Solis Inverter

Cover Story Capacitors

The capaciTor segmenT has seen relaTively good growTh

Introduction Power factor correction is the method to reduce the lagging power factor in inductive loads by fixing a high value capacitor across the phase and neutral close to the load. When the Voltage and Current are in phase with each other in an AC circuit, the energy from the source is fully converted into another form to drive the load and in this case power factor is in unity. When the power factor drops, the system becomes less efficient. As a rule a drop from unity to 0.9 in the power factor increases the current requirement to 15% or more. A power factor of 0.7% increases the power requirement to around 40%. This is much severe in the case of inductive loads such as Motors, Refrigerators and Inverters etc. In these inductive loads, current “lags” the voltage leading to “lagging power factor”. But opposite condition occurs if current “leads” the voltage. This is called “leading power factor”. Power factor correction is the method to reduce the lagging power factor in inductive loads by fixing a high value capacitor across the phase and neutral close to the load. These capacitors have leading power factor so that it will neutralize the lagging power factor of the load. Power factor correction has the following advantages: 1. Load becomes more efficient 2. Prevents wastage of energy though heat 3. Maintains voltage stability Being a cheaper product when compared to other components, and with the increasing need for energy efficiency, the demand for capacitors is rising rapidly. According to an Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) report, the Indian capacitor market registered a growth of 17.3 per cent during the first quarter of FY 2018-2019. Despite the wide application of capacitors, the Indian capacitor industry has very few manufacturers in the organised sector. One of the major concerns in the recent past has been the rising cost of materials, coupled with the falling market price for the finished product. Prices of

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imported capacitors are lower when compared to what is available in the domestic market. Although the capacitor segment has seen relatively good growth, year on year, the actual volume of capacitors necessary to bring down the transmission and distribution losses is much below the required level. However, manufacturers are always on the lookout for new materials or variants of older materials that can be incorporated into passive components. Here’s a quick look at what’s new in the capacitor industry and the latest trends being followed globally. Current global trends Demand for ultra-capacitors: Experts believe that electrochemical double layered super capacitors (EDLC), also known as ultra-capacitors, will be in demand through the current year. Ultra-capacitors offer a very efficient, high energy solution, with high performance across a wide range of temperatures and a long lifespan with little to no maintenance. “Worldwide, efforts are being made to improve EDLCs for their high energy density. These innovative capacitors are used in transportation, grid scale energy storage, wind turbines, server memory, consumer electronics applications, etc,” shares SK Jain, managing director, Sumitron Exports Pvt. Ltd. Higher capacitance value: According to A Bali, vice president, Deki Electronics Ltd, the current trend is towards smaller sizes in the high frequency environment along with the use of high capacitance value items. “A large capacitance means that more charge can be stored. Electrolytic capacitors are capable of providing the highest capacitance values of any type of capacitor. There are two types of electrolytic capacitors in common use—aluminium and tantalum,” he adds. Low equivalent series resistance: Moving along with the current trend towards lower voltage and higher current circuits, designers are now specifying capacitors with minimal ESR. Higher levels of functionality in today’s designs mean that despite the fall in voltage levels, circuit power levels should not drop. In simple words, a lower voltage means higher current levels. Thus, there is an increased demand on the power management circuit to deliver energy during periods of high current. Therefore, capacitors or capacitor banks that are used in the power management circuit need to exhibit low ESR characteristics. Multiple SMT electrolytic capacitors: With surface mount technology (SMT) picking up fast, capacitors for surface mount devices (SMD) are used in vast quantities. There are different types of SMD capacitors, ranging from the ceramic variety to the tantalum and electrolytic type. SMT low ESR type electrolytic capacitors are more in demand as they offer a combined solution of high capacitance, to supply energy during high speed load stepping, and low ESR to reduce the output filter ripple (noise) voltage. Where liquid electrolytic capacitors offer high values of capacitance and low ESR that tends to be lower in cost, solid electrolytic capacitors feature reduced ESR, very high ripple current ratings and reduced size at a higher cost. Miniaturisation of capacitors: Miniaturisation is another new trend that is catching on. Miniaturisation of multi-layer ceramic chip capacitors has not only brought about reductions in product sizes, but also contributes to the efficient use of resources and saves energy in manufacturing, secondary materials, transport and customer processes. It has allowed customers to reduce storage space by about 80 per cent. Multi-layer ceramic capacitors: Increased adoption among design engineers across many industries has pushed multilayer ceramic capacitors into the mainstream in the past few years. Certain variants have even replaced tantalum type of capacitors. Faced with the miniaturisation trend, manufacturers are keen to develop smaller yet more efficient products. Shares Aloysius Ang, field application engineer, Murata Electronics (India) Pvt Ltd, “Multi-layer ceramic capacitors of 0201 size are going to be in the mainstream, led by demand from mobile phones and other portable markets. These capacitors are now being used in netbooks, e-book readers, gaming devices and other touch panel applications.” Global technological innovations Technological advancements are taking place worldwide to make capacitors more efficient. For the fast supply of electrical energy, SuperCaps are being used. A SuperCap combines the advantage of conventional capacitors as fast suppliers of electricity with that of batteries as notable energy reservoirs. These capacitors take advantage of the charge stored in the electrochemical double layer and provide extremely high capacities of more than 1000 Farads. Explains C Satish, managing director, Filcon Electronics Pvt Ltd, “SuperCap modules are developed as a replacement to conventional batteries in a large number of applications. Their energy density is typically hundreds of times greater than conventional electrolytic capacitors. They also have a much higher power density than batteries or fuel cells.” Harmonics flow to capacitors causes overloading and possibly even premature failure in the production line. There is

also a risk of resonance with any of the harmonics present in the system. In such a case, it can damage not only the capacitor but also other equipment in the line. It is, therefore, important to provide properly designed harmonics filters after carrying out an analysis of proper harmonics with different load conditions, eliminating the possibility of resonance, checking transformer fault levels, impedances, etc. Thus, these filters block the harmonics and improve the power factor. Moving ahead in innovation, Deki has been in the forefront of introducing new products into the Indian market. Informs a Bali, “Lighting being the main area of focus, Deki introduced its PES series and patented polyester self-healing (PSH) series. PES is a unique six film design, which helps to achieve better minimum breakdown with similar or smaller sized capacitors. PSH is yet another unique patented design that has an inductive construction with self-healing properties.” A wide variety of materials with dielectric properties that enhance energy density, frequency response, equivalent series resistance (ESR), equivalent series inductance (ESL) and temperature range are registering huge growth. EIA Class 2 dielectrics are being used in various temperatures and tolerance ranges, allowing manufacturers to produce capacitors for particular purposes. Multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) are an excellent example of such passive components that have enjoyed robust growth, through the use of a wide variety of dielectric materials and by making improvements in device design. There are many engineered dielectric materials that have been used in MLCC devices, which allow an array of devices to be built to meet specific design requirements. R&D efforts are geared towards improving the electrical characteristics covering capacity density per unit volume, frequency response, DC bias voltage and loss coefficient. Increasing the reliability of capacitors is also a priority, especially among suppliers targeting automotive and industrial applications that demand rigorous operating attributes both in the temperature range and in voltage. Where does India stand? Despite its shortcomings, the Indian capacitor market— unlike the world capacitor market—is expected to grow by 10 to 15 per cent, annually. Domestic manufacturing lags far behind demand, as a result of which India has to import almost 60-65 per cent of its requirements for capacitors from China, who is the world leader in capacitor manufacturing and a small quantity comes from Taiwan, Korea and Japan. While the manufacturing sector in India needs a big fillip, it is important for manufacturers to follow the many new trends that have emerged in the global markets. India needs to attract more investment in this sector. “India needs to adopt a two-prong action plan—one is to increase R&D efforts to match international quality, and the second is to increase production volumes to meet the demand at lower prices,” shares S K Jain. Adding to this, C Satish feels, “For India to compete with the global players, it is essential that domestic manufacturers pay more attention to price and quality. This can only happen by automating production lines and moving ahead with volume production.” A major concern in the recent past has been increasing input material costs coupled with increasing price levels. According to Vikram Desai, managing director, Desai Electronics Pvt Ltd, “Worldwide DC plastic films capacitor market is expected www.electricalmirror.net

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to be flat or may even shrink by 5 per cent over next 5 years, provided the world economy does not shrink further. The demand for plastic film capacitors has now flattened out with deliveries matching the demand. The availability of raw material, especially metallised films, has improved with shortening of delivery times. There is a pressure to increase the prices, in light of the devaluation of the rupee.” There has been an upward trend in the Indian prices due to low volume production and increased manufacturing input costs. Hence, major EMS companies in India are generally procuring capacitors from foreign suppliers through their Indian distributors. However, when it comes to quality, domestic companies are doing far better than various other leading countries. Adds A Bali, “Today, cheap film capacitors are flooding the country but the discerning purchaser knows that buying from a domestic player is a much better option, even if the price is 10 to 15 per cent more as there is the assurance of quality, flexibility and service.” India not only has the manufacturing capability but it also has global technology available within the country. “But electronics manufacturers are not using the latest capacitors—the capacitor sizes being used in India were in vogue 10 years ago. Indian manufacturers are still commonly using capacitor sizes of 0603, 0805, etc, which are usually more costly. Local manufacturers should speed up the progress to MLCC usage downsizing into 0402 size or smaller,” informs Aloysius Ang. India’s power sector is growing at a healthy rate and with the increase in the megawatts of electricity generated capacitors play a very important role in improving power utilisation. It is well known that India’s transmission and distribution losses are very high. Indian manufacturers must invest in the latest technology to cut these losses and meet the rising demand for capacitors in the country. What’s on offer in India? Desai Electronics Pvt Ltd is among the leading manufacturers of plastic film capacitors. Its product range covers interference suppression—Class X2 with UL approval and Y2 capacitors, plain (inductive and non-inductive) and metallised (polyester and polypropylene) capacitors. Informs Vikram Desai, “Although the worldwide market for plastic film capacitors would remain flat, the sale of plastic film capacitors in India has increased owing to the demand from the lighting industry (CFL and LED).” The application areas for plastic film capacitors constitute lighting (CFL and ballast), fan regulators and dimmers, energy meters, automobiles, instrumentation, LED lamps and drivers, power electronics, telecom, etc. Sumitron Exports Pvt Ltd, a major distributor of capacitors, is a supplier for NIC Components Corporation. NIC in association with Nippon Industries Co Ltd is a designer, manufacturer and worldwide supplier of passive components. NIC offers 175 product series which include aluminium and tantalum E-caps, ceramic capacitors, DC film capacitors, thick and thin film resistive products and a growing line of power inductors, chip inductors and ferrite chip beads. “As technological upgradation is happening on the high energy density front, with low ESR that remains stable over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies, we have to offer technologically advanced capacitors; we are able to do this through our principal, NIC,” adds SK Jain. Moving with the trend, Sumitron offers all types of technologically advanced ESR capacitors including film capacitors, tantalums, aluminium electrolytic capacitors, solid polymer aluminium electrolytic capacitors and multi-layer ceramic chip capacitors. Filcon Electronics Pvt. Ltd. is yet another key player in this segment. The company manufactures metallised polyester, metallised polypropylene and polypropylene film and foils capacitors of high stability and close tolerance. It also offers mixed dielectric capacitors for railway signalling and defence applications in round and box-type variants. “The capacitors manufactured by us have various applications including wave-traps and diesel locomotives. We have automatic lines for winding and testing; hence, our products meet international standards, with assured in-time delivery and competitive prices,” informs C Satish.

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Deki Electronics Ltd, one of the largest manufacturers of DC plastic film capacitors, has been highly focused on developing new products and has filed a patent for one such product. Its wide range of capacitors include the Ultima range of safe fan regulator capacitors, mixed dielectric capacitor plain polypropylene and plain polyester film (PEP) capacitors for high stability and switching in CFL ballasts; polyester extra strength (PES) capacitors which give better minimum breakdown voltage in reduced sizes, and inductive self-healing capacitors. With over 20 years’ experience, Power Palazzo Pvt Ltd has been supplying high quality active and passive components for the electronics and semiconductor industry. The company offers a complete range of superior quality electrolytic capacitors under the brand name Aishi to satisfy various customer needs by continually investing in R&D and manufacturing facilities. Murata Electronics Singapore (Pte) Ltd, a subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd, Japan, one of the largest MLCC manufacturer in the world, offers wide range of capacitor line-up in both low and high voltage that include consumer grade and automotive grade MLCC. It also manufactures disc lead type capacitors, aluminium polymer capacitors and EDLC. Says Aloysium Ang, “Murata offers high capacitance value (above 1µF) capacitors from 4-50 V, which can be used at a maximum temperature of 85°C. The miniaturisation and large capacitance of these capacitors makes them ideal for the decoupling and smoothing applications of mobile devices.” India making super capacitors for strategic use India has developed super capacitors using indigenous materials for strategic use in defence and space sectors as an import substitute and to overcome energy deficiencies in critical equipment, a senior official said. "We have developed super capacitors of different voltage for specific use in defence and space equipment as they store more energy than ordinary capacitors and discharge faster than batteries," Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) director Arun Sachdeva told IANS here. The state-run C-MET, under the department of electronics and information technology, (DeitY) has developed the super capacitors under a pilot project at its Thrissur laboratory in Kerala and given them for trials to state-run defence and space agencies in the country as a power source for diverse applications. "Once we complete testing in trials and standardise them for strategic use, we will transfer the technology to the private sector for volume production under our supervision, as they can also be used for industrial and consumer needs," Sachdeva said at electronics’ summit here recently. As super capacitors use electrostatic double-layer capacitance instead of the conventional solid dielectric of ordinary capacitors, they are used in applications that require rapid charge or discharge rather than long-term compact energy storage. "Besides defence equipment like battle tanks, radar-mounted vehicles and artillery guns, super capacitors can be used in space applications like satellites and launchers, as energy supply is critical for their operations," Sachdeva asserted. Super capacitors or ultra capacitors are also used in high-end cars, luxury buses, high-speed trains, heavy-lifting cranes and speedy elevators in tall skyscrapers as regenerative braking, short-term energy storage. As an autonomous scientific society, C-MET is mandated to attain self-sufficiency in electronic materials, components and devices for catering to the country's strategic and industrial applications with indigenous resources. "There is a huge market potential for super capacitors in the country as they can store 10-100 times more energy per unit than electrolytic capacitors and bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries, Sachdeva noted. The centre, which has two more labs at Hyderabad in Telangana and Pune in Maharashtra, had invested around Rs.2 crore-Rs.5 crore ($295,000-$738,000) to set up the facility for developing super capacitors of different voltage per unit volume or mass. "In the absence of a fab (fabrication plant) to make silicon wafers, we have to import them in the form of chips for making super capacitors, using graphene-based electrodes with raw materials like carbon aerogel," Sachdeva admitted. As storage device with fast charging ability, superior low temperature performance, long service, cycle life and reliability, super capacitors have the potential to replace traditional batteries and capacitors in a wide range of electronic applications for defence, space, automotive and renewable energy. According to a joint market study by the New Delhi-based Electronics Industries Association of India (Elcina) in partnership with the Mumbai-based multi-country market research firm IMRB, the super capacitor market worldwide is estimated to reach $8.3 billion by 2025, growing at 30

