3rd EDITION
Thursday May 10, 2012
FREE
CTC Cable Goes Global New Company Name Reflects Substantial International Growth
CTC Cable, a privately held Delaware Corporation that produces ACCC® conductor in conjunction with nine international stranding partners, is newly named CTC GLOBAL. The company’s new name underscores its commitment to improving the efficiency, reliability and capacity of electrical transmission grids worldwide. In the last eight months, CTC since the company was privatized and restructured; it has added numerous deployments across continued on page 29
Smart Wire Grid: Quick, Affordable, Effective Congestion Relief
Interview with Stewart Ramsay, CEO of Smart Wire Grid
DMC Power: Next Generation Power Connections
The power grid in the United States isn’t getting any younger. The amount of constant repairs, maintenance and inspections are stretching resources thin and driving crews to find a more efficient way to stay on-line. Millions of customers and billions of dollars are relying on old technologies, so the mindset has to change from simply patching the problem to finding a brand new solution. One company, DMC Power, saw the opportunity to change the way things are done and is leading the charge by designing the Next Generation of premium continued on page 29
DNV KEMA Reduces The Risk And Cost Of Deploying Smart Technologies
Article courtesy of DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability has developed the KEMA Smart Grid Interop Lab (SGIL) to provide utilities and suppliers with key testing and certification services to reduce the risk and cost of deploying smart technologies. The lab provides a comprehensive architecture founded upon our deep continued on page 21
OMICRON’s Primary Test Manager Rubadue: Conquering (PTM) Software … Leading The Global Market Susan Welsh (Sue) was appointed the President and Chief The Industry In How Testing Executive Officer of Rubadue Wire Company, Inc. in Software Should Work For You 2003. She has been with the company for many years in
A: Smart Wires is the nickname the industry has given to our Distributed Series Reactor (DSR) and Distributed Series Compensator (DSC). They are Distributed FACTS devices that were developed at Georgia Tech with funding from NEETRAC, a collaborative of the R&D arm of GT and 40 leading utilities and
Now entering its third field-tested and proven year, PTM was first to bring work flow visualization into focus as a process by which to perform tests and organize results. PTM was first to automate the creation of custom, guided test plans together with dynamic test connection diagrams based on user identification and matching of vector diagrams. And because PTM is the interface software that drives OMICRON’s CPC100 + CP TD1, a multifunctional test
various positions of sales and engineering management. In 2002, together with her father Edwin Rubadue, she won the DuPont™ Plunkett Award for innovation with Teflon® for the Americas. She is an IEEE member and on the board of directors of the EEIC in Hong Kong. Welsh is a previous board member of the TTA (The Transformer Association). She serves on STP committees for
SAE Towers Dulling— It’s Not So Dull
Reel Recycling A Key Component In Sonoco’s Strategy
i-cubed Releases GAME™ Geospatial Cloud Application
Q: What are Smart Wires?
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SAE Towers has the expertise to produce galvanized and dulled tower steel according to your unique needs. Whether your transmission line traverses rolling farm land or cuts through a forest of trees, the selection of your tower steel dulling shade can make a huge difference in the line’s appearance against the landscape. The approriate shade selection will help your transmission line blend into the environment. SAE Towers dulling is not simple deglaring. SAE Towers’ dulling process involves a final dip after the continued on page 24
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Sonoco is serious about reclaiming used wood and polyfiber reels. What started out as a courtesy service to their customers' customers some 20 years ago has turned into a fullblown, nationwide quest to recover, refurbish and reuse those wire and cable packages that otherwise would have become landfill waste or makeshift patio furniture. Wendy Williams is Recycling Operations Manager for Sonoco Reels.
Q: Wendy, tell us a little about your operation and objectives for recycling reels.
A: We started recycling continued on page 24
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i-cubed, LLC is pleased to announce the release of GAME™ for the Electric Utility Industry. GAME, a cloud-based geospatial application, revolutionizes the way companies manage their right-of-way (ROW) patrols and transmission and distribution (T&D) asset inspections. The official launch will coincide with the 2012 IEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Fla. May 7-10, 2012, where i-cubed will be exhibiting in booth #4047. GAME (Geopsatial Asset Management Environment) gives all T&D stakeholders— from contractors to corporate continued on page 24
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Energy Power News
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A Cost-Effective, Practical Approach To Smart Grid Benefits
The following is an excerpt from the GridSense whitepaper
For more than 30 years, U.S. investment in electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure has dwindled. Simultaneously, demand has risen. Not only have digital lifestyles increased the demand on our electrical grid, demand continues to grow as devices like electric vehicles become more prevalent. Looking at just one aspect of our aging grid, the Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company (HSB) stated,
“Old transformers and new transformers are subjected to operating stress due to system growth and corresponding increases in loads. But the older transformers no longer have the physical strength to tolerate the high radial and compressive forces and thus fail more often.” What is true for transformers is equally true for other transmission and distribution assets. In years past, the solution would have been to build more power plants with brand new assets to meet the growing demand.
