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The Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers n www.nema.org n July 2012 n Vol. 17 No. 7 g n i g r Eme logies Techno ALSO INSIDE nd quipment a E l a ic r t g c e l in E nufacturin a M g in g a Medical Im n Federal Appropriations Important to Innovation n Picking Winners in Emerging Technologies n Unlocking Mysteries of Alzheimer’s n Research, Copyright, and Fair Use n Innovation Showcase of Member Products Ad HINDSIGHT PREVENTION Today’s innovative systems depend on proper operation and response to inputs. UL’s tailored Functional Safety Services evaluate a wide variety of products according to global standards and performance requirements. Gain global access with integrated testing services from one expert source. Rely on UL. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE INFO SHEET: UL.COM/FSINFO UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2012 BDi 120126B FEATURES: CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS: Nano-contacts and Nano-interconnects: Will they extend Moore’s Law?��6 Government Relations Update��5 Metacapacitors—Next-Generation Power Electronics for LED Lighting and Other Applications��8 Electroindustry News��29 NEMA Writes Communication Standards for Electric Cars Charging�� 29 Sensors Help Launch Large-Scale Electricity Storage��10 Research, Copyright, and Fair Use: Keeping up with Emerging Technologies while Respecting Legal Rights of Authors, Publishers��30 Super Capacity Defines Supercapacitor��12 Innovations that Could Change Manufacturing��14 Realizing the Promise of Solid State Lighting��15 Hot Summer on The Hill��5 Building Benchmarking and Disclosure Regulations—Let ENERGY STAR® Be Your Market Advantage for Building Profitable Relationships��32 Joe Andre Looks forward to Simpler Life��34 FORTUNE Magazine’s Geoff Colvin to Address Illuminations Weekend��34 Saving Money with Ceramic Metal Halide—Another White Light��18 ESFI Addresses Vital Safety Precautions Associated with Wind and Solar Power��35 More to Success than Just Technology—An Interview with Le Tang, PhD, Vice President, Head of ABB US Corporate Research ��22 Code Actions / Standardization Trends��36 NEMA Pursuing Emerging Technologies��36 Case Study of Picking Winners in Emerging Technologies: Breath of Life or Kiss of Death��24 Combination Inspectors—Facts and No Fiction��38 New Jersey Adopts 2011 NEC® with Amendments��37 LVDC—The “Wave” of the Future?��39 Improving Air Transportation Security— DICOS-Compliant Security Systems & Software Enhance Safety��26 International Roundup��40 Mexican Product Regulation: Getting Everyone on the Same Page��40 New Imaging Compound Unlocks Mysteries of Alzheimer’s Disease��27 Energy Efficiency Continues as the Top Item of Interest at COPANT’s General Assembly��41 Banking on Lower Weight Batteries— The Holy Grail of Electric Vehicles��28 NOTES: APEC—Spreading the Smart Grid Vision��42 Economic Spotlight��43 EBCI Online��43 NEMA Officers��2 Available from NEMA/BIS – The Electroindustry Economic Outlook��43 Comments from the C-Suite��2 Innovation Showcase��44 View from the Top��3 View from the Industry��4 Learn More�� 43 ECO BOX NEMA electroindustry text and cover pages are printed using SFI certified Anthem paper using soy ink. • SFI certified products come from North American forests managed to rigorous environmental standards. • SFI standards conserve biodiversity and protect soil and water quality, as well as wildlife habitats. • SFI forests are audited by independent experts to ensure proper adherence to the SFI Standard. • SFI participants also plant more than 650 million trees each year to keep these forests thriving. electroindustry Publisher | Joseph Higbee Managing Editor / Editor in Chief | Pat Walsh Contributing Editors | William E. Green III Chrissy L. Skudera Economic Spotlight | Timothy Gill Standards | Al Scolnik Government Relations Update | Kyle Pitsor Art Director | Michael Vucic Media Sales Team Leader | Stephanie Bunsick electroindustry (ISSN 1066-2464) is published monthly by NEMA, the Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209; 703.841.3200. FAX: 703.841.5900. Periodicals postage paid at Rosslyn, VA, and York, PA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NEMA, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209. The opinions or views expressed in electroindustry do not necessarily reflect the positions of NEMA or any of its subdivisions. Subscribe to electroindustry at www.nema.org/subscribe2ei Contact us at comm@nema.org Follow NEMA:www.nema.org/facebook, blog.nema.org, podcast.nema.org, twitter.com/NEMAupdates, www.youtube.com/NEMAvue, www.nema.org/linkedin COMMENTS FROM THE C-SUITE Officers Chairman Dominic J. Pileggi Chairman of the Board & CEO Thomas & Betts Corporation First Vice Chairman John Selldorff President & CEO Legrand North America Second Vice Chairman Christopher Curtis President & CEO Schneider Electric Treasurer Thomas Gross Vice Chairman & COO Eaton Corporation Immediate Past Chairman David J. FitzGibbon Vice Chairman & CEO ILSCO Corporation It is often said that accounting is the language of business and sales its lifeblood. If this is so, products are the breath of life to business, making emerging technologies the oxygen that invigorates the organization. Evolution in our industry has been driven by the innovative technologies at the core of electrical products. Emerging technologies have the capability to reduce costs, increase efficiency, limit size and mass, and expand functionality. Using emerging technologies, NEMA members are authoring the automated changes in human-product interactive design and functionality. Our association is at the doorstep of Congress and federal agencies, opening pathways for advanced-technology products in the marketplace. National and international standards are being influenced by NEMA, working with governments and other partners to align current research and development with future adoption of products worldwide. We’re proud of our Emerging Technologies Panel, which oversees NEMA’s evaluation of emerging technologies. Past guidance has resulted in board-approved funding for Smart Grid, high performance buildings, carbon footprint modeling, and the NEMA Intelligence Portal. The panel urges NEMA to invest in industry collaboration, including coordination on projects involving public and private sector research grants. NEMA is also talking to government labs on energy storage and Smart Grid technologies, as they are an avenue of information and a channel for involvement in emerging technologies. Led by an active membership, NEMA is making each year better than the last for electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers. Enjoy expanding your mind with this edition of electroindustry. ei President & CEO Evan R. Gaddis Secretary Clark R. Silcox 2 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Dominic J. Pileggi Chairman View from the Top ŰŰSmart, Safe, Sustainable Manufacturing: A New U.S. Industrial Strategy for Competitiveness Keith D. Nosbusch, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation, Inc. As we begin to see signs of an economic recovery, America needs a transformation unlike any other in its history. We can’t miss the role that manufacturing should play in this transformation. To succeed at home as well as around the world, we need a comprehensive industrial strategy that enables our future and takes advantage of the many emerging opportunities such as the transition to a “green” economy— one that focuses not just on R&D breakthroughs and commercializing new products, but also emphasizes industrial innovation in smart, safe, and sustainable manufacturing. Innovation must be a high priority to maintain our nation’s current but very vulnerable leadership as the world’s largest manufacturer. Our public and private sectors have to invest in advanced technology and training that will increase flexibility, lower costs, increase productivity, and make U.S. manufacturing competitive globally. We need to embrace manufacturing’s critical role in our economic future. Numerous studies show that an overwhelming majority (more than 80 percent) of Americans rank manufacturing as the most important aspect of our economy—above technology, energy, healthcare, retail, communications, and financial services. Manufacturing Revolution Goes Unnoticed and Unsupported Today, factories can be smart, safe, and sustainable, which is quite the opposite from public perception. A recent Opinion Research survey found that nearly half of Americans believe the U.S. has lost its competitive edge in manufacturing technology and automation, and think the U.S. manufacturing sector has become less competitive in the past ten years. However, the average American indeed understands the benefits of manufacturing innovation. Most think investments in innovation result in high-pay, high-skill manufacturing jobs. Americans strongly support programs that provide incentives to U.S. companies that invest in technology and automation to stay competitive. A new survey developed by Deloitte LLP and The Manufacturing Institute validates these findings. An overwhelming majority of respondents view manufacturing as most important to their standard of living. Nearly threequarters said that the U.S. should further invest in manufacturing industries. Smart Manufacturing: The Next Era of Industrial Innovation The potential for manufacturing innovation is enormous. Control, communications, information, and power technologies are converging to enable the next industrial renaissance. At the heart of this renaissance are manufacturing technologies that blend the best in people, physical assets, business processes, and data, and seamlessly connect the plant floor to the enterprise, supply chain, and the customer. Smart manufacturing is a growth engine for a sustainable economy. A $50 billion investment in retooling factories would generate up to $120 billion in revenue resulting from increased demand for products, according to a study by the Apollo Alliance. Innovation is no longer the exclusive domain of the U.S. The European Union (EU) has already approved 1.2 billion euros for a new “Factories of the Future” research program as part of its economic recovery plan. The EU is ahead of the U.S. in the race to re-industrialize their manufacturing base with smart, safe, and sustainable manufacturing. This is a race we must win. While R&D tax credits promote product innovation, we need similar tax credits to promote manufacturing process innovation and allow companies to compete globally. We don’t have to leave good ideas on conference room tables or in R&D labs. We don’t have to send our ideas abroad. By re-thinking manufacturing’s role in our economic base and investing in advanced automation technologies, we can re-tool our plants into smart factories that become the execution machine for American innovation. Smart manufacturing could be the means to an export-led recovery of the U.S. economy. Peter Drucker summed it up best: “Innovation is the instrument of entrepreneurship…the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” We can create wealth with innovation in manufacturing. Without it, our prosperity as a nation will decline and we will leave the next generation with a lower standard of living. It’s time to re-industrialize America and reclaim world manufacturing and economic prosperity leadership with a U.S. industrial strategy for competitiveness that deals head-on with the realities that we face as a nation today and will face in the future. A competitive, innovative manufacturing sector will help the U.S. to remain the land of opportunity. ei NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 3 View from the Industry ŰŰBattery Storage Technology Opens Door to Energy Efficiency Michael Ayers, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Toshiba Industrial Division, Toshiba International Corporation Few areas of technology development have the potential to address as many global energy issues as the field of battery storage. It is clearly a high stakes proposition for those who can bring real solutions to market. Battery storage is unquestionably the gating technology for the widespread electrification of vehicles and a path to reduce air pollution and our reliance on foreign oil. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries have to be safe, reliable, and durable, but they also need to be dense enough to allow for acceptable driving range, to charge quickly, and to be affordable. To support fast charging of EVs, charging stations also need battery storage buffers to decrease peak power demand from the grid. Within the grid infrastructure itself, there are numerous needs to be addressed by battery storage, including: • frequency regulation • grid power utilization efficiency improvement • substation upgrade deferral • peak shaving • renewables integration • community energy storage Additionally, off-grid and microgrid power efficiency and costs can be improved by battery storage. 4 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 As is often the case, with high potential reward comes high risk for companies who endeavor to bring enabling battery technologies to market, as evidenced by the financial stress of many battery manufacturers today. Capital costs to build production capacity sufficient to qualify for major opportunities are tremendous, but there is always uncertainty in the timing and rate of market adoption of new technologies. This can lead to the over-capacity that is seen in the industry today. Long before large-scale battery capacity is put into place, however, a critical set of challenges faces the battery manufacturer…. There are no shortcuts on the path of this critical process development, which is measured in years, not months. Long before large-scale battery capacity is put into place, however, a critical set of challenges faces the battery manufacturer. It is one thing to develop a high performing battery in the lab, but it is quite another—requiring a different set of skills and disciplines—to develop mass-production processes achieving low variability in key product characteristics. There are no shortcuts on the path of this critical process development, which is measured in years, not months. Not only is tight cell-to-cell variability important for the safety of these potentially dangerous high-power batteries, it is also important for the ultimate performance of larger battery systems, which are only as good as the weakest cells in the system. Toshiba is one company with a decades-long heritage in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery development and manufacturing. As an early pioneer in conventional Li-ion batteries in the early 90s, Toshiba supplied the top tier mobile phone OEMs in mass volumes throughout the world. By retaining that critical knowhow for high-volume production and applying it to the development of an advanced new battery, Toshiba’s SCiB—with its lithium-titanate chemistry—meets the demanding requirements of the automotive industry and the grid storage industry. Toshiba’s production facility is in many ways more similar to a wafer fab than most battery plants, but it reflects the company’s appreciation for the quality necessary to ensure that the batteries are safe for the millions of people who will benefit from leading advancements in battery storage. Our motto, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” reflects the industry’s obligation to develop energy solutions that open the door to safe, clean, and renewable energy. ei Government Relations Update ŰŰHot Summer on The Hill Read more about the legislation below at www.nema.org/EI-GovernmentRelationsUpdate Congress and President Agree on Two-Year Transportation Legislation Just prior to press time, the House and Senate sent to the president a twoyear compromise bill to consolidate and jump-start federal highway infrastructure, safety, and congestion mitigation programs. After weeks of tense negotiations, a compromise was announced on June 27 and was passed on June 29 by the House, 373–52, and the Senate, 74–19. In addition to providing needed funding to states for roadway and bridge construction and repairs, the new law, entitled Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), streamlines project completion and encourages states to use federal highway funds to deploy intelligent transportation systems and electric vehicle supply technologies offered by NEMA member companies. States are also encouraged to develop and follow plans to improve freight transportation. For more information on MAP-21 and the benefits to NEMA member companies, visit www.nema.org/transbill. Craig Updyke, Manager, Trade and Commercial Affairs | craig.updyke@nema.org MITA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Affordable Care Act With the Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold much of the Affordable Care Act, the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) looks forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to constantly advance our medical technologies and preserve patient access to imaging and radiation therapies that save lives, improve quality of care, and reduce health care costs. Brian Connell, Director, Government Relations | bconnell@medicalimaging.org Federal Appropriations Important to Innovation House and Senate appropriators have laid down their markers for fiscal year 2013 spending on energy research and development and standards support. NEMA advocates for robust budgets that sustain technology development and the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. At the Department of Energy, annual investments in research and development have played an important role in the development of Smart Grid. The House and Senate match the president’s R&D request for Smart Grid, energy storage, cybersecurity, and electric transmission, but the House does not provide $20 million for an electricity system hub that the Senate recommends. Jim Creevy, Director of Government Relations | jim.creevy@nema.org NEMA-Backed Regulatory Reform Bill Advances On June 7, the House Judiciary Committee backed (14–8) a measure (HR 4377) that would create deadlines for federal agencies to review the environmental impacts of proposed development projects. NEMA supports HR 4377 as a common sense approach to streamline and consolidate environmental reviews. Under the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act, agencies must submit environmental reports to the Council on Environmental Quality before a project may break ground. While there are currently no mandatory submission deadlines, the measure would give agencies one year to publish an environmental assessment and two years to submit an environmental impact statement. Kyle Pitsor, Vice President of Government Relations | kyle.pitsor@nema.org NLRB Union Election Rule Struck Down in Federal Court Last year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) published a final rule to compress the time between the filing of a petition for union representation and an actual election date. The rule, referred to by opponents as the “ambush elections” rule, also postpones certain legal issues that previously were handled prior to a union election, effectively rendering them moot. Information on the NLRB rule, which took effect April 30, 2012, is available at www.nlrb.gov/node/3990. Sarah Owen, Manager, Government Relations | sarah.owen@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 5 Bi-layer graphene over SiO2 Courtesy of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Nano-contacts and Nano-interconnects: Will they extend Moore’s Law? Greg Monty, PhD, Underwriters Laboratories, LLC N anotechnology is on the market today embedded in electrical products and systems. Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nanowires, carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and graphene have all been used to conduct electricity in various devices.. The semiconductor industry hopes that graphene or nanotube interconnects will extend Moore’s Law for additional technology nodes. Thermal and electrical conductivity have been cited by researchers and product designers as a feature of nanotechnology that might enhance the speed and frequency performance of devices, but to take advantage of these attributes, one must ensure that an excellent nanoscale electrical contact is formed. Otherwise, high mobility, electron velocity, conductivity, and other features may never enhance a component or product as desired. Typical products that expect to utilize these nanostructures include semiconductor devices; integrated circuits, photovoltaic panels, batteries; flexible electronics and displays; solid-state and organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs); and printable electronics. One feature that most of these applications require is an excellent nano-structure to bulk-conductor contact that allows for lowresistance current flow. Nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers, and graphene, however, are difficult to contact, and contact issues must be overcome before manufacturing of nano-enabled electrical products become mainstream. Falling Short of Expectations A thorough review of existing publications related to nanoscale contacts and interconnects was conducted for an extensive International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Report, TR 62632, that is expected to be published by January 20131. Particular attention was paid primarily to nanotubes/ 6 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Moore’s law states that the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years. It is named after Intel co-founder Gordon E. Moore, who described the trend in 1965. nanowires/nanofibers and graphene nanoscale contacts and interconnects as these have had the greatest expectations and investment. Individual contacts, as well as the use of nanomaterials in via-hole (vertical interconnects) and lateral interconnects, were studied. Graphene has been cited as a potential replacement for copper in semiconductor interconnects as performance of copper degrades in technology nodes around 20 nm. The pros and cons of various nanotube and graphene interconnect approaches were studied. Types and configurations, requirements, fabrication methods and controls, characterization techniques, functionality and performance, reliability, and market expectations for nanoscale contacts and interconnects were addressed in the report by the IEC. Conclusions from the IEC effort on TR 62632 suggest that the results from nanoscale contacts and interconnects are falling far short of the requirements and expectations. Additionally, there appear to be major technological difficulties that may be impossible to overcome, and this informs the conclusion that without significant breakthroughs, nanoscale contacts and interconnects may hinder the performance of devices, components, products, and systems. It will be available at www.iec.ch, where standards and technical reports may be purchased. To access it, click on the Webstore and use the advanced search to select all publications within TC 113. It will be listed as TR 62632 when it is officially published. 1 Meeting future expectations SUMMARY OF IEC TR 62632 Highlights from the IEC TR 62632 are given below for nanotubes and nanofibers, via interconnects using CNTs, surface (lateral) interconnects using CNTs, and graphene interconnects. Graphene Nano Ribbon TR 62632 concludes that although there are theoretical suggestions that nanotubes, nanotube arrays, vias, local interconnects, and graphene conductors will outperform copper, the experimental proof of this has yet to be demonstrated. • Type and configuration There appears no solution yet to making high-performance interconnected nanotubes at right angles to each other. Full arrays of conductive SWCNTs have yet to be made. Even graphene has major issues related to defining the width of the graphene ribbon on a device; building the correct multilayer graphene structure; and dealing with interaction of the graphene layers with other graphene layers, and the substrates or top layers that surround a graphene interconnect. • Requirement The ITRS (International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors) has defined short and long range requirements for future technology nodes (shrinking dimensions) in integrated circuits. Copper interconnects will likely face increasing resistances and insufficient current carrying capability as the dimensions shrink. Therefore, graphene interconnects have received increased attention as a potential substitution for copper interconnects. • Fabrication method and control The major issue is that there is not sufficient process control today to produce consistent contacts and interconnects. • Characterization technique There is a lack of agreement on how to extract key parameters at the nanoscale for contact resistance, Schottky barrier2 height, current-voltage characteristics, and other electrical parameters. Also, it still appears that most results are achieved after post-processing thermal treatments that are not viable in manufacturing. • Functionality and performance Experimental results are not yet as good as theoretical predictions. Ohmic contacts are not actually ohmic as they have contaminated surfaces at the contact area. Maximum currents, maximum current densities, device speeds, and circuit implementations have all fallen short of expectations. • Market expectation The semiconductor market needs solutions to end-of-life expectations for copper interconnects in the next four to six years, and at this time, no carbon-based solution has shown that it will be market ready in time. Armchair-edge GNRs are related to zigzag CNTs, left, and zigzag-edge GNRs are related to armchair CNTs, right. Courtesy of University of Virginia, ECE Department Challenges Ahead There are significant challenges ahead for the manufacture of nanoscale contacts and nanoscale interconnects. Without a firm understanding of the science, methods, and manufacturing techniques related to nanoscale contacts, useful electronic devices employing nanomaterials and nanoscale devices may be difficult to achieve. Indeed, there appears no feasible way to utilize either SWCNTs, MWCNTs, CNTs, or nanowires in any real via or lateral interconnect at this time. These technologies face a list of issues that would require significant additional research investment and may still not reach the desired results. Graphene appears to be the only nanoscale material that might have a chance of helping the semiconductor community with its future technology-node barriers. However, even with this technology, a number of issues makes it difficult to see a successful future for graphene. The semiconductor industry has vast resources, and a strong desire to extend Moore’s Law for many more technology generations. This support may be able to knock down any barriers in the way. The researchers in the graphene area would be advised to combine their research efforts in a coordinated manner to bring the technology forward quickly, if there is any hope that graphene interconnects might replace copper interconnects in ICs. ei Dr. Monty chairs the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 113 (IEC TC 113), Nanotechnology Standardization for Electrical and Electronic Products and Systems. A potential barrier formed at a metal–semiconductor junction. 