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percent over the next 10 years. "Super capacitor technology has not yet been commercialised in India and is not yet common in use due to high costs initially and low-energy density. Only C-MET is working on indigenous production of carbon aerogel-based super capacitors," Elcina president Vikram Desai told IANS on the margins of 'Electronics India Week', a three-day summit held here last week. When super capacitors are developed for use across industrial and consumer verticals and produced in volumes, they will become affordable by its makers and end-users spanning transportation, wind energy, solar energy, consumer electronics and strategic sectors like defence and space. The total addressable market for super capacitors in India is 1.3 billion units by 2020. In defence applications, the market size is projected to be Rs.20 crore-Rs.50 crore over the next four years. Tata Motors has been testing super capacitors for hybrid electrical vehicles, while three private firms - Spel and Chheda Electrical at Pune and Aartech Solonics at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh are involved in developing them in the private sector. What’s on offer in India? Desai Electronics Pvt Ltd is among the leading manufacturers of plastic film capacitors. Its product range covers interference suppression—Class X2 with UL approval and Y2 capacitors, plain (inductive and non-inductive) and metallised (polyester and polypropylene) capacitors. Informs Vikram Desai, “Although the worldwide market for plastic film capacitors would remain flat, the sale of plastic film capacitors in India has increased owing to the demand from the lighting industry (CFL and LED).” The application areas for plastic film capacitors constitute lighting (CFL and ballast), fan regulators and dimmers, energy meters, automobiles, instrumentation, LED lamps and drivers, power electronics, telecom, etc. Sumitron Exports Pvt Ltd, a major distributor of capacitors, is a supplier for NIC Components Corporation. NIC in association with Nippon Industries Co Ltd is a designer, manufacturer and worldwide supplier of passive components. NIC offers 175 product series which include aluminium and tantalum E-caps, ceramic capacitors, DC film capacitors, thick and thin film resistive products and a growing line of power inductors, chip inductors and ferrite chip beads. “As technological upgradation is happening on the high energy density front, with low ESR that remains stable over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies, we have to offer technologically advanced capacitors; we are able to do this through our principal, NIC,” adds SK Jain. Moving with the trend, Sumitron offers all types of technologically advanced ESR capacitors including film capacitors, tantalums, aluminium electrolytic capacitors, solid polymer aluminium electrolytic capacitors and multi-layer ceramic chip capacitors. Filcon Electronics Pvt Ltd is yet another key player in this segment. The companies manufactures metallised polyester, metallised polypropylene and polypropylene film and foil capacitors of high stability and close tolerance. It also offers mixed dielectric capacitors for railway signalling and defence applications in round and box-type variants. “The capacitors manufactured by us have various applications including wave-traps and diesel locomotives. We have automatic lines for winding and testing; hence, our products meet international standards, with assured in-time delivery and competitive prices,” informs C Satish. Deki Electronics Ltd, one of the largest manufacturers of DC plastic film capacitors, has been highly focused on developing new products and has filed a patent for one such product. Its wide range of capacitors include the Ultima range of safe fan regulator capacitors, mixed dielectric capacitor plain polypropylene and plain polyester film (PEP) capacitors for high stability and switching in CFL ballasts; polyester extra strength (PES) capacitors which give better minimum breakdown voltage in reduced sizes, and inductive self-healing capacitors. With over 20 years’ experience, Power Palazzo Pvt Ltd has been supplying high quality active and passive components for the electronics and semiconductor industry. The company offers a complete range of superior quality electrolytic capacitors under the brand name Aishi to satisfy various customer needs by continually investing in R&D and manufacturing facilities. Murata Electronics Singapore (Pte) Ltd, a subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd, Japan, one of the largest MLCC manufacturer in the world, offers wide range of capacitor line-up in both low and high voltage that include consumer grade and automotive grade MLCC. It also manufactures disc lead type capacitors, aluminium polymer capacitors and EDLC. Says Aloysium Ang, “Murata offers high capacitance value (above 1µF) capacitors from 4-50 V, which can be used at a maximum temperature of 85°C. The miniaturisation and large capacitance of these capacitors makes them ideal for the decoupling and smoothing applications of mobile devices.”

Transmission & Distribuition

changes in The ouTlook on Transmission and disTribuTion for 2030

The Union power minister R.K. Singh emphasized that India, thanks to its ongoing energy transition, will be the biggest market in the world for electrical equipment, at least up to 2030. Electric power network is an interconnection of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. In the traditional grid, the generation was centralized to large power plants such as coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric. With the advancement of technology, renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, and biomass are becoming more popular and widespread. Renewable energy resources are small in capacity compared to coal and nuclear plants but are spread in the transmission and distribution system and located closer to the load centers. The transmission system is used to transfer electrical energy from generation to load centers. This system consists of transmission lines and the substations with transformers and other components used to maintain the voltages as well as the active and reactive power flow. Transmission lines are characterized based on their line resistance, inductance, and shunt capacitance. The power flow analysis is used to analyze the active and reactive power flow in the power system from generation to load centers. This article discusses different types of generation in the power system. Transmission line characteristics and power flow analysis techniques are also presented with the different technologies used for reactive power control. Consolidation Phase for Private Power Transmission Recent media reports suggest that Mumbai-headquartered Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd, T&D space, was keen on selling all its power transmission concessions. This development is in line with the trend, observed over the past two-three years, where developers are seen divesting stake in their power transmission assets. Sekura Energy and CLP India are in independent discussions to acquire all the four power transmission assets of Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KTPL). Sekura Energy is promoted by Edelweiss Infrastructure while CLP

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India is backed by Canadian pension fund CPDQ. The total investment involved is likely to be in the region of Rs. 3,200 crore, including Rs. 349 crore of equity. KTPL owns four transmission lines—two (Haryana and Madhya Pradesh) in operation and two (West Bengal and Bihar) are under construction. In Jhajjar KT Transco Ltd (See Box: Kalpataru Power: Assets under operation, at the end of the story), KPTL has a 51 per cent equity stake while in Kalpataru Satpura Transco Pvt Ltd, it owns 100 per equity. KTPL has also won two interregional power transmission projects awarded under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route. Both these projects are under construction. The first is Alipurduar Transmission Ltd that is building infrastructure to transfer power from Alipurduar in West Bengal to the Eastern Region Grid. This line is associated with importing electricity from upcoming hydropower projects in Bhutan, which are being developed with assistance from India. The second project, under construction, is Kohima-Mairani Transmission Ltd. This Rs.653-crore project involves strengthening of the 400kV network in the northeastern region. The anticipated project completion date is July 2020. Core EPC business Although Kalpataru Power officials were unavailable for comment, it strongly appears that the rationale behind the proposed sell-off was the company’s decision to stick to its core business of EPC contracting—not just in India but abroad as well. Cementing this proposition is the fact that in late March 2019, KTPL signed a definitive agreement to acquire 85 per cent equity stake in Linjemontage I Grastorp AB (LMG) for an enterprise value of $24 million. LMG is an EPC firm headquartered in Grastrop, Sweden. It specializes in power supply solutions and services for electricity networks within the voltage range of 0.4-400kV. LMG has an active presence in Sweden and Norway, and this acquisition will help KPTL to gain footprint in other

Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark, as well as Western Europe. Selling power transmission assets to focus on core EPC business was also seen in the case of KEC International. In November 2018, the Mumbai-headquartered company signed a purchase agreement with Adani Transmission Ltd for selling its entire stake in KEC Bikaner Sikar Transmission Pvt Ltd (KBSTPL) at an enterprise value of around Rs.227.50 crore. KBSTPL owns an operational 400kV double-circuit transmission line of 344 ckm, running from Bikaner to Sikar, in Rajasthan, operational since December 2017. This sale was in line with KEC’s strategy to focus on its core EPC business. Commenting on the development then, Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd had noted, “We are happy to inform that in line with our strategy of being an asset light company focused on providing turnkey services to infrastructure sector, we have decided to sell our holding in KEC Bikaner Sikar Transmission Private Ltd to Adani Transmission Ltd.” Business Restructuring While the aforementioned cases of KEC International and Kalpataru Power represent cases of sticking to core EPC business, selling of power transmission assets was seen for very different reasons also. For instance, there are at least two instances where infrastructure developers were seen exiting the power transmission space, so as to maintain their focus on other segments. In October 2018, Sekura Energy Ltd agreed to acquire two operating power transmission schemes owned by Essel Infra projects Ltd, the infrastructure arm of the Essel Group. The two assets are Darbhanga-Motihari Transmission Ltd and NRSS XXXI (B) Transmission Ltd. Sekura is also set to acquire Warora-Kurnool Transmission Ltd and NRSS XXXVI Transmission Ltd—the two under-construction assets. The stake in the two will be acquired post commissioning. According to a recent report by CEA, the NRSS XXXI (B) scheme and the Warora-Kurnool project are likely to be commissioned by December 2019. The total deal is estimated to be worth around Rs. 6,000 crore. According to reliable information, two transmission schemes (names unknown) of Essel have been acquired so far by Sekura Energy. Essel Group, according to reliable media reports, is facing financial difficulties and has planned to divest its assets in the fields of power transmission, renewable energy and roads. GMR Group, over the years, has been divesting some of its assets in the power generation and transmission space, with a view to focusing on other businesses—principally airports. During 2014, GMR Energy had developed two transmission projects in Rajasthan State of India during FY 2014 awarded on a BOOM basis by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd, the state transmission utility. The first project, Maru Transmission Services Ltd, involved a 270-km network comprising 400kV and 220kV lines apart from associated substations. This system was commissioned in October 2013. The other project, Aravali Transmission Services Ltd, involving mainly the 400kV single-circuit Hinduan-Alwar transmission line (85 km) was commissioned in July 2014. Adani Transmission Ltd, part of the Adani Group, has since

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acquired controlling stake in these two projects. A good time for T&D sector The Indian economy is observing signs of restitution & so is the power sector. A shift in the GoI’s focus to reinforce the power T&D system opens profuse opportunities for the transformer market too. GoI is encouraging investments at the T&D level to boost access to reliable & continuous power supply through schemes such as DDUGJY which scheme aims to provide power for every village & hence provide power to all. This necessitates huge investments in the T&D sector including use of energy efficient transformers, besides renovation, modernization, restructuring, & upgradation of the sub-T&D infra. Major manufacturers have geared up their manufacturing facilities to meet the surge in demand. Bureau of Indian Standard & MoP are keenly working to ensure that quality products are procured by the electricity boards & have consequently fixed mandatory Level-II rating for DTs for DDUGJY scheme. As power is one of the most essential components of infrastructure vital for the economic growth, the existence & development of sufficient infrastructure is important for continual growth of the Indian economy. GoI has foreseen an invest’ plan of ₹ 2.6 lakh Cr. in T/R sector during the FY’17-22, of which estimated ₹ 1.3 lakh Cr. has been allocated for intra-state T/R capacity. Apart from this government focus is on railway electrification & providing last mile connectivity & electrifying villages so that it can accomplish the set target. Few years since, Indian power T&D sector has observed rise in activities, with government pushing programs such as electrifying villages, railway electrification & enhanced public pvt’ participation & electricity for all by 2022. GoI has introduced policy reforms to boost pvt’ participation that has activated a fresh thrust for buying & sales of transmission (T/R) assets. CoS having core business in EPC or power generation & won electric T/R projects are now ready to monetize such assets to follow new projects. Invest’ firms have also revealed interest & adding to this, there is some CoS, with core business in renewable, now eying T&D assets. With a huge buyer interest from T/R CoS & yield-based invest’ firms, industry experts say it may be a good time for T&D sector. Financial health of the discoms has enhanced due to lower T&D losses, tariff hikes & cost rationalization. Traditionally known to be the weakest link in the energy value chain, the hinge of discoms is also being driven by volume growth. Discoms have also gained from healthy tariff hikes allowed in most states b/w 2011-12 & 2015-16 apart from cost rationalization initiatives. Electricity regulator had lowered the incentive income available to thermal generators for the period b/w 2013-14&2018-19, which resulted in a dip in per unit costs. GoI also worked on coal linkage rationalization, which has led to lowering of fuel cost for some plants. Mode of development of T/R projects is as important as planning for the expansion of the future grid. Report by Crisil has rated the power T/R sector as the most attractive for infra ’invest’ in India. The success of inter-state T/R system PPP projects on the tariff-based competitive bidding model is testimony to the stoutness of the PPP model of the sector. In some cases, tariffs have reduced by 30% & project execution time by 40%. Besides, the Revised Tariff Policy of 2016 has suggested the competitive bidding model for intra-state projects. A big measure of success for the T/R grid is the formation of intra-state n/w’s that will bring electricity closer to the consumer. Power Sector – Government Initiatives PSDF: To be utilized for the projects proposed by state utilities to create necessary T/R systems of strategic importance. Install shunt capacitors for improvement of voltage profile.