SAM, Inc.—Measuring Success From Your Perspective Article courtesy of Surveying And Mapping, Inc.
Surveying And Mapping, Inc. (SAM, Inc.) has generated an impeccable reputation in the electric energy industry. As one of the
largest surveying and mapping firms in the U.S., we have the resources, equipment, and industry experience to support electric power projects throughout North America. Our extensive experience includes re-
Got Vision? It’s time to see what you’ve been missing … the future of wildlife protection is Therm-A-Guard. Q: Please tell us a bit about the company, a brief history and overview of your business.
A: Therm-A-Guard is a division of Universal Thermography, Inc. that was formed in 1984 to provide infrared inspection services to the electric utility industry. We eventually realized a high demand for infrared-friendly wildlife protection and set out to create a guard that would allow both visual and infrared inspections. Finally, in 2002, we received a U.S. Patent on our unique “see-through” design. Since then, electric utilities across America, and around the world, have made Therm-A-Guard their number one choice of wildlife protection.
Q: Please tell us about your company’s products.
A: Therm-A-Guard manufactures our patented wildlife protectors at our “Made in the USA” ISO Certified facility in Clearwater, Florida. Our guards are composed of long lasting, UV stabilized, engineering-grade polymers insuring many years of use without degradation. Four size choices, along with the ability for top
and side cut-outs, insures protection of nearly any bushing/pothead application from all forms of wildlife while still allowing for accurate infrared and visual inspections of the protected equipment. The view through our guards is clear enough to easily determine the exact cause of a hot spot and it’s actual temperature. Additionally, sight gauge oil levels in bushings can be verified. Our open design allows for increased air circulation thus maintaining cooler operating temperatures that are critical to the life expectancy of a bushing’s gasket.
Q: Who is a typical customer for your products?
A: Therm-A-Guards are perfect for any electric utility seeking wildlife protection for visual and/or infrared inspections of their equipment. Our guards are fully hotstick installable making it unnecessary to de-energize equipment prior to installation. It is a fact that insects build nests in conventional animal guards so safety departments prefer Therm-A-Guards; ours allow crews to see nests prior to removal of a guard so insect killer can be sprayed
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Unfortunately, in the current economic and ecological environments, it is impossible to build ourselves out of this dilemma. The funds simply aren’t there and customers could never absorb the costs of replacing huge chunks of the T&D infrastructure. In addition, the environmental consequences of building more of the same could be dire. To date, innovation in electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure has not kept pace with innovation in other industries. In 1975, cellular mobile phones as we know them did not exist. Today, they are everywhere. This and other communications technologies like mesh radio, Wi-Fi and 3G/4G have dramatically altered the telecommunications landscape. It is unlikely that Alexander continued on page 24
newable energy projects, route studies, greenfield projects, rebuilds, as-builts, inspections, maintenance projects, and vegetation management. Our staff of more than 375 includes 58 professional surveyors, five professional engineers, six certified photogrammetrists, more than 90 fully-equipped field crews, and more than 100 technicians. The size of our workforce means we're able to accomplish large-scale projects on accelerated schedules. continued on page 21
Energy Power News An independent publication not affiliated with any other organization Gary Cox Publisher Steve Cox Senior Associate Publisher Rhonda Baker John McQuaig Deborah Yarbrough Associate Publishers Valerie Wilson Art Director Elena Cruz Editor Monique Cox Tiffany Cox Administration Energy Power News is published by Source Group LLC ©2012. All rights reserved.