2 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 7 Figure 1. Flexible printed Metacapacitors operating in a 1 MHz charge-pump LED driver circuit Metacapacitors—Next-Generation Power Electronics for LED Lighting and Other Applications Eli S. Leland, PhD, Senior Research Associate, City University of New York Energy Institute E ver since Nikola Tesla won the War of Currents over a century ago, the power grid has delivered electricity in the form of alternating current (ac) at either 120V and 60 Hz or 240V and 50 Hz, depending on where you happen to be. In today’s increasingly electrified world, however, most modern electrical loads ultimately require direct current (dc), usually at a much lower voltage than is delivered by the wall outlet. Examples include nearly all electronic equipment such as computers, communications hardware, mobile device battery chargers, and energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. As such, electric power converters—converting electricity between different levels of voltage and current—form the vital link between sources of electric power and the loads they serve. 8 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 The market for electric power converters is large and growing, with the LED power supply market alone projected to reach $10B by 2016. However, progress in converter design has been incremental. Switched-mode power supplies, heavily reliant on bulky and expensive transformers and failure-prone electrolytic capacitors, continue to dominate. A clear opportunity exists for new power conversion technology offering a significant improvement over traditional approaches. With funding from the United States Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program, researchers at the City University of New York (CUNY) Energy Institute, in collaboration with colleagues at Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley, are developing next-generation technology for LED power supplies and other power conversion applications. Meeting future expectations The technology, called Metacapacitors, pairs switched-capacitor power circuits with a new class of high-frequency powerhandling capacitors. Control and power switching are combined into a single integrated circuit, while energy storage is provided by an inexpensive network of printed capacitors developed using proprietary technology. Metacapacitor-based power converters offer significant advantages over switched-mode power supplies including: • lower cost by using inexpensive printed capacitor networks, reducing component count, and eliminating costly custom transformers • longer lifetime by avoiding the use of failure-prone electrolytic capacitors • smaller form factor by eliminating bulky transformers, inductors, and electrolytic capacitors, and by employing highfrequency switching for greater power density • greater efficiency by using proprietary low-loss capacitor materials and reducing transistor switching losses Reducing Energy Storage, Increasing Applications Metacapacitor-based power converters employ a network of switches and capacitors to perform electric power conversion. Capacitors offer more than 1,000 times the energy density of magnetic components (inductors or transformers) for energy conversion applications, providing switched capacitor circuits with a major potential size advantage over switched mode power supplies. In addition, the multi-stage circuit design reduces voltage stress on individual switch and capacitor components, minimizing losses and allowing for the use of smaller components. High-frequency (several MHz) switching reduces required energy storage and switch voltage-current product, enabling further size reduction. A recent demonstration prototype integrates proprietary Metacapacitor printed, flexible capacitors to a 1 MHz switchedcapacitor LED power circuit (Figure 1). Another prototype 15 W LED driver constructed from off-the-shelf discrete capacitors and power switches achieves 92 percent powertrain efficiency, already matching Department of Energy projections for LED driver efficiency in the year 2020. Future designs will use single IC for switching and control paired with a printed network of high-frequency capacitors, thus offering a dramatically reduced component count. Metacapacitor technology offers a flexible and powerful option for electric power conversion. The importance of electric power conversion will continue to grow with increasing adoption of computer, communications, and renewable energy technologies. Requirements for cost reduction, efficiency, and form factor continue to become increasingly stringent, and Metacapacitor technology offers a flexible and powerful option for electric power conversion. ei Dr. Leland is a senior research associate at the CUNY Energy Institute. He holds a doctorate from UC Berkeley in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on energy systems. Energy storage in a Metacapacitor-based converter is provided by a printed network of capacitors made with proprietary highfrequency, low-loss nanoparticle dielectric ink. Printed capacitor arrays are fabricated entirely below 200ºC, avoiding the high-temperature co-firing step usually required in ceramic capacitor manufacture. Low-temperature printing allows continuous roll-to-roll fabrication using inexpensive flexible polymer substrates, providing increased form factor options at reduced cost. Prototype printed capacitor networks on glass and flexible polymer substrates demonstrate the viability of this approach, and working multilayer capacitor structures (interleaving layers of electrode and dielectric) show a path toward increased capacitance density and even smaller size. Figure 2. Metacapacitors’ proprietary nanoparticle dielectric forms dense, void-free films, enabling high capacitance density and low loss. Images courtesy of City University of New York Energy Institute NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 9 Sensors Help Launch Large-Scale Electricity Storage Steven Silvers, Chief Communications Officer, Keogh Group, LLC An illustration of the K•Power™ system shows the electrostatic motor and passive magnetic bearings, which float a super-strong carbon fiber flywheel spinning inside a vacuum chamber. Image courtesy of Keogh Group T he nation’s aging and over-burdened electrical infrastructure is in trouble. A 2006 Issues in Science and Technology report noted that the U.S. ranks toward the bottom among developed nations in terms of electrical service reliability. The resulting costs are astronomical. Power outages cost between $104 and $164 billion every year—more than $1,000 per person. Even small regional blackouts generate enormous financial losses, turn food to rot, and cause countless traffic accidents. Despite current goals for a self-sustaining Smart Grid, the lack of serious investment over the last 20 years has made the nation’s electricity problems even worse, adding to the crisis of deteriorating infrastructure. For all its potential, however, renewable energy is not the answer—at least not in the near future. Hydro and geothermal energy sources are often located too far away to connect cost-effectively to the grid. Integrating wind and solar power generation into the grid exacerbates the already expensive inefficiencies of relying on weather patterns to produce energy. The power grid must have a reliable, constant flow of quality power. Switching to and from inherently intermittent or distant sources requires a massive, interconnected industry of envi ronmentally unfriendly secondary power plants and regulation technology to keep the electric current from oscillating. 10 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Experts in government, industry, and academia agree that making the U.S. grid more effective, reliable, and renewable requires the rapid deployment of utility-scale electrical energy storage (EES) technology. The federal government estimates that the U.S. will need 356 gigawatts putting out 1,897 gigawatt hours EES in the next ten years. This has created a new energy boom of funding, research, and new technologies. Dozens of EES demonstration projects are scheduled to go online over the next several years at research, public utility, defense, and industrial sites. Electromechanical Battery (EMB) System Given the complexity and breadth of the nation’s electricity storage equation, it is clear that no one approach will serve every application. The EMB initiative, a program of University Multispectral Laboratory’s (UML) newly formed Energy Technology Center, is bringing to the emerging marketplace what promises to be the most efficient and disruptive EES technology ever developed. Advanced sensors are key to real izing this technology’s potential to make large-scale electricity storage a reality—and virtually change the nation’s relationship to electric power. Meeting future expectations With initial deployment starting this year, , the EMB initiative’s electromechanical battery system is being commercialized through an exclusive research and development partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). UML is providing all quality control and assurance for the commercialization effort. Called the K•Power™ system, the kinetic energy storage technology integrates a newly-designed electrostatic motor and passive magnetic bearings, which “float” a super-strong carbon fiber flywheel spinning at 20,000 RPM inside a vacuum chamber. Each stackable module can deliver up to 250 kW of electrical output, reaching full power in only 1/250 of a second. The small-footprint system is scalable to any large-size utility and industrial application; a one-acre facility could accommodate ten 25 MWh decks to provide 250 MWh. Because no parts touch, there is no friction loss and no cooling system required. This gives the technology extraordinary rates of 99 percent reliability and 95 percent efficiency. It is the only large-scale EES able to optimize output through its power control system. Each module has a 20-year operating life with almost no maintenance, resulting in a lifetime cost-per-cycle that is much less than other industry options and without the inherent environmental issues of utility-scale batteries, hydro storage, or underground compressed air. Up to now, flywheel systems have been useful only for specialized regulating applications or where short pulses of high power are needed for a few seconds. The EMB’s new technology can store huge amounts of energy for long periods, releasing the energy for many hours. Before it can be brought to the market, however, the EMB initiative and LLNL scientists must complete the complex integration of multiple sensors to precisely monitor all performance aspects of the new large-scale electromechanical batteries, which are designed to store and release considerable amounts of energy. At full charge, for example, a single EMB unit might contain 300 kW hours of energy in its 3,000 kg flywheel. The EMB initiative is part of the Keogh Group of organizations involved in development, testing, and rapid commercialization of technologies to serve the defense, intelligence, security, and energy sectors. One Keogh company operates UML. D. Web Keogh, PhD, serves as UML’s laboratory director. “America has a critical interest in advancing the technology that sets aside large amounts of electricity until it is needed, as we do with natural gas and liquid fuels,” said Dr. Keogh. “Like much of the evolving new energy industry, the technology of EES has been around for decades, with considerable work being done in the labs and in relatively small-scale applications benefiting industry and the military. Making EES technology work at the public utility and large industry level, however, requires that scores of innovations be integrated at a scale comparable to launching the first moon shot.” ei Adapted from Oklahoma Sensors Review 2011, with permission from Kelly Green, Editor, and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Oklahoma State University. ŰŰDoor is Open at the University of Massachusetts Innovation Institute James Capistran, Executive Director, UMass Innovation Institute The UMass Innovation Institute was launched in July 2011 with little fanfare. Discussions of the need for such an institute have been taking place for a number of years, well before formal organization and development began two years ago. We knew there had to be a better way to work with industry, and we knew there had to be a better way to broaden the type of research taking place on campus. According to Vice Chancellor Michael F. Malone, “Discoveries in basic research are rarely ready for implementation and the Innovation Institute is a mechanism to bridge this gap.” The institute’s focus is applied research and development and will take advantage of the university’s strengths in clean energy, materials, nanotechnology, microbiology, sensors, and information technology. Specific projects of interest to the electroindustry include: • Polymer-Based Materials for Harvesting Solar Energy • Institute for Massachusetts Biofuels Research • Geobacter Project • Industrial Assessment Center • UMass IGERT Offshore Wind Energy Program More information: http://umii.umass.edu NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 11 Super Capacity Defines Supercapacitor Pat Walsh, Editor in Chief W hen it comes to energy storage, nothing delivers more power in a smaller package in less time than supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors). Just as their name implies, they are capable of storing huge amounts of energy when compared to the capacitors used in electronic devices. They are also small. In a world where smaller gets bigger every day, applications for these diminutive powerhouses seem infinite. Supercaps are simply storage devices. Like batteries, they answer the energy-generation question: If I can’t use it, how do I keep it? Unlike batteries, however—even rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) ones—they have high power density, rapid charging, low-temperature sensitivity, longer lifetime, and instantaneous power. They also have projected lifetimes of up to 20 years; batteries typically last only a few years. The key attribute in the energy generation/storage for supercaps lies in power density. Traditional batteries have relatively slow charge and discharge times. Supercaps can be charged or discharged much more quickly. Their energy densities may be a tenth of a conventional battery, but their power density can be ten to 100 times as great. The feature holding current supercaps back has been their limited energy density. They simply are too large and cost too much for applications that need to deliver a large amount of energy quickly. Researchers at Battelle Memorial Institute, under the leadership of Steven Risser, PhD, for the last five years, have been developing supercaps with energy density within an order of magnitude of Li-ion batteries, but with an extended recharging lifetime. This emerging technology promises many advantages. old house in which the lights dim when an iron is turned on, and then apply that concept of power drain to a ship or to the grid. Even more exciting is the thought of combining these supercapacitors with other energy sources. When a system integrates supercaps with fuel cells, Li-ion, and other batteries, the result saves both volume and weight. Because the charge/ discharge profiles for these new devices are similar to that of batteries, they simplify integration. Simpler integration requires less electronics and space volume savings yield fuel savings—a win-win situation. For example, think of a radio on stand-by status for 59 minutes. It sends a one minute pulse every hour that is 60 times larger than the stand-by mode (peak power) that lasts one minute. If a Li-ion battery or supercap alone is used, the weight of the energy storage device would be at least four times larger than if a hybrid system was used. A battery could provide the base load while a supercap provides peak power for short duration missions. Emerging technology promises even more advantages. Specific capacitance is several times larger than that of carbon derived materials, which are used in custom-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, thanks to carbon nanotubes technology (CNT). Supercaps being developed by Battelle also employ abundant— not rare—earth metal oxides and scalable manufacturing processes. Supercaps with aqueous electrolytes are less hazardous than non-aqueous (organic electrolyte) supercaps. Specific capacitance is several times larger than that of carbon derived materials, which are used in commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, thanks to carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the earth abundant metal oxides. These devices can be fabricated with scalable manufacturing processes. Battelle’s supercaps use aqueous electrolytes that are less hazardous than non-aqueous (organic electrolyte) supercaps. According to Olga B. Koper, Ph.D., nanotechnology research leader at Battelle, the energy density of these new devices may be ten times that of present supercaps and the cycling lifetime along this path may be ten times that of present lithium ion batteries. Size versus Use It is not only the ability to store large amounts of electricity for extended time periods, but also the ability to release the energy quickly that makes this technology so promising. Think about an 12 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Nanotechnology Research Leader Olga Koper and Senior Research Scientist Steve Risser evaluate Battelle’s supercapacitors. Photo courtesy Battelle Meeting future expectations Letting Imaginations Run Wild According to Jim Brinkman, senior account manager for maritime market sector at Battelle, the current R&D environment is a unique confluence of technology and need that offers significant military advantages for supercaps. Most ships run on three generators with critical systems running on one-generator operation. Just as a home computer uses an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a ship using supercaps remains powered and online. Power density makes supercaps an ideal solution in instances where neither sustained energy release nor immediate power demands dominate one another. He also cited high-energy laser weapons and railguns, which are powered by electromagnetic pulses. Batteries, which take up an inordinate amount of space, do not produce enough discharge rates. With supercaps acting as the magazine, space is no longer an issue. Sea-based cargo transport cranes with hybrid/electric system and unmanned underwater vehicles powered by fuel cells can likewise benefit. Applications, though, go far beyond the oceans: • Smart Grid Energy storage will be necessary to meet the demanding storage requirements of the Smart Grid and microgrids. Because of their fast discharge rate and low maintenance, supercaps will enable grid stability because of their peaking shifting capabilities and frequency regulation applications. • Renewable Energy Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal generate power intermittently. If it cannot be used when generated, how is it kept? Harvesting energy from storage is a significant challenge that supercaps tackle. Researchers in India have developed a prototype that combines photovoltaic generation and a supercap into one device. • Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicles Fuel cells have limited burst power capabilities. Many applications incorporate batteries to handle short power bursts. Supercaps can reduce the mass of this energy storage component by a factor of two or more, depending on the applications. • Regenerative Breaking While supercaps are unsuitable as the primary power source for electric vehicles (EVs), they reduce the mass of the energy storage component. In EVs and hybrid vehicles, they can capture and store large amounts of energy and release it quickly for reacceleration. This considerably improves fuel efficiency under stop-and-go conditions. Regenerative braking can add 15 to 25 percent to the range of the vehicle, alleviating range anxiety. • Mass Transit Regenerative braking also applies to light rail systems and tramways. Supercaps can also boost line voltage in such systems. Other applications include starting diesel trucks and railroad locomotives, and combating starting failure in transit buses that have been idled or subjected to extremely cold temperatures. • Mobile Electronics and Communication One simple application is the flash used in a smart phone camera. Supercaps enable longer battery life, higher brightness, and faster cycling. They have potential for power back-ups in a wide range of consumer products, akin to the UPS typically used to protect computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment, and other equipment. • Medical When used in conjunction with rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors’ long life, low cost, and high rates of charge and discharge offer countless medical device applications. Medical supercapacitors might also operate with electrolytes that include body fluids. What’s Next? Battelle’s Dr. Koper emphasized that there is still work to do in the development of the technology as well as in manufacturing processes: increasing the size of supercaps; integration with BB 2590 Li-ion batteries, which are used by the military; increased cycling; improving low temperature performance; and preparing and testing button cells and prismatic cells. Supercapacitors offer promising technology in any applications requiring a short duration power boost because of their higher energy and power density (compared to COTS), smaller volume, lighter weight, easier integration, and scalable manufacturing. Their UPS applications make them valuation for back-up for memory functions where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption, data loss, or even simple inconvenience. Recent developments at MIT, Georgia Tech, and elsewhere have shown that the performance of supercapacitors can be significantly enhanced with CNT technology. Such devices would provide more power, increased energy density, and longer life to a wide range of applications. It’s a super world out there for the tiny supercapacitor. ei NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 13 Innovations that Could Change Manufacturing Lauralyn McDaniel, Innovations Watch Manager, Society of Manufacturing Engineers T he Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ list of new and emerging technologies represents those used in manufacturing with successful implementation. Biomimicry Think of nature as the ultimate engineer. Biomimicry is behind synthetic gecko tape, coloration with nanophotonic crystals inspired by peacock feathers, and an artificial leaf that harnesses solar energy. Another example is the hummingbird-inspired nano air vehicle. It demonstrates hover stability in wind gusts, continuous hover without external power, and transition from hover to fast forward. Transistors Go 3-D The 3D Tri-Gate transistor represents a fundamental departure from the traditional “flat” two-dimensional gate. Using three gates wrapped around the silicon channel in a 3-D structure, current flow is controlled on three sides of the channel rather than just from the top. Because these fins are vertical, transistors can be packed closer together. The new technology enables innovative microarchitectures, system on chip designs, and new products. Economic Machining of Steels and Super Alloys Hyper-carbides are sintered, metal-matrix composites that differ from traditional carbides in binder composition. By replacing traditional binder metal (cobalt) with others such as rhenium, molybdenum, nickel, and chromium, the composite achieves a much greater hot hardness and thermal resistance, thus giving the tool an ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. The resulting performance allows machining at ten or more times the usual material removal rates. Artificial Replaced with, Grown Body Parts Nanotechnology has played a critical role in the first synthetic trachea transplant. A patented nanocomposite was used to form a scaffold exactly the same size and shape as the patient’s own windpipe, which was then seeded with adult stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow. While the list of parts that can be built is limited, it is imaginable that new parts could be built eliminating the need for things like dialysis machines, artificial hearts, and artificial joints. Tighter Tolerances An automated profiling system has attained precision levels never before reached, reducing the need for manual inspection while increasing performance and efficiency with tolerances within 50 microns. This also reduces the abrasive material consumption up to 75 percent and allows designers to define more complex shapes on leading and trailing edges. This process yields high repeatability. It has been benchmarked to eliminate the typical manual final inspection of the edges. The system is used in the production of jet engine parts and is well-suited for gas turbines used in generators. Green Steel Technology Using Recycled Tires Traditionally, in electric arc furnace steelmaking, scrap is reprocessed using large amounts of nonrenewable fossil fuel. Polymer injection technology mixes plastic and rubber waste, reducing reliance on coke. The technology reduces carbon emissions, requires less electricity, and reduces the amount of plastic and rubber that ends up in landfills. One Steel, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, estimates the reduction in carbon dioxide is the