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Install standard& special protection schemes. Renovate & modernize T&D systems for relieving congestion, etc. Fuel supply: Coal usage flexibility / coal swapping from inefficient plants to efficient plants. Rationalization of coal linkages to optimize transportation cost & materialization of coal at thermal power plants. Introduction of a new & more Transparent Coal Allocation Policy for Power Sector, 2017 – SHAKTI scheme. GoI targets to produce 1 BT of domestic coal by 2019-20. 24x7 Power for ALL: Joint initiative by the GoI& the state governments, aiming to achieve 24x7 availability of reliable power to all households, industrial, commercial & all other electricity consuming entities by the end of FY’22. Preparation of state specific action plans for24x7 Power for All covering adequacy of generation, T/R capacity & distribution system. 24x7 Power for All documents have been signed for 35 States/UTs. All states have been onboarded. Total generation capacity by 2019: 389 GW. Total invest’ in system strengthening: `3,15,582 Cr’s. No of household to be provided access: 60.5 mn. UDAY: MoP, GoI launched Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana which was approved by the Union Cabinet on 5 Nov’15. Under UDAY schemes states will take over 75% of the DISCOM debt as on 30 Sep’15 (50% in FY’16&25% in FY’17), to give a fresh opportunity to debt trapped DISCOMS to transform. Till date, 32 states & UTs have joined this scheme for financial & operational turnaround. About 97% of total outstanding debt of all state Discoms has been covered under this scheme, paving the way for financial turnaround. Financial Turnaround of DISCOMs Operational improvement; Reduction in cost of generation of power; Development of RE; Energy efficiency & Conservation. IPDS: Aims at providing quality & reliable power to urban households. Financial assistance to strengthen urban infrastructure including sub-T & Dn/w’s in urban areas & metering of DTs/ feeders/ consumers. IT enablement of distribution sector & strengthening of distribution n/w component has been subsumed under IPDS. Projects worth ` 24,836 Cr. have been sanctioned for 3486 towns. Total outlay of ` 32,612 Cr. aimed at ensuring 24X7 power for all. DDUGJY: Launched in Dec’14 with a goal to provide continuous supply of electricity to rural India. Key areas include separation of agriculture& non-agriculture feeders, strengthening & augmentation of sub-T&D infrastructure including metering at DTs, feeders & consumers & rural household electrification. 590,791 villages (98.8%) in India have been electrified. Free electricity connections provided to 2.5 Cr. BPL households (Out of total 4.27 Cr. connections sanctioned). SAUBHAGYA: Launched by the MoP to achieve universal household’s electrification by providing last mile connectivity & electricity connections to all households in rural & urban areas. Solar photovoltaic based standalone systems to be provided for remote &inaccessible villages. Total cost of `16,320 Cr’s including Gross Budgetary support of ` 12,320 Cr’s from the GoI. DSM & Energy efficiency: There is sig’ push for increased adoption of energy efficient products through schemes, directives/ regulations & policies. National LED program was launched on 5 Jan’15. DELP &SLNP have been initiated through which household lighting & street are being replaced with LEDs. Over 18.5 lakh LED tube lights distributed as of May’17. Over 20 lakh LED street lights installed under SLNP as of May’17. Green Energy corridors: Launched by the GoI in 2013; envisages grid connected n/w for the T/R of RE produced from various RE projects. Involves construction of the inter-state

T/Rn/w for connecting 43 GW of RE capacity under Green Corridor-I. Green Corridors-II Program involves connectivity for 20 GW solar parks in different states including AP, MP, KA, RJ & GJ. Total expected invest’: ` 43,000 Cr’s in intra & inter-state T/R systems. Smart Grids / Automation: NSGM established for planning & monitoring of implementation of smart grid related activities. Provides capital subsidy support to larger implementation projects; 4 projects at bidding stage, 20+DPR shave been received for approval. Inclusion of Smart Grid / Smart Metering investments in IPDS, UDAY, other schemes & mandates of GoI are accelerating early adoption of new tech solutions. Transparency & Monitoring initiatives: GARV (Rural Electrification) App: Provides updates related to the electrification of villages & households in India. Ujala App: Provides real-time updates on the LED distribution. Vidyut Pravah: Gives real-time information on electricity price & availability. URJA App: Helps enhance consumer connect by showing DISCOM's performance in cities & gives data of the IPDS. TARANG (T/R System Monitoring) App: To monitor the progress of T/R System in India. UDAY: Gives the progress of the UDAY yojana. Urja Mitra APP: Enables consumers to access real time & historic outage information for DISCOMs. DEEP: e-Portal for short & medium-term power procurement through transparent bidding & e-reverse auction. Outlook 2030 Power transmission is an integral part of the power sector and is as vital as power generation; there is no value for generating power until the power reaches to the destination for final consumer. The huge amount of power generated in power station is to be transported over a long distance to the load centers to cater to the consumers with the help of transmission lines and transmission towers. Though India has adequate power generation capacity, it has a substantial proportion of population having limited access to electricity mostly because of lack of proper transmission infrastructure. In order to achieve target of affordable electricity for all by 2019 or even by 2022, India serious needs to have robust power transmission network. Evacuating power safely was the main focus of India's power transmission sector during the initial years. But as the need for electrification of more areas were realized for economic growth, the role of transmission sector changed a lot. As with the changing scenario, the transmission sector started to move towards integrated system planning because generation capacities are distributed unevenly in different regions. While thermal capacity is in the coal rich eastern region, hydro capacity is concentrated in the hilly regions of North and North-Eastern regions while renewable sources like wind or solar are concentrated in west and south regions. Building on massive power transmission sector thus addressed this issue and helped providing power to regions across the country. Thus power transmission in India is in the integrated system planning of power sector and in last one decade this sector has been getting substantial investments to scale up the infrastructure. Now power transmission is considered as important as power generation. India's power transmission sector is mostly controlled by government – both the central and various state governments and various institutions to work in the transmission sector. Till now, with respect to the size of the sector, presence of private sector is negligible though the private sector participation in power transmission is growing gradually with recent policy reforms. In the central sector, the central transmission utility (CTU), known as the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), is responsible for national and regional transmission planning while the state sectors have separate

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State Transmission Utilities(STU). Power transmission was opened up to the private sector in 2010 with the award of the western regional system strengthening to Reliance Infra and the east-north interconnection line to Sterlite Energy. The CERC in 2011 ruled power transmission projects should be awarded through competitive bidding like generation projects. Power Grid was the only company operating in this area till then. The recently amended National Tariff Policy requires projects apart from those of strategic importance, which are to be nominated to Power Grid, be auctioned. Till now, Tala Transmission Project has been the biggest entry of private sector in power transmission though based on public-private partnership. Power distribution system is the last stage of electricity sector value chain as it provides power generated in the power generating plants to the final consumers. The main function of an electrical power distribution system is to provide power to individual consumer premises. Distribution of electric power to different consumers is done with much low voltage level. Power distribution in India has more presence of private sector than the transmission sector. Until some time back, the State Electricity Boards (SEBs) used to handle the distribution segment completely. But in last two decades power distribution in a few regions/areas, particularly in large cities has been privatized, however the SEBs or the state DISCOMs are still handling a large part of power distribution. The sector has started receiving greater attention and investment with the restructuring of the state electricity boards (SEBs). Several new initiatives have been introduced to reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses along with a definitive regulatory framework. Electricity Act 2003, National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006 are important regulations governing the sector today with an aim to bring competition in the sector and improve the services to the end consumers. Indian government has also made heavy investments in the distribution sector through the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY) (now replaced by Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) during the Tenth Plan and has continued to extend the same in the Eleventh Plan as well. The aim of these programs is to provide access of electricity to all and bring down the AT&C losses to a level of around 15% across the country. The various policies and regulations introduced by the government are set to increase competition and bring about commercial viability. Participation of private players into the Distribution Sector has also been encouraged through various models such as Public Private Participation as in case of Delhi and Orissa and more recently through input based distribution franchisee models in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Q. What are your plans for ELECRAMA- 2023? This is the 15th edition of ELECRAMA-2023, the largest electrical show in the world, and when we say largest, it doesn’t mean space, but in terms of technology. We are now developing for industry 4.0 like electrical vehicles, green hydrogen, and traditional transmission and distribution. We are now looking at about 1700+ exhibitors and visitors from more than 100 countries. We call it a reverse buyer and seller meet, so we’ll have buyers from different countries that will come and have one-on-one meetings. For IEEMA, it is like Kumbh Mela for electricity, where we showcase the strength of this electrical industry to the world. Over the years, Elecrama has become an event that no global player of any decent size wants to miss. Q. We’ve seen MOU exchange between IEEMA and GIZ Germany for World Utility Summit @ELECRAMA 2023. What do you think how this will benefit electrical and energy sector? This is a co-located event with what we call WUS, which is the World Utility Summit. So, how to manage electricity in different countries and in different utilities and this is the occasion for that. We have speakers and experts from across the world. In this MOU, we are tying up with the German-funded or German-owned GIZ, so they bring the technology experts on this particular subject. By having this collaboration, all our students, young engineers, or utility engineers will get the exposure to get the best practises of world utilities, and I think having an expert who has a lot of research background from Germany will go a long way. Q. How IEEMA is supporting #Atmanirbhar Bharat? IEEMA has worked very closely with the government and ministry of power. We’ve many initiatives, and one such initiative has been "Make in India" domestic content. We also have 10+ bigger items which are under manufacturing, so these are two major things on which we worked with the government on Make in India. On the cyber security site, we’ve worked with the government on how we can have this embedded software or trojan not come into our country. As a result, we work not only to make in India, but also to keep India safe and secure. IEEMA have been partnering continuously on this subject. We’ve many such things that have notifications and policies that are helping the Indian industry to participate in a bigger way for the electrical industry in India. Q. What are the policies that are helping the Indian industry? One is domestic content, which means a minimum requirement for a certain amount of production to be done in India. The second policy is testing, so if you have critical equipment that comes and has the potential for cyber security, it has to be tested and we’ve defined the standard for how it has to be tested. What our Minister of Power & Renewable energy R.K. Singh said, ‘up gradation of testing facilities so we can develop those products in-house.’ Apart from that, we've got the PLI schemes which are in semi-conductor, PV modules, and the balance of the system for renewables. This is one more aspect that we worked with the government and PLI schemes to do more and more manufacturing in India. Q. How has been IEEMA’s journey during the COVID period and after the lockdown? For IEEMA, it was quite a difficult time because factories were closed and a lot of our workers could not go, but we’ve got support from the government in terms of liquidity. However, once we are out of the first COVID wave, I believe the industry will really rebound, and we are already seeing 23–25% increases in some of our products. It has left some scars, like any pandemic does, but we are looking up and hungry for growth. Q. We have already had so many debates on women empowerment. So, what is IEEMA doing for women empowerment or to encourage women? We've got a vertical in IEEMA and what we call "Women Empower" is an initiative we took to empower women. There is a core issue of what it takes to bring young female engineering talent into our industry and what we can do with those who are already in the industry today. So, we've got a whole vertical that works in women's empowerment, and you’ll see it at the event (ELECRAMA-2023). We've got a special booth in a stadium to not only talk about issues but also to encourage more and more women to join our industry. EM

