A Survey on Communication Networks for Electric System Automation

Published in Computer Networks 50 (2006) 877–897, an Elsevier journal. The definitive version of this publication is available from Science Direct. Digital Object Identifier:10.1016/j.comnet.2006.01.005In today’s competitive electric utility marketplace, reliable and real-time information become the key factor for reliable delivery of power to the end-users, profitability of the electric utility and customer satisfaction. The operational and commercial demands of electric utilities require a high-performance data communication network that supports both existing functionalities and future operational requirements. In this respect, since such a communication network constitutes the core of the electric system automation applications, the design of a cost-effective and reliable network architecture is crucial. In this paper, the opportunities and challenges of a hybrid network architecture are discussed for electric system automation. More specifically, Internet based Virtual Private Networks, power line communications, satellite communications and wireless communications (wireless sensor networks, WiMAX and wireless mesh networks) are described in detail. The motivation of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the hybrid network architecture that can provide heterogeneous electric system automation application requirements. In this regard, our aim is to present a structured framework for electric utilities who plan to utilize new communication technologies for automation and hence, to make the decision making process more effective and direct.This work was supported by NEETRAC under Project #04-157

Polymer Cutout Evaluation NEETRAC

Presented at the IEEE Switchgear Committee, Calgary, Alberta, October 13-15, 2008

Some field observations of the endemic Sulawesi rails

The remarkable endemic avifauna of Sulawesi includes two little known rails, Snoring Rail Aramidopsis plateni, and Bald-faced Rail Gymnocrex rosenbergii. Snoring Rail is known from 11 specimens from North, Central and South-east Sulawesi (White & Bruce 1986), all but one having been collected before 1940. The latest specimen was obtained from villagers in Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, in 1980 (Watling 1983, P.B. Taylor pers. comm.). There have been no documented sightings of Snoring Rail since the 1930's (Ripley 1977). Bald-faced Rail is known from just one Sulawesi specimen, and three from Peleng (White & Bruce 1986), although other specimens have apparently been collected in the past (1940) but were eaten or lost (Coomans de Ruiter 1947). Very little is known about the habits of either species. During a three week visit to Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, in 1987, I observed one, and probably two, Snoring Rails in Ahe Sopu River valley at c.750m on 7 July. The following day, I again heard, but did not see, Snoring Rail, but saw a Bald-faced Rail in the vicinity

Swimming Pools: 2008 National Electrical Code Changes (Article 680.26)

Presented at the Jodie Lane National Conference for Stray Voltage Detection, Mitigation and Prevention, June 5, 2007

Accelerated Weathering of Overhead Loadbreak Switch Interrupters

Presented at the IEEE Switchgear Committee, Calgary, Alberta, October 13-15, 2008

Touch and step voltage measurements on field installed ground grid overlaid with gravel and asphalt beds

Issued as final reportEPR

Notes on the avifauna of Bacan, Kasiruta and Obi, North Moluccas

In 1991 and 1992, field work was conducted in the north Moluccas under the he auspices of IUCN (the World Conservation Union) to ascertain the status of three species of parrot: White Cockatoo Cacatua alba, Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus and two subspecies of Violet-backed Lory Eos squamata riciniata and E. s. obiensis (Lambert 1993; in press). During these survey, about one month was spent on Bacan  October/November 1991), four day on the adjacent island of Kasiruta (November 1991) and a further month on Obi (February 1992). Most of the parrot surveys were conducted in the lowlands and hills, although observations were made up to 1,300 m on the steep forested western slopes of Mt Sibela, Bacan, and at altitudes of up ca. 730 m in the upper catchment of the Widi Besar River, Obi. Even at these higher altitudes, however, the forest was tall, with trees estimated to be 30-35 m tall, and best described as submontane rather than montane even at 1,300 m. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach the true montane forests of Mt Sibela (maximum elevation 2111m)