think about it— · Ű achieving a resilient grid gary rackliffe, vice president, smart grids...

Think about it—How Smart is Your Grid?How Smart is Your Grid?

n Information and Operation Technologies

n Transactive Energyn Microgrids and Energy Storage n NERC Compliance

n Cybersecurity n Smart Grid Interoperability Panel n High-Voltage/Temperature Materialsn Energy-Water Nexus

Published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association | www.NEMA.org | June 2014 | Vol. 19 No. 6

the magazine of the electroindustry

2014 Hermes Award W

inner

energY anD inDUsTriaL sYsTemsaPPLiances anD hVachigh TechbUiLDing maTeriaLshaZarDoUs LocaTionswinD energYsoLar energYLighTingwireLess anD emc meDicaL anD LaboraTorYoTc anD PharmaceUTicaLswire anD cabLeLarge FormaT baTTeriesLiFe saFeTY anD secUriTYPLasTics anD comPonenTscLeaning ProDUcTsDieTarY sUPPLemenTsDrinKing waTer QUaLiTYFooD anD beVerageDrinKing waTer QUaLiTYFooD anD beVerageDrinKing waTer QUaLiTY

FUrniTUre anD beDDingJeweLrY anD waTchesPersonaL care anD beaUTYPremiUms, PromoTionaL anD LicenseD gooDsPremiUms, PromoTionaL anD LicenseD gooDsPremiUms, PromoTionaL

PLUmbing ProDUcTs anD sYsTem comPonenTsTeXTiLes, aPPareL anD FooTwearToYs anD JUVeniLe ProDUcTsTeXTiLes, aPPareL anD FooTwearToYs anD JUVeniLe ProDUcTsTeXTiLes, aPPareL anD FooTwear

Know UL?ThinK again.The challenges and goals you face in today’s market look different than they did 10, 5, or even 2 years ago. UL is changing, too. While our focus on testing, evaluation, and certification remains unchanged, we are also continuously working with the leading makers and users of advanced batteries to ensure the safety science of this exciting technology keeps pace with the expanding spectrum of industry applications, chemistries and hazards. How can you profit from our expanding experience and research? Tell us your needs, our portfolio may surprise you. Customer first, safety always.

For more information on UL services for large batteries, please contact [email protected] or call 1.877.ULHELPS (1.877.854.3577)

UL.com/baTTeries

FEATURES

NEMA electroindustry text and cover pages are printed on 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.

ECO BOX

Convergence of Information and Operation Technologies Bring Intelligence to Grid ..................................9

Transactive Energy—Bringing Smart Economic Efficiency to the Smart Grid ...........................................10

Direct Current Microgrid Architecture Conceptualizes Lower Costs, Higher Efficiency ...............................12

Accelerating Safe, Reliable, Cost-Effective Energy Storage through Industry Collaboration ......................14

Looking for Wide-Range Answers .........................................................................................................16

Properly Configured Microprocessor-Based Relay Systems Improve NERC Compliance ..............................18

NIST Cybersecurity Framework Addresses Risks to Critical Infrastructure ................................................20

Smart Grid Interoperability Panel Takes Modernizing Power Grid Personally ..........................................22

SGIP Catalog Ready for Prime Time ......................................................................................................24

Energy-Efficient Lighting Makes Microgrids, Smart Grid More Reliable ...................................................26

Research Center to Explore High-Voltage/Temperature Materials, Structures .........................................28

Energy-Water Nexus to Affect Manufacturers and Suppliers to Electroindustry .......................................30

Members—Submit a free or premium ad now for NEMA’s

Third Annual Product Showcase Details at www.nema.org/Product-Showcase

Deadline June 23, 2014

Available on the App Store

electroindustryPublisher | Paul Molitor

Managing Editor / Editor in Chief | Pat WalshContributing Editors | Phallan K. Davis,

Chrissy L. S. George, William E. Green III

Economic Spotlight | Tim GillCodes & Standardization | Vince Baclawski Government Relations Update | Kyle Pitsor

Art Director | Jennifer TillmannMedia Sales Team Leader | Stephanie Bunsick

CONTENTS

electroindustry (ISSN 1066-2464) is published monthly by NEMA, the Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900, 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 900, 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/subscribe2eiContact us at [email protected]

Follow NEMA:

Think about it—How Smart is Your Grid?How Smart is Your Grid?

n Information and Operation Technologies

n Transactive Energyn Clouds and Big Datan Distribution Automation n Microgrids and Energy Storage

n NERC Compliancen Cybersecurity n Smart Grid Interoperability Panel n High-Voltage/Temperature Materialsn Energy-Water Nexus

Published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association | www.NEMA.org | June 2014 | Vol. 19 No. 6

the magazine of the electroindustry

2014 Hermes Award W

inner

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/electroindustry/id504947439?mt=8)

www.nema.org/facebook

http://twitter.com/nemaupdates

blog.nema.org

podcast.nema.org

www.youtube.com/NEMAvue

www.nema.org/linkedin

Newsmakers NOTES

DEPARTMENTS

NEMA Officers .......................................................................................................................................................................................3

Comments from the C-Suite .................................................................................................................................................................3

View from the Industry .........................................................................................................................................................................4

Ask the Expert .....................................................................................................................................................................................40

Listen to the Expert .............................................................................................................................................................................40

Government Relations Update ...............................................................................................................5

Smart Grid Grabs Lawmakers’ Attention ..............................................................................................................................................5

Federal Cyber Recommendations Impact Broader Marketplace .........................................................................................................5

Regulations Move at Different Paces ....................................................................................................................................................6

MITA Supports Low-Dose Computed Tomography Coverage for Lung Cancer Screening ..................................................................7

Understanding “Survival Rate”..............................................................................................................................................................7

Washington State Amends Lamp Recycling Law ................................................................................................................................8

Electroindustry News ..........................................................................................................................31

NEMA Board of Governors Approves New Members .........................................................................................................................31

Friends, Family, and Industry Saddened by Death of Charlie Jerabek ...............................................................................................31

EEE PES 2014 Conference Charts Course to New Energy Future ........................................................................................................32

Promoting Sustainability with Student Engineers .............................................................................................................................33

NEMA Communications Garners Six Hermes Awards ........................................................................................................................33

Code Actions/Standardization Trends ...................................................................................................34

Dick Schneider Honored for Service ...................................................................................................................................................34

Recently Published Standards ............................................................................................................................................................34

NEMA’s William Hoyt to Co-Chair Motor Summit ..............................................................................................................................35

NEMA to Reinstate Standard for Dry Type Transformers ....................................................................................................................35

Radiation Therapy Standard Enhances Safety, Effectiveness of Treatments ......................................................................................35

International Roundup .......................................................................................................................36

NEMA Shines at PEMEX-CANAME-CFE Expo .....................................................................................................................................36

Guatemalan Officials See Need for National Installation Codes and Standards ...............................................................................37

Discovering a New Perspective on Motors .........................................................................................................................................38

Economic Spotlight .............................................................................................................................39

Current Business Conditions Stable in May; Optimism Retreats from April Peak .............................................................................39

April EBCI Conditions Jumped Showing Optimism for Next Six Months ..........................................................................................39

Did you know...The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) celebrates its 100th anniversary on August 1, 2014.