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Control Panels Switchgear

swiTchgear is expecTed To have sTagnanT growTh during The forecasT period 2023

Growing transmission and distribution network and rural electrification program coupled with infrastructure development are the key factors driving the switchgear market in India. Government schemes and initiatives such as UDAY and DDUGJY are expected to further fuel the growth of switchgear market in the forecast period. According to research, India switchgear market is projected to reach $3.7 Billion by 2022. According to NitiAyog, the government of India is planning to reach a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. Further, government initiatives to increase the penetration of clean energy in the forecast period is also a major source of growth for the switchgear market in India. Low voltage switchgear dominated the overall India Switchgear market and also reflects the highest growth due to rapidly growing commercial and residential sectors. In medium voltage, AIS holds the major revenue share, however, gas insulated switchgear is expected to increase its market share in the forecast period. The Northern region accounted for the largest revenue share in the country during 2015-16 followed by the Western region. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana states dominated the market with around 53.82% market share in terms of power sector investments in 2016. During 2016-22, the Northern and Southern region are anticipated to witness highest growth rate. Electrical switchgear is mainly defines the term which includes all the switching devices associated with mainly power system protection also including all devices associated with control metering and regulating of electrical power system. Switchgear is playing an important role in a power system as it is directly linked to the reliability of electrical supply. Be careful that there isn’t any kind of malfunction in switchgear, because such things can cause problems to the system. A combination of water, dust, high humidity and vibrations can cause damage to switchgear. Nowadays there islittle advancement made in various technologies. Let us have a look on latest advancements made in electrical switchgear. Electrical switchgear is mainly defines the term which includes all

hgear C wit s Control Panels &

the switching devices associated with mainly power system protection also including all devices associated with control metering and regulating of electrical power system. Switchgear is playing an important role in a power system as it is directly linked to the reliability of electrical supply. Be careful that there isn’t any kind of malfunction in switchgear, because such things can cause problems to the system. A combination of water, dust, high humidity and vibrations can cause damage to switchgear. Nowadays there islittle advancement made in various technologies. Let us have a look on latest advancements made in electrical switchgear. The recent installed capacity of Indian power sector is said to be 2,02,980 MW and by the year 2022 its proposed to add 200,000 MW more. Now the length of transmission is about 3,00,000 arc it kms with 4,25,000 MVA of transformation capacity and by the year 2022it will be added to 2,50,000 circuit kms with 6,00,000MVA of transformation lines. In our country, there is also a progress in construction work on 800 KV and DC lines. Latest trends in Global LV and MV switchgear market A good growth is demonstrated to be in the coming years in Switchgear market of Global LV(low voltage) andMV(Medium voltage). Now let us have a look at the trends that will shape the dynamics of the global LV and MV switchgear market in the coming years. i) The construction and industrial sector will be expanded to drive the market: distribution in the power, real estate, industrial infrastructure, construction and utilities sector is fueling the demand for LV and MV switchgears and safety measures in electrical transmission will be taken at rising demand. ii) Benefitting the market, advent of smart grid technology will be taken: the advent of smart grid technology along with the accelerating trend of electrification in developing countries is expected to drive the global LV and MV switchgear market. iii) Rising demand in renewable energy sector will be benefitting the players: the rising demand for integration of renewable energy sources in the power sector will continue to drive the demand for switchgears to ensure safety and protection of electric transmission and distribution networks. iv) Providing good opportunities for companies by untapped emerging markets: The investing players are increasing in the global LV and MV in switchgear market in Asia pacific and Africa due to the escalating electrification in rural and urban areas in these regions. v) For suppression of the market, rise in price based competition: As a result of price based competition, there has been a negative impact by expansion of switchgear vendors.This trend also suppressesthe global LV and MV switchgear market till 2020. vi) Components to pose a threat to the market along with the counterfeit products: through the rising number of counterfeit switchgear products, the global LV and MV switchgear market will be suppressed. Market Overview to 2023 India Switchgear market is expected to grow with a CAGR of more than 7% in the forecasted period of next 5 years from FY 2017-18 to FY 2022-23. India overall market for Switchgear Industry is anticipated to grow more than 7% at the end of forecast period. Low Voltage Switchgear will be in dominance for the forecast period in switchgear Industry. In specific Medium and High Voltage switchgear market, Medium Voltage Custom Built products are in the dominance and are anticipated to be in dominance for the forecast period. Region-wise, North and South contribute more than 60% in the total market in the year 2016-17. LV switchgear has grown with less than 5% of CAGR in volume terms during review period. Besides, MV and HV switchgear is anticipated to have CAGR of more than 8% from 2017-18 to 2022-23. Low Voltage Switchgear market is dominating in India from more than last 5 years and it will continue to dominate. Low Voltage Switchgear market is formed by commercial, residential buildings, real estate industry, and construction sector. Medium and High Voltage Switchgear is expected to have stagnant growth during the forecast period 2023. In India by region, North and South region combine covers more than 55% market share of India Switchgear Market. Equipment in automotive industries where control panels are situated are of high frequencies which when interfere with other electrical components cause malfunction. Generally, devices like controllers, communication devices and digital measuring devices when exposed to electromagnetic interference fail to provide effective output & pose threats of electric shocks during fault conditions. During fault condition, high current flows through the system and there is a possibility that current does not flow through its intended path instead flows through metallic body of machines or panel. When a person comes in contact with such an electric circuit or source of electric energy, he/she is

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Control Panels hgear C wit s &

prone to an electric shock. An electric shock may result in either no injury at all or one which can prove to be fatal, causing death. Possibilities of shock increases if the electrical system is not well protected or insulated from its high voltage environment. In order to safeguard operating personnel and system from: • Electromagnetic interference due to high frequency components and • Electric shocks. • It is necessary to provide a path to divert the fault current, this calls for the arrangement of earthing systems. What is Earthing? As per IEEE 80-2000, a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth or to some other conducting body of relatively large extent that serves in place of the earth is called Earthing. A safe grounding must fulfil the below mentioned objectives: To provide means of carrying electric currents to earth under normal and fault conditions without exceeding any operational limits or affecting service continuity. To assure that a person in vicinity of grounded facilities is not exposed to the danger of critical electric shock.

Earthing of Electrical Panels When earthing an electrical panel, the following applies: Earthing a main panel: The ground bar is bonded internally which must be of proper dimensions as per IS or NEC norms and to be earthed at two ends. Earthing a sub-panel: Sub-panels are grounded through the cable that provides the secondary-feed circuit power. A secondary-feed cable will have two insulated power conductors, one insulated neutral conductor and one ground wire. The ground wire is bonded at the main panel to the ground system. The secondary-feed wiring type and size will depend on the specific application and the applicable local building codes. What should be measured at earthing point? Earth Resistance: A very few standards mention the exact value of ground resistance, ideally the value must be zero ohms. Standards like IEEE recommend a ground value of less than 5.0 ohms. The earth resistance must be measured periodically to make certain that our system is grounded properly and ensures human safety during faults, because if ground resistance is high fault currents will flow through human body when in vicinity. Earth Voltage: It is recommended that the earth must be

at zero potential. But due to neutral connection, a small amount of earth to neutral voltage is present. It must not exceed more than 2V, where 5V is the upper limit leading to circulation of ground currents. How will you test earth resistance? There are different methods of testing earth resistance, some of the popular methods are: • Fall-of-Potential method • Dead earth method • Clamp-on test method. Advancements in the smart grid technologies& increasing focus towards energy efficient products Global Switchgear (SG) market is foreseen to grow over the years due to demand increase because of new consumption centers & development of various RE sources. GoI has been focusing on improvement in the SEBs & there has been a huge addition of infrastructure for rural electrification leading to the demand of more SG’s. Growth is expected to be good by 2020. Government is planning to reach the RE capacity of 175 GW by 2022. Indian industry is growing its ability to R&D new innovative products thereby contributing towards growth of global SG market to cross $ 140 bn by 2024. At different levels, there are government directives to replace older redundant systems to achieve operational safety & security in industrial establishments. With these developments on the consumption side, India is emerging as a significantmarket for SG within the global SG landscape. With global markets upward trend, India has grown drastically in recent years. Thanks to the robust investment happening in infrastructure, telecom & railways. This market is directly going to receive all the benefits. Additionally, as the technology is shifting from traditional breakers & starters to IoT enabled smart communication linked breakers & starters, the overall buying behavior & revenue is growing exceptionally. On the other front conservation of energy has become a key priority for all of us now. May be switchover to renewable sources or installation & monitoring through updated EMS & ABT Systems, power correction & power monitoring is being eyed very seriously by all the industries. Today’s industry demands smart power monitoring devices which can provide them end-to-end data for their premises which in-turn has raised the bar of all such vendors in this industry who have now shifted from being only component provider to a complete service provider. Ideal shift towards the conservation of energy is a much welcome trend to reduce overall carbon footprint of various industrial & other power consumption activities across apps. Such step fuels the growth of the SG industry in India & will impact the global market as well. Advancements in the smart grid technologies& increasing focus towards energy efficient products is giving rise to more intelligent devices & innovative solutions from SG manufacturers. Now, the load characteristics are changing, for e.g., use of LED lamps & higher efficiency motors which calls for SGs to evolve in-line with these changes. Further fueling SG demand by way of replacement of old energy devices &equipments & the associated SG along-with it. SG industry in India is well established & growing steadily. SG accounts for > 18% weight age (LV 12.8%, MV&HV 5.3%) in the overall electrical equipment industry in the country according to the IEEMA. It is the 2ndbiggest, next only to cables (41%). Growth in the MV&HV SG segment witnessed a declining trend on a quarteron-quarter basis. This was mainly owing to the slowdown in the MV segment, which recorded a negative growth rate. The increase in the LV segment was mainly due to the growth in LV circuit breakers & switch fuse & fuse switch units. Other major products in the segment such as power contactors, power switches & overload relays showed negative growth. MV circuit breakers witnessed a marginal growth, while the production of HV circuit breakers declined. Meanwhile, the

hgear C wit s Control Panels &

volume of isolating switches (MV&HV segment) grew. Latest trends IoT enabled devices, which are communication & data logging compatible are the ones which this industry wants & would accept in future. Though communication at MV & HT level is already available with most of the utilities, industry now needs communication at final distribution level for proper monitors and energy saving. Also, as more smart homes are coming into picture, we can find much more emphasis on high-end tech-savvy electrical installations at all levels. Clearly, there is a trend towards energy efficiency for the last-line equipments &even in SG devices. We also see a shift in preference towards more communication capable devices & remote monitoring & control across LV & MV SGs. Legrand offers a wide range of communication capable & remote monitoring SG, which adhere to varying requirements. LVSG has dominated the overall SG market & reflects the highest growth due to the growth in the residential & commercial sector. Governments’ are proactively investing in the urbanization & rural development, renewal of existing T&Dn/ws, creating more opportunities for the LV&MV SG market. The power sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Generation capacity has increased by almost 50% over the past five years. T&D n/w has also expanded considerably during this period. This growth has led to an increase in demand for power system equipment, is including SG. According to the IEEMA, SG is the second biggest segment in the Indian electrical equipment industry. SG is a combination of devices that are used to monitor, regulate, control, protect & isolate electrical equipment throughout the grid. These devices include switches, fuses, circuit breakers & relays. Together, this equipment helps in regulating power supply across the system while protecting against overload & short circuits. SG is also used to de-energize the circuits for repair, maintenance & testing purposes. Based on the load bearing capacity, the market for SG in India is categorized into three segments LV, MV & HV. The LV SG segment includes SG rated up to 1 kV. Apart from power distribution utilities, it caters to end-user segments such as industries, residential & commercial buildings & agricultural consumers. This segment includes products such as ACBs, MCCBs, MPCBs, MCBs, residual current devices, switch fuse & fuse switch units, HRC fuses, thermal overload & protection relays, contactors, starters, distribution boards & switches.MV SG segment consists of SG rated up to 33 kV. MV SG is of either indoor or outdoor type. While the indoor ones are always enclosed in a metal body, the outdoor type may or may not be enclosed. MV &SG mostly uses oil, gas or vacuum as the interruption medium. HV SG segment includes devices rated at 66 kV & above. Main component of HV SG is the circuit breaker. Most commonly used types of SG at the high voltage level include air-insulated SG, GIS & hybrid SG. MV&HV SG is often categorized as one owing to its usage & applications, which is mainly in power systems. State power utilities & independent power producers are the key consumer segments of MV&HV SG. Both imports & exports form a significant part of the SG industry in India. Major sources of SG imports for India are China & Korea, while the major importers of Indian SG products are the US, the Middle East & South Asian countries. As per the IEEMA, the exports of LV SG products increased by about 5.6% in 2015-16 over 2014-15 to stand at `57.8bn. Imports (including custom-built products) grew at a faster rate of 8.1% to stand at about ` 78.2 bn. In 2016-17 (Apr’-Dec’16), the trend has continued with the growth rates of imports & exports estimated to be 10% & 8% respectively. In the MV&HV segment, exports (` 18.7bn) were higher than imports (` 14 bn) in 2015-16. In 2016-17 (Apr-Dec 2016), the imports of MV&HV products are estimated to have gone up by over 70%, while exports have increased by only 4%. Studies indicated that the impact of imports is not too high in the LV segment, for the HV segment, largescale imports have led to the underutilization of capacity, especially in the HV GIS segment. Overall, imports continue to impede growth in the SG market. SG industry continues to innovate & upgrade its products to meet the evolving/ future needs of its customers. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Switchgear and control panels are integral at every switching point in power systems. The switchgear industry in India manufactures the entire range of circuit breakers from bulk oil, minimum oil, air blast, vacuum to sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as per standard specifications. This sector manufactures the entire voltage range from 240kV to 800kV. Secondary equipment such as relays or control gears used for various types of fault protection, have made significant advances due to the developments in the field of electronics. Digital relays are fast replacing conventional relays due to technology advancement, compact size & reliability. As per recent trends, in addition to protection and control of power, monitoring and signaling have become an integral part of switchgears. With monitoring, the fault conditions can be predicted whereas signaling helps one to know the status of switch gears at various locations. Production figures for the latest available three years are tabulated. These figures, sourced from Secretariat for Industrial Assistance (SIA), relate to non-SSI units.