equivalent of removing 4,000 cars from the road. More Good Batches Using Predictive Control For batch processing, a multivariate-based model allows for a more accurate analysis and provides process insights not available from other approaches. Using available online multivariate analytics, the model predictive approach can provide immediate and substantial benefits including an increase in the consistency product quality, greater throughput through better yields, and decreased cycle time and outages. During Lubrizol’s first trial, 18 input variable, 38 process variables, and four output variables were used. Benefits included uncovering a fault in the process that went unnoticed through traditional monitoring systems. Technology that “Sees” the Future Predictive header pressure controller adjusts boiler loads to maintain header pressure several minutes into the future. Controlling more like an operator, the system anticipates a change in header pressure, makes an adjustment, waits, and then tweaks. The result is substantially reduced fuel costs. Through use of the technology, a major pulp mill in Western Canada reduced fossil fuel costs by more than $500,000 per month and reduced electric power imports by $60,000 per month, resulting in a 2.5 percent reduction in pulp production costs. Learn more: www.sme.org/innovations12 14 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Meeting future expectations Realizing the Promise of Solid State Lighting Kevin Leadford, Vice President of Innovation, Acuity Brands Lighting S olid state lighting (SSL) is in its infancy. Expectations are high as the industry explores the ways to apply these exciting new lighting technologies and to redefine lighting and the way that it’s used. Whether you’re riding the tidal wave or just watching it approach, there’s little question that disruptive change is on the horizon. SSL technologies provide an impressive list of attributes making them superior to incumbent technologies: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) • Energy efficiency • Long life • Robustness • Lightweight • Instant on • Ease of control • Color • Low maintenance • Cold environment • Scale (lumens, physical size) • Point source optical control • Scalable/distributed Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) • Energy efficiency* • Long life* • Inexpensive* • Lightweight • Cool to touch • Heat sink unnecessary • Instant on • Ease of control • Low maintenance • Low luminance • Ultra thin • Transparency • Flexibility • Color • Scalable/distributed *Potential Until now, most of the focus has been on light source suitability. Issues attributable to the light source itself, such as luminous efficacy, color properties, consistency of operation, package size, and standards have dominated the landscape. This makes perfect sense because the technology must first prove itself worthy of the application. Much of the activity has been driven by SSL technology providers with early focus on LED products to replace popular incandescent sources such as PAR, MR, and A lamp types (see image 1). Currently, there is an unprecedented amount of luminaire product development underway (see images 1, 3, and 4). Suddenly, manufacturers are faced with immediate demands for LED equivalents of nearly all existing products. This effort is staggering and consuming the industry. We can expect the pace to slow as product gaps are progressively filled. At that point we can anticipate a second and relatively extended wave of development that will reveal a new generation of lighting. Energy conservation will drive the development of more intelligent lighting as well as equipment that is more naturally and intuitively integrated as a system. Products will become more application specific. Even the lumen and other traditional metrics will be challenged. Technology Enabling Integration Technology will enable integration on multiple levels. This includes components and companion technologies as well as integration of equipment into architecture and infrastructure. Significant change has been sparse for decades. SSL makes new form factors and styling possible. Style will play a larger role than it has in decades. SSL technology has now reached the point where we must bring quality back into the discussion. Energy will always be a key metric and the central driving factor of adoption, but it must be framed within a broader perspective that weighs the many things that are valued in lighting. The industry must move beyond luminous efficacy and color metrics to consider factors such as light utilization, visual performance, visual comfort, architectural fitness, and adaptability, not to mention the psychological and physical aspects of health and wellbeing. It must also assess lighting’s utility in dimensions such as directing attention, way-finding, and establishing a sense of safety and security. These tend to be attributes of luminaires and lighting design rather than light sources. Why is this important? Lighting is for people. It’s not just math, physics, chemistry, and engineering. It’s also art, design, architecture, ergonomics, psychology, and emotion. These are elements that concern the luminaire designer. However, it’s important to understand that LEDs and OLEDs are not competing technologies. One is a point source and the other is an area emitter. Each has inherent strengths and weaknesses, and the two tend to be complementary. Point sources afford a high degree of optical control which makes it possible to cast beams and shape complex photometric distributions. However, because the lumens come from an emitter smaller than a grain of rice (image 5), LEDs are also extremely intense. They typically require shielding of some type. Point sources also cast sharply defined shadows, which can be distractive when taken to an extreme. They also tend to be relatively unforgiving in terms of manufacturing precision. OLEDs, on the other hand, are a thin area source of only 1-2 mm thickness. Because the brightness is distributed over a NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 15 5 1 6 9 3 2 10 8 7 4 16 11 12 Art courtesy of Acuity Brands Lighting 17 13 14 18 substantially greater surface area, OLEDs tend to be visually comfortable when viewed directly. They produce soft shadows by virtue of their size and tend to be quite forgiving in terms of manufacturing precision. (This refers to the manufacturing of products that utilize OLED, not the light source itself.) Because they are not a point source, however, OLEDs exhibit very limited optical control, making them a poor fit for many applications. All conventional light sources have been too luminous for direct viewing, including LED (images 6–10). Traditionally, this problem has been mitigated through the use of shades, louvers, filters, shields, and lenses of various types (images 11–14). The illumination produced by OLEDs is thought to be naturally suited to human needs because of its gentle luminance and the soft light field. 16 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 At Acuity Brands Lighting, we use the terms “simple,” “pure,” and “honest” to describe this new light source and the influence can be seen our designs. Consider the pendant luminaire (image 6). It’s contemporary, yet a bit retro. Even through it uses cutting edge technology, it feels familiar. This provides a measure of assurance that hi-tech solutions can still be comforting. The designs (images 17 and 18) demonstrate the character of OLED lighting—the idea of simple, pure, and honest. OLED panels, and in this case light itself, becomes the luminaire. Many of these attributes can be achieved with LEDs as well. Application specificity was mentioned earlier. Image 19 attempts to convey the idea using the example of a mock industrial facility. Today, this type of application would most likely be designed via lumen method calculation. A single desired light Meeting future expectations level would be determined based upon an analysis of activities expected in the space and their associated visual needs. This value would then be used to determine the number of luminaires required to illuminate the entire space to the desired level. The resulting number of luminaires would be laid out in a very uniform fashion to cover the overall application. Realistically, with today’s software tools, this entire process can be accomplished in minutes. Consider how much of the floor area represents regions where demanding visual tasks are rarely performed. Since these areas require a fraction of the illumination needed for the performance of specific visual tasks, there is an opportunity to save energy by merely taking greater care in the placement of light. Lasers—the Human Connection LEDs provide nearly laser-like optical control. This is why products of the future will become more application specific. It’s an approach that’s sensitive to individual and collective needs simultaneously, and it will save a great deal of energy. At Acuity Brands Lighting, we call this “tailored lighting.” It’s a trend that is emerging with emphasis on providing the “right light—the right type, in the right amount, in the right places, at the right times.” While technology is prompting the industry to deliver lighting systems that are more complex, it is important that this be done in a way that is simple and intuitive to the user. 19 20 Examples of new form factors may be seen in images 20 and 21. Because of their inherent package size, LEDs tend to be used in large numbers. This allows them to be distributed in ways that the four-foot fluorescent tube and high wattage point source paradigms were unable to support. They can be arranged in an infinite number of ways, and integrated directly into the architecture as a condition of their extremely long life. The clothing rack shown in image 22 provides an excellent example. OLEDs are also being developed to provide color changing capability, transparency (in the off state), flexibility, and decorative finishes, all of which will directly support architectural integration as well as the design of novel luminaires. Lighting is not just a bystander, but a participant. It invites us to gather (image 23). Observations such as these lead to the development of revolutionary lighting products, ones that realize the true potential of solid state lighting. ei Mr. Leadford has more than two decades of luminaire design experience. He currently leads Acuity Brands Lighting Luminaire Concept Center, where his team is responsible for developing flagship innovations for commercialization. He holds 24 U.S. patents, has led the conception and development of proprietary engineering software tools, has served as co-chair of the SPIE’s international conference on solid state lighting, and is currently a member of the IESNA papers committee. 22 21 23 Art courtesy of Acuity Brands Lighting NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 17 Saving Money with Ceramic Metal Halide— Another White Light Tom Salpietra, President & COO, EYE Lighting International H igh intensity discharge (HID) lighting has been providing energy-efficient lighting for decades—from the first flicker of mercury vapor lamps, to the advances of low and high pressure sodium, to the whiter light of metal halide. The global energy crisis brought about a change in our attitude about how much electricity our products use, and ushered in an era of codes and regulations that emphasize energy-savings and cost-effective solutions. LED technology has been evolving at a dizzying pace and is currently getting most of the attention around energy-saving light sources. But LEDs have their own challenges of thermal, optical, and electrical fine-tuning before this semi-conductor light source can compatibly replace HID in many applications. With the installed base of millions upon millions of light points in the world, users are looking for reliable, proven choices that provide energy-savings and long life, yet at the same time ease the price tag into the “whiter” world of solid state lighting. While many in the industry acknowledge that white light is preferable both visually and aesthetically, creating a white light source that has high efficacy, is cost effective, and lasts long has been elusive for lamp makers. Ceramic metal halide lighting is a superior retrofit choice for existing high pressure sodium and mercury lamp installations. The bright white light is suitable for virtually all applications, and CMH delivers more light per watt for energy savings. Photos courtesy of EYE Lighting International 18 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 150W Ceramic Metal Halide lamp. The mogul-base, ED 23.5 bulb shape lamp is designed for universal operation and is TCLP compliant. Photo courtesy of EYE Lighting. Ceramic metal halide lighting provides an excellent transition from indoor white light to outdoor white light in both modern architecture and historical settings. The bright white light creates visual acuity and a sense of security, along with excellent energy-savings opportunities. Meeting future expectations Enter ceramic metal halide, an HID lamp choice that combines the high efficacy and long life of high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps with the white light of metal halide. Coupled with smart electronic ballasts and control options, or e-HID ballasts, ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps can provide long life, white light with higher color-rendering, and significant energy savings in a traditional package of reliability and serviceability. New CMH lamps have been designed to replace traditional 150W~400W products. These mid-wattage lamps are ideal for virtually all the lighting for roadway, street, area and outdoor lighting, as well as indoor big box, warehouse, and specialty lighting applications. The mainstay of HID lighting has been efficacy, or lumens per watt (LPW) of energy consumption. HPS lamps are known to be the most efficacious at 100-125 LPW, but their color rendering index (CRI) is mediocre, usually in the 20–30 range, yet their long life has been the feature users have admired. Metal halide lamps, though they provide desired white light, can only produce about 80-100 LPW. Their CRI is typically in the range of 60-70, and their useable life, while improved nowadays, falls short of HPS. Ceramic metal halide lamps, however, using the same polycrystalline alumina (PCA) arc tube material used in HPS, but with chemicals similar to metal halide (MH), can provide up to 130 LPW at a CRI of 80-90. Of course, the rest of the story depends on how efficiently the luminaire (fixture and ballast) is putting lumens where they are needed. LED is no different. A 130 LPW chip needs to contend with thermal, optical, and electrical losses before it can consistently deliver about half of its light light-on-task. Some municipalities and utilities are now replacing 250W HPS “yellow light” systems with “white light.” In this case, the plug-and-play solution is a special 250W CMH lamp that operates on the HPS ballast. The special 250W CMH will provide the same efficacy, operate for >24,000 hours, and provide the desired “white light” appearance customers and end-users are seeking at a budget-friendly cost. The alternative of using a standard MH lamp won’t give the light output or the life rating of the CMH. The other alternative of using an LED solution would be much more costly than just a plug and play lamp choice. There are other lamp-and-ballast approaches which reduce energy use by up to 40 percent and still achieve long life and white light. By making use of e-HID ballasts for better efficiency and for control capability, customers can specify a variety of lamp and ballast combinations. The most important criterion is to ensure that maintained light levels are achieved in the dimmed state otherwise safety, security, and visibility are compromised. Walkways, parks, and residential streets are applications where mounting heights are lower, traffic is less dense, and light levels require lamps in the 100W~150W range. These are applications where LED fixtures are becoming popular. If the current installation is a 150W HPS cobrahead or shoebox, the ceramic solution is a 150W CMH lamp and matching CWA Delivering Energy-Saving Choices Today lamp manufacturers are delivering great energy-saving choices with ceramic metal halide lamps that allow easy retrofit into existing luminaire systems. There are several ways to go when making the move to CMH. Some are simply “unscrew and screw,” or plug-and-play as we know it. For example, many roadway fixtures use a 250W pulse start metal halide traditional CWA ballast system. Customers can simply change to a 220W CMH lamp, keep the ballast, and get a ten percent energy savings. The 220W CMH lamp has a life rating of 30,000 hours, more than double that of the standard MH lamp, with >95 percent mean lumen maintenance. In fact, the 220W CMH lamp can provide more mean light than a traditional 400W probe start MH lamp that also lasts at best 16,000 hours. Replacing a 400W system, however, requires a 250W CWA ballast coupled with the 220W CMH lamp, but the life rating would nearly double and the energy savings would be significant at greater than 40 percent. NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 19 ballast. This lamp and ballast combination is tried and true and delivers the same lumens as the 150W sodium lamp, but with white light and great color-rendering. Alternatively, e-HID ballasts, again tried and true, save on energy and also offer controllability and dimmability. Coupled with smart electronic ballasts and control options, or e-HID ballasts, ceramic metal halide lamps can provide long life, white light with higher color-rendering, and significant energy savings in a traditional package of reliability and serviceability. Finally, some customers are using the scotopic/photopic relationship, not yet sanctioned by the lighting community, to justify replacing 150W streetlights with lower-lumen LED fixtures. The same concept could be applied using ceramic metal halide where a 150W HPS system can be replaced with a 100W 20 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 “white light” CMH system to save over 30 percent in energy at the lower-lumen level. The lower white light level and changeout of the lamp and ballast versus the selection of an LED fixture are part of the evaluation process. But the 100W CMH solution, while not guaranteeing ten years of free maintenance, certainly challenges the new technology at 24,000 hours of rated life and a lower initial cost. American lamp manufacturers, along with reputable global players, are developing and manufacturing new, high technology, ceramic metal halide lamps. Lighting specifiers can find a suitable solution to retrofit or replace their mercury, sodium, and metal halide systems. Depending on the budget and the application, they can achieve reduced energy use and long life, two of the most important money-saving requirements, all while delivering better visibility with “white light.” ei Salpietra began in the lighting industry with Holophane, and has held senior management positions with Acuity Brands and Cooper. The NeW eLASTIMOLD ® ReCLOSeR The best underground is now overhead For nearly 60 years, the Elastimold® brand has defined industry standards for underground cable accessories and switchgear with premier products and unmatched technical support and service. Now, after listening closely to your needs, we have designed the Elastimold® Recloser – smart, light, flexible – to redefine overhead switchgear standards. • Smart Grid ready. • Light – about 33% lighter than today’s typical recloser. For more information call 1-800-326-5282 or visit tnb.com • Fully compatible with SEL® controls. • Single and three-phase tripping. • Modular for fast sensor additions, as needed. • Ready for all voltages and amps – 15 kV, 27 kV and 38 kV, with a standard 150 kV BIL rating. Wire & Cable Management • Cable Protection Systems • Power Connection & Control • Safety Technology © 2012 Thomas & Betts Corporation. All rights reserved. SEL is a trademark of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. More to Success than Just Technology— An Interview with Le Tang, PhD, Vice President, Head of ABB US Corporate Research ABB corporate research engineers Waqas M. Arshad and Zach Pan test next generation high efficiency variable speed drive system in the Power Electronics Lab. M uch of ABB’s success with Smart Grid technology and other emerging innovations is the result of the company’s unwavering support of technology and product development. Its Corporate Research Centers (CRCs) are tasked with the primary mission of technology development. The USCRC is located on the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. The U.S. center is led by Le Tang, who earned his doctorate in power engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As the vice president responsible for ABB’s corporate research activities in the U.S. since 2003, Dr. Tang has championed, participated in, led, and organized many of ABB’s technology development projects involving power system component design, apparatus applications, power systems planning, operation, and control. Many people know ABB as a long-term, worldwide leader in the power industry and as an innovator and manufacturer of power equipment, including technology related to Smart Grid. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and doing business in more than 100 countries, ABB, an NEMA member, is a global leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their system and process performance while lowering environmental impact. Q: Dr. Tang, what are the primary activities done at the ABB CRC in North Carolina? A: Our research covers a broad range of areas, including: • power systems control and automation—Smart Grid • power electronics • advanced electrical machinery • industrial soft ware engineering 22 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 John Caskey, NEMA Assistant Vice President of Industry Operations and Vice Chair of the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel Governing Board • active distribution systems • industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing technology For example, in the Smart Grid area, we look into potential new technologies for building mixed ac and dc transmission, distribution grids, and various types of microgrids. Beside advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) integration, we are also doing a lot in distribution automation, substation automation, and grid optimization and management at a system level in order to improve the entire grid’s efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility. Mindful of the latest technology advancements Because of our disciplined process for project risk management, ABB’s success rate in technology development is reasonably high. in sensing, communication, computation, power apparatus, and power electronics, we are exploring some new concepts for future power transmission and distribution. Power electronics are increasingly used at all voltage levels for power flow control, reactive power optimization, and efficiency improvement. Our power electronics research is very focused on converter/inverter topology and grid interfacing on the control side to create suitable solutions for a variety of renewable resource and energy storage integration as well as system energy-efficiency improvement. We have been doing research to introduce new distribution system concepts based on power electronics devices. An active distribution system has the potential to make the system fully controllable in dynamic fashion in real time. Meeting future expectations There are many more exciting research projects we have ongoing. ŰŰMore at www.abb.com Q: How does the research center identify technologies to investigate? Q: What do you think were the most important technological advances of the past decade? A: Our R&D strategy is driven by market pull as well as technology push. Project execution follows a multi-stage screening and evaluation process, called gate model, throughout the project life cycle. Our technology managers keep close contact with our industry and end users/ customers to understand the customer needs and market changes. A: For power and automation industries, electronics and power electronics, wind and solar electricity generation, wireless communication and its industrial applications, GPS (global positioning system), AMI, and phasor measurement units. Our researchers are actively involved with the professional communities in their technical expertise areas. We also invest a significant amount of our research budget to fund various research activities in many U.S. universities so we will be able to identify and nurture emerging technology in early stages. Q: I’ve heard it said that it takes a lot of failure to make one success—that if only 10 percent of an R&D portfolio succeed, it is considered successful. Can you explain? A: At ABB, we follow a highly disciplined process to manage the risk inherent in technology development. Technology development goes through several distinct stages. In the first stage, we conduct pre-study to determine in a short time if the concept is feasible, if it has real technological merit, and how realistic it would be to launch. This may take several weeks to several months. We have many proposals initially, but only a portion of them—maybe a third—make it into the pipeline. After the pre-study, a proposal goes through a longer stage of technology development. Proposals can cover many areas—systems, software, process. Every major project is tracked systematically, checked at every gate against major performance metrics. This may take one to three years, and some topic may go up to 15 years. For example, we started investigating superconducting technology in the early nineties and we are still looking at it. The objective of the process is to monitor and minimize risk from a technology point of view. The last stage of technology development is Gate 5 where we enter product development. Everything has been verified. Now we can officially transfer the R&D result/solution to ABB’s Business Unit. Perhaps 10–15 percent of these initial proposals make it to Gate 5. Because of our disciplined process for project risk management, ABB’s success rate is fairly high. Q: What do you think will be the most important technological advances of this decade? A: New grid system concepts, microgrids, energy storage, post silicon power electronics