Learn more at standards.ieee.org/about/nesc/100

Ryan Franks appeared with Patrick Hughes at a University of Maryland sustainable engineering class.

Dick Schneider was recently honored for his service to the Fire Pump Controllers Subcommittee.

NEMA’s William Hoyt will co-chair motor summit.

33

34

35

COMMENTS FROM THE C-SUITEOfficers

ChairmanChristopher B. Curtis Senior Advisor Schneider Electric

First Vice ChairmanThomas S. Gross Vice Chairman & COO Eaton Corporation

Second Vice ChairwomanMaryrose Sylvester President & CEO GE Lighting

TreasurerDon Hendler President & CEO Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Immediate Past ChairmanJohn Selldorff President & CEO Legrand North America

President & CEOEvan R. Gaddis

SecretaryClark R. Silcox

Christopher Curtis Chairman, NEMA Board of Governors

I am very pleased that President Obama renewed and extended Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) for federal buildings. On May 9, the White House announced that federal agencies would be challenged to invest in energy-efficiency improvements that will lower utility bills for more than one billion square feet of federal buildings. Currently, there is a federal pipeline of more than $2.7 billion in ESPCs. Under the new goal, an additional $2 billion in ESPC contracts will be awarded by the end of 2016.

The benefits of ESPCs to the federal government are laid out in an Office of Management and Budget memorandum that dates back to the late 1990s. It describes an ESPC as “a technique to reduce energy costs and consumption at federal facilities, without increasing budgetary outlays.”

Under an ESPC, contractors use private investment capital to design, purchase, install, and maintain energy-efficiency improvement projects at a facility. In return, they receive a negotiated share of the value of the energy savings generated by their efforts. Because they are required to guarantee the savings, payment is made only if actual savings result from reduced energy use. Once the value of the investment is fully paid, all additional savings accrue to the government.

It seems logical that if ESPCs are beneficial in federal buildings, they should be good for commercial buildings as well. There are few ESPCs in the non-governmental commercial space because of a fundamental mismatch between who pays and who benefits. The cost is borne by the building owner while the savings show up on the tenants’ electric bill. If you have a dedicated headquarters building that you own and occupy, this is not a problem. Unfortunately, that is not the case for typical multi-tenant commercial properties in most downtown and business districts.

The solution is what’s known as an energy-aligned lease. This is a mechanism that allows both the cost and the benefits for energy-efficiency improvements to be shared mutually between the building owner and tenant. However, there are no programs to spur building owners to sign energy-aligned leases with their tenants. One possible incentive is based on the square footage that a building operator has under energy-aligned leases. The square-foot model would give the energy-aligned incentive a structure similar to the IRS Section 179D tax credits for energy improvements that is now being renewed by Congress.

As we address the Smart Grid, we can’t overlook the importance of the nation’s building stock and how its features and functionality alleviate stresses on the grid. Energy efficiency should be considered a “first fuel” in meeting our nation’s energy needs. NEMA supports a comprehensive domestic energy policy that efficiently provides affordable, safe, and reliable electricity to the American public. ESPCs are one of the best vehicles to deliver that efficiency. ei

NEMA electroindustry • June 2014 3

In 2006, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) published its first critical asset identification directive for North America’s

transmission grid. Subsequent NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) updates provide nine standards and 45 requirements on the security of electronic perimeters and critical cyber assets, as well as personnel and training, security management, and disaster recovery planning.

Our critical assets, both cyber and physical, are better recognized and better protected, but challenges remain.

Securing ASSetS And OperAtiOnS For more than a decade, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has hosted a test bed for assessing the security of control software. Over that time, INL’s work has expanded to address grid reliability, cybersecurity for control systems, and physical protection of key assets. These efforts help guide utility strategy and planning on all facets of grid security.

Technical controls now encrypt data, detect viruses and intrusions, manage identity and access control, prevent data loss, monitor events, and scan for vulnerabilities. Utility owners and operators also recognize that secure operations must include risk and vulnerability assessments, threat monitoring, penetration testing, incident response, software patch management, and supply chain management.

Ű Achieving a Resilient GridGary Rackliffe, Vice President, Smart Grids North America, ABB

interOperAbility, redundAncy, SecurityAnother element of grid resiliency involves taking advantage of its expansion of sensors, communications, and distributed energy resources. Experts agree that the strongest grid is the smartest grid—one that fully utilizes its adaptive, dynamic, and flexible capabilities to enhance redundancy and therefore reliability and resilience.

Although the CIP requirements included physical security (particularly for control centers), a highly publicized 2013 California substation attack elevated the call for security of field assets. Here are some examples of technologies available to meet known physical security threats.

• Automated transmission and distribution systems that use sensors, communications, and software monitor operating conditions, provide real-time situational awareness, and support instant disturbance response. These include automated fault detection and power re-routing capabilities, as well as asset health monitoring systems to enable more rapid restoration when a failure occurs.

• Wireless communications networks enhance substation security with intrusion detection and sensor alerts for active monitoring and response.

• Proactive substation design, including gas-insulated substations, allows critical facilities to be fully enclosed and secured, and even hidden for greater protection.

• Buried transmission cables limit access and reduce vulnerability at key junctures and critical nodes.

• Dry bushings provide resiliency by lowering fragmentation risk and eliminating bushing oil to reduce threats to transformers.

• Modular rapid-recovery transformers can serve as temporary spares for one of the most vulnerable components of the grid—large power transformers. While standard high-voltage transformers can have replacement lead times of a year or more, modular rapid-recovery units can be delivered and energized in under a week.

MOving tOwArd reSilienceEnergy infrastructure is increasingly subject to cyber and physical threats, whether intentional, accidental, or through the force of nature. Addressing those risks requires a multi-dimensional approach to threat anticipation, mitigation, and response planning, in addition to post-event power restoration and response assessment.

The definition of resilience incorporates the ability of people, networks, and systems to anticipate events, absorb disturbances, and adapt to evolving conditions. The synthesis of grid data is key to a system-wide, common operating picture for strategic scenario analysis and planning. Automatic recovery controls provide further support for rapid response and recovery. Nevertheless, new transmission applications that focus on grid resiliency and adaptability have been slow to develop and will require significant funding.

Our ability to meet these challenges is hampered by the split federal-state jurisdiction over U.S. transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as private sector ownership of most energy assets. The risk is compounded by the absence of critical equipment reserves, restrictions on federal disaster recovery grants, and the reluctance of many states to allow rate recovery for investments in system hardening and resilience. Action is required to address these challenges. ei

4 NEMA electroindustry • June 2014

View from the Industry

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/North-American-Electric-Reliability-Corporation-NERC



http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/security

http://searchenterprisewan.techtarget.com/definition/disaster-recovery-plan

http://searchenterprisewan.techtarget.com/definition/disaster-recovery-plan

Government Relations Update

Ű Smart Grid Grabs Lawmakers’ Attention

Ű Federal Cyber Recommendations Impact Broader Marketplace

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) will soon launch the Grid Innovation Caucus in the House of Representatives. Its mission is “to educate members of Congress and staff about the electric grid and to support legislative activities that promote and improve effective grid technology, modernization, and implementation.” The caucus will conduct educational briefings, serve as a convener of stakeholders, and develop and advocate for relevant policy proposals.