hgear C wit s Control Panels &

KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS Current trends indicate a demand for compact, small, low-weight equipment with high quality, high reliability, low maintenance and easy accessibility. There has been a noticeable shift towards upgraded technology amongst major industry players of today. Indian manufacturers are becomingly increasingly competitive with respect to their product designs, manufacturing and testing facilities. Investments in R&D in the electrical machinery industry are amongst the largest in India's corporate sector. Manufacturers today, such as us at Rajiv Group, understand the importance of a diversified product portfolio. The increasing competitiveness in the industry and constantly changing consumer demands have lead to new and upgraded versions of products being launched into the market. Many players are entering into strategic alliances and tie-ups with technology suppliers to upgrade capabilities. TECHNOLOGY: TRADITIONALLY LOW-KEY The switchgear industry has traditionally been low on technology, but with changing times automation has ushered in newer concepts such as soft starters, intelligent relays, compact intelligent switchgear and energy efficient switchgear. The primary technology factors are safety, efficiency optimization and reliability. Along with the changing times and technology, Rajiv Group too has evolved. It manufactures LT switchboards with capacities of 415V, 3-phase, 50Hz, 4-wire & 6300A. Additionally, Rajiv Group also manufactures control & relay panels, bus ducts, DG panels and much more. Every modern industry needs reliable electrical systems to reduce production downtime as well as improve efficiency. Control panels manufactured by Rajiv Group company, Riddhi Enterprise, are made-to-order and designed in keeping with exacting needs of industries for maximum operational reliability and safety. These control panels are specially designed to incorporate the complete range of switchgear provided by Siemens, L&T, Schneider, GE, ABB, C&S and other reputed global brands. Furthermore, the control panels are designed in such a manner so as to meet diverse requirements under extreme site conditions. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES The two major markets for switchgears are the government and the private sector. The growth drivers for LV switchgears are building segments, new industries and infrastructure development. For the MV segment, in addition to core sectors, the distribution sector including programmes like the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and Restructured Accelerated Power Development & Reform Programme (RAPDRP) will drive growth. While for HV and extra-high voltage (EHV) segments, growth stems from power generation and transmission sectors. India is emerging as an important global supplier of goods and services. Prerequisites for this growth are continuous power supply and the availability of quality electric equipment. The increase in automation is the driving force of the switchgear market. The trend of end-user segments such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, etc. consuming more switchgear is a very positive factor. To sum it up, the future holds great promise for this industry. The current scenario where capacity building in industries is on an increase bodes well for the electrical industry. The construction of residential complexes, malls, IT parks, hospitals, stadiums, etc. has created an increase in demand for switchgear and control panels too. The XII Plan period (April 2012 to March 2017) is almost here and throws huge opportunities for growth with a foreseeable investment of approximately $300 billion, together with exports growth. Conclusion Control panels are crucial for industries and factories, among other applications, as they help control the various electrical processes part of a system. There are so many electrical processes that wouldn’t function properly if not for the control panel, which ensures everything runs smoothly and safely. We have discussed the various significant components of an electrical control panel, each having a specific purpose. We hope this article has provided you with insight to comprehend the utility of instruments used in control panel building. EM

Er. P.K.Pattanaik, is presently working with OPTCL as General Manager, EHT (O&M) Circle Bhubaneswar - Odisha and associated with the Protection and Control schemes of Electrical systems. Having 29 years of technical experience on various HT and EHT voltage level in the field of transmission sector. Specialization on the development technoeconomical design of protection control schemes for system development and planning. At present involved with various on-going projects on GIS, SAS and updated Remote SCADA control stations of OPTCL. Published 105 technical papers in National and International arena and is a regular contributor to the National journals like Electrical Mirror, Electrical India, CBIP journal and IEEMA journal and author of many technical books. Also Awarded in various arena on National level. He is also the coordinator of a Nationwide Power Engineers’ Technical Group named “SPARK- Ignited to share” consisting of Senior Electrical Engineers from different parts of the country. ele.pkpattanaik@optcl.co.in

VARIOUS CASE STUDIES VARIOUS CASE STUDIES ON OPERATION AND CONTROL ON OPERATION AND CONTROL SCHEMES FOR GRID SUB-STATION SCHEMES FOR GRID SUB-STATION Contd…. Contd….

1. Introduction: For the last few months, the response of the readers to the case studies on various incidents is overwhelming. Hence this month we are again choosing the write up on similar kind of studies for developing the synchronization of practical observation to the theoretical concepts. The analysis of each incident being supported by actual observations had been described during the situation to add awareness amongst the operation, testing and commissioning engineers to know the cause of problems and be helpful for easy rectification of the problems. This can also help to develop economic schemes for the smooth running of the operation and control system in the Grid Sub-Station. 2.1. Issues on High Impedance Fault: With one 33Kv feeder, snapping of conductor and getting connected to Earth on Load connected side. Observations: 1. Fault on 33Kv feeder resulted, that connected between Star (Y) system to Delta loading system. 2. The snapping of jumper occurred in between the supply connected wire. 3. This snapping caused open circuit for the wire towards supply side, but other disconnected wire got connected to earth towards load side. (Refer Fig 2.1.1)

4. The protection system did not actuate, resulted with burning of ground shrubs due to laying of the wire from supply side. Technical Analysis: 1. In fact, supply side was connected from the source point with Star- Star transformer from the transmission utility. 2. The load connected transformer is of Delta –star. So, for the faulty wire being snapped, touched to DELTA connected winding. 3. The pattern of current and load impedance is shown in Fig 2.1.2, Fig 2.1.3.

4. The amount of current as Z ampere in this condition shall be flowing through certain impedance of high magnitude, as circuit has to cause the flow through GROUND EARTH as the current path. So amount in maximum cases does not become high for the actuation of protection scheme available at the supply end. 5. But because of this effect and non-actuation of protection system, in maximum cases, living being in touch or coming in the zone of this electric field suffers with of electrocution and succumbs to death also. Solution to this effect 1. Sensitive earth fault relay, that works on the principle of ZERO SEQ UN-BALANCE current could be used, collecting the secondary current from Neutral CT being on the NEUTRAL of the transformer. (Refer Fig 2.1.4)

2. But in the case of multi-used supply transformers (More than one), the current magnitude shall be less or may not be sufficient to result actuation of the SEF (Sensitive Earth Fault) Relay. 3. So, the feeder that used for feeding this system should accordingly be used with special Logic for actuation of Earth Fault relay and tripping of the feeder. 2.2. Some Other Technical Solution to the HIGH IMPEDANCE FAULT in 33KV and 11 KV System. Different situations: A. Fault on the Supply connected side: Snapping of Conductor for the 33Kv feeder towards supply end side and touching to ground: For this situation, if proper earth loop gets maintained, then the relay at supply end shall only actuate and trip the system. The fault loop current flow is seen in the Fig 2.2.1. But in case of any earth issues in the system, impedance fault shall be developing and may not cause tripping, which may result with serious concern to the system due to delay in tripping action. So, using of guard wire to get proper return current could be the solution.

B. Fault on 11Kv side of the Delta Star transformer: Any fault on the load connected side on 11 KV system. The associated protection system should have to act upon to clear the fault. But due to earth integrity, the related fault gets converted to impedance kind of fault and causes delay action on the tripping relays. The relays at different locations in the upstream shall be actuating to clear the fault. But best solution is to make use of ground return wire. Refer fig 2.2.2 C. Fault on Delta Transformer: Delta winding of the transformer and fault on this system. In practice transformer protection shall be actuating the fault in this situation and clears the same. In case of any deviation/ non-actuation, the upstream relays act to clear the fault. Recommendations: So, EARTH plays the important role for circulation of fault current. So earth continuity to be confirmed in every system 2.3: Actuation of OSR of transformer: It was found with the actuation of OSR during a rainy day at one of the 132/33KV Grid Sub-station. Observations: 1. It was reported by the grid in-charges regarding tripping of the 20MVA Power transformer on OSR during the rainy day. 2. Accordingly, it was asked for the checking of the OSR, might be causing the ingress of moisture/ rain water and causing the contact closure and tripping of the breaker. 3. The transformer was taken shutdown for detail checking. 4. It was found with no any abnormality at the OSR on external checking. The gland face was covered with adhesive putty and cover plate was applied with suitable

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y D tu s Case

adhesive putty also. 5. But suspecting something any internal problem, the cover was removed and found with moist part, oxidation and sulphation of the contacts as like shown in the fig 2.3.1.

Fig 2.3.1 6. The moist part and sulphation contacts were cleaned properly and then cover was put to the OSR with application of adhesive putty. 7. The problem was rectified and transformer was charged ok. Technical analysis: 1. In fact, just before this fault occurrence, the grid in-charge had been instructed for the necessary action of application of putty and closure of the gland holes. 2. So, the team as per the instruction, applied the same without attending the internal part of the OSR. 3. Actually, there were some moisture inside the OSR chamber, before application of the adhesive putty on the closed cover edges. This moisture was not that sufficient to cause contact continuity of the contact, but suphasion had been started. 4. During the intermittent raining and cold season, the vapour inside the covered OSR might have started condensing to moisture and clung to the contacts, resulting with tripping of the transformer. 5. So, the mistake was with grid personnel, regarding application of adhesive putty without opening and cleaning of the internal moisture residues in the OSR. Because of this residual moisture and after total sealing of the cover, during heating and cold process, the vapour with condensation to moisture caused tripping of the transformer. Recommendation For the Transformer top mounted device, in the case of sealing of the external cover for the ingress of moisture etc…, before application of adhesives/ any sealing agent, the cover should be opened and internal part should be properly cleaned and dried to avoid the condensation of any residual moisture/vapour. 2.4. Hot Spot on the NON-CURRENT carrying part: During thermo-vision scanning, it was observed with HOT-SPOT on the non-current carrying metal part at the tension holder. Observations: 1. During regular Thermal scanning of the transmission line, it was found with certain peculiar temperature spot on the base of the tension hardware in a 400 KV Transmission line. (Refer Fig 2.4.1).

Fig 2.4.1 Hot-Spot on the Base of Hardawre 2. The temperature was observed with 91 degrees centigrade on the non-current carrying metal holder connected part between insulator string and main conductor. 3. Only one string was found with related hot-spot, with other one being normal. 4. The current on the system during the thermal scanning was of 322 Ampere on both the conductor. So individual current being 161 amperes approximately out of its capacity being 700 Ampere. 5. This quantity of current is well within the range of its capacity and in practice nothing should have been caused for this amount of current. 6. So the detail analysis was done to rectify the problem. Technical Analysis: 1. Reason of Temperature rise on NON_CURRENT carrying conductor a. If any sharpen edge remains near to the potential field, then due to CORONA effect, the point may be heated up with rise of temperature. b. If any hardware connected with TWIN current carrying path, then due to double hardware fittings, small loose connection on any one path/ clamp, shall cause abnormal current flow. The clamp fitting may not cause heating due to its heat bearing capacity. c. The other clamp may be heated and its impact shall be more on the adjacent supporting hardware (Non-Current carrying part), which may not subside quick due to less material mass. d. The heat conduction shall also be the cause of temperature rise.

e. There might be problem on the hardware fittings like connection of Clamp with L-Pad for jumpering of the conductor. The Inter-connection may have less bolt due to mis-match of the holes with the pad. f. If such, then the gap shall allow to accommodate dust deposition due to ingress of moisture. If so in due course, the heating effect may have caused the heat transformation to adjacent metal part. g. The connection clamp face is also the cause of gap development as like shown in the Fig 2.4.2. h. The other reason could be the rusting, dust deposition and dirty of the clamp connected conductor portion, for which local ionization may cause heating. 2. In this situation, the maximum possibility being the cause as mentioned above 2.b and 2.e. 3. However, the team was asked for physical verification on availing Shutdown on the system. Detail Action Taken 1. Shutdown was availed for checking of the hardware and other points as mentioned. 2. It was found with the issue on the connection of clamp with L pad. 3. The connection of jumper was towards conductor as like

Figure shown 2.4.2.a. This is the general pattern of connection and recommended in many of the utilities. This connection becomes easier to connect by the workmen. But due to issue on the base of the jumper cone, sometimes lower enbuldging portion fouls on the L –PAD and resulted with minor gap between the interface. 4. In such case, the jumper hardware cone need to be connected on the insulator string side, so that the other face can perfectly match the L pad instead of any fouling due to other side of the enbuldging part. ( Refer 2.4.2.b). 5. The connection was made as per the above way after replacement of faulty hardware on cleaning of the dust and other particles. EM

Smart Meter & Smart Grid

smarT meTering, demand response, vehicle-To-grid

Global Data’s latest policy report, ‘Smart Grid Policy Handbook 2021,’ offers comprehensive information on major policies governing smart grid in several countries. The report covers eighteen key countries and the EU, providing the current scenario and future plans in implementing smart grid technology, giving a fair idea of the overall growth potential of the smart grid industry in each of these countries and also globally. Countries covered in the handbook include the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, France, Spain, Germany and the UK. The report discusses the net-metering policy and smart meter rollout in these countries. Advanced metering infrastructure, microgrid, smart cities, time of use pricing, communication protocols and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are among the other topics covered in the report. The report uses data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. Smart grid-enabled technologies such as smart metering, demand response, and vehicle-to-grid are witnessing huge uptake globally, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Various countries including the US, China and France have framed policies and started programmes for the further development of smart grids. Developing countries such as India and Thailand are also launching pilot projects to design and strengthen the policy framework for smart grids. Rapid installation of electric vehicle charging stations in several countries is aiding the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) infrastructure growth. Several countries are looking to develop smart grid technology as it offers several benefits such as greater transparency and control over power consumption, improvements in grid reliability, and reduced electricity prices. Energy today is much more than a mere natural resource; it is considered as a geopolitical, economic and strategic resource. The world is also waking up to the realization that uncontrolled energy consumption can have adverse effects on the environment. With this as the backdrop, companies operating in the Energy and Utilities sector are facing serious challenges in trying to keep pace with the complexities and the challenges in the business of Energy and Utilities. According to Everest Research, utilities companies are under pressure trying to deal with increased regulatory systems, intensifying competition, and informed and demanding consumers. In addition, the industry needs to respond to the challenges of aging infrastructures and new technology. A combination of these factors has led to the development of a