such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Also, shale gas technology will have its significant impacts in the landscape of energy technologies. But there is more to success than just technology. Psychology and culture are very influential. In the power industry, people are naturally reluctant to be the first to try something new because it has been done a certain way for the last hundred years. Policy can also influence new technology’s market entry. Take renewables, for example. We have solved many technological problems driven by the energy independency and national security. But right now, the low price natural gas is directly challenging the economic applicability of some renewable solutions. ABB corporate research engineers discuss Smart Grid research focus areas in the Distribution Automation Demonstration room. From left: Mirrasoul J. Mousavi, James Stoupis, Xianyong Feng, and Dmitry Ishchenko. Photos courtesy ABB NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 23 Case Study of Picking Winners in Emerging Technologies: Breath of Life or Kiss of Death Bart Frischknecht, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney A re government interventions with respect to emerging technology the breath of life that will sustain development until rosier days or are they the kiss of death that will ensure the industry never evolves into the effective machine required to withstand the economic storms? The roller coaster ride we call the solar power industry illustrates the highs and lows many emerging technologies experience on the path from invention to innovation to commodity. In the case of solar, that path is littered with examples of government intervention. The bankruptcy of Solyndra last year1 and the crumbling of the German solar power industry that continues this year2 throws into stark contrast the boom or bust cycle that seems to define many emerging technology industries despite governments’ best efforts to pick winners. Although the long-term solar industry trend is one of growth, the feeling remains—nascent since the oil embargoes of the 1970s—that the industry is on the cusp of truly great things. Contrast this to the growth of the personal computing industry over the same time frame. The Australian residential solar electricity system market provides an example of just how influential and volatile government policy intervention can be. The federal government of Australia in 2009 and the New South Wales (NSW) state government in 2010 put in place a financially attractive set of incentives to encourage residential solar electricity adoption among homeowners. Simply understanding customer demand is not enough to ensure success. The incentive includes a renewable energy credit that equals a large discount on the price of purchasing a residential solar electricity system. There is an added incentive for the first 1.5 kW of installed capacity. The size of the bonus decreases every year until June 2013. The state incentive included a gross feed-in tariff system whereby scheme participants receive $0.58 for each kilowatthour (kWh) generated by the solar electricity system. Standard utility rates for electricity during this time were between $0.15-0.23/kWh. The state incentive scheme of feed-in tariffs is designated for a term of seven years, meaning that scheme 24 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 participants continue to receive the higher rate for electricity produced through 2016. NSW canceled the higher tariff rate for new installations after October 2010 (eight months into the scheme) due to the higher than anticipated rate of adoption. The NSW government reduced the gross feed-in tariff rate for subsequent solar adopters from $0.58 to $0.19/kWh up to 300 MW of grid-connected capacity, which was achieved around January 2011. Applicants beyond 300 MW of grid-connected capacity were not eligible for the feed-in tariff. The federal renewable energy credit is now the only government incentive available to consumers in NSW. Practically overnight and without warning, the payback period expected by a residential solar adopter jumped from one to four years to three to twelve years. So has the retail market in NSW for residential solar electricity generation systems collapsed? It does not appear so, but it highlights a challenge for panel producers. Influencing Fate of Emerging Technology Over the past two years photovoltaic panel prices have fallen globally, and the federal incentive is still in place—both of which has supported demand in NSW. However, if you are a solar panel producer that was doing fine during the days of higher government subsidies such as in Australia or Germany but have not kept costs on pace with the falling global prices, you will be squeezed out of the market. Innovation at the level of the retailer can also influence the fate of an emerging technology. For example, at least one retailer in NSW has introduced a rental rather than panel purchase model. The ways that producers manage the evolution of their cost structure and the relationship with customers largely determine if and when an emerging technology industry can stand on its own. Ignoring how that relationship changes before, during, and after a government policy intervention risks charting an unsustainable path. One way to plan for the business impact of various phases of a government intervention is to study the end customer demand under various scenarios. In the case of the solar panels, this means studying the homeowners who are interested in adopting solar electricity generation systems. The Centre for the Study of Choice at the University of Technology Sydney conducted such a study in July 2010 for residential solar electricity systems in Australia using a stated choice experiment. Meeting future expectations A stated choice experiment asks respondents to make one or more choices between two or more product alternatives. The respondent indicates which, if any, he would purchase if it were available. A discrete choice model built from a stated choice experiment is a common technique in the fields of marketing and applied economics to predict adoption and other economic measures such as willingness to pay. One advantage of stated choice experiments is that it can be used to study future scenarios by “accelerating” survey respondents to the hypothetical context of interest such as the introduction of a completely new product category. Respondents are then able to make expected choices closer to the way they would actually choose in the future scenario. Because the choice situations used in the survey included differences in the system prices, government rebates, and gross feed in tariff rates, it was possible to build a model relating residential solar system demand to system prices and government subsidies. The primary finding of the study was that demand far exceeded the NSW budget for the gross feed in tariff under the existing federal rebate and state gross feed in tariff rate. The finding was validated over the next months as NSW curtailed the scheme due to its popularity. Had such a study been conducted before the gross feed in tariff scheme was established, it would have helped the NSW government achieve greater reach with the same investment, and solar panel retailers and producers would have been better equipped to manage production demands and pricing decisions during and after the feed-in tariff program. Producing Products that Customers Buy Of course, simply understanding customer demand is not enough to ensure success. Emerging technologies on the road to the market must overcome the complexities of development, production, intellectual property, sources of capital, distribution channels, customer education, and government regulation, to name a few. However, the formula for success is clear: Produce a reliable product that provides new to the world capability or displaces an inferior technology and sell the new technology at a price greater than cost and at the level a sufficient number of customers are willing to pay. The supply and demand relationship involves developers, producers, suppliers, customers—be they firms or consumers— and policymakers. Early days are characterized by high costs, marginal technology performance, and limited demand. Lower costs, high technology performance, and consistent levels of demand characterize a mature industry. In between, developers and producers face an evolving landscape of unexpected hills and valleys not the least of which are government regulations and subsidies. Government interventions typically play one of two roles. On the demand side, subsidies and taxes increase or decrease demand by shifting the price paid by the customer. On the supply side, subsidies, taxes, and regulations increase or decrease supply by shifting the cost to produce a technology or by prohibiting certain technologies all together. Demand for a technology can also increase when a substitute technology is prohibited. Regardless of the type of intervention, the relationship between the producer and customer is changed, and this change is almost certainly temporary. At all stages of development, emerging technology firms are best served when they combine their understanding of production cost and product performance with an understanding of the sensitivity of customer demand to changes in price and performance, especially when governments are eager to play a part. ei Dr. Frischknecht is conducting novel academic- and industrial project-based research to develop tools and methods to improve communication and decision making between the marketing, design, and engineering functions of an organization during new product development. Vlasic, B., Wald, M., “Solyndra is Blamed as Clean-Energy Loan Program Stalls,” NY Times, March 12, 2012 1 “Solar Flare-out,” Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2012, A14 2 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 25 Improving Air Transportation Security— DICOS-Compliant Security Systems & Software Enhance Safety Harry Massey, NEMA Industry Director I n the wake of the second attempt to explode an underwear bomb on a U.S.-bound airliner, NEMA and its Industrial Imaging and Communication Section members stand ready to meet the nation’s goal of providing a safe travel experience for the nation’s flying public. DICOS is being developed in 3 phases: In 2010, NEMA delivered to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) the first phase of DICOS (Digital Imaging and Communications in Security) standards that can dramatically improve the nation’s air traffic security through high-tech interoperability. • DICOS 2: will be completed by NEMA by July 2012. It is a more comprehensive standard to ensure interoperability of advanced imaging technology (AIT). DICOS 2, together with AIT, will enable instantaneous expert review of images of possible explosives, like the underwear bomb that was recently intercepted, in a manner fully consistent with important privacy protections. In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA, NEMA developed industry-wide standards for homeland security applications that enable equipment users at airports and ports to install or upgrade devices manufactured by multiple companies through interoperability. The DICOS standard is designed to enable the instantaneous exchange of digital information between security-imaging equipment from different manufacturers to dramatically enhance security at airports and, eventually, ports. Specifically, DICOS establishes standards for systems and software that enables images to be immediately analyzed by experts on- or offsite; when potential security threats are identified (such as possible “underwear bombs”), the information can be transmitted instantly throughout DHS and law enforcement networks. • DICOS 1: completed by NEMA in August 2010 under contract with DHS, the standard covers CT scans of checked baggage and digital x-ray of checked and carry-on baggage. • DICOS 3: NEMA is holding discussions with DHS on similar standards which would focus on air cargo and ports. The enhanced security offered by DICOS can be achieved not only through purchase of new equipment, but also by retrofitting existing equipment with updated software. NEMA Government Relations is currently delivering this message to offices on Capitol Hill. As a consequence of these standards, our nation will have the capability this year to install new systems and software to dramatically improve homeland security. It is important that TSA implement DICOS compliant systems and upgrades as soon as possible. After all, our citizens deserve safety and security in their travels across the nation and the world. ei Contact Mr. Massey: harry.massey@nema.org 26 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 New Imaging Compound Unlocks Mysteries of Alzheimer’s Disease Gail M. Rodriguez, PhD, Executive Director of MITA and Vice President of NEMA W hile it has no known cure, great strides have been made to find better ways to detect, treat, and even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease—a progressive, irreversible illness that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior in aging adults. As with other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s symptoms gradually worsen with time and can lead to a significant decline in quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The devastating nature of the disease means that new research and treatments are in high demand. Fortunately, a promising new radioactive imaging agent, known as florbetapir, offers a new way to accurately distinguish Alzheimer’s from the more than 400 other types of dementia, track its progression, and develop new therapeutics to combat the memory-ravaging disease. PET with florbetapir effectively and safely distinguished the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients from healthy individuals. PET scans of the Alzheimer’s patients’ brains showed significantly more of the radioactive agent than in the healthy volunteers, with the radiotracer accumulating over time in brain regions known to be associated with beta-amyloid deposits. Similarly, a study published in July 2011 in the Archives of Neurology found that PET combined with florbetapir showed significant differences in beta-amyloid burden in the brains of patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy older adults. This groundbreaking discovery could not have come at a more critical time. With a rapidly-aging U.S. population, the public health burden posed by Alzheimer’s is increasingly apparent. To address these challenges, earlier this year the Obama administration unveiled an aggressive plan to find real treatments by 2025 and improve the care and treatment of the 5.1 million Americans already afflicted with the degenerative disease. The $156 million research investment, announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in February, builds upon President Obama’s 2011 National Alzheimer’s Project Act and is indicative of the urgent need for research. The initiative increased National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding for Alzheimer’s disease by an extra $50 million in 2012, and President Obama’s 2013 fiscal year budget boosts funding for cutting-edge research by an additional $80 million—a combined increase of over 25 percent more than the current annual Alzheimer’s research investment. In April, Eli Lilly and Company and Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lilly, announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of florbetapir (known as “Amyvid”) with positron emission tomography (PET) for visualization of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Amyloid plaques are deposits that accumulate outside nerve cells and can precede the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by years. It is a pathological mark of the disease, as significant amounts of amyloid neuritic plaque tend to be present in Alzheimer’s patients. This novel compound has already proven valuable in identifying Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2010 clinical trial, a team of researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that use of The recent FDA approval of florbetapir represents a positive step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The medical imaging industry will benefit from increased clinical and research opportunities for amyloid imaging, while patients and their families will benefit from greater access to this brain imaging tool. Looking to the future, expanded use of florbetapir could help resolve medical mysteries associated with other forms of dementia, such as pinpointing the cause of mild cognitive impairment before it becomes more debilitating. These breakthroughs have the potential to lessen the burden of Alzheimer’s on the millions of caregivers who provide countless hours of care to individuals suffering from this disease. ei Contact Dr. Rodriguez: grodriguez@medicalimaging.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 27 Banking on Lower Weight Batteries— The Holy Grail of Electric Vehicles Ryan Franks, NEMA Program Manager W hile the adoption rates of electric vehicles (EVs) continue to increase, low driving range leading to “range anxiety” continues to be a barrier to entry for many consumers. To store enough energy to match the equivalent of a tank of gas, the amount of batteries needed would fill the volume of the car and weigh so much that performance would be unacceptable. Fundamentally, this problem stems from the fact that current EV batteries, including lithium-ion chemistries, have low energy densities compared to what is theoretically possible. That means battery weight needs to decrease, the battery’s amount of energy storage needs to increase, or both. Battery weight needs to decrease, the battery’s amount of energy storage needs to increase, or both. Current lithium-ion batteries, with an energy density typically of 100–200 Wh/kg, incorporate a liquid electrolyte between the cell anode and cathode. Unfortunately, this liquid is heavy and does not contribute to the storage of energy. In contrast, aprotic lithium-air batteries are being researched. More aptly called lithium-oxygen batteries, they work without a true liquid electrolyte and could reach energy densities around 1000 Wh/kg, which approaches that of gasoline when in inefficiencies and losses are factored in. Lithium ion batteries were first conceived in the 1970s, but have experienced a renewed focus in the past ten years with advances in material manufacturing processes, as well as material observation and measurement techniques. Currently, the IBM research lab at Almaden, California, in cooperation with the 28 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Department of Energy’s national labs (Oak Ridge, Argonne, Pacific Northwest, and Lawrence Berkeley) are pursuing lithium-air batteries to extend the range of EVs over 500 miles per charge. Various chemistries and compositions are being explored, but in state-of-the-art lithium-air cells the anode is pure lithium or lithium doped with a metal, and the cathode is a ceramic carbon. The hurdle to overcome is that a barrier layer forms at the anode creating a shell and blocking effective reactions at the anode surface. Currently, compositions based on dimethoxyethane are being used to actively dissolve and prevent the formation of this barrier layer. However, this class of chemical has many side reactions which must be tempered to make it a practical solution. Researchers are also addressing the stability of carbon cathodes for long-term use with high cycle-life and enabling the use of ambient air in place of dry oxygen in the laboratory. Further, lithium is highly reactive with water and researchers are attempting to mitigate the effects of moisture and other possible contamination in the cells. With such a team in place, it can honestly be said that some of the best and brightest in the U.S. are working on this project. A decision and announcement is expected in 2014 to determine if lithium ion batteries in their current state can be practically implemented into a consumer product like an EV. If this and related work proves successful and production of lithium-air batteries can be scaled to minimize costs, it could represent the holy grail of electric vehicle innovation and catapult the industry into ubiquity in the U.S. ei Contact Mr. Franks: ryan.franks@nema.org Electroindustry News ŰŰNEMA EVSE/SS Section Addresses Key Gaps in Electric Cars Standards • Gap: Charging of roaming EVs. There is a need to permit roaming EVs to charge at spots affiliated with a different Electric Vehicle Service Provider (EVSP). Recommendation: Develop communications standards that support roaming EVs that require charging services from an EVSP other than the EV users’ home EVSP. • Gap: Offline access control at charging stations. It would be beneficial to standardize offline access control at charging stations where a vehicle or driver may be denied access. Recommendation: Develop communication standards for offline access control at charging stations. During the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS 26) in Los Angeles, NEMA heard many EV drivers report that with different charging networks, they find it hard to know which ones they can use. Different plug standards for dc fast-charging and chargers owned by private businesses (whose chargers are listed, but not readily available to the public) compound the problem. Naturally, charging networks want to install electric car chargers in homes and public places like parking lots and airports. According to Consumer Reports, some charging companies provide an RFID (radio frequency identification) key tag to customers to activate the charger and authenticate payment. While some charging network providers collect authentication information (e.g., the kind of car being charged) and manage loads on the power grid, perhaps their most important function is to collect and aggregate payments. During EVS 26, a study was presented that quantified the likelihood that charging stations will be working at any given time. Of course, issues other than uptime distinguish different charging groups as well. While current networks operate in different geographic areas, EV drivers who travel across boundaries may need to carry RFID tags for several networks. In response to these consumer concerns, NEMA organized two working groups within the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/Systems Section to develop standards that address existing gaps in EV charging standards identified in the ANSI Electric Vehicle Standardization Roadmap. These gaps include network roaming and communicating metering data. Network roaming • Gap: Locating and reserving a public charging station. There is a need for a standardized communication method to permit EV drivers to locate a public charging spot and reserve its use in advance. Recommendation: Develop a communication and messaging standard to permit EV drivers to universally locate and reserve a public charging spot. Communicating metering data • Gap: Communication of EV metering data. Standards for communication of EV metering data are needed. Recommendation: Continue work to develop standards to address communication of EV metering data. “This is a key step forward in the development of electric vehicles. It will certainly help expand this new and important industry,” said Richard Lowenthal, chair of the NEMA Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/ Systems Section (EVSE/SS) Technical Committee Software Communication Subcommittee, and founder and CTO of Coulomb Technologies. No longer will electric car drivers be left hanging in selecting the right public charger. NEMA and its EVSE/SS have launched a standard initiative to develop Network Roaming for Chargers and Communication of EV Metering Data. The working groups held their first meetings in June. It is expected that the standards will be completed by June 2013. ei Harry Massey, Industry Director | harry.massey@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 29 Electroindustry News ŰŰResearch, Copyright, and Fair Use: Keeping up with Emerging Technologies while Respecting Legal Rights of Authors, Publishers Twenty years ago, a federal judge in New York City released an opinion in a copyright infringement case of first impression that caught some companies in the corporate research world by surprise. A researcher in a Texaco laboratory photocopied eight journal articles from the Catalysis journal and placed them in his desk drawer. Texaco subscribed to Catalysis, and the single copy was routed through its research facility before being stored in its library. Several academic publishers, including the publisher of Catalysis, filed a class action lawsuit against Texaco seeking an injunction and damages for copyright infringement. Texaco defended itself under the fair use doctrine, a provision added to the 1976 Copyright Act that holds certain types of copying is not infringement. The federal judge found that the researcher and Texaco had infringed the publisher’s copyright and the copying was not fair use. That decision was upheld on appeal; it remains the most authoritative decision on corporate copying of research articles for research purposes. The Texaco researcher, whose copying was found to be infringing, was not the only Texaco researcher who copied journal articles for future reference and Texaco conceded as much. If one researcher’s copying is illegal, then all similar copying is illegal. Courts understand that they have to consider the impact of their rulings on a broader community even though the facts of the case they are deciding may be limited to a narrow set of infringements. What is the impact on authors and publishers nationwide if copying is permitted without compensation? What is the 30 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 impact on the research community nationwide if compensation must be paid? That was Then, This is Now In a decision handed down May 11, 2012, by a federal judge in Atlanta, a different outcome occurred in a closely-watched case involving copying of portions of academic texts and journals in the academic community. Three academic publishers filed a copyright infringement suit in 2008 against officials at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. Professors normally assign textbooks that are purchased by students. They are supplemented by additional required readings from other books or journals. In the past, professors would