NEMA supports the Grid Innovation Caucus and will support the creation of a similar one in the Senate.

The National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (HR 3696), which has passed the House Committee on Homeland Security, includes a critical provision impacting the future of the grid. HR 3696 would direct the

The Department of Energy (DOE) in April released its Cybersecurity Procurement Language for Energy Delivery Systems. The guidelines are designed to serve as a “starting point” for energy sector cybersecurity procurements that should be tailored to meet the needs of the particular customer rather than being inserted wholesale into procurement documents for energy delivery systems.

They were written by the Energy Sector Control Systems Working Group (ESCSWG), a public-private partnership led by the Department of Homeland Security’s Energy Sector Coordinating Council.

At the same time as this flurry of federal activity, the electroindustry is showing its own leadership. NEMA’s Cybersecurity Council is finishing its guideline document of manufacturers’ recommended supply chain best practices to minimize the chances that

National Research Council to conduct a comprehensive assessment of actions necessary to expand and strengthen the capabilities of the electrical power system to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from a natural disaster or cyberattack. The amendment, which added the study to HR 3696, was offered by Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) and is based on his legislation entitled SMART Grid Study Act (HR 2962), which NEMA endorsed last year.

Meanwhile, NEMA’s comprehensive tax reform proposal has attracted attention in both chambers. We expect introduction this year of legislation to reduce to five years the depreciation period for Smart Grid systems at both transmission and distribution levels. This is an outgrowth of the NEMA Tax Reform Strategic Initiative and NEMA will be working to garner support for its

there are bugs, malware, back doors, or other exploits that can be used to negatively impact the operation of a device after its installation. The cybersecurity procurement language in the DOE document complements the NEMA whitepaper.

While ostensibly aimed at federal government procurement officials for their needs, the DOE language may have an impact on the broader cybersecurity marketplace. As the government begins to ask certain questions of its cybersecurity vendors, there can be a cascading effect on the supply chain.

Beyond supply chain impacts, purely private enterprises may see such a document—bearing the imprimatur of the federal government—as a helpful baseline for their own procurement practices.

DOE is just one example of the federal government’s burgeoning influence on the cybersecurity marketplace.

inclusion in comprehensive tax reform next year.

Finally, in mid-June NEMA and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute are conducting an educational briefing for congressional staff on Smart Grid technologies, their demonstrated value to the grid, and the policy barriers that need to be addressed to encourage their proliferation in the market.

An overarching topic of discussion will be the Quadrennial Energy Review, a government-wide assessment of the challenges facing our energy infrastructure and a policy roadmap for improving it. ei

Jim Creevy, Director of Government Relations | [email protected]

Others include:

• The General Services Administration (GSA) released a discussion draft for cybersecurity risk management that has broad impact across the federal government.

• GSA’s draft reflects principles found in the Department of Defense’s report entitled Improving Cybersecurity and Resilience through Acquisition.

• NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology) made big waves with its 2014 Cybersecurity Framework.

Subsequently, vendors of certain cybersecurity products and systems may begin to be asked questions along the lines of what is recommended by the DOE language. ei

Jim Creevy, Director of Government Relations | [email protected]



Ű Regulations Move at Different Paces electric MOtOrSThe final rule for electric motor minimum energy conservation standards was published by the Department of Energy (DOE) on May 8. It closely follows the proposed rule, which was based on negotiated positions and performance levels developed collaboratively by energy advocates and industry. NEMA is reviewing the wording for instances where technical corrections or clarifications may need to be submitted, since not all suggestions from industry were incorporated.

The certification rulemaking for small electric motors, however, has not begun. With new regulations being implemented in less than a year, the industry is very concerned. In January, DOE published draft guidance for small motor regulations. The Motor and Generator Section submitted extensive comments. NEMA continues to request additional guidance and action from DOE.

externAl pOwer SupplieSDOE published a final rule for external power supplies in February. Rulemaking originally was combined with one for battery chargers, but DOE cited numerous reasons for not promulgating battery charger standards. It might yet do so. Manufacturers who were banking on federal preemption of 2013 California standards for these products are concerned.

In March, DOE published a proposed determination for coverage of computer systems as a regulated consumer product, and included battery backup (i.e., uninterruptable) power supplies in its definition. NEMA is working internally and with other trade associations to submit comments to influence definitions and scope to clarify affected products and to refine consumer versus commercial lines of distinction. If DOE can cite evidence or opportunity for a product to be used by average consumers, then it

may categorize it as a consumer product for potential regulation under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

Rulemakings for commercial pumps, fans, and compressors could see motors and variable speed controls (drives) brought into scope. These products are often delivered with auxiliary systems included in the complete product, which could mean backdoor regulation. Motors can be affected, even though they are already regulated. The pumps rulemaking is expected to be a trendsetter.

MetAl HAlide lAMpSIn February, DOE published a final rule for metal halide lamp fixtures. In practice, this is a ballast standard. This rule expanded the scope of previously regulated products and did away with existing exemptions for 150W products. The intent of the final rule was to eliminate less efficient (but more robust) magnetic probe-start technology and transition the market to electronic pulse-start technology. Manufacturers who remain in this dying market (solid state lighting—SSL—is gaining ground quickly) must run old ballast production lines to supply repair parts. The transition to electronic ballasts also alienates 1000W architectural lighting that does not have universal-burn (any-position) lamps. It is unclear if lamp companies will bring 1000W pulse-start lamps to a dying market.

While there have been no lighting rulemakings yet, milestone documents for high intensity discharge lamp standards and their test procedures are on the horizon, as are regulatory milestone documents for general service lamps (screw-base types) and general service fluorescent lamps (tubular fluorescent).

energy StAr®This year began positively for ENERGY STAR® lighting programs. In January, NEMA hosted ENERGY STAR lamps and luminaires program stakeholders to

create discussion groups on advancing these programs. Stakeholders also discussed current and new technologies and how to improve the program management and disposition.

A key discussion was improving/maintaining the quality of verification testing while lowering cost and time. Since SSL products are evolving quickly— in 12- to 18-month lifecycles—it might be impossible to find products to test 12 months after certification. Imminent obsolescence will see them removed from the active qualified products list.

cAlifOrniAThe California Energy Commission (CEC) began its 2014 regulatory season with proposals to the California Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20) that it received in late 2013 for SSL/LED, fluorescent dimming ballasts, pool pump motors, and other products.

CEC will then move to publish 45-day language and bring the regulations into existence by end of year. The California Building Efficiency Regulations (Title 24) are idle, having been postponed to allow certification databases and other services for the recently implemented code to be upgraded. When postponement is complete, Title 24 will resume in a “clean up” cycle, meaning it will make clarifications and corrections to existing code, and not establish new requirements.