6979 East Broadway Blvd., Suite 109 Tucson, AZ 85710 phone: (520) 722-2000 fax: (520) 722-2014 www.sourceg.net
Meramec Electrical Products Announces TaylorMade RocketBallz Golf Club Giveaway
If you really want to compete, you need the very best equipment. You need equipment that delivers performance, accuracy and dependability. In golf, that means TaylorMade, who is known for producing the finest golf clubs in the world. In the demanding electric power industry, it means Meramec. For decades Meramec Electrical Products has been renowned for producing the highest quality Current Transformers in the business. No one builds a better golf club than TaylorMade – and no one builds a better Current Transformer than Meramec. The Pros at Meramec want to help you improve your game – on the course, and in your business. Meramec Electrical Products announces the giveaway of a complete set of TaylorMade RocketBallz Golf Clubs at the 2012 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition being held May 8 – 10 in Orlando, Fla. The prize, which includes one driver, two fairway woods, one full set of irons, one sand wedge, one putter and one golf bag, will be awarded to a lucky winner at a drawing
held at the Meramec Electrical Products Booth #1362 at 5:00 PM on May 9, 2012. Meramec Electrical Products is the preeminent manufacturer of Bushing Current Transformers for the high-voltage circuit breaker, large power transformer, generator, and utility markets. At Meramec, every Current Transformer we manufacture is made to our customers’ exact specifications. We excel in building a quality custom made product while providing the shortest turnaround time in the industry. During the past 40 years Meramec Electrical Products has produced over one million Current Transformers and precision components for our OEM customers and for the utility service aftermarket. Our customers have come to rely on the quality, dependability and durability of our products. That is why Meramec has come to be known as “The Current Transformer Specialists.” At the IEEE PES Exposition, Meramec will introduce the ESP Outdoor Mounted Slip-Over Bushing Current continued on page 21
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Energy Power News
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Transformer Maintenance Made Easy With The Right Tank
Orbit Industries Features New Line Of Heavy-Duty Nema Enclosures
By Nancy Argyle
Orbit Industries broadens its line of NEMA enclosures with the addition of new Type 1 and Type 3R models in plated steel or 12-, 14- and 16-gauge steel. More than 80 models are available in a versatile selection of sizes and finishes, which include ANSI 61 gray polyester powder coat and hi-gloss smoke gray powder coat (inside and out). Other finishes can be specified through special order. Covers include both flush mount and flat covers with key holes for rapid re-
moval without screws. Standard concentric knock-outs are positioned on all sides of the enclosures (patterns A through I), and enclosures without knock-outs are also available. Type 1 and Type 3R are featured in a wide range of sizes from 4” wide x 4” high x 4” deep to 24” wide x 24” high x 8” deep. See the entire line in a free Orbit catalog by contacting Orbit via email at Catalog34@orbitelectric.com. For more information, visit www.orbitelectric.com.
generally less than the cost of other conventional methods of constraint removal. When one considers the time requirements of conventional solutions, the application of DSRs becomes even more attractive. We expect that the DSR will be commercially available in 2013. The DSC should follow within 612 months.
testing still needs to be done, though it is underway.
Imagine transformer oil cleaning conducted with just a pick-up truck and some easyto-manage equipment—no tanker trucks required. For any utility company, this means less cost and easier access in remote sites and, if you’ve got the right tank, this is entirely possible.
SMART WIRE GRID (continued from page 1)
manufacturers. They allow utilities and grid operators to dynamically change the impedance of lines to redirect power flow on an individual line or an interconnected system. Q: Can you describe how they work?
A: They are about a meter long and clamp onto the line. They are self-powered, controllable, single-turn transformers that can inject about 50 microhenries into the line on command. The DSC can inject either inductance or capacitance. Installing multiple devices per line increases the level of impedance change achievable. There is more to it, but most is still proprietary. Q: What role do you see them playing
RUBADUE WIRE COMPANY (continued from page 1)
UL, and with the IEC in TC 55 dealing with winding wires. Sue is proud to be an alumnus of Cal State University, Fullerton.
Q: Please start by telling us a bit about the company, a brief history of Rubadue Wire and an overview of your business today.
A: Rubadue Wire is a privately held corporation that has been manufacturing specialized wire and cable products since 1977. Quality and innovation have always been our legacy. Opened as Rubadue Associates in Southern California by Edwin Rubadue and Daniel Rubadue, incorporated in 1980 as Rubadue Wire Co. Inc. In 1989, Rubadue expanded its markets and began selling globally. 1994 marked the opening of our new headquarters and manufacturing location in Greeley, Colorado. We are anxious to break ground on a badly needed multi-million dollar expansion of our current facility, which should happen by the time this article is in print. Most of our business is in commercial/medical electronics, and a small percentage in military.
Since all transformers must circulate some sort of coolant to remove waste heat, in the case of high-voltage transformers, the windings are immersed in transformer oil—a highly-refined mineral oil that is stable at high temperatures. continued on page 21
in the evolution of the transmission system?
A: Congestion relief, constraint removal and power flow control. A lot of people have looked at the impact of D-FACTS on the system. One of the many compelling studies done on the impact of DSRs, using the IEEE 39 bus model, showed that the use of DSRs could significantly increase the ATC across the system from 59 percent of rated capacity to 93 percent, resulting in an increase of 33 percent in total power flow across the system. Other studies using real world systems have shown similar results. We believe that these devices will change the way we think about transmission.
Q: Are they reliable?