arrange for the university librarian to set the book or journal aside for access at the library. With the advent of digital storage and internet/intranet access, it is now possible to copy digital versions of a chapter or journal article and upload it to a server for reading (but not reprinting). These can be read on the student’s computer or other digital reader. Like Texaco, the professors and the universities argued that their copying was fair use. The filing of the lawsuit had an immediate impact when the universities agreed to review their copying practices and policies, and ultimately tightened them up with clearer limits on the extent of copying that was deemed fair use. Professors were required to fill out and submit request forms to indicate the basis for their claim that copying was fair use. Still, publishers were not satisfied and the case proceeded to trial in 2011 on a narrower set of 75 alleged infringements. While the court did not consider the fair use defense in all 75 claimed infringements because, in some cases, the publishers failed to meet other technical legal requirements for enforcing their copyright claims, it did find that the universities had failed to establish fair use in only five of the 75 instances. Fair Use and Why Outcomes differ There is no formulaic answer to what constitutes fair use. In the 1976 Copyright Act, Congress said that reproduction in copies or by any other means “for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research” is not an infringement of copyright if it constitutes “fair use.” Congress added that in determining fair use, courts should consider (1) the purpose and character of the use, and whether it is commercial in nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. No single factor is deemed dispositive, and consequently a court is required to examine and weigh the significance of all four factors in light of the peculiar facts of the case. The court may also consider other unspecified factors. The judge makes a determination of whether a particular factor favors the author, publisher, or person who made the copy. If three of four factors tip in favor of a certain party to the litigation, there is likelihood—but not a certainty—that it will be dispositive of the claim. When the factors are balanced, the court will make a judgment whereby it is called on to explain how it weighed the evidence and factors to reach its legal conclusion. Clearly, where alleged infringers are nonprofit educational institutions, the first factor is likely to weigh in favor of the teacher and university. Despite Texaco’s argument that its research efforts were for “socially valuable scientific research,” the court found that the purpose of Texaco’s research was “to improve Texaco’s commercial performance.” Corporate research copying is likely to be viewed in a similar vein in most cases. Fair use is more likely to be found with respect to factual works than nonfactual works. In both cases, the courts found that the copied articles and academic texts were essentially factual or informational in nature. This factor favored Texaco’s and the universities’ fair use claims. Amount and Substantiality of Copying Texaco argued that copying a single article from a larger journal publication that included many articles favored its fair use defense since it copied only a fraction of the entire copyrighted work. The court disagreed, finding each article a separately authored work that was entitled to protection. In the case against the universities, the court looked at chapters in both text books and “edited books” (a compilation of chapters or articles by different writers edited by one or more editors for a single publication) differently. It treated the larger volume as an entire copyrighted work and looked at whether the portion copied was substantial. The court established its own litmus test for substantiality: where a book had 10 chapters or less, it would count pages and if the copying involved less than 10 percent of the pages in the book, it would presumptively favor fair use; where a book had more than 10 chapters, the copying of a single chapter would presumptively favor fair use. The court’s litmus test was not without relevance to the fourth factor—the impact on the market for the work. Where a student was only called upon to read one chapter, it was highly unlikely that the professor would require the reading if it meant the student had to purchase an otherwise very expensive book and the student was not likely to buy the book. The court found that in most cases, the professor loaded only one chapter of a book or less than 10 percent of the book as a whole. This favored fair use. There is no formulaic answer to what constitutes fair use. Where that fact was found, three of the four factors now favored the universities claim of fair use. Where professors had uploaded more than one chapter of a book, the fourth factor and other evidence became crucial to the claims of copyright infringement by the academic publishers. Impact on the Market for the Copyrighted Work Texaco argued that if corporations required that their researchers cease photocopying single articles, it would not lead to increased orders for the same journal. The court disagreed, finding that by the 1980s there were convenient and reasonably priced opportunities for a company to order individual articles through the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) and pay permission fees resulting in royalties to the publisher or author on a per use basis, or to take a paid up license that provided in advance for access to individual articles. The court found that several major corporations were using CCC. Twenty years later, it provides digital downloads of articles, and now many publishers provide for digital downloading of articles. This access weighed in favor of the copyright owner. In the academic context, publishers varied in availability of chapters through CCC or from their own websites. In the few cases where more than one chapter was uploaded and the chapter was conveniently available for purchase, the court tended to find infringement. In one instance, the court found that the two chapters uploaded for student reading summed up the rest of the book and went to the “heart of the work.” This additional fact argued against the fair use defense, because it is more likely to have an impact on the market for the copyrighted material. Deciding Each Case on its Own Merit Corporate researchers should probably not regard the outcome of the Georgia academic copying litigation as precedent for uploading an academic article in a read-only format on the company intranet without additional permissions. Nor should academic professors who have contracted with corporations for research projects that benefit the corporation rely on their status as educators to justify copying of research articles from others in support of their commercial research. On the other hand, a corporate researcher who moonlights as an adjunct professor at a local college may be able to claim fair use for copying an article from a journal in the company library and uploading it to the university’s server for the exclusive use of his/her students. In either case, the extent to which copying is deemed fair use will require an evaluation of all the legal factors in light of the circumstances presented by the facts in the case. ei Clark R. Silcox, Legal Counsel | cla_silcox@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 31 Electroindustry News ENERGY STAR® Can Help America’s Buildings Be Top Performing Assets, Create Jobs, and Fuel the Economic Recovery Part 2 ŰŰBuilding Benchmarking and Disclosure Regulations— Let ENERGY STAR® Be Your Market Advantage for Building Profitable Relationships Deborah E. Miller, Pricipal, Green Strategy Associates Robert Sauchelli, National Program Manager, Environmental Protection ENERGY STAR® Program According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), U.S. buildings account for about 49 percent of our energy use, and consume almost three-quarters of our nation’s electricity. ENERGY STAR®, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, provides a strategic path toward superior energy efficiency, including a focus on ongoing performance measurement and wholebuilding improvement. In cities and states across the U.S., mandatory energy benchmarking and disclosure policies are driving the importance of commercial building energy performance. The specifics of each law vary, but they are similar in that they mandate the use of EPA’s benchmarking tool, Portfolio Manager . The goal is that market transparency will lead to energy-efficient building upgrades. This is a real opportunity for lighting professionals who are in a position to drive the acceptance of energy-efficient technologies that can improve building performance. Municipalities that have adopted benchmarking disclosure regulations include Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Montgomery County, Maryland; New York City, New York; and San Francisco, California. All require the use of Portfolio Manager to measure and report building energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR will work with several jurisdictions after they pass similar regulations to bring together building owners, utilities, traditional and automated benchmarking service providers, and financing entities. The goal is to encourage building owners and managers to go from benchmarking to retrofitting buildings to become more energy efficient. 32 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Service and Product Providers (SPPs) assist customers in benchmarking commercial buildings; improving performance through better operations, maintenance practices, and retrofits; and earning recognition. SPPs have a key role to play in this equation by helping building owners meet these requirements. At the state level, California and Washington regulations mandate benchmarking of public and commercial buildings to prospective buyers and lessees of entire buildings, or to lenders during transactions involving the entire building sale or lease. Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, Maine, and Vermont are among the other states considering possible benchmarking and disclosure regulations as well. New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., are three of the largest cities that are currently implementing benchmarking and disclosure regulations. New York City “In December 2009, Mayor Bloomberg signed the four legislative components of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, the most comprehensive set of efficiency laws in the nation. Together these laws remove a loophole in the energy code to ensure that it applies to all construction projects, require annual energy efficiency benchmarking that will be disclosed to the public, and mandate a set of cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades and evaluations of the city’s largest buildings, both public and private.” New York City’s benchmarking disclosure regulation is one of four elements of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan which targets over 16,000 of the city’s largest properties, covering almost one half of the city’s square footage and representing 45 percent of its emissions reduction goal. The laws cover benchmarking of buildings including the use of Portfolio Manager, lighting upgrades, submetering, audits, and retro commissioning. It is projected that annual energy bills will be reduced by over $700 million by 2030 and produce over 18,000 construction related jobs over ten years. Many ENERGY STAR SPPs are already at work helping New York’s buildings meet the next filing deadline for benchmarking building energy use and disclosure of May 2012. In the future, buildings with automatic data readers will be encouraged to manually benchmark water use as well. New York City requires its utilities to provide whole building energy data directly to building owners, resolving a significant market barrier. San Francisco “San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance is intended to empower decision makers who are responsible for non-residential buildings— owners, managers, and operators—with the key information to control utility costs and maximize energy efficiency. Existing commercial buildings 10,000 sq. ft. and larger are required to 1) benchmark their building with EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and annually report on overall energy performance, and 2) obtain a comprehensive energy audit from a qualified professional at least once every five years.” “You can’t manage what you don’t measure” is an important building efficiency axiom. San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance goes beyond simply mandating annual benchmarking and disclosure. It also requires an “actionable plan—or audit of cost effective measures,” which will enable building owners, managers, and tenants to move beyond simply benchmarking to a more actionable approach. By passing this regulation, San Francisco builds on California law AB 1103 mandating the disclosure of a Portfolio Manager score to buyers, lenders, or renters. The benchmarking efforts of San Francisco’s commercial building owners and operators are supported by PG&E, which offers automated benchmarking services for customers. More Information: www.pge.com/benchmarking Washington, DC “The District is taking proactive measures to reduce energy use in public and private buildings and help building owners better understand and manage energy usage in their buildings. A citywide Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions found that buildings are responsible for 74 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the District. Electricity, natural gas, and other fuels account for a significant part of building operating budgets. More efficient energy use will help building owners reduce operating costs and help the environment.” The nation’s capital was the first jurisdiction to mandate public disclosure of both public and private building energy use. The Green Building Act of 2006 (GBA) and the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 (CAEA) required the District’s 194 public buildings greater than 10,000 square feet to benchmark energy use in 2010. The results are published in a report posted on the District’s website. Private, non-residential (commercial) buildings in D.C. were supposed to file disclosure information earlier this year, including the Portfolio Manager score for buildings over 50,000 square feet. However, the District recently postponed the 2012 January and April deadlines in order to continue to take comment from commercial building owners on ways to improve implementation. It is expected that privately held commercial buildings would need to comply before the end of the year. Partner with ENERGY STAR NEMA’s Lighting Systems Division, through EnLIGHTen America, and each member company’s own marketing, service, and product distribution channels, have an important role to play in moving the idea of energy efficient buildings into reality. There is now a significant opportunity to drive improved efficiency across commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings—and in doing so, create jobs for a stronger, more energy independent country. areas of the country where benchmarking and public disclosure are mandated. ei Ms. Miller has worked in the sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy industries since 1991. Prior to joining GSA, she led EPA’s ENERGY STAR Commercial and Industrial Buildings Program contract for ICF International. Mr. Sauchelli is a National Program Manager with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program. www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance. bus_portfoliomanager 1 www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/about/ggbp.shtml 2 www.sfenvironment.org/our_programs/interests. html?ssi=6&ti=14&ii=208 3 http://ddoe.dc.gov/energybenchmarking 4 ENERGY STAR can be your partner in promoting energy-efficient buildings by providing tools, resources, and information especially useful in those Image courtesy of the Institute for Market Transformation (www.buildingrating.org/sites/default/files/documents/US_Rating_Map.pdf) A list of federal, state and local governments currently leveraging ENERGY STAR can be found at: www.energystar.gov/ia/business/government/State_Local_Govts_Leveraging_ES.pdf?e408-4668. Another valuable resource to gain an understanding of mandatory energy disclosure policies is the Institute for Market Transformation’s website at www:imt.org. A chart comparing the programs of all of the major jurisdictions can be found at: www.buildingrating.org/sites/default/files/documents/Commercial_Benchmarking_Policy_Matrix.pdf NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 33 Electroindustry News ŰŰJoe Andre Looks forward to Simpler Life After more than twelve years as NEMA’s Western Field Representative, Joe Andre is retiring at the end of this month. When asked what is plans were, he simply responded, “Do all the things I haven’t had time to do.” Before joining NEMA in 2000, Mr. Andre spent several years working as an electrical inspector. Prior to that, he held positions that offered him a variety of interesting projects including a sixmonth stint working with the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Mr. Andre, originally from Rochester, New York, earned his associate’s degree from Monroe Community College and headed west, ending up in Oregon where he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon. He eventually settled in Washington State where he’s lived for the past 33 years. He is an active member of the NFPA Code Making Panel 1 to the NEC for the 2011/2014 code cycle and the ICC Energy Code Committee for the 2009 and 2012 code cycles. He also sat on the Washington State Electrical Committee in 2011. “I will definitely stay active in the industry during retirement,” said Mr. Andre, “but I also plan on enjoying the simpler things like fishing, boating, and restoring my old car collection. I’d also like to do some volunteering.” Mr. Andre is heavily involved in fundraising efforts for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. He participates in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Seattle, Washington, and in western New York State. He hopes to spend some of his free time volunteering for the foundation, a cause close to his heart. In addition, he also looks forward to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. “I get bored easily so there’s no way I’m going to sit around and do nothing during retirement,” he joked. ei Chrissy L. Skudera, Assistant Editor/ Writer | chrissy.skudera@nema.org ŰŰSection Notes Isaac Papier, Honeywell Life Safety, has been elected At-Large Board Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire and Life Safety Section board of directors. Mr. Papier is a member of the NEMA Signaling Protection and Communication Section and is chair of its Research Committee. ŰŰFORTUNE Magazine’s Geoff Colvin to Address Illuminations Weekend Geoff Colvin, FORTUNE magazine senior editor at large and author of The Upside of the Downturn, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s annual meeting, Illuminations Weekend: Where Leaders and Ideas Meet. Illuminations Weekend will be held on November 9–10 at Turnberry Isle Miami in Aventura, Florida. Mr. Colvin is an award-wining thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. Mr. Colvin’s presentation, “Technologies and Discoveries: Changing our Future,” will address: 34 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 • trends that impact manufacturers published in a dozen languages. • emerging technologies—what will make it and what won’t Mr. Colvin’s latest book, Upside of the Downturn: Ten Management Strategies to Prevail in the Recession and Thrive in the Aftermath, has been well-received and was named the best management book of the year by Strategy + Business magazine. He is also heard on the CBS Radio Network. • impact of natural gas and oil discoveries • lean manufacturing • factors influencing insourcing jobs back to the U.S. • other important and emerging trends As anchor of Wall Street Week with FORTUNE on PBS, he spoke each week to the largest audience reached by any business television in America. Mr. Colvin’s bestseller, Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World Class Performers from Everybody Else, received the Harold Longman Award for Best Business Book of the Year and has been Register to hear Geoff Colvin and other speakers at this year’s Illuminations Weekend and stay ahead of curve on trends impacting manufacturers. Visit www.nema/illuminations to learn about the full program available to NEMA members and guests. ei Chrissy L. Skudera, Assistant Editor/ Writer | chrissy.skudera@nema.org ŰŰESFI Addresses Vital Safety Precautions Associated with Wind and Solar Power As part of its “Be in the Know about the New” campaign, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) examines renewable energy sources to educate consumers about the technologies and their inherent safety concerns. Solar Power Solar power was the fastest growing electric source in the U.S. in 2011, according to recent findings by the Solar Electric Power Association. While many homeowners find solar power advantageous for both its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness, ESFI addresses the considerations that consumers should take into account before deciding to install solar power in their homes. • Do your homework by researching the various solar power systems and installation options before investing. • Assess whether your property is a good site for solar. In general, you will need an open rooftop space or land that is free of shade for at least five hours per day. Wind speeds, heavy snow, and salt water can also affect your solar array. • Investigate local building codes, zoning ordinances, covenants, and special regulations pertaining to solar power systems. • Check with your local utility company to determine the requirements and costs or rebates for connecting your system to the grid. • Before adding an active solar system to your home, have your home electrical system evaluated by a licensed, qualified professional to ensure it can support this new technology. • Always hire a professional to install and repair solar panels at your home or workplace. Specific licensures and qualifications must be obtained before attempting to install solar equipment. • Building, electrical, and plumbing codes also apply to solar power installations. Ensure your installer requests the appropriate permits and follows all applicable codes. • Solar power systems present unique safety challenges for fire fighters. In the event of a fire, inform all officials of the use of solar panels as well as identify the type used. This will help them mitigate the risks. ŰŰESFI’s New Video Breaks down Basics of Home Electrical System ESFI has launched a new virtual demonstration titled “Home Electrical System Safety,” which provides an introduction to the basic home electrical system and provides tips to help identify potential electrical hazards. The three-minute long video can be found on ESFI’s website. It is available in English and Spanish. Learn more: www.electrical-safety.org Wind Power U.S. wind power capacity represents more than 20 percent of the world’s installed wind power, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Now that residential wind power systems are readily available, more homeowners are considering an investment in this technology. Many see it as a method of insulating themselves from fluctuating electricity costs and also reducing their home’s carbon footprint. There are, however, a number of aspects to think about before deciding to install a wind power application for your home. • Is there enough wind in your area? An average annual wind speed of at least 10 miles per hour is considered necessary to make a small wind system economical. • Make sure your local building codes and zoning ordinances allow for wind turbine installations. • Check with your utility company to determine the requirements and cost for connecting your system to the grid. • Determine your household electricity needs and purchase a correctly-sized wind turbine. General Safety Considerations • Break-down of materials Turbines are only built to withstand certain strengths of wind. If subjected to winds in excess of those it was built for, the materials may begin to break down, resulting in portions of the blades flying great distances and posing the threat of harm. • Fire Lightning is one of the main causes behind turbine fires. Electrical malfunction, paired with the presence of combustible materials, such as insulation and lubricants, can also present serious fire hazards. • Ice Since large wind turbines operate at higher altitudes, the colder temperatures can cause ice to form on the blades when it rains. This ice can then be displaced great distances as the blades spin, creating a safety hazard. ESFI’s “Be in the Know about the New” campaign highlights wind and solar power as well as other emerging residential technologies. Learn more: www.electrical-safety.org/NESM. ei Julie Chavanne, Communications Manager, ESFI | julie.chavanne@esfi.