Archive of the 'Substation Updates 2008' Category

One more model and then I’ll move on. Toshiba had a series of underground substation models on display. They were both GIS and Oil filled. It is amazing the lengths utilities have to go to meet their customer’s needs. Everyone wants electricity, but they don’t want the infrastructure showing. Personally I think substations are works of art, but manufacturers such as Toshiba have met the challenge by developed some pretty amazing applications for the technology.

The shear size of some of the equipment is impressive. Look at the EHV breaker I found at Mitsubishi’s exhibit. I watch it being set up and was impressed. The attendees are too. Go by and ask them questions about it.

Have you been to the HVB exhibit? If not you are missing the new gassless breaker - no SF6 here, so what is replacing the gas - nothing! It is a 72kV 31.5kA breaker. Go see it. Look at the 800kV power breakers photos too when you are there and ask Stephanie Heyden to tell you how they work. 800kV is pretty impressive.

Talking with Dick Piwko (Chair of the Wind Energy Coordinating Committee), I found out there is going to be a meeting for a new working group on wind at the Expo - added bonus. It’s called “Transmission Alternatives for Remote Wind Generation.” It’s scheduled for Wednesday (04/23/08) from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. Check with Dick at the Panel Session Wednesday morning for room location. Dick says wind energy is pushing transmission system growth very fast to keep pace with developers. Anyone having problems with keeping ahead of wind developers? What are the problems you are encountering? Tell me about it! I’d welcome any and all comments.