Showing papers in "IEEE Power & Energy Magazine in 1988"

High Power Electronics and flexible AC Transmission System

Abstract: During the last decade, higher energy costs, the difficulty in building new power plants and improved converter technology provided an increased Market for HVDC transmission. However, HVDC, due to the high cost of converters, will play a limited role in the overall ac power system. The author discusses the potential of thyristors in ac power systems. The concept of a thyristor-assisted ac power system, called Flexible AC Transmission System is introduced and discussed.

You only miss it when it's not there [establishment of North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)]

Abstract: In the wake of the 9 Nov. 1965 blackout in the Northeast US, the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) was formed in 1968 by the electric utilities to promote the reliability of their generation and transmission systems. Today, NERC is comprised of nine Regional Reliability Councils, all pledged to planning and operating reliable electric systems. The Electric Reliability Council's Organizations and NERC's functions are briefly described.

Hydro Generator Failure

Abstract: In many respects, technology is t ransforming the rules o f t he game and investments in n e w technology will be very impor tant in t h e decades ahead. Perhaps the most impor tant development over the last t w o decades has been the great leap f o r w a r d in in format ion technology brought about by the convergence o f rapid advances in microelectronics, computers and telecommunications. These technologies are being widely applied t o power sys tem design and operation. With the development o f power electronics, w e are headed t o w a r d power systems w h i c h are electronical ly control led rather than mechanical ly control led and, thus, are far more f lexible than today 's utility T&D networks .

Forum - Task Force Report On Power Frequency Electric And Magnetic Field Effects

Abstract: The assignment of the Task Force was to review the available literature to assess the possible consequences of exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields, such as those associated with high voltage transmission lines and household wiring. The Working Group decided that a complete inventory and review of the available literature would be replication of efforts recently completed by a number of committees composed of acknowledged experts in various aspects of electric and magnetic health effects. The Task Force was thus requested to review the most recent scientific committee reports. The following information is taken directly from, or is a distillation of material found in the referenced committee reports and does not necessarily represent the individual opinions of the Task Force members.

Transformers With Lower Losses

Abstract: The challenge is a familiar one: A major energy-saving technology is shepherded through several years of R&D, survives extensive field trials, then finds only a limited market because of high initial cost. Traditionally, the problem of how t o lower the price of a fully commercialized product rested w i th the manufacturer alone. However, an ongoing project being carried out by EPRl and General Electric on the manufacture of a new type of transformer illustrates how a more cooperative approach can benefit utilities and, ultimately, their customers.

Studies Of The Association Between Exposure To Electric And Magnetic Fields And Human Cancer: A Review And Analysis

Abstract: Research into possible health effect which might result from exposure to electric and magnetic fields has been conducted for several decades. Interest in this field increased during the early 1960’s as a result of reports from the Soviet Union of a higher frequency of symptoms among switchyard workers exposed to high electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Attempts to replicate these findings in a number of western countries failed to support these findings. Laboratory studies carried out in North America and Europe, largely with electric fields, generally failed to demonstrate any evidence of a hazard to human health. With a few exceptions, the state of knowledge that existed until quite recently has led to a general sense of complacency regarding possible health effects of EMF exposure [I I. Within the very recent past, that situation has changed. There are now a number of published studies of EMF exposure in human populations some of which suggest that EMF may increase the risk of cancer. The most important of these studies will be reviewed below. The publication of these new studies has stimulated certain changes in emphasis in EMF research. Briefly, those changes are: an emphasis on magnetic fields rather than electric fields, a reduced emphasis on high voltage transmission lines as the major source of exposure, and an interest in carcinogenesis. At the conclusion of this paper, I will describe some of the new research initiatives undertaken by the Electric Power Research Institute to resolve the large degree of uncertainty which characterizes this field of research. Because the studies to be reviewed here are epidemiological, I shall begin by offering some criteria for the evaluation of such studies particular with regard to causation. I will also offer some introductory comments on magnetic fields, their characteristics and sources.