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new distribution model, the smart grid (with the smart grid technology at the core) that allows generators, suppliers and consumers to be integrated by intelligent control, monitoring and communication of energy consumption. A vital component of the smart grid is the smart meter – an energy meter that records the consumption of electrostatic potential energy in intervals of an hour or minutes and communicates this data to the utilities player for billing purposes. It enables a two-way communication between the meter and the central system. Unlike home energy monitors, smart meters can collect information for remote reporting. This Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) makes smart metering different from the traditional Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). These smart meters, with In-Home Displays (IHDs) will allow consumers to see and adjust in real time how much energy they are using. The rollout of smart meters began in early 2000 but took on significance in 2009, when the United Kingdom's Department of Energy and Climate Change announced its objective to install smart meters in all homes by 2020. Switching to Smart Meters The deployment of smart meters is fast gaining popularity world-wide. Pike Research reports that the global full year shipment of smart meters was 73 million in 2011. China has seen a massive deployment of smart meters and has in fact, driven as much as 71 percent of this annual volume. Significant expansion was witnessed in the United States Consumers Energy announced that it would use Smart Synch's communications network technology for the 1.8 million smart meters that will be starting in August 2012. In Canada, Hydro-Quebec chose Landis+Gyr to supply most of its planned 3.75 million smart meters, while BC Hydro selected Itron to provide 1.8 million Open Way meters over the next two years. The U.K. Parliament declared that between 2014 and 2019, Britain would roll out more than 50 million new smart meters to 30 million homes and businesses in the country. More than eight million smart meters have been deployed by United States' electric utilities with 60 million expected to be in use by 2020. The shift to using smart meters is expected to revolutionize relationships between energy suppliers and their consumers. It is important to gauge the pros and cons of implementing smart meters. The main advantages of using smart meters are: • Control over consumption and cost: Smart metering will provide customers and businesses real-time information on usage. It will show the exact usage of each appliance and will also help budget the energy bill. • Accurate billing: Smart meters will ensure transparency

for consumers to control their energy consumption: The era of estimated reads will be done away with, reducing the burden on meter operators collecting meter readings manually. • Innovative pricing models: Over time, smart meters will help define energy consumption patterns that will enable the industry to develop multiple tariff offers (as in the mobile phone market). This will give consumers the choice of selecting a provider best suited to their individual needs. With accurate information, suppliers can work with generators and infrastructure providers to create a stable balance between energy demands and supply ensuring a sustainable environment in the longer term. • Environmental benefits: With advanced control and communications, peak load diminution and the amount of energy supplied will be possible. This will, in turn, reduce unnecessary energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. Smart metering will also aid in effectively integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels and windmills. • Studies conducted by doctors in January 2012 state that there is health hazards that are caused by wireless radiation, especially to those individuals who have metal (prosthetic devices, pacemakers, insulin pumps and so on) in their bodies. However, these studies remain inconclusive. • Another concern is that the use of smart meters can lead to data misuse, as it discloses the behavior of citizens inside their residences, and this can be exploited by

unauthorized users. Hence, there is a need to formulate and implement adequate cyber and privacy regulations. • There is also one faction of consumers who believe that there could be billing inaccuracies. The accuracy of smart meters is dependent on a Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) chip, interfacing of power lines with meters and the measurements by the Analog Front-End (AFE) team. There is a possibility that billing inaccuracies can take place, if there are problems with the AFE. Utilities and Outsourcing: Building the Smart Metering Grid Together The Utilities industry is grappling with operational issues, namely inefficient processes, manual procedures and outdated technology. There is a growing need to reduce operational costs, increase customer retention, optimize load management, enhance meter data management and meet regulatory demands. Utilities players have had to face increased competition due to the de-regulation of retail utilities markets world-wide and are struggling to maintain their customer base. In addition, customers are more informed and demanding and expect rapid issue- resolution, improved customer service and accurate billing. It is important that excellent business processes are fused with customer-first Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies such as proactive communications and user-friendly technologies. By partnering with an experience Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider like WNS, utilities can realize productivity-related benefits and reduce their overall cost-to-serve per customer and thereby improve their price competitiveness. For the utilities sector to remain viable and strong, future-proof business processes are an absolute requirement and this is especially so with respect to the Meter-to-Cash (M2C) process. The Everest Group estimates the potential of M2C BPO to be nearly USD 50 Billion to USD 70 Billion globally, but current penetration remains in the low single digits. The best way to optimize the M2C process is by partnering with an experienced outsourcing player. The M2C process has requirements specific to the utilities industry such as meter data management, smart metering, field services, customer billing, multiple legacy systems and inconsistent meter reads. BPO companies can provide technology platforms that allow for M2C processes to be delivered by utilities companies without any upfront capital expenditure. BPO firms can help standardize processes that result in enhanced performance. Another essential task for utilities is to streamline their processes in order to support the rapidly increasing smart meter implementation. An experienced BPO service provider can offer pre-implementation services by conducting a feasibility analysis and building an execution roadmap. Implementation services include work order management, device and meter data management, and meter provisioning support. BPO service providers can also offer smart metering analytics support allowing utilities to gain from the data explosion created by the smart meter network. Managing smart metering services is a challenging and expensive operation but can deliver significant advantages if done effectively. In order to boost business performance, utilities should look at working together with BPO firms like WNS that have domain expertise and gain from their process expertise to overcome challenges. What Makes a Grid “Smart?” In short, the digital technology that allows for two-way communication between the utility and its customers, and the sensing along the transmission lines is what makes the grid smart. Like the Internet, the Smart Grid will consist of controls, computers, automation, and new technologies and equipment working together, but in this case, these technologies will work with the electrical grid to respond digitally to our quickly changing electric demand. What does a Smart Grid do? The Smart Grid represents an unprecedented opportunity to move the energy industry into a new era of reliability, availability, and efficiency that will contribute to our economic and environmental health. During the transition period, it will be critical to carry out testing, technology improvements, consumer education, development of standards and regulations, and information sharing between projects to ensure that the benefits we envision from the Smart Grid become a reality. The benefits associated with the Smart Grid include:

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D ri g mart s eter & m mart s

• More efficient transmission of electricity • Quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances • Reduced operations and management costs for utilities, and ultimately lower power costs for consumers • Reduced peak demand, which will also help lower electricity rates • Increased integration of large-scale renewable energy systems • Better integration of customer-owner power generation systems, including renewable energy systems • Improved security An electricity disruption such as a blackout can have a domino effect—a series of failures that can affect banking, communications, traffic, and security. This is a particular threat in the winter, when homeowners can be left without heat. A smarter grid will add resiliency to our electric power System and make it better prepared to address emergencies such as severe storms, earthquakes, large solar flares, and terrorist attacks. Because of its two-way interactive capacity, the Smart Grid will allow for automatic rerouting when equipment fails or outages occur. This will minimize outages and minimize the effects when they do happen. When a power outage occurs, Smart Grid technologies will detect and isolate the outages, containing them before they become large-scale blackouts. The new technologies will also help ensure that electricity recovery resumes quickly and strategically after an emergency—routing electricity to emergency services first, for example. In addition, the Smart Grid will take greater advantage of customer-owned power generators to produce power when it is not available from utilities. By combining these "distributed generation" resources, a community could keep its health center, police department, traffic lights, phone System, and grocery store operating during emergencies. In addition, the Smart Grid is a way to address an aging energy infrastructure that needs to be upgraded or replaced. It’s a way to address energy efficiency, to bring increased awareness to consumers about the connection between electricity use and the environment. And it’s a way to bring increased national security to our energy System—drawing on greater amounts of home-grown electricity that is more resistant to natural disasters and attack. Giving Consumers Control The Smart Grid is not just about utilities and technologies; it is about giving you the information and tools you need to make choices about your energy use. If you already manage activities such as personal banking from your home computer, imagine managing your electricity in a similar way. A smarter grid will enable an unprecedented level of consumer participation. For example, you will no longer have to wait for your monthly statement to know how much electricity you use. With a smarter grid, you can have a clear and timely picture of it. "Smart meters," and other mechanisms, will allow you to see how much electricity you use, when you use it, and its cost. Combined with real-time pricing, this will allow you to save money by using less power when electricity is most expensive. While the potential benefits of the Smart Grid are usually discussed in terms of economics, national security, and renewable energy goals, the Smart Grid has the potential to help you save money by helping you to manage your electricity use and choose the best times to purchase electricity. And you can save even more by generating your own power. Building and Testing the Smart Grid The Smart Grid will consist of millions of pieces and parts— controls, computers, power lines, and new technologies and equipment. It will take some time for all the technologies to be perfected, equipment installed, and systems tested before it comes fully on line. And it won’t happen all at once—the Smart Grid is evolving, piece by piece, over the next decade or so. Once mature, the Smart Grid will likely bring the same kind of transformation that the Internet has already brought to the way we live, work, play, and learn. What are smart meters? Smart meters, a common form of smart grid technology, are digital meters that replace the old analog meters used in homes to record electrical usage. Digital meters can transmit energy consumption information back to the utility on a much more frequent schedule than analog meters, which require a meter reader to transmit information. Electric energy use will be recorded every hour or less at your home. Smart meters will enable you to monitor your consumption more precisely so you can make more informed energy choices. Depending on the feature set, the meter may also notify the utility of a power outage or allow the utility to remotely switch electricity service on or off. How do I know if I have a smart meter? If your electricity meter has been replaced since January 2009 with a digital meter, it is likely a smart meter. Smart meters have a white face, with an LCD display, short for liquid crystal display, which is similar to the display used in digital watches and many portable computers and televisions. If you still have a meter reader visiting your house to take regular readings then you don’t yet have a smart meter. Another way is to check is that sometimes, depending on your utility, your monthly utility bill will have a statement in the "Notes" section indicating that your home is equipped with a smart meter. Who has the control over my energy consumption with smart meters? Advanced metering gives you more control. Participating

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in residential energy management and other energy efficiency programs is completely optional. Customers who participate can use the information they receive to manage their energy usage day by day. Or, they can set preferences and let the system automatically make adjustments based on the cost or availability of energy. Either way, the customer is in complete control and will have the option to override signals or not participate in energy-efficiency programs at all. No. Actually, you control your usage, not the utility. Advanced metering gives you more control. Participating in residential energy management and other energy efficiency programs is completely optional. Customers who participate can use the information they receive to manage their energy usage day by day. Or, they can set preferences (select a maximum temperature for air conditioning, for instance) and let the system automatically make adjustments based on the cost or availability of energy. Either way, the customer is in complete control and will have the option to override signals or not participate in energyefficiency programs at all. The smart meter takes frequent readings of your energy usage, but it only measures the electricity used in your household, it does not control it. If you have opted in to a program such as a Peak Rewards program, you’re smart meter will not change how this program operates. The utility will continue to cycle air conditioner compressors and hot water heaters on and off as needed during peak usage times, the same as when you first signed on to this program. In the future, the smart meters will enable utilities to remotely turn service on and off at customer premises. This feature will be used when customers move out of their current homes and start service elsewhere. This cost effective feature eliminates the need for a utility field visit when customers move or start service. The remote connect feature will also enable the utility to place customers back into service more expeditiously. Smart Meters and a wiser Grid The standard electrical grid could be an assortment of transmission lines, substations, transformers, and additional that delivers electricity from the facility plant to your home or business. A wise Grid includes digital technology that permits for two-way communication between the utility and its customers, and also the sensing on the transmission lines. A smart meter, within the context of a wise Grid, is your home's association between your electricity desires and also the remainder of the grid. So, what is the distinction between an everyday digital meter and a wise meter, and the way will a wise meter save energy? In a very word: Interactivity. A traditional electrical meter measures the overall consumption of electricity in your home. Sensible meters will communicate with in-home displays to allow you to shrewdness a lot of energy you are victimization, and even tell you the time of day the energy was used. You’ll be able to use this kind of data to watch usage throughout peak versus off-season hours and, as a result, manage your energy potency and prices. Additionally, this energy data returning to and from your home through your sensible meter are often run through a home energy management system, which can enable you to look at it in Associate in nursing easy-to-understand format on your pc or hand-held device. All of this starts to sound like Associate in nursing episode of The Jetsons, however it's extremely simply an excellent concept

D ri g mart s eter & m mart s

that is commencing to become a reality. If you do not have a wise meter, do not worry—your utility can give it as a part of your service, and you definitely will not get one if a wise Grid is not offered in your space. If you are as interested in sensible stuff as i'm, consider SmartGrid.gov—this website is packed with easy-to-absorb data. The sensible Grid data Clearinghouse is additionally an honest supply of data, together with a map of comes within the us and many of consumer-oriented publications. While you are anticipating this fascinating technology to return to your neighborhood, there are many ways in which to chop your bill by following Energy Savers tips: • Lighting • Appliances • Home office and residential physics • Heating and cooling • Insulation and protection air leaks Role of Smart Meters in Smart Grid The Government of India’s initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Smart Cities’ would like the economical, reliable and continuous power offer. India’s power sector within the gift day is facing a great deal of issues like AT & C losses, inefficient distribution and transmission thanks to age previous infrastructure and power thieving. The advanced energy management and accrued use of renewable energy resources are the foremost areas to concentrate by governments for the event of country. The govt. cannot take initiatives for complete modification of electrical instrumentation across the country however there's a desire for ever-changing the manner of operation and management of the electrical instrumentation. For this Ministry of Power has initiated ISGF (Indian sensible Grid Forum) that works terribly closely with public, personal and analysis organizations for developing standards and policies therefore on deploy the ‘Smart Grid’ to assure economical and price effective power for all stakeholders. The sensible meter is incredibly vital constituent for sensible grid and is anticipated to produce cost-efficient, social and ecological benefits for varied stakeholders. the foremost vital key factors that determines the success of the sensible meters is information analysis that deals with information acquisition, communication, process and elucidation that edges to client, utility company and government. The idea of sensible grid will increase the potency of power usage by the introduction of bi-directional flow of knowledge from utilities to client and vice-versa. This may be potential by the introduction of ‘Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)’. The information regarding electrical consumption of a client is recorded during a timely manner and this data is mass and analyzed by ‘smart meter’ put in at client premises. The analyzed information is communicated to utilities victimization AMI. The AMI includes the advanced communication system as well as home space networks (HAN), neighborhood space networks (NAN) and wide space networks (WAN). Thus, AMI not solely communicates the sensible meter information to utilities however conjointly transmits data to client from utilities regarding the height demand, value of energy consumption facultative the buyer to shift peak hundreds to another time. Sensible grid victimization sensible metering and AMI technologies establish the wide space watching, protection and management. Traditional Electricity Meters In India, largely electricity utilization of a client is recorded by ancient mechanical device meter or associate electronic meter (with digital display). The bills are generated by utility personnel simply by recording usage for a particular amount of your time (monthly or bimonthly). This ancient method has no relation with advanced watching or management. In general, the normal meter has following design as shown within the figure1. Smart Meters The sensible meter is future for power trade associated is an interface between client and also the utility company. The sensible meter records the facility usage of client and communicates this information during a timely manner to utility center. For sensible meter, it's terribly essential to gather precise and applicable information during a timely manner which has gathering of information, its communication and storage. The sensible meter permits the bi-directional flow of knowledge, as shown within the figure two, from client to utility and contrariwise. The systematic analysis from the info no inheritable can cause several prospective selections by utility center that assures the potency and responsibility of sensible grid. This permits the utility center for higher watching and management. The info communication in real time basis permits the utilities with benefits like real time valuation, outage detection and identification of power thieving, avoids meter information change of state and provides higher service. With the info received in timely manner utilities shall have a much better a stronger chance to figure better with accrued stability. Smart meters will undoubtedly cut the domestic or industrial energy consumption by giving a great deal of helpful data to the buyer; however this data is helpful given that client appearance into it. Sensible meter provides best home energy management solutions for sensible homes victimization wireless technologies like (Zigbee or WiFi). Many sensing element and actuators based mostly appliances are commissioned in sensible buildings to manage the association of electrical load remotely supported the buyer selection or utility selections envisaging the requirement of the sensible meter.

