learn more about leveraging technology to lower O&M costs while improving reliability at the SmartStream digital conference.


Smart grid
BGE pilots Volt/VAR trial

In the last decade, volt/volt-ampere-reactive (VAR) control became one of the most desirable smart grid applications. Its primary objectives include voltage control, VAR or power loss minimization control, and conservation voltage reduction (CVR), which results in energy demand reduction. In 2012, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) initiated a smart grid pilot project with the main objective of CVR implementation. >> Discover their unexpected lessons learned.

>> Wondering which volt/VAR solution is best for you? Find out at the SmartStream digital conference.  

>> I’d like to talk to someone about Volt/VAR optimization.

Tropos wireless communication
Smart city in the American Midwest? I reckon so!  

We hear a lot about smart cities from Brazil or Europe, or even the Middle East, but the City of Ponca City, Oklahoma may be one of the smartest cities you know, despite being a town of less than 30,000 people. In the last few years, they’ve completed a project that connected all city departments and utilities via fiber. Then they extended that to allow a wi-fi option to all city residents. >> Learn more about this project. 

>> Discover how communications technologies create a more reliable grid at the SmartStream digital conference.

>> I’d like to talk to someone about wireless communications.

Power service
Survey says: Aging assets a problem for T&D professionals

Addressing aging assets is an issue for most T&D professionals, according to a new survey sponsored by Burns & McDonnell. This expansive research, conducted by T&D World magazine consisted of 685 respondents representing T&D managers and engineers working in construction, maintenance, operations and engineering. The report looks at the main issues professionals are facing including aging assets, equipment and technology investments, upgrading capacity vs. lessening susceptibility, power delivery system redesign plans. >> Dig into the survey results.    

>> Learn how to manage your aging assets at the SmartStream digital conference.

>> I’d like to talk to someone about service solutions.

Wind power
U.S. offshore wind power nears takeoff

Long stymied by high costs and local opposition, offshore wind is finally nearing takeoff in the United States as 14 projects enter "advanced stages" of development. These projects represent about 4.9 gigawatts of possible capacity, a fraction of the 61 gigawatt capacity of onshore wind turbines, which meet nearly 4.5% of U.S. electricity demand in an average year. Yet offshore wind holds much greater potential for the United States. A three-year study found that a massive scale-up of 54 gigawatts of offshore wind power could yield long-term savings, because power generation would be closer to where it's consumed. >> Read more 

>> Attend our SmartStream digital conference to learn more about the best practices for integrating renewables onto the grid.   

>> I’d like to talk to someone about wind power.

White papers
Resiliency: How Superstorm Sandy changed America’s grid
>> Download now
  How evolving design tools and specifications impact transformer longevity
>> Download now

Videos
Integration of renewables in Alaskan island microgrid
>> Watch now
  Benefits of magnetic actuation in circuit breakers
>> Watch now

Educational opportunities
 
 

Events
Solar Power International
October 20-23; Las Vegas, NV
Power-Gen International
December 9-11; Orlando, FL

For More Information
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