A: Our analysis shows us that the cost of the devices, including installation, is
A: Yes. We have been developing the DSRs with guidance from NEETRAC and a small group of leading utilities. They have provided us with the required specifications, which we have met or exceeded at every turn. The devices have been subjected to very stringent testing, including corona for system voltages through 345kV and fault currents of 63kA rms. The units passed with flying colors. A lot of work on extended life
Q: Please tell us about the company's products.
Q: Who are your typical customers for this?
Q: Are they affordable?
A: Our triple insulated wire revolutionized transformer design in the 1980’s and is still a strong segment of our business. International safety regulations required transformer and power supply designers to compromise size and performance when meeting these requirements—Rubadue’s innovations have allowed transformer and power supply designers to make their products significantly smaller and more efficient with even higher level of quality. We offer a wide range of insulations, sizes, types and configurations, with the majority of our products in the high temperature/high dielectric arena. Our products are used in many high profile consumer electronics and medical devices. We specialize in fine wire with thin wall applications without limiting our products to that segment. Typical applications for products in medical are for MRI and CT scanners, defibrillators, and thermometers. Other markets include lighting, automobile headlights and consumer electronics from video game consoles to laptops. We offer extensive options in AWM products.
A: We primarily sell to OEMs and their primary and secondary suppliers. Many of the names of our customers you would recognize in the marketplace today. We are thankful to have a very loyal customer base that is continually growing. Q: Do you see any demand trends from your customer base?
A: Sustainability. Demand trends from customers continue to evolve with the development of new products that require higher performance and highest quality level at a good price. Last year’s Tsunami in Japan forced both Rubadue and our customers to look for alternate best solutions beyond specific materials to offer the best solutions as supply chain issues are becoming more prevalent with all of our customers. A trend in electronics is as finished products get smaller, temperature requirements increase and specifications tighten. Better products, more diverse products, and alternative options to keep production rolling have created more demands as well as opportunities. Seeing companies globally accepting responsibility for safety, as well as how the envi-
Q: When will they hit the market?
A: There have been a lot of inquiries about devices from both regulated and unregulated companies. However, we aren’t selling units yet. We’re working with the NEETRAC utilities in setting up full scale, realistic pilots in which we expect to prove the functionality and reliability of the devices. We’re finalizing plans for the first pilot, which will be operational in Q3 2012. The second and third pilots are also in planning, and expected in Q4 2012 and Q1 2013, respectively. Q: How can our readers find out more?
A: For more information, visit www.smartwiregrid.com or stop by Booth #4345. ronment is affected by processes and materials, is a very positive move.
Q: What benefits and challenges do you face being an American manufacturer in a global market? A: To be alive in the manufacturing business today is to be in a global market. We benefit as an American manufacturer in the global marketplace because of our reputation for quality and innovation. We are very close to our supply partners for raw materials that allow Rubadue to serve our customers better, no matter where they are in the world. The fact that global commodity prices have stabilized somewhat and labor continues to increase in Asia has increased the demand for our product. Challenges always include protecting our IP, as well as competing products that may be less expensive, but compromise on quality. I am proud of our company and of our team, both in the domestic location, as well as our support in international stocking/service locations. Q: How can our readers find out more?
A: Please call 970-351-6100, visit www.rubadue.com or stop by Booth #4346.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
DNV KEMA
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experience in conducting utility-grade testing against established and emerging industry standards. Our clients gain the benefit of a readily configured environment to exercise end-to-end testing with pre-defined use cases for smart grid solutions like demand response, substation automation, or EV charging. The SGIL environment is highly virtualized, allowing connections to in-house test facilities or other labs. Our clients can conduct
SAM, INC.
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Founded in 1994, SAM, Inc. has strategically expanded from our initial offering of land surveying services to include digital aerial mapping (photogrammetry), high-definition surveying (HDS), subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination, and geographic information systems (GIS). In 2009, we became one of the first firms in the U.S. to invest in and successfully deploy mobile LiDAR technology, a groundbreaking data collection system that can collect survey-quality data at 400,000 points per second. In 2011, we added airborne LiDAR, from both fixed
THERM-A-GUARD
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directly at the nest preventing insect stings. When removing solid guards, crew members have no idea what is nesting inside.