Automation

auTomaTion, similarly, is expecTed To creaTe a new benchmark indusTry

Automation is a reality now. There is no point resisting automation at the workplace. You as a company and as employees have to save your tomorrow and prepare for day-after tomorrow, Valliappa said over the phone from his second office in Salem, Tamil Nadu. “The face of labour will change, and automation, adoption of robots has started making repetitive and assembly line kind of jobs redundant," he said, adding that he was working with his team to develop technology that would equip employees to improve productivity. His technology coding firm works in areas such as healthcare, aerospace and heavy engineering. Not just the services sector, but even manufacturing in India is adopting automation. Leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Ltd now has one robot for almost every four workers — it deploys some 5,000 robots at their Manesar and Gurgaon plants. “There is a gradual adoption of robots and automation in sectors like automobiles, pharma, IT and ITES, financials…the labour force is changing and it will continue in India for the next several years. You will find demand for new skills…the workers and the management will have to change or help in the transition," said Rakhi Sehgal, a labour expert who works with unions and academia on labour issues. During this transition phase you will see job losses, said Parimala, an ex-IT worker from Tamil Nadu who turned to activism after she lost her job. She claimed her job loss is “not because of automation"—but she relates to the situation and has formed a forum for aggrieved IT employees in the southern state. “Low- and mid-level jobs are at stake… while low=skilled junior level jobs are getting automated, the mid-level process and project management jobs are at risk too," Parimala said. “But companies don’t say it in as many words while retrenching people, they take help of the appraisal season to sack workers and adopt high-level technology. It cuts their cost," she argued. World Bank president Jim Yong Kim in October 2016 said that research based on World Bank data predicted that the proportion of jobs threatened by automation in India is 69% year-on-year. This means that in a year, seven out of

utomation a

10 jobs will face the heat of automation —effectively changing the face of the labour market. World Bank predicted that 77% of Chinese employees too would face the pinch. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in research paper new jobs will appear, but they may require skills that workers do not possess. “These developments have raised concern that automation could cause widespread job loss, slow wage growth, and worsen income inequality in developed and developing economies alike". But some experts believe that while some will lose jobs, more jobs will be created for well-skilled personnel and here all stakeholders —the government, companies, educational institutions and workers—has a role to play. “When computer replaced typewriters in India, it created a multi-billion dollar industry. The automation similarly is expected to create an Rs350 billion industry. A new opportunity is calling all of us," said Valliappa. No matter what your job is, it’s likely that a machine will someday do it better. And, for many American workers, that day may come sooner than later. According to a paper published by researchers at Ball State University, roughly half of the jobs American workers perform could be automated in the near future; the study also found low-income work as the category most susceptible to automation. While change is inevitable in the more physical professions, it’s increasingly apparent that knowledge-based jobs- those requiring some special skills or expertise -- are equally at risk. In fact, some of those positions are already being replaced. The value of hard labor As a college professor, I spend most of my days reading, writing and thinking about theoretical topics. It often feels like my fingers are the only parts of me that get any exercise, so I like to set aside time on the weekends to work in my yard. I recently dedicated an entire day to whipping my front yard into shape. I grunted and groaned as I hauled dirt, hacked away at vines, chopped down trees and shrubs, and mulched. Aside from offering a great workout, those hours of grueling manual chores allowed my mind to wander in sometimes unexpected ways. In the midst of this exhausting work, I started to think about automation. I certainly enjoy working in the fresh air, but I’ll admit it would be nice to have someone else -- or something else -- handle the backbreaking labor for me. I could always pay a company to take care of it, but I would spend as much time making sure the job was done right as I would doing it myself. Another option: I could invest some capital into advanced tools capable of handling the job: A few thousand dollars would buy a Honda Miimo, which is like a Roomba for your yard. Fire it up, and you can cut your grass without breaking a sweat. So, the message is clear: Instead of our paying for someone else’s labor -- or paying with our own sweat equity -- we can let machines do the hard work for us. The economy employs engineers and entrepreneurs to build these advanced machines, and the upshot is that consumers need not turn to experts to tackle jobs around the house. In fact, Recode has reported that using these machines is more affordable than ever. But there's a problem with this thinking, in that Americans tend to view the elimination of jobs as a negative. One reason for those eliminated jobs -- automation -- even feels like the end of the world as we know it. Picture sci-fi movies and scenes of robots wiping out the human race. In reality, though, the evolution of machines will actually lead to a more prosperous society. While Amazon has started to use thousands of robots to help deal with menial tasks in its warehouses across the country, Quartz reported that the company is still hiring tens of thousands of new workers every quarter. So, highly educated workers will have jobs developing these machines, and less skilled workers will be able to use those machines to boost their productivity. We’ll get more output per labor unit, forever liberating people from humdrum drudgery. Sounds good to me. Bringing disruption to any industry Rather than a threat, then, the rise of more intelligent machines represents an opportunity to disrupt the economic status quo through automation. Here are three strategies for entrepreneurs who want to shake things up by replacing existing processes with novel new ideas: 1. Think in terms of value rather than cost. Entrepreneurs are successful when they’re able to find new ways of doing things. To successfully replace production processes, you must aim to create value rather than minimize or manage costs. You can’t disrupt an industry simply by doing something “a little cheaper” than competitors -- that’s neither a rationale for starting a new business nor a sustainable business advantage, as others will simply do the same thing.

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Instead, aim to develop completely new ways of doing things. Some people assume companies such as Amazon are successful because they’re able to undercut competitors on price. Yet Amazon has achieved 25 percent year-over-year growth, according to the Motley Fool, because it has created an entirely new way of delivering goods and services to consumers. Likewise, think about who gets the value you create. Entrepreneurs serve themselves by serving others. You profit only if your customers are satisfied, and you have to know who they are if you want to keep them happy. If you’re able to identify a market for an innovative product or service and deliver value, people will pay for it. Cost doesn’t matter as long as the value you provide is greater. 2. Invent your problem. Entrepreneurs have a tendency to think they need to solve a problem to be successful. That perspective leads many would-be entrepreneurs to seek a problem lacking a solution, but this is a shortsighted approach. If you want to actually disrupt a market, you need to invent a problem that doesn’t yet exist. Apple sold more than 211 million iPhones last year, and the iPhone undoubtedly solves plenty of problems on a daily basis. But when Steve Jobs first introduced the product, it didn’t solve a problem that anyone could identify. People didn’t mind a lack of the internet in their pockets back in 2007 -- it wasn’t a problem at that point. Instead, Apple changed the way people behaved by offering unprecedented value. A decade later, most people would be absolutely lost without their iPhone. 3. Ignore what’s already being done. It’s easy to fall into the trap of examining existing products and processes and trying to brainstorm ways to improve upon them. But instead of creating value, this approach tends to focus more on minimizing costs. When you think like this, you’re entering the arena of incumbent firms and trying to beat them at their own game. Do you really think people in those organizations haven't thought about how to improve production processes? Of course they have. Your advantage lies in creating new value, which requires you to focus less on what other companies are doing and more on what could be done instead. When Arianna Huffington wanted to differentiate the Huffington Post from other media outlets, she knew she had to do something truly unique. So, she mastered the art of search engine optimization before anyone else was even thinking about it. While other publishers guessed at reader preferences, the Huffington Post team used data-driven methodology to give readers exactly what they wanted. It’s no coincidence that the site remains a media behemoth. Automation isn’t a new phenomenon, and it doesn’t signal the end of work. Elon Musk discussed automation during the 2017 World Government Summit in Dubai, arguing that there are “fewer and fewer jobs that a robot cannot do better.” But even as Musk pronounced a future where robots will take our jobs, he predicted that this increased automation will help create abundance in our society. The takeaway here is that each innovation increases our labor productivity, meaning we can do more work more efficiently, reaching our desired standard of living along the way. For entrepreneurs, the latest wave of automation presents new opportunities to disrupt the economy and create a brighter future for everyone. And that doesn't sound like any sci-fi movie to me. A tax on labor Tax and transfer policy is part of one of the longest-running debates in Western capitalism: the role of the welfare state. In the United States, discussions around progressive taxation and government support for retraining, relocation and child support — which help workers take advantage of new job opportunities — can feel moribund. But some peculiarities of tax and wage policy serve to encourage automation without intending to. “What we do at the moment in the United States, and to some degree in other countries, is tax labour and subsidizes capital,” says Acemoglu. The effect is to encourage automation, even when it does not improve productivity. For example, if a company hires ten workers, it needs to pay a host of labour-specific costs, such as taxes and pension contributions. If, instead, it buys a machine to do the jobs of ten workers, not only does it avoid those costs, but government policy effectively subsidizes its interest payments on the purchase. Similarly, the enthusiasm in large US cities for rapidly increasing minimum wages acts as an incentive to automate by effectively taxing hiring. Both Brynjolfsson and Neumark think that wage support that narrowly targets vulnerable populations, such as earned-income tax credits or wage insurance, is a better policy. Unchecked, poor policy choices, including some that have already been made, make the most pessimistic forecasts about the future of work more likely to come true. It is

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also true that automation will threaten previously safe jobs in unpredictable ways. But many economists expect that machines will further remove drudgery from our working lives, and that the need for human labour will grow. The real risks, they say, are not those inherent to automation, but those associated with social and economic adaptation. For Brynjolfsson, it comes down to the choices we make: “These new technologies can and should be very good news. But we can also use them to create greater inequality. It’s a question of what our values are.” Automation, the application of machines to tasks once performed by human beings or, increasingly, to tasks that would otherwise be impossible. Although the term mechanization is often used to refer to the simple replacement of human labour by machines, automation generally implies the integration of machines into a self-governing system. Automation has revolutionized those areas in which it has been introduced, and there is scarcely an aspect of modern life that has been unaffected by it. The term automation was coined in the automobile industry about 1946 to describe the increased use of automatic devices and controls in mechanized production lines. The origin of the word is attributed to D.S. Harder, an engineering manager at the Ford Motor Company at the time. The term is used widely in a manufacturing context, but it is also applied outside manufacturing in connection with a variety of systems in which there is a significant substitution of mechanical, electrical, or computerized action for human effort and intelligence. In general usage, automation can be defined as a technology concerned with performing a process by means of programmed commands combined with automatic feedback control to ensure proper execution of the instructions. The resulting system is capable of operating without human intervention. The development of this technology has become increasingly dependent on the use of computers and computer-related technologies. Consequently, automated systems have become increasingly sophisticated and complex. Advanced systems represent a level of capability and performance that surpass in many ways the abilities of humans to accomplish the same activities. Automation technology has matured to a point where a number of other technologies have developed from it and have achieved a recognition and status of their own. Robotics is one of these technologies; it is a specialized branch of automation in which the automated machine possesses certain anthropomorphic, or humanlike, characteristics. The most typical humanlike characteristic of a modern industrial robot is its powered mechanical arm. The robot’s arm can be programmed to move through a sequence of motions to perform useful tasks, such as loading and unloading parts at a production machine or making a sequence of spot-welds on the sheet-metal parts of an automobile body during assembly. As these examples suggest, industrial robots are typically used to replace human workers in factory operations.