Access NEMA’s public comments to regulatory activities at www.nema.org/Policy/Rulemaking-Comments

DOE ASRAC: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/asrac.html

ENERGY STAR lighting:www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_lighting_landing ei

Alex Boesenberg, Regulatory Affairs Manager | [email protected]


Ű MITA Supports Low-Dose Computed Tomography Coverage for Lung Cancer ScreeningThe Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), a division of NEMA, is using research to support coverage decisions and demonstrate the value of imaging to public and private payers as well as policymakers through its Coverage Committee.

In the past 20 years alone, medical imaging has produced and inspired numerous healthcare innovations and aided in improved care quality and efficacy. In contrast, the past 10 years have also seen numerous reimbursement cuts and unfavorable coverage decisions. Coverage of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk populations is one of the committee’s priorities.

Lung cancer is currently the most common and deadliest cancer in the U.S., and is estimated to have claimed nearly 160,000 lives last year alone.1

Those diagnosed with early stage or localized lung cancer have a relatively low five-year survival rate of 54 percent. Unfortunately, most lung cancers are diagnosed as late stage, where the five-year survival rate plummets as low as four percent. As LDCT is able to detect pulmonary nodules while the cancer is still in the early stages, the use of this technology to screen high-risk patients supports early cancer detection and

1 SEER, “SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Lung and Bronchus Cancer.” April 2014. Web. 21 April 2014. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html

appropriate treatment, leading to better health outcomes.

In December 2013, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a “B” recommendation in support of LDCT lung cancer screening for high-risk persons.2 According to USPSTF, a high-risk person is defined as being between the ages of 55 and 80, with a 30 pack-year smoking history, and has smoked or quit smoking in the past 15 years. This favorable USPSTF recommendation is a major step toward national coverage through private insurers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare program.

Under the Affordable Care Act, private insurance companies must cover preventive services that have an “A” or “B” recommendation from USPSTF within the next policy year, in this case by as early as 2015. A positive recommendation is also a necessary step before CMS opens a National Coverage Analysis (NCA), which it did in February. NCA is the official evaluative process CMS uses to decide whether or not to extend coverage to a particular service for Medicare beneficiaries.

The MITA Coverage Committee has worked with policymakers and other

2 Although “A” and “B” recommendations support coverage of a service, they vary in certainty of benefit. “A” denotes high certainty of a substantial net benefit, while “B” denotes high certainty that the net benefit is moderate or that there is moderate certainty that the net benefit is moderate to substantial.

stakeholders to examine evidence that would be considered relevant and informative by CMS when determining the appropriateness of LDCT lung cancer screening coverage. Evidence compiled by the committee made it possible for MITA to craft a strong evidence-based comment in support of LDCT lung coverage and address the various questions raised by CMS upon the opening of the NCA.

Armed with the Coverage Committee’s wealth of research, MITA joined with the American College of Radiology, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and others to present testimony and evidence to the Medical Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) in April. MEDCAC is an independent group within CMS that reviews evidence and provides authoritative expert guidance on clinical topics.

CMS is now deliberating and preparing the draft national coverage decision. It will likely be issued by November and open for public comment soon thereafter.

A favorable coverage decision will not only increase patient access to this critical service, it will also expand markets for MITA member products. ei

Orkideh Malkoc, Director of Reimbursement Policy, MITA |

[email protected]

Ű Understanding “Survival Rate”“Survival rate” is the percent of people who survive a disease for a specified amount of time. A five-year survival rate of 54 percent means that 54 out of 100 persons who were diagnosed with a specific disease (e.g., early-stage lung

cancer) would be alive more than five years after diagnosis.

A five-year survival rate of 90 percent means that 90 out of 100 persons who were diagnosed with a specific disease

would be alive after five years. Cancers of the prostate and thyroid usually have high survival rates. Skin and breast cancers, if detected early, also may have high survival rates. ei


http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html


Ű Washington State Amends Lamp Recycling Law Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2246 into law in March, amending the state’s 2010 mercury-light recycling statute. It was the culmination of a three-year effort by NEMA members to revise the law and establish an economically sustainable framework for lamp recycling in the state.

NEMA’s lamp manufacturers have long advocated recycling as the preferred method for disposing mercury-containing, energy-efficient lights. Waste lamps (e.g., linear fluorescent tubes and high-intensity discharge) generated in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors are classified as universal waste and, in the case of large generators, must be recycled under federal law.

This requirement has led to the growth of a nationwide network of lamp recycling companies that provide services through private contracts. Requirements for collection and recycling of lamps are efficiently served by these companies.

The situation is more complicated, however, for consumers who need proper disposal options for fewer compact fluorescent lamps and other mercury-added lights as their use declines. Lamp recycling is typically not well organized or convenient for consumers. Some communities have begun implementing door-to-door collection for lamps and other household “special wastes,” an approach that over time could evolve into a more efficient model than producer-run stewardship programs.

In 2010, Washington became the latest state to pass legislation aimed at establishing a statewide system of lamp collection sites to serve residential and small business sectors; Vermont and Maine had done so previously. The Washington law envisioned a much more elaborate and expensive program. The statute financed lamp collection

and recycling by assessing each producer of mercury-containing lights $10,000 per year. The state’s Department of Ecology would then pay a stewardship organization to run the program. Each producer would also pay $5,000 per year to the department for administrative and enforcement, creating an annual obligation of $15,000 per year, per company.

This scheme was problematic because:

• the cost was too high for some small producers to justify doing business in Washington and several withdrew from the market (NEMA’s 2010 proposal to the legislature to adopt a smaller fee for smaller companies was not adopted);

• the funding raised from the $10,000 per company fee might not finance the expensive program envisioned by the law; and

• $15,000 was the maximum that larger companies could justify to do business in a state the size of Washington.

The issue peaked when the state-contracted stewardship organization submitted a plan as specified under the statute with a budget of $1.2 million per year. With roughly 30 producers of mercury-containing lights indicating that they sold their product in Washington, the funding clearly would fall far short of this budget.

The solution was lurking in a handful of laws that had been passed in other states to address paint, mattresses, and other products that present recycling challenges. That model resembles a system already in place for lamps in British Columbia, Canada. These programs add a fee to the price of new products. Revenues from the fee provide a sustainable source of funding for the recycling program. Fees are transmitted to a non-profit stewardship organization

that, with oversight from manufacturers, operates the statewide collection and recycling network.

Following a Washington state court ruling that confirmed the legislature’s intent to cap producer costs for lamp recycling, NEMA began working with Department of Ecology staff and other stakeholders to incorporate this fee-based approach into the statute. Much of the critical negotiating work was performed by NEMA’s in-state legislative counsel, who balanced the interests of the state, lamp producers, and other relevant parties.

The resulting framework requires that a small fee (i.e., environmental handling charge) be applied at point of retail sale of new mercury-containing lights. Receipts will be relayed to a stewardship organization designated by NEMA to transport and recycle lamps from a network of collection sites.