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 35 Code Actions /Standardization Trends ŰŰNEMA Pursuing Emerging Technologies NEMA’s Emerging Technologies Panel, a Board level committee of NEMA corporate chief technology officers, held its 2012 plenary meeting on May 22. Its mission is to guide NEMA in its evaluation of association involvement in emerging technologies. Past guidance has resulted in board-approved funding for NEMA involvement in Smart Grid, high performance buildings, carbon footprint modeling, and the NEMA Intelligence Portal. Briefings on Recommended Projects Panel members were briefed on projects/activities they had previously recommended for NEMA involvement. One of the early recommendations was nanotechnology. Greg Monty, PhD, of UL, chairman of the US TAG for IEC TC 113 on nanotechnology standards reported that more than 1,000 products currently on the market are using nanomaterials. Funding for nano-enabled technologies by the U.S. government will grow to $1.8 billion in 2013 and some $10 billion has been invested by governments around the world. Standards are under development for a number of nanotechnology products and applications, such as semi-conductive materials, inks, and screens. Graphene, a highly conductive plane of graphite, is emerging as a material for printed circuits and electrical/electronic contactors. Nano-enabled lithium ion batteries are providing significantly improved performance and life. Inverter wires show enhanced performance as do PV panels, fuel cells, and power generators and transformers. Nano materials can even reduce the amount of rare earth materials needed in certain applications. A number of NEMA-scope products are being affected by nano-materials. For instance, lighting components are using quantum dots in luminescent materials 36 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 and their use in LED’s reduced energy use by 80 percent. Another area of activity recommended at the 2011 Panel Plenary Meeting was to develop a model that could be used to measure carbon emissions from production of member products. NEMA contracted with the MIT Materials Systems Laboratory to develop a methodology for assessing principle processes that drive carbon exposure resulting from the manufacturer of electrical products. Once complete, NEMA will urge the government to accept it for all electrical products. Currently, the methodology is being studied with ac inductive motors and energy efficient lamps. In 2013, it is expected that lamp ballast and fire/smoke detection equipment will be added. Members agreed that this is a worthwhile initiative that can save companies considerable time and money. It was recommended that NEMA introduce the methodology to the government and other stakeholders sooner rather than later to get early buy in and collaboration in adopting the tool. Technology Presentations The panel heard presentations from government officials about efforts to secure our nation’s electricity grid against cyber security. Marianne Swanson, Senior Advisory for Information Security Technology at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provided a comprehensive overview of NIST cybersecurity initiatives. She discussed NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) 7628 Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security developed by the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel’s Cyber Security Working Group. The publication contains recommendations for secure architecture, cryptography and key management, privacy, and a number of references that can be used by manufacturers, utilities, and others to make their products and systems more secure. The guidelines can also be used by enterprises to make their assets more secure. NIST SP 800-53 is a guide for the federal government on security with a focus on information technology. It is aligned with ISO 27001 and 27002 on information security management. Ms. Swanson also reported that the NEMA SG AMI 1-2009 Requirements for Smart Meter Upgradeability is being modified to include cybersecurity test requirements. The document will be known as NISTIR 7823. Several participants in the development of the original SG AMI 1are participating in this project. Jeff Dennis, who works for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner John Norris, told the panel that FERC is very concerned about cyber security and is looking at how it can encourage utilities to address security gaps in their networks. At present, cybersecurity is addressed in many ways by the various utilities. FERC likes the risk management approach being developed by NIST. Michael Strano, PhD, Associate Professor Chemical Engineering, MIT discussed research he is doing on producing electricity with nanoscale materials. In 2010, his team of researchers discovered a chemical process that causes powerful waves of energy to rapidly drive carriers through carbon nanotubes. He explained the basic principles of thermoelectricity and how his work has led to creation of an efficient small energy generator. With certain types of fuel, oscillating wave forms are produced that offer the opportunity to create ac power. Dr. Strano noted that these devices will soon be used in new generation fuel cells and pulse power wave fuel cells. His work could also lead to enhanced thermo devices and new portable power sources. Panel Identifies New Areas of Interest Panel members reviewed several significant emerging technologies that will be impacting electrical markets and large scale manufacturing over the next several years including: • additive materials manufacturing • distributed intelligence • data analytics and cloud computing Outreach to Universities and National Labs NEMA staff has been reaching out to universities to learn about research on emerging energy and electrical technologies. More than 20 universities doing research on electrical products and applications have been contacted about working with NEMA and NEMA members. While NEMA members are already working with some of these and other schools on projects, panel members have urged NEMA to communicate with them about industry collaboration, including coordination on projects involving public and private sector research grants. NEMA is also talking to government labs on energy storage and Smart Grid technologies, as they are also a good source of information and a channel to get involved in emerging technologies Al Scolnik, Vice President of Technical Policy | alv_scolnik@nema.org ŰŰNew Jersey Adopts 2011 NEC® with Amendments The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards, has completed the electrical subcode review process. Effective May 7, 2012, the 2011 National Electrical Code® (NEC) with amendments became the electrical standard for all new electrical installations in the state. A summary of the 2011 amendments is as follows: • Section 210.12(B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modification—Dwelling Units will be deleted, because it is regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode. • The amendment to NEC 334.10(1), which permits the use of Type NM cable in accessory buildings or structures of dwellings, will be deleted because the text is now included in the 2011 NEC. • The amendment to 300.4(A)(1) will be retained. This amendment references the building subcode for the placement of cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or other wood members. • The amendment to 334.12(A)(2) will be retained. This amendment deletes this item and permits exposed Type NM cable in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings. • The amendments to the support requirements in 342.30(C) Intermediate Metal Conduit, 344.30. (C) Rigid Metal Conduit, 352.30(C) Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit, 355.30(C) Metallic Tubing Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit, and 358.30(C) Electrical Metallic Tubing, will be deleted because the 2011 edition deleted these requirements. • Section 406.4(D)(4), which requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) receptacles to be installed when receptacles are being replaced in a dwelling unit will be deleted because additions, alterations, and modifications are regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode. • All amendments to Chapter 5 Special Occupancies will be retained. • The amendment to 645.17 Power Distribution Units will be deleted because the text is contained in the 2011 NEC. • Section 680.42(B) will be deleted and replaced with the text from Tentative Interim Amendment issued by the National Fire Protection Association, which publishes NEC. This section addresses the bonding requirements for spas and hot tubs. The amendments will not require equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces for listed selfcontained spas or hot tubs that meet certain conditions. • The amendment to 800.156 will be retained. This amendment deletes the requirement for a communications outlet in dwelling units. • Informative Annex H entitled “Administration and Enforcement,” will be retained. This amendment deletes this annex in its entirety. ei Gil Moniz, NEMA Northeast Field Representative | gil.moniz@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 37 Code Actions /Standardization Trends ŰŰCombination Inspectors—Facts and No Fiction There has been a great deal of debate among budget-strapped municipalities and their inspections departments on ways to save money while providing a high quality level of service. Traditionally, when an inspection department needed an electrical inspector, the jurisdiction would hire one with years of education, apprenticeship training, and practical experience. Unfortunately, there is an alarming trend of focusing on inspector certification rather than qualifications. When the economy began a downturn around 2007, many jurisdictions began to look at reducing staff levels. Traditionally, there had been four levels of inspections within a specific department: building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. The typical electrical inspector will walk out the door with 10-15 inspections on his/her task list. These inspections could vary from a simple branch circuit, to a duplex receptacle, to a detailed inspection of a 5000-ampere service in an industrial building. A typical inspection could last from 15 minutes to two hours, or even all day. The electrical inspector had to rely on years of training to feel competent and comfortable in these environments. The consequences of getting it wrong could be loss of life. Having served as an electrical inspector, electrical plans examiner, acting engineer II, and code supervisor, I witnessed many inspectors who have been forced to obtain multiple certifications in other areas. As combination inspectors, they struggle in their own disciplines. Why is this happening? The answer lies in money. Budgets are usually outside of the control of building officials’ preview. The trend is moving away from specialized experts to generalists who have experience in several trades and 38 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 may be certified by having passed a test but are not qualified by experience. This seems to be the case regardless of jurisdiction size. This follow-the-money scenario leads us to the problems detailed above. The concept should be to reward the inspector who achieves excellence in his specialty. A combination inspector (i.e., one with multiple certifications) has to put on his/ her building, plumbing, or mechanical hat, and then continue with more inspections at this same location. If the inspector is given 10–15 inspections a day, which is a low-end average, the task becomes a race to avoid carryover inspections, which simply get added to the 10–15 inspections they will have the next day. While the concept of combination inspectors is well-formulated and legally protective for the home inspection industry, it is not well-conceived for the municipal inspection industry. These are 10–15 individual construction sites with unique addresses, not a single combination inspector visiting three separate locations and doing plumbing, mechanical, building, and electrical, thus racking up 12 inspections and being done for the day. These are 10–15 total visits, each one of which involves different inspections. This is where the concern lies. The justification for having a combination inspector performing multiple inspections has always been that it provides better customer service. Homeowners want a single inspector coming to their house; a contractor wants to wait for a single inspector because time is money; and the inspection department wants to save on gas, vehicle wear and tear, and logistics by having a single inspector visit the job site. All are valid arguments but none addresses the issue of providing the best inspection possible to ensure the safest dwelling possible. So how do we ensure a high level of quality in every inspection? In many jurisdictions, the only way an inspector can earn more money is to become certified in more disciplines. Since this trend is led by budget concerns, the focus should not be blindly directed toward a customer service mentality. It should focus on providing customer service in terms of the best possible inspections with the best qualified people to do the specific inspections. You would not send a heart surgeon to inspect a 5000A electrical service no more than you would ask an inspector to perform open heart surgery. Forcing a reluctant plumbing inspector to become an electrical, building, and mechanical inspector only reduces the quality of the inspection in most cases. In nearly 100 percent of my personal experience, it reduces the overall morale of the inspection staff. Combination inspectors are becoming a way of life. The pressure is on us—as manufacturers, code standard developers, and industry educators—to address the gaps of knowledge and help develop the next generation of inspectors into well-rounded professionals who can competently perform inspections. ei Paul Abernathy, NEMA Southern Field Representative | paul.abernathy@nema.org ŰŰLVDC—The “Wave” of the Future? There have been articles and prognostications about the resurrection of low voltage direct current (LVDC)— claims of Edison’s revenge. There is research being performed on how to integrate low voltage direct current devices with renewable power sources and energy storage. NEMA’s board-directed LVDC initiative, EMerge Alliance, was formed to facilitate the adoption of LVDC, and other organizations (including EPRI) and companies are pursuing various aspects of products, applications and standardization. There have been case studies examining the benefits of LVDC applications1. Data centers are at the forefront of the movement to bring LVDC into the twenty-first century. They make attractive targets because much of the core equipment has been found to be already suitable for LVDC supply. Replacing the multiple individual power supplies (one for each server blade) with a central power supply achieves some improvement in efficiency and reduces the amount of heat generated. This combination is especially attractive for data centers because cooling requirements, necessary to help ensure the reliable operation of the computers, are among the significant energy loads that can be reduced. In addition, the implementation of LVDC supply replacing the ac supply modules reduces the system complexity and improves reliability. These considerations are also generally applicable to telecom central offices. Another developing application is for multi-location rapid charging of electric vehicles so that range limitations are not as significant a problem. These rapid chargers, likely at a level of 360 to 380 volts, will be installed at commercial facilities, retail centers, government, and commercial garages. Enabling this technology necessitates special plugs and connectors designed for the voltages and current while protecting the users from electric shock. Overcurrent protection and control circuitry must be integrated with the mechanical robustness necessary for locations where impacts and other physical abuse are likely. Demand for these chargers will expand where more electric vehicles are purchased and used. The first standards effort by EMerge Alliance, essentially documenting a design developed by Armstrong, focuses on electrification of this grid with very low voltage dc. In essence, it is the same concept as track lighting, facilitating the reconfiguration of the office space without costly rewiring to move lighting and other devices where needed. Many of the lighting products and other devices enable reduction of energy needs to compliment the maintenance and flexibility savings. Will these and other potential applications result in the rapid expansion of LVDC users? Some early adopters, including Ford Motor Company, GSA, Southern California Edison, and a number of universities, have already made the plunge by retrofitting facilities with LVDC. LEED facilities and Green Buildings are concepts where LVDC energy efficiency, renewable energy source, and energy storage connectivity can help meet the design goals. LVDC can also serve well in “Net Zero Energy” installations. If more states follow California’s lead—to push “Net Zero Energy” for residences by 2020 and by 2030 for commercial buildings— and others see the benefits, then the expansion of LVDC is not a question of if but rather when. ei Ken Gettman, Director of International Standards | ken_gettman@nema.org www.armstrong.com/dcflexzone 1 ŰŰNEMA Publishes Standard for Aerospace and Industrial Electrical Cable The long-awaited Standard for Aerospace and Industrial Electrical Cable has arrived. According to 7HW Aerospace Technical Committee Chair Kevin Coderre of RSCC Aerospace and Defense, the group has completed the very important task of converting WC 27500 from a self-certifying standard, to a standard that will require qualification. “WC 27500 is the most widely used aerospace cable specification in the world. Assuring quality cable for aerospace applications is critical to flight safety. The conversion was a big undertaking because of the thousands of combinations of cables that the specification covers, but 7HW was able to define a method, where previously it was determined to be too difficult. This was a major step as the specification can now continue to be used for both military and commercial applications,” he said. The standard contains requirements for finished cables. Component wires are covered by other referenced standards. The contents and scope of ANSI/NEMA WC 27500-2011 Standard for Aerospace and Industrial Electrical Cable be viewed, or a copy purchased for $95 at www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Standard-for-Aerospace-and-Industrial-Electrical-Cable.aspx NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 39 International Roundup ŰŰMexican Product Regulation: Getting Everyone on the Same Page During the past month, three seemingly disconnected events pointed out the need to keep the dots connected with Mexico: 1. Outgoing Mexican President Felipe Calderon made a clear case for regulatory collaboration; 2. U.S. and Mexico launched the High-Level Regulatory Cooperation Council Work Plan; and 3. Mexican Bureau of Standards (DGN) issued its 2012 National Standardization Plan President Calderon addressed an assembly of company and trade association representatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on April 24, in which NEMA participated as part of the U.S.–Mexico Leadership Initiative. This is Mr. Calderon’s last year of presidency, and he summarized numerous accomplishments of his administration during the past five years. In addition to providing dozens of impressive facts and figures—several highlights of which were reported on the NEMA Intelligence Portal— the president made a clear case for regulatory collaboration, citing the unnecessary time and expense of compliance with different regulations that exist on both sides of the border. This takes on greater significance in light of the fact that Mexico is the second largest trading partner for the U.S. (number one for NEMA products, exceeding $9 billion in 2011). A separate announcement from the White House reported on the launching of the U.S.–Mexico HighLevel Regulatory Cooperation Council Work Plan. The work plan is part of a broader effort to reduce unjustified regulatory barriers to exports and to strengthen international regulatory cooperation between the two countries. The current work plan aims to simplify and streamline regulatory 40 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed company and trade association representatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of the U.S.–Mexico Leadership Initiative. Photo by Gene Eckhart. requirements between the U.S. and Mexico in food safety modernization, e-certification for plants and plant products, trucking and transportation, nanotechnology, e-health, offshore oil and gas development standards, and the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies. A process is being developed to include additional items to the list. NEMA is working closely with U.S. government officials on this process. Meanwhile, the Mexican Bureau of Standards (DGN) recently issued the 2012 National Standardization Plan, which includes an announcement about the planned development of an official NOM standard (a mandatory regulation) that will cover a broad array of electrical products. The announcement is short on details, but NEMA understands that the new regulation will effectively focus on IEC-based standards, and will cancel the existing NOM-003–SCFI-2000 that makes reference to a dozen or more NMX standards that have been harmonized through the CANENA process. This from the same agency— Secretary of the Economy—responsible for regulatory cooperation! NEMA is already working closely with U.S. government officials and CANAME, NEMA’s counterpart trade association, to ensure that the new regulation does nothing to impede members’ products from accessing the market. ei Gene Eckhart, Senior Director for International Operations | gen_eckhart@nema.org ŰŰEnergy Efficiency Continues as the Top Item of Interest at COPANT’s General Assembly The Pan American Standards Council (COPANT) held its annual General Assembly for the first time ever in Fortaleza, Brazil, in May. With 25 member countries, a half-dozen European-based adherent members, and collaboration agreements with IEC, ISO, CEN and CENELEC, the Pacific Area Standards Council (PASC), and other entities, COPANT is a locus of activity in the development and adoption of standards throughout the Americas, particularly for the developing countries. COPANT also serves as an excellent organization through which to launch capacity building programs. The COPANT annual General Assembly provides members with an overview of local and regional efforts, and insight into the impact of emerging global developments including topics such as climate change, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, codes and standards development, conformity assessment and product acceptance, intellectual property, etc. In addition to annual briefings provided by the incoming IEC General Secretary Frans Vreeswijk, ISO General Secretary Rob Steels, and ITU Workshops and Promotion Division Head Paolo Rosa, this year the assembly featured a workshop on renewable energy, covering a U.S. perspective on renewable energy sources: solar and geothermal, challenges of alternative energies and sustainability; experience of PTB in renewable energies for Latin America and Caribbean; experience of Chile in renewable energies; and development, manufacturing, and supplying wind energy equipment A briefing was delivered on the energyefficiency initiative by the government of Germany through the PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, the National Metrology Institute), which is now formally underway. This four- COPANT attendees (from left): Surendra Solomon, Director, Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS); Winston Bennett, CEO, CARICOM (the fifteen member states of the Caribbean Community) Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ); James P. Olshefsky, Director, External Relations, ASTM International; and Fulgence St. Prix, Technical Officer of Standards, CROSQ. Photo by Gene Eckhart year capacity-building program seeks to improve the measurement infrastructure in the region focusing on: renewable energy, targeting solar thermal, energy efficiency, household appliances, transmission and distrubution, targeting Smart Grids, improving capabilities to reduce technical losses, and preparing the grid to absorb renewable energy. PTB also includes a crosscutting component to create awareness on the importance of a quality infrastructure, particularly the political community; creation of an internet site; sharing best practices of the standards development organizations and conformity assessment bodies; and compiling a list of existing services of organizations within COPANT member countries. Products manufactured by NEMA members consistently lead the world in energy efficiency, and NEMA is at the forefront of energy policy legislation in the U.S., advocating for increased levels of minimum efficiency. This was pointed out during a private discussion with the project executive from PTB. As a result of this position, NEMA is advising energy-efficiency authorities throughout the Central and South American region about applicable efficiency standards that can be adopted to ensure that their efficiency regulations are rigorous and world class. Referencing such standards also ensures that NEMA members’ products are included in the list of standards referenced by regulations. There have been several significant changes to the representatives from the various member countries, many of whom attended their first COPANT General Assembly, including ICONTEC from Colombia, DIGENOR from Dominican Republic, INEN from Ecuador, IBNORCA from Bolivia, DGN from Mexico, and SCC from Canada. These firms are significant because they represent the key standards development organizations of major destinations for NEMA members’ exports in the Americas. ei Gene Eckhart, Senior Director for International Operations | gen_eckhart@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 41 International Roundup ŰŰAPEC—Spreading the Smart Grid Vision • Continued education and outreach on Smart Grid interoperability standards to regulators are important to the success of Smart Grid. This includes the sharing of best practices. • Encouraging participation by regulators in the development of Smart Grid standards will produce more robust standards and also increase support for Smart Grid deployments. NEMA staff participated in the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Smart Grid workshop in Quebec City, Canada, in May. The workshop focused on regulatory approaches to Smart Grid investment and deployment. John Caskey, assistant vice president for Industry Operations and vice chair of the governing board of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP), briefed participants on the progress of the international standards community in developing Smart Grid standards that support interoperability. Mr. Caskey presented an update on SGIP’s Catalog of Standards (CoS), which meets a variety of interoperability requirements including communications, architecture, cybersecurity, and testing and certification. He noted that SGIP and the catalog can provide important tools and solutions for utilities and regulators. He also encouraged participants from the Asia-Pacific economies to join SGIP. APEC recognizes Smart Grid deployment as a means to address climate change, improve energy efficiency, and promote green growth. Chair of the Korean Electricity Regulatory Commission, Professor Ja-Yoon Koo, said that Smart Grids are essential to enabling the greater use and integration of renewable energy sources in businesses and homes. 