This article covers the fundamentals of automation, including its historical development, principles and theory of operation, applications in manufacturing and in some of the services and industries important in daily life, and impact on the individual as well as society in general. The article also reviews the development and technology of robotics as a significant topic within automation. For related topics, see computer science and information processing. Historical Development of Automation The technology of automation has evolved from the related field of mechanization, which had its beginnings in the Industrial Revolution. Mechanization refers to the replacement of human (or animal) power with mechanical power of some form. The driving force behind mechanization has been humankind’s propensity to create tools and mechanical devices. Some of the important historical developments in mechanization and automation leading to modern automated systems are described here. The first tools made of stone represented prehistoric man’s attempts to direct his own physical strength under the control of human intelligence. Thousands of years were undoubtedly required for the development of simple mechanical devices and machines such as the wheel, the lever, and the pulley, by which the power of human muscle could be magnified. The next extension was the development of powered machines that did not require human strength to operate. Examples of these machines include waterwheels, windmills, and simple steam-driven devices. More than 2,000 years ago the Chinese developed trip-hammers powered by flowing water and waterwheels. The early Greeks experimented with simple reaction motors powered by steam. The mechanical clock, representing a rather complex assembly with its own built-in power source (a weight), was developed about 1335 in Europe. Windmills, with mechanisms for automatically turning the sails, were developed during the middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East. The steam engine represented a major advance in the development of powered machines and marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. During the two centuries since the introduction of the Watt steam engine, powered engines and machines have been devised that obtain their energy from steam, electricity, and chemical, mechanical, and nuclear sources. Each new development in the history of powered machines has brought with it an increased requirement for control devices to harness the power of the machine. The earliest steam engines required a person to open and close the valves, first to admit steam into the piston chamber and then to exhaust it. Later a slide valve mechanism was devised to automatically accomplish these functions. The only need of the human operator was then to regulate the amount of steam that controlled the engine’s speed and power. This requirement for human attention in the operation of the steam engine was eliminated by the flying-ball governor. Invented by James Wattin England, this device consisted of a weighted ball on a hinged arm, mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the engine. As the rotational speed of the shaft increased, centrifugal force caused the weighted ball to be moved outward. This motion controlled a valve that reduced the steam being fed to the engine, thus slowing the engine. The flying-ball governor remains an elegant early example of a negative feedback control system, in which the increasing output of the system is used to decrease the activity of the system. Negative feedback is widely used as a means of automatic control to achieve a constant operating level for a system. A common example of a feedback control system is the thermostat used in modern buildings to control room temperature. In this device, a decrease in room temperature causes an electrical switch to close, thus turning on the heating unit. As room temperature rises, the switch opens and the heat supply is turned off. The thermostat can be set to turn on the heating unit at any particular set point. Another important development in the history of automation was the Jacquard loom (see photograph), which demonstrated the concept of a programmable machine. About 1801 the French inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard devised an automatic loom capable of producing complex patterns in textiles by controlling the motions of many shuttles of different coloured threads. The selection of the different patterns was determined by a program contained in steel cards in which holes were punched. These cards were the ancestors of the paper cards and tapes that control modern automatic machines. The concept of programming a machine was further developed later in the 19th century when Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, proposed a complex, mechanical “analytical engine” that could perform arithmetic and data processing. Although Babbage was never able to complete it, this device was the precursor of the modern digital computer. See computers, history of. Modern developments A number of significant developments in various fields have occurred during the 20th century: the digital computer,

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improvements in data-storage technology and software to write computer programs, advances in sensor technology, and the derivation of a mathematical control theory. All these developments have contributed to progress in automation technology. Development of the electronic digital computer (the ENIAC [Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer] in 1946 and UNIVAC I [Universal Automatic Computer] in 1951) has permitted the control function in automation to become much more sophisticated and the associated calculations to be executed much faster than previously possible. The development of integrated circuits in the 1960s propelled a trend toward miniaturization in computer technology that has led to machines that are much smaller and less expensive than their predecessors yet are capable of performing calculations at much greater speeds. This trend is represented today by the microprocessor, a miniature multicircuited device capable of performing all the logic and arithmetic functions of a large digital computer. Along with the advances in computer technology, there have been parallel improvements in program storage technology for containing the programming commands. Modern storage media include magnetic tapes and disks, magnetic bubble memories, optical data storage read by lasers, videodisks, and electron beam-addressable memory systems. In addition, improvements have been made in the methods of programming computers (and other programmable machines). Modern programming languages are easier to use and are more powerful in their data-processing and logic capabilities. Advances in sensor technology have provided a vast array of measuring devices that can be used as components in automatic feedback control systems. These devices include highly sensitive electromechanical probes, scanning laser beams, electrical field techniques, and machine vision. Some of these sensor systems require computer technology for their implementation. Machine vision, for example, requires the processing of enormous amounts of data that can be accomplished only by high-speed digital computers. This technology is proving to be a versatile sensory capability for various industrial tasks, such as part identification, quality inspection, and robot guidance. Finally, there has evolved since World War II a highly advanced mathematical theory of control systems. The theory includes traditional negative feedback control, optimal control, adaptive control, and artificial intelligence. Traditional feedback control theory makes use of linear ordinary differential equations to analyze problems, as in Watt’s flying-ball governor. Although most processes are more complex than the flying-ball governor, they still obey the same laws of physics that are described by differential equations. Optimal control theory and adaptive control theory are concerned with the problem of defining an appropriate index of performance for the process of interest and then operating it in such a manner as to optimize its performance. The difference between optimal and adaptive control is that the latter must be implemented under conditions of a continuously changing and unpredictable environment; it therefore requires sensor measurements of the environment to implement the control strategy. Artificial intelligence is an advanced field of computer science in which the computer is programmed to exhibit characteristics commonly associated with human intelligence. These characteristics include the capacity for learning, understanding language, reasoning, solving problems, rendering expert diagnoses, and similar mental capabilities. Developments in artificial intelligence are expected to provide robots and other “intelligent” machines with the ability to communicate with humans and to accept very high-level instructions rather than the detailed step-by-step programming statements typically required of today’s programmable machines. For example, a robot of the future endowed with artificial intelligence might be capable of accepting and executing the command “assemble the product.” Present-day industrial robots must be provided with a detailed set of instructions specifying the locations of the product’s components, the order in which they are to be assembled, and so forth. Conclusion Automation must be coupled with changes in the human environment of a company. Automation should also be carried out systematically instead of "jumping into the dark." Hewlett-Packard, a company that has automated successfully, advised other companies to first fully investigate how their factories function. These companies should try to simplify the operating procedure to the most essential steps. Then the companies should ask themselves what kind of information and hardware are needed to improve the operations ("Back to earth," 1987). For example, Ford learned from Mazda (a Japanese car company in which Ford has 25% share) that changing the work procedure in warehouses and offices can reduce more manpower than installing an automated inventorykeeping system ("Now for something," 1990). Similarly, buying robots before looking into the problem is a recipe for waste and disaster. GM paid over $40 billion to learn this lesson. Fortunately, the operation and success of the Saturn division indicate that GM has learned the lesson well.

UPS Batteries

The markeT is likely To gain momenTum in 2022

The global data center market continues to grow despite the pandemic and will experience a high growth trajectory over the coming years due to the rise in hyperscale data centers, investments, data creation and consumption, and data traffic volumes fueled by emerging technologies, such as 5G, edge, internet of things, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. Other factors contributing to the market include enterprise outsourcing, hybridcloud adoption, and numerous data center activities in emerging economies. With most developments happening in Asia-Pacific and North America, hyperscale data centers are forecast to increase from 509 in 2019 to 890 in 2025. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to hold a majority share of hyperscale data centers globally at more than 40% by 2030. The massive wave of investment activity from special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC) and marquee investors in the data center industry is expected to take mergers and acquisitions to the next level in the coming years. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries are essential to data center operations and uptime. Lead acid batteries are the preferred choice for UPS systems due to the data centers' mission-critical nature and the batteries' long track record of solid performance, low cost, and lack of competing alternatives. However, their market dominance is likely to be shaken as technological advancements in the electric vehicles industry have made lithium-ion batteries a highly viable alternative economically and technologically. Lithium-ion batteries present higher energy density, longer cycle life, smaller footprint, and reduced cooling costs as they can withstand high temperatures. While lead acid batteries still account for the vast majority of UPS batteries, lithium-ion batteries are forecast to witness rapid penetration and increased revenue share over the forecast period from 2021 to 2030. Nonetheless, the lead acid battery segment is estimated to grow steadily but slowly because of technological advancements, such as thin plate pure lead batteries, that will optimize cost per cycle, enhance design life and total cost of ownership, increase float life, and enable fast charging. Evolving data center trends, such as increasing power density, peak shaving, demand response programs, and grid frequency regulation, also push data center operators, especially large ones, to reevaluate their UPS battery preferences. Some large operators have switched to advanced batteries meeting these trends, with many more expected to follow suit in the short term. Tiers 2 and 3 operators are expected to switch as well in the medium and long terms.

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Apart from lithium-ion batteries, other UPS battery chemistries have emerged in the market such as sodium-ion and nickel-zinc. However, these are still nascent and have yet to make an impact on the total market. The firm same it had been provision UPS systems - a tool that gives battery backup once the power fails or drops - with lithium-ion battery to power the net Protocol CCTVcameras that were being put in across the state as a part of a government programme for increased safety. Sriram Ramakrishnan, chief military officer and administrator, diplomatist Neowatt said: “Our client came to North American country with the demanding demand of an extended life and maintenance-free UPS answer for outside setting to power the CCTV cameras, that area unit contact length and breadth of province.” The company same that the choice to travel with lithium-ion batteries rather than the traditional lead acid batteries was taken keeping in mind the lifetime of the battery in high heat condition and additionally as a result of the lithium-ion battery had a lower weight and smaller footprint compared to steer acid batteries. “The in-house R&D team at diplomatist Neowatt evaluated and selected a lithium-ion battery technology, which might face up to higher close temperatures and has 5 times a lot of cyclic life than valve-regulated lead acid batteries,” Ramakrishnan side. This project needs a 24-hour operation of the cameras put in on poles in key areas across the state that wants an assured power offer. Diplomatist Neowatt was additionally provision high power three-phase UPS for command management centres (CCC) all told the districts of province for this project. All the UPS provided for this project area unit web of things prepared and would be monitored at the district three hundred at the side of the video feed from the informatics CCTV cameras to make sure uninterrupted operations of the cloud-based closed-circuit television, the firm same. If one is getting to purchase a brand new electrical converter battery and is confused regarding the way to choose the most effective electrical converter battery in India, then this is often the proper article to achieve information regarding the choice of an honest electrical converter battery. One doesn’t have to be compelled to be nonplussed any longer regarding the sizes and kinds of electrical converter battery on the market. A thorough analysis has been exhausted order to guide the shoppers for getting the most effective electrical converter battery. It’s forever a tough task to organize a prime list, anyways; an inventory has been ready for the sake of shopper’s Indian agency area unit in a very hurry to shop for the most effective battery for electrical converter like a shot, with no time to analysis on shopping for an applicable battery. Though it should appear a straightforward task to put in writing this text, it's quite herculean task.

In modern-day life, inverters area unit established to be essential as we have a tendency to need electricity daily for varied functions. An electrical converter is useful to store the electricity and provide it once there’s no power on the market. Within the absence of electricity, inverters play a significant role. The other activity of a rectifier is performed by the electrical converter. Inverters were necessary before too. However they need gained a lot of importance currently thanks to the load shedding downside that is increasing day by day. Providing backup power within the absence of electricity is their main task. The battery provides power to the electrical converter and therefore the electrical converter provides it to the electrical appliances whenever necessary. Thus, it's an awfully handy aid to the appliance. Varied varieties of electrical converters area unit on the market nowadays and other people purchase an inverter just in case of load shedding issues. Once there's no offer of electricity, everything involves a standstill during this present time. Hence, installation of an electrical converter generator is often helpful. An electrical converter is capable of running all devices within the absence of power offer. Electric battery provides power to the electrical converter. Whereas shopping for an electrical converter for home, forever choose the most effective home electrical converter. There’s a requirement to charge the battery because the electrical converter obtains its power from the battery. The car motor should be unbroken running so as to charge the battery. The battery also can be charged with the assistance of gas generator and star panels. There’s additionally another thanks to charge the battery by connecting it to an AC outlet. The energy that is hold on within the battery is remodeled to different power by the facility electrical converter. This power is employed in business moreover as industrial systems. It’s additionally helpful all told sorts of homes and offices. For storing the electricity, an electrical converter wants batteries. Electric battery is a necessary a part of an electrical converter. Several firms within the market area unit manufacturing electrical converter batteries. The most effective electrical converter battery listing varies as per the producing firms. It’s equally necessary to settle on a right battery as selecting electrical converter. The guts of UPS system are its Battery. If a high-end branded electrical converter is hooked up to an affordable battery, then there's a risk of spoiling the lifetime of the branded electrical converter. Even among the pledge amount, non-branded batteries fail at any time. Excessive or low voltage to inverters is given by non-branded batteries, which can go bad the system of UPS. Such batteries area unit sometimes equipped with battery plates of low-quality. Throughout an influence failure, an extended backup isn’t given by the affordable batteries. The AH rating in such battery could undoubtedly be faux. Extreme care maintenance is required by these batteries. Reliable batteries area unit ISO certified. While getting batteries for an electrical converter, the hollow batteries ought to be the popular selection. Compared to the opposite sorts, there are a unit slightly a lot of expensive; however they're pricing their prices. Compared to alternative batteries that solely have a life up to four years, hollow batteries have a protracted lifetime of up to eight years. For the batteries to run well, one has to often prime them up with H2O. One should additionally comprehend the pledge that is provided by the manufacturer of the electrical converter a minimum of a minimum pledge of one year is provided by most of the makers. Some makers additionally give specific pledge periods for various spare elements of the electrical converter. One ought to additionally enquire regarding the extended pledge. Before shopping for an electrical converter battery for an electrical converter, one ought to analysis and decide the best electrical converter battery combination. What to seem for in electrical converter Batteries? One should always search for best electrical converter battery brands as a result of guarantee, smart client service/support, and safety area unit offered by the branded electrical converter batteries. Shopping for unbranded electrical converter battery for an electrical converter is going to be the same as card-playing hard-earned money on stocks that area unit falling. The unbranded electrical converter battery could look profitable from the value purpose of read. However it'll not be a right product to use in terms of safety and it'd not meet the desired standards. As per the arranged down standards in Asian nation, the merchandise while not Directorate for InterServices Intelligence mark will increase the expenses thanks to service prices and alternative things. If one needs for an electrical converter battery that has lower maintenance prices, then one ought to choose an electrical converter battery that is Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence approved and marked. Selecting the most effective battery for home use depends on 2 things – the desired capability of the battery and therefore the form of battery required. India UPS Market Growing demand from diverse sectors such as IT and IT enabled services (ITeS); banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI); government, manufacturing, telecom, and energy sectors continues to drive the UPS market in India. Government’s initiative to computerize its various departments coupled with ‘The National e-Governance Plan’ is expected to boost the