MERAMEC
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Transformer. The ESP is a self-contained module specifically designed to be mounted over the high voltage terminal bushing of the vintage SP/SPS circuit breaker. This breaker is one of the most popular in the class of up to 72kV. Each
TCM AIRCELL
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Transformer oil is primarily used to cool the transformer but it also helps to reduce the formation of corona discharge within high voltage transformers. To prevent oil deterioration, the transformer casing is also completely sealed against moisture. Keeping this oil clean and water-free is critical to the long life and reliability of the transformer and this means regular maintenance and oil cleaning no matter how remote the location. This task can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive but, fortunately, there’s a simpler method available. Using a collapsible pillow-style Terra Tank (made from specialized Temp-Shield fabric), transformer oil can be super-heated to burn off impurities, then transferred into the Terra Tank for storage in a sealed environment. When ready, the cleaned oil is
Energy Power News
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more extensive and rigorous testing with independent validation at a fraction of the cost to do so internally. Certification by the SGIL provides invaluable data about inter-operational performance to more effectively deploy and gain results from highly integrated smart grid technologies. Because of our focus on interoperability, the SGIL brings together a unique collection of experts and technology to drive an expanding knowledge-base that goes well beyond testing and certification. The newly announced SGIL Membership program enables
participants to leverage lab resources to advance their business initiatives. Members can engage their customers in the lab to demonstrate capabilities. They can collaborate with other members to pursue collaborative projects for testing, validation, or joint-customer efforts. Member products and solutions that are resident in the lab (subject to certification) gain exposure to lab visitors, including representatives from worldwide industry, academia, standard organizations, and regulatory entities. The SGIL offers two types of
wing and helicopter platforms, to our inhouse capabilities. SAM, Inc. also has a wholly owned subsidiary, SAM-Construction Services, Inc., that offers a wide range construction phase services. With our integrated suite of mobile, airborne, and terrestrial LiDAR capabilities, we are experts at understanding how to effectively apply all of these tools, either individually or in combination. We have extensive data processing hardware and software resources and can deliver products in a wide variety of digital and CAD formats. Our complete geospatial approach gives our clients the benefit of a single point of contact for a comprehensive set of surveying and mapping solutions.
The benefits to clients of using LiDAR-based solutions over traditional surveying data collection include the massive collection of much richer data within project limits; greater potential for faster turnaround of useable project data; increased safety from lower exposure to field hazards; decreased disruption of project sites due to surveying fieldwork; and potential reduction of costs for comparable traditional data collection. Our geospatial services division is experienced in a wide variety of mapping disciplines united by one goal― your success. With in-house photogrammetry, LiDAR, and GIS solutions, we work with clients to determine the best technology to meet their project needs
and schedules. Our extensive network, processing, and people-power offer a scalability of resources to ensure a timely delivery of quality geospatial products. Our systems and software are upgraded regularly so clients benefit from the efficiency and accuracy of the latest enhancements. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we also have offices in Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Salt Lake City, and our range continues to expand. If you'd like to know more about how we can help with your project, please visit our website at www.saminc.biz, call our toll-free number at 800-656-9525, or email sam@saminc.biz. We also invite you to visit us at Booth #1304.
Our customer base ranges from the freezing cold of Alaska to the hot desert of Dubai and every climate and location in between.
Stock up now before we raise our prices!
Q: Do you see any demand trends for your products?
A: Definitely! As higher reliability of the electric grid is expected by customers, and required by government regulators, the demand for our Therm-A-Guards to protect this power grid from animal interruptions will increase tremendously.
For more information, contact Therm-AGuard at 888-388-4348 or online at www.Therm-A-Guard.com. Stop by Booth #2895.
unit is fully encapsulated in an ANSI 70 gray colored resin system that has been developed, tested and rated for outdoor use. The resilient exterior finish ensures accurate performance in extreme weather, has excellent chemical resistance, high dielectric strength and rugged physical properties to endure mechanical shock. With its easy installation features,
it is a reliable and economical solution when upgrading system protection, adding additional metering points, or replacing aged and failing CTs. Meramec invites show attendees to stop by Booth #1362 to meet with the Meramec Pros and view our innovative technology and full line of Current Transformers that deliver performance,
accuracy and dependability that really goes the distance. Stop by and enter the drawing for a complete set of TaylorMade RocketBallz golf clubs. For more information please call Brad Armstrong, Sales and Marketing Manager at Meramec Electrical Products at 575-885-2521, or by email at barmstrong@meramec-electrical.com.
