Electrical Substations

Physical Security & Monitoring

The Copper Theft Pandemic

Around the time of the financial crisis of 2008, precious metals pricing began to change drastically. Beginning in late 2007, a trend of price instability began to be seen for gold, silver, platinum, and (although not a precious metal in the traditional sense), copper. The price of all these metals...

Substation Technologies

Gas-insulated Switchgear Options for Substations

Switching gears in the underground BY PETR RUDENKO AND PETER GLAUBITZ, Siemens As demand for energy continues to rise, an increased number of locations around the world require suitable energy solutions that fulfill unique demands. Cities are growing, and so is the demand for power. Urban areas...

Substation Protection

The Role of Digital Twins in Substation Management and Grid Optimization

In recent years, digital twin technology has emerged as a game-changer in various industries, and the power sector is no exception. Digital twins are transforming how substations are managed by creating virtual replicas that provide insights into performance and potential issues. A digital...

Breakers & Relays

Power Factor Testing of Circuit Breakers

Detecting contamination and deterioration in SF6 breakers to ensure longevity BY LINDA NOWAK, Doble Engineering Company The purpose of “Doble testing”, or power factor testing, SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) circuit breakers is to detect the presence of contamination and/or deterioration of the...

Lightning Protection

Pennsylvania’s Yaw Bill

In a significant move for Pennsylvania’s energy sector, State Senator Gene Yaw has introduced a transformative piece of legislation aimed at modernizing the state's approach to power plant development and capacity management. The bill, which has been the subject of considerable discussion,...

Substation Testing & Maintenance

IR Inspection Windows for Electrical System Reliability

An Infrared Inspection Window is used to separate environments of differing pressures or temperatures while allowing light energy at a specified electromagnetic wavelength to pass between the two environments. They must meet the strength and environmental requirements for the type of equipment in...

Home Transformation Electrical Substations

Cyber Threats on the Rise Invest Now to Boost Power Grid Defenses

Critical infrastructure security is in the national spotlight. In 2020, the power grid and energy sector was the third most targeted sector for cyber-attacks, up from ninth place in 2019, and the threats are growing more sophisticated. The Biden administration recently issued a national security memorandum which sets baseline cybersecurity goals and practices to protect the grid. The order also encourages the deployment of advanced technology for threat visibility, detection, monitoring, and response.
Power and...