Because the fee will be modest and applied uniformly, the system is not expected to disrupt the market or discourage consumers from purchasing energy-efficient lamps. The legislature also included a provision in the law to “sunset” the program in 2025, thereby acknowledging the growing emergence of LED lamps as the energy-efficient lighting choice for consumers.

In the meantime, NEMA expects lamp recycling behavior to expand sharply in Washington as the program takes hold and consumer awareness increases. It will be fitting compensation for stakeholders who, notwithstanding their differences, have held this outcome as their principal objective throughout the process. ei

Mark A. Kohorst, Senior Manager of Environment, Health, & Safety |

[email protected]


By integrating information and operational technology, organizations that operate critical assets and manage dispersed information technologies can:

• improve performance and production

• enable better decision making enterprise-wide

• better align operational areas with overall business goals

• increase regulatory and environmental reporting and compliance

• reduce costs from efficiency gains and optimization of operational processes, asset maintenance, and field workforce management

The successful convergence of IT and OT will be dependent on a long-cycle effort to establish intelligence throughout the grid and out to its edges. As sensor and communication networks become interoperable at all levels, utilities will be able to react more quickly to new business opportunities and regulatory requirements, and adapt to changing energy consumption patterns and product choices in real-time. ei

Mr. Griffith ([email protected]) was the principal staff liaison that worked to launch NEMA’s Cybersecurity Council, which is working on a guideline document for supply chain best practices.

The term “convergence” aptly describes some important Smart Grid trends. Grid modernization is tremendously influenced by the convergence of IT

(information technologies) into what are typically known as OT (operations technologies) that manage traditional utility power grid operations.

IT is the common term for the entire spectrum of information processing. The term is commonly used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Industries associated with information technology include computer hardware and software, electronics, semiconductors, internet, telecom equipment, e-commerce, and computer services.

OT refers to projects undertaken by departments outside of IT and incorporates the use of technology associated with management and operation of physical assets. OT has the “machine world” at one or both ends of the input/ output spectrum.

IT has the human world at both edges. It’s about computers interacting with people. OT is fundamentally about computers interacting with machines.

Bridging Historical DifferencesSeveral trends are creating a need to bridge this historical separation. In particular, there is an increased requirement to bring plant and equipment information into business-oriented systems. There also is increasing convergence of underlying platforms. OT systems are starting to leverage commercial operating systems as opposed to proprietary platforms.

Convergence in the context of OT is the observation that the underlying platforms and technologies are increasingly the same as those used in IT. An IP-addressable Windows/Linux machine is now common to both IT and OT, as are Intel or AMD processor chips and IP routers.

As IT and OT converge in the smarter grid of the future, network interoperability will be the starting point and precondition for all else—a power delivery system that includes or supports virtual power plants, plug-in electric vehicle charging, and distributed renewable generation integration. In the shorter term, convergence will bring benefits through streamlined network administration.

Convergence of Information and Operation Technologies Bring Intelligence to Grid

Steve griffith, pMp, neMA Smart grid industry director

HOw SMART IS YOUR GRID?


Regulators approve rates based on a review of the capital proposals and a political process of determining if the proposal treats all ratepayer classes equitably. The utility then funds its operations from the allowed rate of return, which appears as a volume-sensitive charge for energy.

This leaves local utilities with two main methods of growth—new customers or new capital assets. The implied incentive often works against change in the marketplace. If energy efficiency causes demand to flatten or drop, then the utility has little ability to make up shortfalls.

This approach grew from the early days of grid development. Governments realized the importance electricity could have on community development; no investor assumes risk without a guarantee. This approach has worked exceptionally well, allowing electricity to fuel the world’s major economies.

The world, however, is changing. Energy-efficiency targets are high and electricity producers are under pressure to curb emissions. The good news is the flurry of activity and the progress being made in technology, customer awareness, and standards development. Unfortunately, that progress is far more rapid than the rulemaking process.

This has happened before in transportation, telecom services, and finance. In each case, regulators increased the discretion of parties to a transact business while retaining “bedrock” rules to curb egregious abuse and criminal activity. Unfettered, industries profited from increased latitude while customers benefitting from more choices fueled prosperity and product diversity.

The concept is simple. Generators offer to sell (tender) electricity while customers offer to buy (accept) based on those tenders. Since electricity has no value unless delivered, a similar process occurs with distribution and transmission companies (transporters). They offer to ship at a price and customers accept or counter. This is the same concept used by businesses when they order inventory then arrange for shipment.

On its website, IEC defines “Smart Grid” as a marketing term. Our industry is certainly beset with promoters’ latest Big Ideas. The endless parade of “Must

Attend” conferences gives our marketing people fits. What really matters?

Peeling back the hype, we know that Smart Grid includes standards, communications, sensors, sophisticated controls, bidirectional power flows, and data—lots of data. While these are elements manufacturers can understand and support, it is challenging to integrate diverse and distributed fuel sources, increased efficiency, and better reporting. These are coupled with demands for greater resiliency, better reliability, more flexibility, and, of course, reasonable cost.

The backdrop is increasingly diverse ownership and energy assets that range from small to enormous. What is the element that matters most? Value. But where is it? Who owns it? Who needs it? How is it delivered? How is it monetized and scheduled?

We are trying to meet twenty-first century energy demands on a nineteenth century grid regulated by twentieth century rules. While change is in progress, how does the business side keep up?

Calculating Energy Commerce Transactive energy (TE) has a strong basis in history and custom. While the phrase itself seems to be a sudden term of art, its concepts are as old as economics. TE is a way to pay for changes in an equitable, predictable, and consistent fashion by allowing risk management and entrepreneurship.

The current model of electricity sales entails paying a certain amount (dollars) per unit of electricity consumed (kWh) with some adjustments such as demand charges. In the background, these rates come from a process where utilities make new capital investments in hard assets that are subject to a social contract with the public that removes risk by guaranteeing a reasonable rate of return.

Transactive Energy—Bringing Smart Economic Efficiency to the Smart Grid

phil davis, Senior Manager demand response resource center, Schneider electric


In industry, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) controls provide this function while building energy management systems cover large facilities. In homes and smaller businesses, smart devices (e.g., thermostats and appliances) could react directly to transactive signals received over the internet, or they could be optimized by a single intelligent gateway. The owner would choose between cost and comfort, or some blend. The better devices might offer an interface that provides the costs of various strategies, but it also could be automatic. TE provides the business framework while TC offers physical implementation.

The regulator’s role becomes more significant. Today’s commissions spend an inordinate amount of time and resource on price. As TE brings a market-based dynamic, commissions can focus increasingly on societal requirements for renewable energy, safety, reliability, and in protecting those less able to join as equal market participants. For example, the level of renewables might be managed the same way the Environmental Protection Agency manages automotive fuel economy. Providers are free to sell any vehicle mix as long as overall fuel economy meets the standard. The costs of noncompliance are high enough to motivate manufacturers to make more economical cars more attractive to the buyer.

A TE framework would lead to significant market diversity. Energy consumers also could be producers if equipped with onsite generation (e.g., solar panels) that supply more than they need. TE is a far simpler way to bring that energy to market compared to net metering or other regulatory constructs. TE also encourages third-party service companies to fill unmet needs.