then pumped directly from the Terra Tank back into the transformer—allowing significant reductions in costs and staff time. The Terra Tank is then rolled up and deployed at the next location. To be used in this application, collapsible oil storage tanks need to be constructed using fabrics, flanges and fittings that are suitable for exposure to high temperatures. The Terra Tank is constructed from TempShield fabric—proven suitable for the containment of sludge, transformer mineral oil, sulphuric acid, PCB transformer oils, 30 percent chlorine, ammonium hydroxide, ethanol and fertilizer. It has the additional advantage of being able to store oils up to high temperatures of 130˚ C. In addition to its unique fabric properties, another important element is its actual design. Terra Tanks are engineered so that the fabric of the tank always hugs the surface of the contained fluid with only a few square inches of liquid ex-
posed directly to the air. This is an important feature for transformer oil storage as there is virtually no area where water vapour can condense and, likewise, dangerous vapours cannot accumulate, as the tank continuously adjusts itself to whatever volume of liquid is in storage. The Terra Tank is manufactured by SEI Industries Ltd.—a company that also manufacturers the Transformer Conservator Membrane (TCM) Air-Cell. The TCM is a flexible oil separator specifically designed for the electrical transformer industry and engineered to be used inside cylindrical, elliptical, octagonal or rectangular-shaped conservator tanks. The TCM Air-Cell floats in oil inside the conservator and expands/contracts by breathing through a flange placed in a customer-specified location, thus allowing the TCM Air-Cell to compensate for oil displacement due to temperature variations in the transformer.
TCM Air-Cells act as a barrier to undesirable elements in the atmosphere such as water vapor, nitrogen, ozone and oxygen. This barrier also reduces condensation and oxidation inside the transformer and suppresses gas bubble formation in the transformer oil. All SEI TCM Air-Cells are designed to meet the ANSI/IEEE C57.12.80-1978. Sec: 6.5.5 standard. SEI fabricates each TCM Air-Cell to fit a client's specific conservator tank—specializing in quick delivery for custom TCM Air-Cells to meet the demands of field service operators. When required, SEI can engineer and manufacture a new Air-Cell in as little as 24 hours from an approved drawing, or reverse engineer the cell from a damaged tank. To learn more about the TCM Air-Cell, please consider attending SEI Industries’ IEEE PES technical presentation, Thursday, May 10, 2012, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., in room 208B of the Orange County Convention Center or visit www.sei-ind.com.
membership, Gold and Silver, to accommodate different needs and investment levels. Both memberships are available on an annual fee basis. We welcome any industry participant that requires interoperable test capabilities, independent validation, and access to world-class resources to drive the success of smart technology deployments. For more information about DNV KEMA, the KEMA SGIL and our Membership program, please visit us at Booth #1549, or visit us online at: www.dnvkema.com/sgil/.
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Energy Power News
SONOCO REELS
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nailed wood reels in 1991 after some of our customers told us about the stockpiles of empty reels that several of their customers had accumulated. So we developed a system for routing those empties back into the system through Sonoco service centers. We established a process for inspecting and refurbishing each reel to like-new condition. This EcoReel® process ensures that each Eco® reel will perform to the same high standards as our new reels. We know not every reel can be reclaimed, but when conditions are right some reels can be recycled three or more times.
Q: Are your customers reluctant to use
SAE TOWERS
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hot-dip galvanizing kettle—taking the shiney, highly reflective steel to a light, medium or dark gray shade. Using our state-of-the-art proprietary formula and
I-CUBED
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executives—an accessible and secure portal for managing, visualizing and communicating projects and processes in asset and ROW management. Geospatially-referenced field data such as full motion video, photos and audio notes from ROW patrols and T&D asset inspections are essential to the construction and ongoing maintenance of structures and lines. GAME provides a rich visual representation into the condition of ROW assets, thereby enabling the identification of problems such as compromised insulators or vegetation/encroachment issues before they cause outages. It is also the perfect supplement to LiDAR for NERC compliance projects as well as regularly scheduled ROW patrols and inspections. GAME is the ideal solution for the following types of programs:
GRIDSENSE, INC.
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Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, would recognize the industry his invention helped found. On the other hand, today’s electricity infrastructure would be quite familiar to Thomas Edison, who patented the first electric distribution system. Not that much has changed since his time. Fortunately, the utility industry can
Thursday, May 10, 2012 Eco reels?
Q: What are your biggest challenges with the program?
Q: Do you see emerging trends in reel recycling?
A: On the contrary, most wish we could supply them with more. Many wire and cable manufacturers and their customers are looking for ways to support sustainability and resource conservation as well as avoid landfill fees. The EcoReel® logo represents environmental responsibility and respect. What's more, when the manufacturers' products are shipped on Eco reels, their customers recognize it as proof of their own efforts toward environmental stewardship. As well, end users who participate in the EcoReel program appreciate the regular reports Sonoco provides that quantify the amount of landfill space they have avoided and trees they have saved through the EcoReel® program.
A: Right now the challenge is to spread the word among utilities, contractors and distributors that they can call us when they have a truckload of reels to reclaim. Sonoco is eager to work with anyone across the country to develop a program that fits their specific needs. We have contractors who can come in, knock down or nest a truckload and deliver it to a service center. Another challenge is keeping empty reels from being weather damaged while a truckload is accumulated. Warped flanges and rotted wood make reclamation impossible so the enduser needs to be careful not to send back irreparable reels, which wastes valuable shipping space.