42 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 “For Smart Grids to truly take off, we have to consider developing and adopting common interoperability standards across the APEC region. Adhering to such standards can significantly contribute to the trade and investment in Smart Grid technologies,” Professor Koo said. Using common standards will enhance interoperability and reduce costs and risks associated with investments in these technologies. This is one of the themes of NEMA’s Smart Grid program. Helping the regulatory community understand its value is also important. Obtaining regulatory approval for Smart Grid investment is key to expanding deployments over the next decade. • If regulators do not get more involved with the Smart Grid standards development process, the standards community may need to go to regulators to obtain their input on the functional requirements of various Smart Grid devices and standards. This would allow the regulators’ needs to be integrated into the Smart Grid standards. Using common standards will enhance interoperability and reduce costs and risks associated with investments in these technologies. There were several primary outcomes of the APEC workshop: • Development of international standards that support Smart Grid interoperability will produce significant benefits for electricity regulators. The SGIP CoS is a “compendium of standards and practices considered to be relevant for the development and deployment of a robust and interoperable Smart Grid.” More at: http://collaborate.nist.gov/twiki-sggrid/bin/view/ SmartGrid/SGIPCatalogOfStandards The APEC workshop was a promising step in expanding Smart Grid to Asia-Pacific economies. This was an ideal forum to promote SGIP Smart Grid architecture to a wider community and to offer participants the vetted Smart Grid standards that already reside in the SGIP CoS to be used as reference documents. ei John Caskey, Assistant Vice President for Industry Operations and Vice Chair of the Governing Board of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel | john.caskey@nema.org Economic Spotlight ŰŰEBCI Online NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions can be found at www.nema.org/July12-EBCI. EBCI is based on results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. It is designed to gauge the business confidence of the electroindustry in key world regions. ŰŰAvailable from NEMA/ BIS – The Electroindustry Economic Outlook is the preferred source for timely, comprehensive coverage of the economic trends and events shaping the U.S. electroindustry. Based on popular demand for current data and forward-looking analysis of the electroindustry and the economic fundamentals that drive it, NEMA/ BIS offers a subscription-based, regularly updated compendium of the information that industry professionals and executives most often request. The Electroindustry Economic Outlook • Frequently Updated More Learn • NEMA’s Emerging Technologies Panel evaluates association involvement in emerging technologies. Past guidance has resulted in board-approved funding for NEMA involvement in Smart Grid, high performance buildings, carbon footprint modeling, and the NEMA Intelligence Portal. Learn more: www.nema.org/Products/ Pages/Emerging-Technologies.aspx • For more links on emerging technologies, go to the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance, www.nglia.org • NEMA Government Relations provides lawmakers with information on key industry programs and on the electroindustry’s priorities for funding in energy, environment, health and safety; international trade and commerce, and issues related to the diagnostic imaging and medical device industry. Access this and more at www.nema.org/ Policy/Pages/default.aspx • MITA worked closely with the FDA and its industry partners in support of the passage of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act (S 3187), which reauthorizes the medical device user fee program for five years and brings more devices to market in a timely manner, enabling future product innovation and ensuring patient access to life-saving products. Stay current with medical imaging news at www.medicalimaging.org/newsand-updates • Extensive Coverage • Affordably Priced To find out how the Electroindustry Economic Outlook can help your business, contact tim_gill@nema.org (703-841-3298). Coming in Coming in August November People who make a difference The August issue of ei magazine will focus on what people in the industry are doing to grow and revitalize it with a spotlight on leaders, innovators, researchers, collaborators, lawmakers, regulators, safety professionals, section chairs, and NEMA staff. Also: • honoring returning veterans with training and support programs • restoring power during the summer storm season • using the new CANENA Project Tracking Tool Subscribe at www.nema.org/ Communications or at the App Store. NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 43 Innovation Showcase Hubbell CX Panels MNS-MCC Motor Control Center The Hubbell Building Automation CX Commercial Lighting Control Panels provide feature-rich and cost-effective lighting control for maximum energy savings. The LCD user interface utilizes simple and intuitive scrolling menus to program, check status, or update the panel. The easyto-use Pre-Programmed Scenarios Menu makes project commissioning simple and fast. Panels can be ordered as Master or Secondary Panels allowing two panels to be connected together on a single project. • Available in 4,8, 16, and 24 relay sizes • Relays – 20A/1P, 20A/2P, and 30A/1P • LCD user interface with keypad • 365 day programming with 64 schedules • Astronomical clock • 32 Groups • 99 Holidays with standard U.S. Holidays one-time check to include • Selectable pre-programmed scenarios • Low voltage programmable inputs accept switches, photocells, or motion sensors • Low voltage dry contact output relays • Program uploads via removable SD memory card • Listed to UL916 and UL924 with 5-year warranty The CX Panels can save up to 50% in labor and materials when used in place of conventional time clock and contactor combinations. The use of the astronomical clock instead of roof mounted photocells increases cost savings, lowers maintenance, and improves reliability. The arc resistant MNS-MCC is the result of more than 30 years of experience with design, manufacturing, and application of low voltage motor control across the entire range of industrial and utility installations. To achieve the greatest possible flexibility, MNS-MCC Motor Control Center offers plug-in, withdrawable, and full-height unit technology, with up to 4000A horizontal and 1600A vertical bus. Designed for the highest degree of safety, ease of installation and maintenance, reliability, and flexibility, MNS-MCC provides users with maximum uptime. Its unique and innovative design raises the bar in arc flash protection for low voltage motor control centers STABILOY® SunPlus® PV Cable At Alcan Cable we believe in a clean energy future. That is why we developed an aluminum conductor specifically designed for the solar market—STABILOY® SunPlus® PV cable. Alcan Cable’s STABILOY® SunPlus® PV Cable is an aluminum alloy conductor specifically designed for solar applications. Available in both 600V and 2 kV, our photovoltaic cable meets or exceeds the requirements of UL 4704 Type PV and is CT rated. STABILOY SunPlus PV cable is sunlight-resistant, listed for direct burial, VW-1 flame test compliant, and is rated for 90º C in wet or dry applications. www.hubbell-automation.com ABB Architectural Area Lighting With the introduction of the newly designed AccuRangeTM current transformers, ABB is the industry leader in metering accuracy for dry-type current transformer applications. These low voltage, high accuracy current transformers are designed for secondary revenue metering applications and deliver high accuracy and stable performance over a wide load swing. Accuracy is guaranteed to meet the IEEE 0.15S accuracy class of 0.15% from 5% of nominal current through rating factor. AccuRange current transformers deliver savings through improved accuracy and reduced inventory requirements. For more information, contact the factory at 252-827-2121 or visit abb.com/mediumvoltage. GridShield- 3-Phase Recloser ABB’s drive to produce more advanced feeder automation equipment and to exceed their users’ expectations has led to the development of the new GridShield Recloser. Paired with the industry’s most intelligent control device—the RER620—the GridShield Recloser is a product of extensive international research and testing, creating the most reliable and technically adapt recloser on the market. Whether performing three- or single-phase tripping connecting distributed generation to the grid or communicating via IEC 61850 utilizing GOOSE messaging, the GridShield Recloser is ready for any challenge. Some Key Features: Fully Customizable Faceplate, Integrated Loop Control, Web HMI for Field Configuration Architectural Area Lighting introduces Parkway Square® Sconce, the latest addition to the popular Parkway Square family of luminaries. This elegant family is available in medium- and small-scale housings with mountings that include pole top, arm, wall, as a bollard, and now as a sconce. Parkway Square design elements allow the luminaries to be configured in either a contemporary or traditional styling. Available with four optical systems, including AAL’s exclusive MicroEmitter® LED technology, three hood styles, and five decorative screen options, as well as custom mounting options. Parkway Square offers endless configurations and customization opportunities. www.aal.net Baldor Cooling Tower Motor and Drive System The Baldor RPM AC direct drive cooling tower motor sets a new standard in the cooling tower industry. This new direct drive technology improves reliability, reduces maintenance, runs quieter, and saves energy. Designed exclusively for cooling tower applications, the interior permanent magnet motor mounts directly to cooling tower fan, eliminating highmaintenance gearboxes, drives shafts, and couplings. Combined with Baldor’s proprietary adjustable frequency drives, this slow speed, high torque combination operates at variable speeds to maximize system efficiency and minimize noise. The Baldor cooling tower motor and drive is perfect for retrofitting older systems or designed into new installations. www.baldor.com 44 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Beacon Luminaires Replace your existing 250W, 400W, and 1000W MH and HPS Floodlights with energy- and maintenance-Saving ALPHA LED Luminaires from Beacon Products. For safety, security, outdoor storage, car lots, and recreational sports, the Alpha Flood is the energy and maintenance efficient LED flood light to specify. Whether pole, wall or base mounted, the Alpha eliminates light trespass, making it an ideal instrument for light commercial facilities in residential and urban settings. Additionally, the ALPHA can be specified for aiming either below or above horizontal. Check out our videos: Endura VA Hospital Installation (http://youtu.be/F4TSbkjHLIg); Genesis (http://youtu.be/ vLZjHhQAhT4); Drive Lane Optic (http://youtu.be/DZQ9tu-J-co); Endura Garage Luminaire (www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXL17ada1d4); New Lifeshield (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-MqQXrrlmDc&hd=1) Belden_10XTS The Magnum 10XTS Router Terminal Server targets large substation installations with large numbers of serial and Ethernet instruments and the need for high-speed WAN access. The Magnum 10XTS offers two routing ports via a T1/E1 card, as well as up to eight Ethernet ports or up to 28 serial ports for protection and SCADA devices and IRIG-B time coding. Like other next-generation Magnum “10” Series products, the 10XTS is an IEC 61850-3 compliant networking device with the hardening required for substation applications and the industry’s only dual hot-swappable power supplies. Magnaray® Out-Performs LEDs Magnaray®’s twin T5 system outperforms most LED lighting systems when it comes to visually efficient lighting. Providing 48,000 hour lamp life, with 90% lumen maintenance, creates lower purchase, operating, and maintenance cost than LED, HID, LEP. It also allows Magnaray to be the better lighting system value in today’s lighting market. This solar grid-tie system replaced 150 watt (194 total watts) metal halide wall packs with Magnaray’s #W1PL50 (53 total watts) which allows owners to sell more electricity back to the utility, improving ROI, and shortening payback time considerably. Solar PV Panels for Grid-tie System Magnum is a trademarked product line of Belden’s GarrettCom brand. www.belden.com Twin T5, 53 total watts/luminaire, staggered design Solid State Relays and Contactors Carlo Gavazzi solid state relays and contactors, the RG Series, assist people in replacing noisy, electromechanical relays and contactors that also have a much shorter lifespan. Cooper Wiring Combination USB Duplex Receptacle Cooper Wiring Devices is providing users with a simple solution to charge all electronic components, including smart phones, tablets, MP3 players, and cameras with its new Combination USB Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle. It features a standard duplex receptacle with two integrated USB charging ports rated at 2.1A for quick and easy charging and is available in both 15 and 20A versions, making it a perfect solution for both residential and commercial applications. For more information visit This new range of ac/dc solid state switching devices is an ideal solution for switching resistive, slightly inductive, and motor loads, thanks to the reduced size per unit—starting at only 17.5mm width, up to 85AAC (15Hp) switching, and high SCCR rating of 100kA. Common applications can be found in the HVAC, food/ beverage, packaging, plastics, printing, glass, and lighting industries. www.cooperwiringdevices.com www.GavazziOnline.com Halo Commercial Recessed Downlights Cooper Lighting’s newest company brand, Halo Commercial, is a comprehensive line of high-efficiency, high-quality recessed downlights offering value-driven solutions for the commercial construction market. The Halo Commercial line of 6-inch and 8-inch downlights and 4-inch and 6-inch directional downlights features some of the highest optical efficiencies in commercial recessed downlighting. This translates into savings by requiring fewer fixtures and thus delivering lower watts per square foot, while still providing a comfortable, well-illuminated space. The line features the industry’s first commercial ENERGY STAR®-qualified compact fluorescent recessed downlights that meet the new 2012 stringent ENERGY STAR luminaire requirements effective April 1. Danfoss VLT Drives releases its next generation D-Frame VLT® Drive with improved performance in applications between 125–450 HP The size of the new D-Frame has been reduced by up to 68%, requiring less panel, control room, or wall space than previous models, which were already some of the smallest in their class, while reducing installation costs. The compact efficient design is the result of innovative thermal management. A new touch-safe chassis version is optimized for panel building, while continuing to use the proven back channel cooling concept Back channel cooling now removes 90% of the heat generated by the drive. www.danfoss.com NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 45 Innovation Showcase Get Plugged in with General Cable’s Carol® Brand Portable Power for Hybrid & Electric Vehicles General Cable released the industry’s first and only fully integrated and overmolded SAE J1772 Connector solution, which offers watertight protection in harsh environments and is suitable for use in Level I and Level II applications with performance ratings up to 80A/240VAC. Carol® Brand’s Ruggedized Plug-In Vehicle SAE J1772™ Integrated Connector Assemblies, featuring General Cable’s own highly flexible, lightweight CarolGrene™ Ultra Flex® EVJ/EVJE/EVJT and EV/EVE/EVT cables, are configurable and designed for residential, commercial, or public charging stations. General Cable offers a full line of private label options. Custom-molded company logos, cable printing, and polymer colors are available to help differentiate your brand. Let us meet your EVSE needs today with our fully personalized and integrated EV solutions for any environment. Features • • • • Innovative, fully integrated, and overmolded connector technology Simple connector latch design for improved durability and reliability Low contact resistance, offering minimal heat rise U.S. and International Patents Pending related to material technologies and encapsulated ergonomic connector design Applications • Suitable for use in any environment (indoor/outdoor; harsh environment —qualified to environmental rating of 4X per UL2551; temperature range: -40C to 105C • 20A-80A, 120VAC-240VAC charging units www.generalcable.com e•poc® LED Columbia Lighting’s e•poc® LED is testimony to Columbia Lighting’s commitment to energy savings and sustainability. Conserving natural resources and sustaining the environment received the utmost consideration throughout the design and production process. e•poc LED is available in two lumen output configurations providing a reduced energy consumption when higher light levels are not required. e•poc is easily serviced with a hinged optical system and plug-and-play LED modules that can be upgraded as improvements in solid-state technology evolve. It is also compatible with a variety of controls including occupancy sensors and dimmers designed to employ the latest in energy saving practices. For more information: www.columbialighting.com/products/lepc Encore Wire Now Offers Parallel Barrel Packs! Available in 8 AWG – 18 AWG in solid or striped colored wire. • • • • • • • • • • • 46 Bundled together with binder twine to prevent tangling 120V/208Y and 277V/480Y color coding Portable and easy to set up Barrel serves as instant payoff system Eliminates the need for multiple reels Lower amounts of wire scrap produced Less waste created by packaging Time savings on job site or OEM shop Less space on a truck Longer continual runs Easily customized to a specific job NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Ericson’s 6P Water Tight, SmartMonitor™ Plugs and Connectors Ericson offers priceless peace of mind with 6P Water Tight SmartMonitor™ Plugs and Connectors. These double duty devices have the watertight safety attributes of Ericson’s Perma-Tite 2® hazardous duty line as well as continuous power monitoring features of the SmartMonitor™ series. SmartMonitor™ Devices Constantly Monitor These Conditions: No Ground · Loss of Ground In-Cord · Hot/Neutral Swap · Reverse Polarity · Hot on Ground · Open Neutral Once installed, SmartMonitor™ Devices continuously monitor a facility’s cordsets, ensuring compliance and worker safety at all times saving time on labor and improving productivity. EYE Lighting International CMH Technology EYE Cera Arc lamps, available in 100W and 150W models, offerCMH superiorTechnology maintained lumens resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional startavailable EYE Cera pulse Arc lamps, 100W and 150W models, Technology MetalCMH Halide lamps. Rated lives up to 24,000 hours help reduceinoffer maintenance costs superior maintained EYE Cera Arc lamps, available lumens resulting in significant as well. in 100W and 150W models, offer superior maintained lumens significant Medium &resulting mogulinbase versions available. energy savings compared to traditional pulse start Metal Halide lamps. Rated lives up to 24,000 hrs help reduce maintenance costs as well. energy savings compared to traditional pulse start Metal Halide lamps. Rated lives up to 24,000 hrs help reduce maintenance costs as well. Medium & mogul base versions available. Medium & mogul base versions available. www.eyelighting.com EYE Cera Arc 2011 Progress Report Winners Continued Innovation Success www.eyelighting.com EYE Cera Arc 2011 Progress Report Winners Continued Innovation Success GE Light & Appl The GE Infusion™ LED Module opens up a world of new lighting possibilities. The palm-sized module is quick to install, easy to service, and ready to upgrade as LED technology progresses. This LED solution maintains incredibly consistent color quality from module to module (as low as 2-MacAdam ellipse consistency). With high CRI (80,90) and various color temperature options (2700K, 3000K, and 4000K), customers will enjoy a high quality, consistent, and stable white light for all types of applications. With a wide range of lumen packages up to 3500 lumens, a 50,000-hour rated life, and long-term energy savings, the reliable GE Infusion Module is equipped for various lighting needs today and into the future. GE Healthcare Telligence Nurse Call Staff Station The Staff Station is a wall-mounted color touchscreen device that promotes clinical workflow and communication across the hospital enterprise. It assists staff in meeting the demands of rising patient care-complexity and increasing workloads. The Telligence Nurse Call Staff Station is fully configurable and easy to use. • Automate reminders for nurse rounds to manage care protocols for patient safety and satisfaction • Customize workflows and automate tedious manual and paper-based processes so nurses may deliver more attentive care at the bedside • Optional wireless integration helps improve care coordination with mobile staff New Professional ILT Gilbert® Industries, Inc., the pioneer and leader in professional insect light traps since Don Gilbert built the first one in 1967, has introduced a new professional wall-sconce flytrap. The 2012 Gilbert® Flying Venus is a very serious pest management tool which increases fly catch over previous models and is so beautiful and well designed that it goes unrecognized as a flytrap in restaurants, hospitals, anywhere superior fly control is desired. David Gilbert succeeded his father as President in 1993 and leads the industry. All Gilbert ILTs are UL Listed & CSA approved. For more information: gilbertinc.com or phone 800-643-0400. www.gilbertinc.com HPS FusionTM General Purpose Enclosed Transformers HPS FusionTM combines an open core and coil transformer within a rugged Type 1 enclosure. It provides a cost effective approach ideally suited for single phase, industrial, and light duty loads. HPS Fusion is designed specifically for applications such as signal and alarm systems, HVAC, industrial lighting, and circuit isolation. • Molded terminal blocks for primary and secondary connections • Copper wound coils for high dielectric strength • Bolted core construction • 50/60 Hz • Superior insulating materials • Optional panel mount fuse holder • CSA Certified, UL Listed, CE Marked, RoHS Compliant • Meets NEMA Standards • 5 Year Warranty GE’s Fully Networked WattStation & WattStation Connect Software GE’s fully networked WattStation pedestal combines connectivity, convenience, safety, and reliability into an integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging system. Featuring a stylish, modern design and intelligent retractable cord, the WattStation offers users an innovative EV charging solution. The cord is self-contained within the charger and retracts only when the charger is disconnected from a vehicle, preventing damage when the charger is in use. Through the use of GE’s easy-to-use and customizable WattStation Connect software and mobile app, EV users can locate nearby charging stations, check availability, view their charge status, and process payments securely and conveniently. To locate a charging station near you, visit gewattstation.com. GE’s app will be available for download in the Apple iTunes Store® and Android™ Market. This complete, user-friendly EV charging station and software platform enables WattStation owners to manage charging stations remotely, giving them the ability to set customer charging prices, provide access control at their facilities, and generate valuable reports. For additional information on GE’s EV charging platforms check out geindustrial.com/ev. Twin T5, 53 total watts/ luminaire, staggered design www.hammondpowersolutions.com Hubbell Power Systems EVP Arrester The Ohio Brass® brand of Hubbell Power Systems has been an innovator in surge protection for over half a century and continues this trend with the introduction of the Type EVP Substation Arrester. This polymer-housed product uses a proprietary housing material, providing the strength of EPDM plus the water repelling properties of silicone. The EVP is extremely resistant to moisture ingress because of its four-point sealing system and void-free internal construction. New hardware features make the EVP one of the most versatile products on the market. The EVP arrester is qualified to both IEC and ANSI standards. Hubbell SystemOne Recessed 6” and 8” Fire-Rated Poke-Throughs Hubbell Power Systems Versa-Tech® single-phase recloser from Hubbell Power Systems serves systems up to 27kV. It uses no oil and features a “hot tank” design with vacuum interrupter, drive mechanism, control and housing energized at system potential. The entire assembly is insulated from ground by a standard polymer post insulator. The compact base unit weighs only 55 lb. (25 kg.). Automatic operation is self-powered. Power for the control and the mechanism is converted from fault or load current using current transformers. Programmable functions include minimum trip (30–800 amperes) and user interface for real-time load monitoring and load profile access. Plug-in from Any Direction Hubbell Wiring Device Kellems’ offers a new line of recessed fire-rated poke-throughs that feature an industry first 50/50 or 60/40 sub-plate configurations in our 6” model. These different layouts allow for capacity which was previously only available in larger 8” models. Having multiple layouts facilitates easy installation and allows for future expansion. Interpower Corporation offers Angled NEMA 5-15 molded cord sets that allow you to decide which direction the cord comes out of the outlet. These eight angles are especially helpful to reduce the clearance space required behind or under equipment. Custom options are available upon request including any angle IEC 60320 C13 connector molded to the other end, custom packaging and labeling, and custom lengths. From 1 to 1,000 pieces or more, Interpower Corporation has no minimum order requirements. We have a one-week manufacturing lead time on nonstock cord sets and same day shipments are available for stock cords. In addition to configurability and flexibility, the Hubbell SystemOne Recessed product line offers an extremely low profile cover flange0.15”-and architectural finishes that are available in three plated finishes: brushed brass, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze plus brushed aluminum or black powder coat. Order online at www.interpower.com NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 47 Innovation Showcase IDEA’s Data Management Platform (DMP) IDEA’s Data Management Platform (DMP) is a new industry software application that integrates seamlessly with IDEA’s flagship product, the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW), and increases efficiencies for manufacturers and distributors. This new solution enables manufacturers to aggregate, synchronize, and communicate product information with distributors, retailers, and other trading partners through one application. With the DMP, manufacturers can comply with electrical wholesale standards, global standards, and any other mandates that may be required by a trading partner. Power up with Legrand/Pass & Seymour’s Tamper-Proof USB Charger Receptacles Legrand/Pass & Seymour’s newly introduced USB Charger with Tamper-Resistant Receptacle features a combination of two USB “A” style charging outlets and a 15A ac tamper-resistant receptacle. This allows multiple 5V dc electronic devices to be powered up at one time via USB cables, eliminating the need for bulky transformer-style plugs. The 2.1A USB outlets are convenient and work with all 2.0/3.0 USB-style electronic devices, including the entire range of Apple products. It is no larger than a standard combination device, easily replaces any existing duplex receptacle, and uses standard decorator style wall plates. www.legrand.us Leviton’s Evr-Green™ 320 Charging Station Leviton’s Evr-Green™ 320 Charging Station provides up to 32 amps at 240 volts AC (7.7 kW output)—reducing the charge time of any SAE J1772™ compatible electric vehicle by seven percent when compared to leading competitors. The charging station has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the next generation electric vehicles with larger on-board chargers, enabling consumers to “future-proof” their charging needs. The device’s durable, weatherproof NEMA Type 4 steel enclosure easily installs in a cord connected installation when used with a Pre-Wire Installation Kit or can be converted to a hard-wired installation if required. These companies helped test the new software and provided suggestions for improvement on behalf of the industry: Border States Electric, Cooper Industries, Crescent Electric Supply, Leviton, Lutron, Milbank, and OSRAM SYLVANIA. “Creating one source of your product information, automating it through a certified data management platform, validating it, and synchronizing it to multiple channels at one time—now that’s a game changer.” —Samer Shehadeh, EDI manager, Cooper Industries. “The DMP enables two-way interactions with manufacturers which will make it much more efficient to respond to product data requests in the channel.”