Such companies might offer fixed rates by assuming price risk in exchange for a risk premium. Others might offer very low rates to customers willing to make significant operational or behavior changes, or who are willing to participate in demand response programs. There are endless permutations.

TE represents both radical change and business as usual. Most of what we consume is based on some level of market forces. Electricity is the significant exception. Rules and regulations often form a barrier to progress. While the current rules are comfortable, they are not sustainable. The question is not whether to change, but how to change with the most positive outcome.

TE will take a number of years to develop and evolve, and now is the time to be involved. Key players are the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (www.sgip.org), Pacific Northwest National Labs (www.pnnl.gov), and TeMix, Inc. (www.temix.com). There is a lively discussion on LinkedIn under the group “Transactive Energy Association.” ei

Mr. Davis develops strategies to advance greater interaction between energy providers and their customers. He has concentrated on demand side programs for utilities for 35 years.

There are a couple of key differences, and a few necessary refinements. First, it is not easy or cheap to store (inventory) electricity. Traveling near the speed of light, electrons are the extreme of just-in-time product supply. To avoid spending time making constant small energy purchases, the solution is to inventory demand rather than supply, i.e., contract for predictable need and fine tune in a spot market.

Most electric use is predictable. A base amount that follows living or business patterns is used constantly; smaller “surprise” amounts result from weather extremes, sudden activity levels, and the like. The future electricity customer would transact for an energy amount based on historic patterns plus expectations. Such contracts could cover a month to several years. Surprise amounts could be obtained on a spot market where those with shortfalls are matched to those with surpluses. Transportation contracts then would match energy contracts.

One analogy might be a hamburger stand with a perishable inventory. Demand would be very different if the location is a resort versus a business district. Bad weather could cause a sudden drop in resort business and free that inventory for sale to the business district, should there be increased business due to customers staying in town. Of course, such a transaction would require transportation. This is a very simple analogy, but wholesale energy markets have operated this way for quite some time.

On the national scale, millions of such transactions offer the surety necessary for long-range investments. This is perhaps a better indication of the true value of smaller and more distributed generation. There are a number of exciting theories and strategies recently advanced that seek to improve the energy environment, and TE can spur them along. It allows for small bilateral contracts among neighbors as easily as a large-scale provision to multiple customer relationships. More importantly, it relates price to value and scarcity, rather than one size for all.

Implementing Transactive ControlsAnother requirement is transaction management. Only a small percent of energy customers want to devote any effort to managing energy transactions, so automation is key. Fortunately, Smart Grid brings with it immense modeling potential. Grid data and external factors such as weather and pricing curves form the basis of automated energy transactions.

This exists in sophisticated energy management systems, like “smart” thermostats, and in cloud-based analytics. There is a need for devices aimed at residential and small business mass markets that can consume this information and translate it into action. This falls into a related category, transactive controls (TC), which provides customer-side programmability that manages energy-using devices to optimize the owner’s desire for least cost or most comfort.



http://www.sgip.org

http://www.pnnl.gov

http://www.temix.com

generation resources for dc equipment and the utility grid for ac equipment. An “energy router” acts as the hub that manages electricity across the ac and dc buses and minimizes the need for inefficient dc-ac and ac-dc electricity transformations.

Figure 1 shows the overall building level dc microgrid architecture. Because of the power losses incurred with dc power over long distances, this concept is best used in a building level microgrid with short runs for the circuits.

The green lines represent the dc part of the system, while the orange lines represent the ac portion. In typical office buildings, the amount of dc power equipment ranges from 20 to 30 percent of the overall load, with those numbers steadily rising as more electronics, computers, and electric vehicles enter the equation. The architectural rendering in figure 1 may not be complete since some dc equipment will require dc-dc transformations from the dc network’s supply voltage, but these transformations are much less inefficient than ac-dc transformations and also produce much less heat.

The building’s dc electricity generation needs can be met through renewable energy technologies. The renewable generation supply should be sized to 10 to15 percent more power than required by the dc equipment. This allows for mistakes in load calculations, addition of new dc equipment, and situations when there is more dc power than required by the dc equipment. If that happens, excess supply can be inverted

and injected into the ac system to lower electric utility costs. Inverter power transformation losses normally range in value from 10 to 24 percent, which represents 90 to 76 percent efficiency.

A separate dc network allows for more cost-effective energy storage integration. Rather than needing a huge bank of expensive batteries to support the entire electrical system, a handful of batteries can provide 48-plus hours of reserve. This also can provide increased resiliency to a renewables program in a typical grid-tied solution. When the grid goes down in a single ac network solution, so does the rest of the system. A standard ac-only configuration in a grid-tied structure is worthless as a backup power supply.

Microgrid design begins by understanding load profile. Load is adjusted in system design by applying energy-efficiency measures such as

demand response controls, equipment upgrades, and other modifications to reduce overall generation needs. What is typically missing, however, is a close look at the loads themselves to determine how much can be served natively by direct current (dc) power sources.

This amounts to a fundamental flaw in optimizing the use of renewable energy resources (e.g., photovoltaic, battery, and fuel cell technologies) that supply dc electricity. With additional thought and separation of dc from ac loads, the amount of renewable generation required can be dramatically reduced to only supply dc power for dc equipment.

By designing separate dc and ac networks, a building microgrid could be developed that minimizes power losses due to transformation or conversion by simply supplying equipment with the native electricity it requires. Instead of using 50 rooftop solar panels to supply a building, you might only need 10, driving down system costs and increasing efficiencies by utilizing the best type of power for each piece of equipment being served.

building tHe brAinS Of tHe SySteMThe conceptual architecture described in this article proposes building a microgrid using a hybrid approach of dc renewable

Direct Current Microgrid Architecture Conceptualizes Lower Costs, Higher Efficiency

Stuart Mccafferty, pMp, president, gridintellect Kevin brown, cSSp, chief Scientist, gridintellect

Figure 1. Building Level DC Microgrid Conceptual Drawing. Green lines represent the dc part of the system, while orange represents ac. Image courtesy of GridIntellect


• The right power for the right equipment Equipment like appliances (stove tops, refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.), heavy equipment, HVAC, and spinning machinery have power VAR requirements that make ac power the only choice. Devices like computers, LED lighting, and electronics do not draw heavy loads at startup, allowing dc power to be the better choice. Separating the power network into dc and ac networks allows the native power to be supplied to the devices optimizing efficiency at every level.

There are also some challenges to overcome:

• Building reconfiguration Building wiring will have to be reconfigured to allow for two separate networks. This could be very simple for circuits that have dc-only equipment such as LED lighting and electronics.

• No dc plug standard IEEE and EMerge Alliance are currently working on developing standards in this area. However, it is likely several years away from completion.

• Electronics and other dc equipment configuration Most electronics are not configured with a dc power supply solution in mind. If this concept takes off, it is likely that manufacturers will develop different versions of their equipment to support either or both ac and dc configurations. In the meantime, the equipment will either need to be connected to ac power or modified on a one-by-one basis.