A: There is growing interest in other waste avoidance efforts. We are now partnered with American Cable Recyclers to service wind farm construction sites. Their crews take care of unwinding, securing and purchasing wire and cable remnants as well as removing reels. I think we will be seeing similar efforts to reclaim and recycle materials in other industry segments where reels are the product's primary package.
processes which retain all the properties of galvanization, they can supply your desired shade or reflectivity range. The saying used to be “once the towers are installed, they will eventually deglare and turn gray anyway”. In reality, this process can take years to
produce a light gray shade and in arid climates, this can take decades. In today’s highly environmentally sensitive age, don’t you want a tower that produces a blending result from the start? After all, lines are difficult enough to permit and build. Why not
make the transmission line a little easier on the eyes? Specify SAE Towers dulling. Afterall it’s not dull, it’s SAE Towers Dulling. For more information, stop by Booth #653, see page 14 or visit them at www.saetowers.com.
• Periodic Structure & Line Inspections • Vegetation & Encroachment Monitoring & Management • New Line ROW Site Selection & Public Outreach • Rapid Storm & Disaster Analysis & Restoration • Utility Corridor Mapping & Surveying • Administration of Environmental & Wildlife Programs • Managing Patrol & Inspection Video: EO, IR & Corona
trieve and disseminate mission critical work products using digital assets such as: • Full Motion Video • Still Photos • Audio Notes • Applications • Documents & Files • Imagery & Map Data
and ROW management.
As a hosted cloud-based application, GAME is easy to integrate into your existing workflow and corporate GIS environment. GAME is also available as a deployed solution for organizations wishing to run the server in their own data centers. GAME has been praised for its accessibility and ease of use. It allows users of any skill level (not just GIS specialists) the ability to geo-tag, store, re-
For GIS staff, one of the significant benefits of GAME is its integration with popular desktop mapping programs like Esri’s ArcMap and ArcGIS Explorer. GAME Esri Add-Ins provide a seamless way to leverage geospatial media and content from the cloud in both local and disconnected environments. No matter the job function, department or project, GAME is an extendable and flexible platform that allows stakeholders throughout the organization to reduce cost and mitigate risk in T&D asset
About i-cubed i-cubed offers enterprise geospatial data and information management solutions for corporate and government clients. Our services and applications leverage Earth imagery and map data, as well as rich geospatial media from ground and low altitude - large area data collection missions. Our solutions encompass visualization, exploration and engineering projects, as well as environmental and critical infrastructure monitoring of transportation and energy transmission corridors. We offer a full range of products and services in imagery procurement, custom processing, analysis and distribution. Image archive management and geospatial multimedia dissemination systems are provided by our DataDoors™ and GAME™ platforms for customers with existing data collections. For more information please visit www.i3.com.
leverage the advancements in IT and remote communications to catapult itself into the 21st century. The communications and computing revolutions are finally enabling the practical, cost-effective implementation of the smart grid. IT advancements have spawned a new generation of compact, highly accurate, cost-effective sensing devices that non-intrusively monitor and control transmission and distribution assets—from overhead and underground lines and large
power transformers, right down to the residential transformer. With advanced communications, these sensors instantly report back to the control station via multiple communications protocols, providing immediate notification of issues that could lead to disruptions and outages. With such sensors, utilities can reduce maintenance costs as crews no longer manually search the field for the faults because the control center receives instant notification pinpointing the issue. These
sensors also increase the capacity of existing infrastructure by monitoring and balancing load, and extending asset life through preventive maintenance. This is energy efficiency at the transmission and distribution level, and sophisticated sensing devices that enable it are foundations of a more efficient grid—a smart grid. Get the full whitepaper and learn more about practical, cost-effective smart grid solutions at GridSense, Inc. Booth #3487.
For more information, please call Wendy Williams, Recycling Operations Manager for Sonoco Reels at 704-365-1455 or visit www.sonoco.com/reels. Stop by Booth #1202.