—Jason Archbold, Marketing Catalog Supervisor, Border States Electric Visit www.idea-esolutions.com and email dmpinfo@idea-esolutions.com to learn more. Kurt Versen has introduced LED downlights Kurt Versen has introduced LED downlights, accent lights, and wall washers in both 4” round and 4” square apertures. The key advancement is the MultiSource™ technology, allowing for convenient plug and play interchangeability. This green approach offers clients multiple relamp options today as well as providing a sustainable solution for tomorrow’s evolving technology. For additional information on all Kurt Versen products, visit us at www.kurtversen.com or contact us: 1-800-664-8200 Find all NEMA member products at www.nema.org/Products/Pages/default.aspx Find all NEMA member products at www.nema.org/Products/Pages/default.aspx www.leviton.com/evrgreen Leviton’s Universal Dimmers The Universal Dimmers are designed to optimize performance with dimmable LEDs, dimmable CFLs, and incandescent lamps. They offer smooth operation for precise dimming, low level starting, and flicker-free operation. There are two great styles to choose from: IllumaTech and the NEWLY designed SureSlide model. • • • • • • 600W iIncandescent, 150W LED and CFL, 120VAC Wider dimming range for dimmable LED/CFL lamps than standard incandescent dimmers Dedicated selector switch allows the user to easily select lamp type Enhanced starting technology for CFL lamps Single pole or 3-way control when used with 3-way switch Slim housing fits easily into a standard wallbox www.leviton.com/universal The Revolution in Welding Training is Here The VRTEX® 360 is a virtual reality arc welding trainer. This computer-based training system is an educational tool designed to allow students to practice welding techniques in a simulated environment. It promotes the efficient transfer of welding skills to the welding booth while reducing material waste associated with traditional welding training. The combination of realistic puddle simulation and arc welding sound tied to the welder’s movement provides a realistic and exciting, hands-on training experience. The VRTEX 360 is the flexible, innovative, and environmentally friendly solution to training skilled welders faster. www.lincolnelectric.com 48 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Lutron The Lutron Stairwell Retrofit Solution is an energy-saving lighting solution comprised of the PowPak stairwell fixture and Radio Powr Savr wireless occupancy sensors. The solution enables lights to stay on at minimum levels, and automatically raise the light level as soon as the space becomes occupied. It also offers field-adjustable high-end and low-end light levels to maximize energy savings, and provides the ability to assign multiple fixtures to a single sensor and/or multiple sensors to a single fixture. Lutron Clear Connect™ radio frequency technology makes retrofit installation simple, allowing the sensor(s) to be mounted in the location that provides the maximum area of coverage with no need to add/move wires. Magnagary Outperforms LED, HID, LEP Magnaray®’s dual head twin T5 area/street/ roadway luminaires have visually outperformed all other lighting systems while providing savings of 60%–82% in lighting energy costs. This #W1P502SL (106 total watts) has replaced 250–400 watt (295–480 total watts) HID systems, providing “more light” says the system users. With proven 48,000+ hour lamp life and 90% maintained lumen output, Magnaray systems are less expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain than other lighting systems in the market today. ATC eX NEMA Controller Boltswitch Maximizes Arc Flash Boundaries at Minimal Cost Do arc flash boundaries on main switchboards have you perplexed? Motor operated switches or circuit breakers are one solution, but they are expensive. Boltswitch offers a cost-effective method. Boltswitch Fused Power-Circuit Devices equipped with an optional remote close solenoid (suffix –CST) have independent close and trip coils. The switch closing operation and tripping operation can each be accomplished from any distance. www.boltswitch.com Micropack Detection Achieve optimum performance with McCain’s ATC eX NEMA controller—the latest generation controller hardware. Meeting or exceeding ATC and NEMA TS 2 standards, McCain’s ATC eX offers a sophisticated feature set with advanced communications options— standard three-port hardened switch, four USB ports, three serial ports, and a module slot for a modem/GPS. Micropack Detection introduces its new visual flame detector, the Model FDS300, with the same sophisticated software algorithms as previous visual flame detectors. The FDS300 uses a newer megapixel image sensor which offers even greater sensitivity to flames while eliminating false alarms. Requiring only one detection sensitivity setting, the FDS300 is unaffected by the background radiation found in many industrial environments. Easy to install with a stainless steel mounting bracket that can be rotated to ensure optimum positioning in relation to the potential fire source, it is also flexible in use providing both relay and 4-20mA outputs. The compact controller easily fits into smaller cabinets and, with all components manufacturer guaranteed, offers exceptional reliability in any environment. Best of all, ATC eX NEMA has the flexibility and processing power to evolve with your needs and meet the future head on. www.mccain-inc.com http://micropackamericas.com HelioProtection® Fuses—Industry’s First UL 2579 Listed PV Fuses Bobcat™ Series Engine-Driven Welder/Generators Mersen (formerly Ferraz Shawmut) makes solar power safe and reliable with first-to-market electrical protection for the PV industry, including UL 2579 listed HelioProtection® fuses, HP6M, HP10M, and HP6J. The new PV line provides superior overcurrent protection at the combiner box and inverter levels, covering applications from 1 to 400 A, 600 VDC, and 1000 VDC. Mersen is the only manufacturer serving the PV market with overcurrent, surge protection, and thermal management solutions. Visit http://ep-us.mersen.com/solarpower Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has re-engineered its Bobcat engine-driven welder/generators to reduce sound, reduce weight, offer a smaller footprint, reduce fuel use, and simplify maintenance. Sound is reduced by as much as 33 percent, and the machine is up to 5 inches shorter and 55 pounds lighter (depending on the model). The electronic fuel injection option (Bobcat 250) reduces fuel use up to 27 percent compared to carbureted models and offers an additional 1,000 watts of generator power (12,000 peak/10,500 continuous). It also provides more reliable starting performance in cold climates, requires no choke, and is less prone to fuel deterioration. NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 49 Innovation Showcase Leviton’s Zipline™ Panduit® StructuredGround™ Universal Ground Bar (UGB) Industry-first linear fluorescent lighting fixture retrofit solution that reduces installation time and eliminates wiring errors. The Leviton-exclusive system utilizes an integrated ballast and lampholder in a selfcontained assembly unit that greatly decreases components and wiring points necessary to retrofit existing lighting fixtures for use with energy efficient lamps. This effectively removes the most time-consuming installation processes—wire connections and socket installation—allowing for up to twice as many retrofit fixture installations in the same amount of time. Engineered for commercial and institutional retrofits, Zipline requires fewer pieces, fewer connections, and up to half the installation time. This unique system easily mounts into the existing lighting fixture, bypassing the need to install and wire ballast and socket components separately. Ballast and lampholders are integrated into one unit that installs quickly and easily using only two screws per side, streamlining the retrofit process. Using Zipline allows you to work smarter— not harder. The UGB incorporates many mounting options and termination methods (bare wires, ferrules, ring terminals, compression, and mechanical connectors) in one ground bar making it ideal for virtually any control panel or equipment enclosure application. Choose the method in which to terminate conductors with connectors of your choice or simply cut and strip the wires. With this versatility, you can reduce the amount of ground bars in stock to meet unique customer needs. The UGB is UL Listed and CSA Certified for grounding and bonding equipment and meets UL 508A requirements. www.panduit.com Prescolite’s D2LED Until recently, small aperture LED products were only suitable for niche or accent lighting. Prescolite’s D2LED challenges the traditional lighting design model with a 2” aperture downlight that incorporates Xicato’s LED remote phosphor technology. The luminaire combines superior brightness control with energy savings and low maintenance costs–and is focused on minimal obtrusiveness in the ceiling. D2LED has the smallest cutout size in the industry, allowing it to disappear into the ceiling. Zipline is available with optional easy to assemble, snap-in reflectors that improve lighting efficiency. The system fits most two-by-two and two-by-four troffers, and is available in two- and three-lamp configurations as well as in high, normal, and low ballast factors. Zipline is matched with a best-inclass five-year limited warranty. www.leviton.com/zipline With D2LED, lighting designers and architects can have it all–minimal aperture size, efficiency, and premium optics–when lighting highly aesthetic environments OSRAM SYLVANIA Renata Batteries Launches Rechargeable LiPo Product Line Renata Batteries’ division of The SWATCH Group is introducing a top quality line of 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable batteries. In addition to custom configurations, sizes ranging from 75 to 1260mAh are available from Renata’s standard UL1642 listed initial product offering. OSRAM SYLVANIA announces the expansion of its family of omnidirectional LED A-Line lamps. With the addition of the A21 100-watt—available this summer—the energy-saving ULTRA LED omnidirectional A-Line lamp comes in four wattages, offering a true substitute for 40, 60, 75, and 100-watt incandescent lamps. Producing a similar lumen output and distribution pattern, the lamp provides up to 82 percent energy savings over traditional incandescent. With a rated life of 25,000 hours, it lasts up to 25 times longer than traditional light sources, resulting in cost savings from less required maintenance—a great way to retrofit residential and commercial spaces alike. According to Bill Morrow of Sy Kessler Sales, Renata’s North American Headquarters, “multiple projects are already underway, predominantly targeting medical applications.” Renata is globally recognized as a leading manufacturer of lithium primary cells and battery holders as well as 0% mercury silver oxide, alkaline, and zinc-air button and coin cells. Visit www.renata.com or contact srossi@sykessler.com or 972 234-8091, Ext 110. Primary Lithium Manganese Dioxide Cylindrical Cells Republic Conduit Manufacturing Rigid Galvanized Electrical Conduit Panasonic has introduced two high safety and energy density cells, the CR-AG and CR-2/3AZ. The cells utilize manganese-based cathode material to deliver better temperature tolerance so they may operate in harsh environments. Both are ideal for fire alarms, security sensors, and AMR (Automatic Meter Reading). These cylindrical cells offer the widest range of temperature compared to other battery chemistries. Other features include: • • • • High current pulse discharge capability Superior long term reliability High safety and energy density Wide operating temperature (-40C to 70C) www.panabat.com/712-5 50 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Manufactured from high quality, flat-rolled steel with strong, smooth welds. Hot-dip galvanized is ideal for jobs where severe bending may be required. • • • • • Inside surface of the pipe is obstruction-free and extra smooth, making wire pulling and pushing easy. • Impact and fire resistant, chemically compatible with concrete, and resists cracking, flaking, peeling, and damage from severe bending. Physical and mechanical properties ensure that pipe has an extended shelf life. Easy to cut, form, and join. System grounding and electromagnetic interference shielding Sizes from ½” to 6”. www.republicconduit.com Robroy Industries SolarGuard for Stahlin Schneider Electric’s MVPs Many non-metallic enclosures are now placed in harsh environments where the box is exposed to excessive damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. To combat the sun’s effects on the fiberglass material,all of Stahlin’s enclosures include protection from UV damage with a proprietary molding compound: Solarguard®. SolarGuard is a unique doubleprotection material formulation that provides superior molded-in UV-resistance, requires no field maintenance, and is provided at no additional product cost. Solarguard meets NFPA No. 101 Class A flame spread index. Fire retardancy meets UL 94 5V standards. Schneider Electric’s Measurement and Verification Panelboards (MVP) are enclosed panelboards capable of measuring lighting and plug load energy use at the individual circuit level. MVP panelboards monitor energy usage by circuit, zone, space, or complete lighting system, allowing facility managers to isolate energy use with improved precision. Until now, monitoring capabilities were only available at the panel level. MVP panelboards reveal details including lighting load energy waste or floor and zone specific electronics used. Integration existing building operation software prevents the For the with first time, MR andmanagement PET are one. need for software add-ons and provides easy, in-depth energy Biograph mMR brings and a revolution in diagnostic imaging monitoring management. www.stahlin.com to life. State-of-the-art 3T MRI and cutting-edge molecular imaging are now fully integrated in one exam, enabling new insights in to the diagnoses of disease. Robroy’s- Plasti-Bond and Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures Siemens Discover more at www.usa.siemens.com/mMR. Many non-metallic enclosures are placed in harsh For the first time, MR and PET are one. environments where the box is exposed to excessive Biograph mMR brings a revolution in diagnostic imaging to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. To combat for molecular life. life. State-of-the-artAnswers 3T MRI and cutting-edge the sun’s effects on the fiberglass material, all of imaging are now fully integrated in one exam, enabling new Stahlin’s enclosures include protection from UV damage © 2012 Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. All rights reserved. insights in to the diagnoses of disease. with a proprietary molding compound: Solarguard®. Discover more at www.usa.siemens.com/mMR. SolarGuard is a unique double-protection material formulation that provides superior molded-in UV-resistance, requires no field maintenance, and is A912HQ-CCBA-121781_v2.indd 1 5/29/12 provided at no additional product cost. Solarguard meets NFPA No. 101 Class A flame spread index. Fire retardancy meets UL 94 5V standards. 2:59 PM www.stahlin.com SecureConnect from Rockwell Automation Provides New Protection from Electrical Hazards Users of the Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE 2100 motor control center (MCC) from Rockwell Automation can help reduce workers’ exposure to live voltage with SecureConnect. This new safety feature allows operators to disconnect the power from an individual MCC plug-in unit without opening the enclosure door or entering the arc flash boundary. SecureConnect enables personnel to disengage an individual MCC unit from the power source before opening the door to perform maintenance or troubleshooting. Superior Graphite Formula BT® Graphite / Carbon Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries Allen-Bradley IntelliCENTER technology helps users perform remote monitoring for troubleshooting their MCCs, all while outside the arc-flash boundary. Superior Graphite is a leading North American Manufacturer of graphite/carbon anode materials for Li-ion battery applications producing the Formula BT® product line. These high purity, surface-treated spherical graphite products offer high reversible capacity, low irreversible loss, excellent high-rate capacity, and high adhesion. Formula BT® offers long cycle life to meet electric vehicle requirements. Combined with a variety of milling and surface treatment processes, Formula BT® products consist of high crystallinity, high packing density, and spherical particle shape providing the market with cutting-edge, high performance products. http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/Motor-Control/Motor-Control-Centers www.superiorgraphite.com SafePlug Energy Duplex Receptacles Testifire® SafePlug Energy duplex receptacles provide several unique benefits: • Continuous power, line voltage, and load current monitoring for each receptacle and appliance • On-off control based on built-in safety criteria or remote commands • Full 15 Amp load switching, independent for each receptacle SafePlug • ZigBee Home Automation or Smart Energy radio for remote control Electrical Safety and Energy and energy monitoring • Detects and identifies appliances plugged in • Detection, tripping, and reporting of electrical fault conditions including appliance overload, branch circuit overload, high line voltage and low line voltage • LED status lights Contact 2D2C, Inc (519) 884-3100 www.SafePlug.com • Plugs in over existing receptacle ® ® Testifire® is the world’s first 3-in-1 detector tester for multi-criteria fire detectors. The result of years of technological development, Testifire is the most advanced detector tester available. Its design enables fast and efficient testing of smoke, heat, CO, or multi-sensor detectors. Using replaceable capsules rather than pressurized canisters of gas, Testifire generates smoke, heat, and CO stimuli either individually, sequentially, or even simultaneously. The unit then blows clean air to remove stimuli away from the detector, enabling rapid detector reset time. Testifire is UL certified and approved by leading manufacturers from around the world. www.testifire.com NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 51 Innovation Showcase Fabricator® 252i 3-in-1 Welder The Fabricator 252i 3-in-1 MIG-Stick-TIG welder significantly out-performs all competitors in its class. Advanced features such as MIG inductance and Adjustable Stick Hot Start optimize performance and improve weld quality, while unique control algorithms dramatically improve arc starting and stability. The system can weld steel, stainless steel, chrome-molly and brass, copper and nickel alloys, and aluminum via a spool gun. Design breakthroughs include using a single general-purpose microcontroller to manage all functions, high-speed inverter technology, and a global design platform. These are the key reasons the multiprocess 252i costs less than MIG-only, conventional technology welders (MSRP $2,509). WattStopper Daylighting Sensors Powerful DLM daylighting sensors from WattStopper allow unprecedented daylight harvesting options. Specifically designed for easy integration with other lighting controls, the sensors feature closed-and open-loop technology and can be used for switching or dimming. Other features include two-way communication for simplified remote setup and automatic commissioning. www.wattstopper.com www.thermadyne.com. VIP-PTZ Universal Lighting Ultim8 Program Start Parallel Ballasts. Automatic incident detection with pan-tilt-zoom cameras Traficon’s VIP detector boards are improving safety and efficiency on highways, bridges, and in tunnels by identifying incidents very soon and thus avoiding further secondary accidents. The new VIP-PTZ board has been designed to add these field-proven AID capabilities to pan-tilt-zoom cameras. Traficon’s VIP-PTZ processing unit combines five functions in one, all dedicated to intelligent highway monitoring: • • • • Queue detection; Automatic Incident Detection Video encoder: video streaming over IP with H.264 / MPEG-4 compression Serial server: remote control of PTZ cameras over IP network Remote inputs and control of third party infrastructure over IP network eiAppAD-7.5x4.875.indd 1 52 NEMA electroindustry • July 2012 Universal Lighting Technologies is proud to announce the launch of our new Ultim8 Ballasts. Universal’s Ultim8 program starts are high-efficiency parallel lamp ballasts. Ultim8s are designed with fast start times (less than 700 ms) and give you the ultimate ballasts for frequently switched applications. The result is long lamp life without the typical long delay during turn-on. For more information visit http://ultballastspecs.unvlt.com 5/29/2012 3:20:45 PM Let Intertek Ad clear a path for your next innovation Get to market with greater speed and simplicity. Whether it’s your first entry in a new market or an extension to a successful line, every product launch is critical to your profitability. That’s why more and more companies are partnering with Intertek for performance and safety testing and certification. For a smooth, hassle-free launch, we deliver fast, efficient testing and certification — including our ETL Listed Mark, the fastest-growing safety certification mark in North America. But that’s just the beginning. Our global market presence and expertise, along with local support and service, mean your product will be ready to succeed in more markets sooner. Visit www.intertek.com/NE2 and download a free copy of “The Definitive Q&A Guide to North American Product Certification” to see how we remove the barriers and get you to market faster. One Testing Program. Less Time. Lower Cost. We Make ENERGY STAR® and Safety Testing a Single, Seamlessly Efficient Process Third-party certification and verification are now ENERGY STAR requirements. CSA International has earned EPA recognition as an ENERGY STAR Testing Facility and Certification Body. That means today we can meet all of your product safety and energy efficiency testing needs with a single, seamlessly efficient testing program that saves you time and money. Look to CSA International to meet ENERGY STAR requirements for a wide range of products including: • Household Appliances • Fuel Burning and Electrical Appliances • Commercial Food Equipment • Information Technology • Consumer Electronics • Lighting Products • HVAC Equipment • Much More! If you prefer to perform testing using your own testing laboratory, we can qualify your lab facilities under our EPA accepted, Witnessed or Supervised Manufacturers’ Testing Laboratory programs, then verify your test results and submit them to the EPA. Contact us today and learn how much time and money a combined safety and energy efficiency testing program with CSA International can save you. 1-866-463-1785 cert.sales@csa-international.org www.csa-international.org NORTH AMERICA • EUROPE • ASIA Lighting products • Gas & electric appliances • Motors & generators • Solar energy equipment • Electronics & electrical equipment

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