• Proper dc power supply IEEE is working to develop in-home dc standards. The industry is settling on 380V dc power supply for the dc network. While the higher voltage is justified by the fast charging dc requirements for electric vehicles, we believe lower voltages for residential and light commercial office buildings are more practical.

Although there are challenges and questions, efficiencies gained by utilizing a dc building microgrid solution are quite compelling. This is especially true for rooftop solar arrays for residential and light commercial office buildings. Capital and maintenance cost reductions as well as reasonably simple reconfiguration needs are timely for such experimentation.

The use of this solution could become the norm for future electrical building codes in order to maximize the benefits of renewable energy. The benefits afforded by this solution as well as jobs and new innovations cannot be overvalued. ei

Mr. McCafferty’s expertise includes microgrids, Smart Grid technologies, managing complex technical projects, system architecture design, software development and implementation, and real-time data acquisition. Mr. Brown develops custom technology and security solutions for clients in the energy industry, as well as mobile charging security devices and utility drones to address outages and mosquito control.

The building’s ac electricity generation loads can be met by the utility grid or traditional generator backup power. There will be times when dc cannot supply the required electricity for dc loads (e.g., cloudy conditions for solar panels). During these times, ac power behaves like a backup system.

The microgrid controller used in our dc building microgrid model is called an energy router. The energy router consists of rather simple logic that balances the electricity supply. It consists of a dc-ac inverter and an ac-dc transformer. It recognizes:

• excess dc supply, inverting excess energy to ac and feeding it into the ac network; and

• dc supply shortage, rectifying ac power to dc, and feeding it into the dc network.

Advantages and ChallengesThe advantages are numerous:

• Reduced cost of renewable-energy components Since renewable-energy requirements are sized to support dc power equipment only, fewer components are necessary, which leads to lower capital expenditure and maintenance costs. This is the most profound advantage—less renewable equipment, less cost, and a smaller footprint for space-constrained situations like rooftop solar. Rooftop solar becomes a very compelling solution for climates that support good solar opportunities.

• Increased efficiency through reduced/eliminated power losses due to power transformations In a standard renewable energy ac-only system, the power needs to be converted not once, but twice to power dc equipment. The dc power supply is first inverted to ac power and then transformed to dc power for dc equipment. This can lead to power transformation losses approaching 50 percent with most consumer products currently on the market. Separating dc equipment from the grid will reduce power harmonics “noise” and improve overall power quality.

• Win-win for energy managers and utilities The dc building microgrid allows energy managers to utilize renewable energy resources to reduce the dependence on the utility grid by integrating renewable energy into their solution. This typically will lead to lower or stabilized energy costs for the energy managers. However, the utilities will also see value in the system since the grid-supplied power still makes up a significant portion (~70 percent) of building power requirements. This equates to non-threatening advantages for the utility to operate in its normal business model comfort zone and also afford opportunities for implementing utility-driven energy efficiency, co-gen, or ancillary services programs.



Utilities do not necessarily have to procure their respective quantities by end of 2014 if certain conditions cannot be met regarding cost, safety, or reliability. Other regions, including Puerto Rico and the Canadian province of Ontario, have also created programs requiring the deployment of energy storage.

Proposed Energy Storage Procurement Targets (in MW)

Storage Grid DomainPoint of Interconnection 2014 2016 2018 2020 Total

Southern California Edison

Transmission 50 65 85 110 310

Distribution 30 40 50 65 185

Customer 10 15 25 35 85

Subtotal SCE 90 120 160 210 580

Pacific Gas and Electric



Customer 10 15 25 35 85

Subtotal PG&E 90 120 160 210 580

San Diego Gas & Electric



Customer 3 5 8 14 30

Subtotal SDG&E 20 30 45 70 165

Total - all 3 utilites 200 270 365 490 1,325

The growth of wind and solar highlights the importance of flexible approaches for managing the stability and reliability of the electric power

system. Energy storage is attractive because of a number of characteristics that complement the uncertainty and variability of renewables. These characteristics include the ability to operate as both generation and load, to change state quickly (fast power ramping), and to operate in four quadrants of real and reactive power.

Many storage technology options are under development for meeting varying grid location and operational requirements, including bulk technologies such as pumped hydro or compressed air energy storage, and a diversity of emerging technologies (e.g., large-scale and modular batteries). Energy storage is also found in other related sectors, such as building thermal management, in the form of stored heat or ice, and for transportation, in the form of plug-in electric vehicles. Figure 1 illustrates some of the diverse energy storage technology options and possible connection points.

Thermal Storage

Bulk Storage

Vehicle- to-GridResidential

Storage

Balancing Storage

Distributed Storage

Distributed Storage

Commercial Storage

Figure 1. Diverse Energy Storage Applications. Image courtesy of EPRI

In California, regulators and policymakers have affirmed their belief that energy storage will be an important element of the electric power system, setting an energy storage procurement target of 1.325 GW by 2020. This target, established in a ruling of the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) in late 2013, includes interim targets as well, with the three California investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) required to solicit and review offers for 200 MW of advanced energy storage by late 2014.

Accelerating Safe, Reliable, Cost-Effective Energy Storage through Industry Collaboration

ben Kaun, Strategic Manager, energy Storage program, electric power research institute

Table 1. Summary of Energy Storage Targets in California 1

1 From “Proposed Decision of Commissioner Peterman Adopting Energy Storage Procurement Framework and Design Program,” adopted Oct. 17, 2013. Table courtesy of CPUC


Though advanced energy storage has long been of interest for electric utilities, the technical track record for grid-connected energy storage is incomplete and mixed. There are a number of issues that contribute to the technical challenges:

• Application requirements of energy storage are still under development.

• The underlying technologies have varying levels of maturity and technical characterization between system vendors is inconsistently reported.

• Inconsistent approaches to safety, communication, and control can complicate interoperability.

• Because of limited usage of energy storage to date, processes for planning, procurement, installation, and operation of energy storage technologies are not yet mature.

Collaboration among utilities, energy storage developers, and the research community can help advance energy storage in commercial applications. For utilities, such collaboration can enhance confidence by establishing common practices for specification, selection, procurement, installation, operation, and decommissioning of energy storage. For vendors, collaboration leads to clarity on desired usage of energy storage by customers, agreement on consistent and meaningful product characterization techniques, and the opportunity to coordinate with other vendors to support meaningful cost reduction.

Collaboration also facilitates the identification of storage R&D needs across the entire community, and helps research organizations understand how they can best address those needs. ei

Mr. Kaun manages initiatives related to the analysis and integration of energy storage for the electric grid. EPRI is an independent, non-profit, collaborative research organization.

What the industry is saying: Electricity storage could be the “glue”

that holds electricity networks together in the near future, according to Member of Parliament Alan Whitehead, speaking at a Houses of Parliament event held to launch a new report by the Electricity Storage Network

“Development of Energy Storage in the National Interest,” was published by the Electricity Storage Network, a UK-based “informal group of manufacturers, developers, network operators and others interested in storage.”