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Thursday, May 10, 2012
CTC GLOBAL
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the globe. Jason Huang, CEO of CTC GLOBAL, states, “Our new financial strength will allow us to continue to provide the most cost-effective and energy-efficient conductor solution for upgrading the electrical transmission grid, and increase the company’s R&D commitment to adding functionality and complementary products that make the conductor even more beneficial to the
OMICRON
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system with which an extensive range of field diagnostic tests may be performed, PTM provides this exceptional guidance for a wide range of diagnostic tests. OMICRON’s world-class development team, leveraging on their original roots in software development and integrating their vast knowledge in the operation and assessment of power assets, delivers these features and much more with a guarantee for exceptional performance and
DMC POWER
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Bus, Cable, Grounding, EHV and Full Tension connectors. The heart of DMC Power revolves around the patented Swage tool technology. This lightweight tool delivers up to 115 tons of pressure in a 360 degree pattern around the outside of a custom engineered fitting. This Swaged connection provides the highest levels of mechanical, thermal and electrical connection for your substation and transmission needs. Other installation methods (welded, bolted, crimped, exo-thermic) simply cannot match the advantages of the DMC Power Swage System:
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way our customers operate their grid.” The ACCC conductor delivers twice the power compared to conventional conductors of the same diameter and weight and reduces line losses by 30 to 40 percent under equal load conditions. “During these challenging times, efficiency is paramount not only to the economic prosperity of the utilities and ultimately to their customers, but also to the conservation of resources and associated environmental concerns.” Dr. Huang says. With the support of CTC GLOBAL’s
growing management, engineering, production and installation teams, as well as the support and financial strength of its new investors and stranding partners, the company has successfully deployed the ACCC conductor to new project sites in the U.S., Indonesia, Columbia, India, South Korea, the UK, Russia, Germany, South Africa, Chile, Qatar, Brazil and Poland during the last eight months.
reliability, and a remarkable attention to detail. When testing software makes this much sense and works this well, PTM has become the leader to follow. The team can’t wait to ‘wow you’ with the details. See a demo at Booth #3263 of the following: • Connection Diagrams • Guided Test Procedures • Graphical and Tabular Data Representation • Data Management • Import of Doble Data • Custom Reporting
• and more… In fact, while you are at it—ask the OMICRON Experts anything about: • Variable Frequency Power Factor (15 Hz to 400 Hz) • Frequency Response of Stray Losses • Dynamic Winding Resistance (Slope & Ripple)
but also performs these advanced transformer diagnostics. Learn about these advanced tests, how they have found problems in transformers, why doing just the traditional Power Factor Test is not enough, and how PTM promotes visual analyses. There is a lot to talk about! With customers in more than 140 countries, the OMICRON CPC + TD1 and PTM are quickly being adopted as the new standard in transformer diagnostics. For more information, visit Booth #3263 or www.omicronusa.com.
9001:2008 certification makes DMC Power connectors far superior to anything else in the market. Just one look will show you how well engineered these connectors are.
• Short lead times and custom solutions. Modular design of the connectors allows for quick delivery times in emergency situations. And because everything is engineered, tested and manufactured under one roof, any custom solution can be made to meet your needs.
• Fast installation. Independent laboratory tests shows that Swaging is up to three times faster than welding and many customers claim they can achieve up to TEN times the efficiency versus other methods. This increased efficiency directly saves on labor costs and construction delays.
• Safety. The hydraulic Swage tool is so easy to use that your crews can be trained and installing in less than 30 minutes. And because there are no explosions, toxic fumes, dangerous flames, or cumbersome equipment to carry around, crews are safe and efficient.
• Highest quality. The purest raw materials, exact specifications and ISO
About CTC GLOBAL Headquartered in Irvine, California, CTC GLOBAL provides cost-effective conductor
The OMICRON CPC 100 + CP TD1 is a multifunctional test system which performs all of the traditional tests such as Power Factor, Exciting Current, Leakage Reactance, and DC Winding Resistance
• All weather installation. It doesn’t matter if there is rain, snow, wind or ice, the DMC Power Swage tool allows the user to install in any weather condition on the job site without delaying the construction schedule.
• Lower lifetime cost. From the initial labor savings, lack of weather related delays, immediate inspection and no ongoing maintenance required, the Swage system saves customers money throughout the entire life of the connector.
solutions that can double the capacity for congested transmission lines, with little to no tower modifications. The energy-efficient ACCC solution delivers more power with the least line loss. Since 2005, the ACCC solution has been commercially deployed to over 190 reconductoring and new construction projects for top-tier clients worldwide. For further information, visit CTC’s website at www.ctcglobal.com or contact CTC at 949-428-8500 and stop by Booth #527.
ACCC® is a registered trademark of CTC GLOBAL.
DMC Power Product Managers will be at Booth #4375 during expo hours to answer questions, provide literature and show product samples. They’ll also be raffling off an iPad2, 32” Flat Screen Television and three $50 gift cards—so stop on by, say hi and possibly walk away a winner! For more information after the show or to contact your local Territory Manager, just call 888-SWAGE-NOW or visit them online at www.dmcpower.com.