Solar Power Portal

www.NEMA.org/illuminations

Join NEMA for its premier event exclusively for CEOs and senior level

executives of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers

Illuminations WeekendThe Grand Del Mar Hotel and Resort

November 6-8, 2014 San Diego, California

#WhereLeadersAndIdeasMeet

IW2014-SaveTheDate-7.5x4.125.indd 1 2/27/2014 3:07:22 PMNEMA electroindustry • June 2014 15


On the flip side, it is economically impossible for electric utilities to provide a constant utilization voltage corresponding to the nameplate voltage of the utilization equipment. From the source to the end of the feeders—and to each and every customer along the way—voltage drop exists, hence the need for a relatively wide door.

Delivering Voltage through the DoorComplying with ANSI C84.1, electric utilities strive to deliver 120V +/– 5% to all their customers. With the physics involved, voltages near the end of feeders are lower than those closer to the substation. As a result, the normal practice is to set the voltage higher at the substation end to a level that permits meeting the 114V level for customers near the end of the feeder under a range from heavy to light load conditions. Under light load conditions, a voltage level of 123 volts is fairly common.

This is the story of two doors. One is a wide door and the other, not so wide.

The wide door refers to the voltage range provided by ANSI C84.1-2011 American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and Equipment—Voltage Ratings (60 Hz). Delivered service voltages from an electric utility must range between 114 and 126 volts to be deemed acceptable. The narrow door refers to the tighter voltage range used with conservation voltage reduction (CVR) programs. This smaller range is typically from 114 to 120 volts, or even 122 volts.

Since the earliest days in the electrical business, it was recognized that the voltage rating of equipment had a direct effect on its cost. Equipment requiring a narrower range of voltage was more desirable from the manufacturing community since it was simpler to make and less costly.

Looking for Wide-Range Answers daniel J. ward, principal engineer, dominion virginia power


One might wonder where all the savings came from? Surprisingly, little came from loss reduction. The PNNL and EPRI appliance studies revealed the culprits—it was the loads themselves! A significant energy savings came from motors (air conditioning, heat pumps, refrigerators, etc.).

The single phase motors in these equipment fit into the C84.1 voltage range in an unusual way. Rather than use the 120V median, motor manufacturers selected 115V and 230V as the motor nameplate ratings to apply to 120V and 240V service.

One explanation for this was that motors had a +/– 10 percent operating range based on their nameplate voltage per the ANSI/NEMA MG 1 Motors and Generators standard. The lower end of the motor’s range—104 volts for a 115V motor—gives a cushion so that the motor can be started when the service voltage is near the lower part of the ANSI range (i.e., 114 volts). From a running standpoint, 120V is a less efficient operating point for a 115V motor. The CVR appliance studies confirm this conclusion.

Although a much smaller load, lighting (i.e., incandescent and compact fluorescent) has a noticeable energy savings with reduced voltage. In addition, thermostatically controlled loads all tend to run longer with CVR. For electric water heaters, there is a demand reduction but no energy savings.

If a utility makes an investment in CVR, a logical question to ask is “Who benefits?” The overwhelming answer from all the studies is that around 90 percent of the energy savings goes to the customers.

Forecasting the Future of Voltage ControlANSI C84.1 has served the industry well for over 60 years. Will CVR become the preferred voltage range from that standard? That remains to be seen.

Voltage control is much more difficult with the tighter range of CVR. At the very least, it will require deploying more voltage sensors along the feeders or implementing AMI to achieve that control or it may even require system reinforcements like reconductoring.

Finally, since the predominant savings of CVR is to the customers, who will pay for the three percent annual reduction in revenue for the utilities? ei

Mr. Ward chairs the ANSI C84.1 Committee on Voltage Standards for Electric Power Systems and Equipment and is a life fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Under heavy load conditions, the load tap changer (LTC) transformers at the substation boost the voltage even higher—perhaps even 126 volts. In addition, a complement of switched and fixed capacitors provides a rise in voltage, thus reducing the voltage drop along the feeder. In some cases, additional feeder regulators are added.

The heavy lifting in terms of voltage control starts at the substation. Settings for the LTC control on the substation transformers consider the current flow and the impedances from one end of the feeder to the other. Usually SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) at the substation tracks the current flow for each feeder. In addition, distribution planning engineers rely on load flows, computer models that depict the voltage profile along the feeder. The combination of SCADA data and supplementary peak loadings along the feeder help true-up the load flow models.

It should be noted that these models are restricted to the primary level (i.e., distribution transformers); secondaries or services are not included. Thus, a typical favorable result to a planner is a voltage profile that is at least 117 volts, which allows three volts for transformer and secondary drop under peak load conditions. Unless there is a considerable amount of voltage sensors along the feeder or an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system, the setting of the LTC requires a fair amount of engineering judgment in order to achieve satisfactory results.

CVR—Is What You See, What You Get?CVR programs came into vogue with the high oil prices in the early 1970s. Since that time, a significant number of utilities experimented with reducing voltage to save energy. There is still considerable interest and debate on the topic today.

Why would a utility want to employ CVR? Good question. Early utility results showed that a one percent reduction in voltage could result in energy reduction of between 0.5 and one percent for a typical feeder. These experiments largely used “CVR-on” and “CVR-off” days and compared the daily energy usage results for the same feeder or for similar feeders. Many statisticians have expressed some reservation about the validity of the on-day and off-day approach. Nonetheless, the results looked encouraging and many more utilities set up field trials in the aim of “improved efficiency.”

More recently, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) performed a CVR study which said that nationwide deployment of CVR on all circuits would result in a three percent energy savings and evaluated the voltage dependence of many appliances.1 EPRI in their Green Circuits work reached similar conclusions.2

1 Evaluation of Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) on a National Level, PNNL-19596, prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830, July 2010

2 K. R. Forsten and T. Short (EPRI) R. C. Belvin (Duke Energy), and K.C. Fagen (R.W. Beck), “Green Circuits through Voltage Control,” T&D World, May 1, 2010



Relay Settings to ImplementEach utility or facility’s protection needs are unique. Microprocessor relays offer endless options for customized electrical system protection. When configured properly, a few relay features and capabilities almost always improve protection for critical assets and infrastructure.

Arc flASH MitigAtiOn cApAbilitieSIf an arc flash hazard analysis identifies the potential for and location of possible arc flash hazards, mitigation capabilities can be programmed into the protective relay. The engineer will use logic to instruct the relay to immediately interrupt the circuit if developing arc-flash conditions are detected. This helps workers avoid devastating injury and prevents costly equipment damage.

The main duty of protective relays is to protect electrical systems and equipment from damage in the event of a fault. However, new generation

microprocessor-based relays are capable of much more.

When configured properly, these relays use programmable logic to go beyond tripping a breaker when a fault is detected. They:

• offer functionality for recording events and simplifying troubleshooting;

• respond to arc flash incidents;

• eliminate potential points of failure; and

• self-test logic control circuitry to improve reliability, reduce maintenance, and simplify NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) compliance.

Microprocessor-based relays can be intelligent, sensitive sentinels capable of delivering the highest quality protection available for an electrical system. Each microprocessor-based relay offers hundreds of potential settings that can be configured to provide a completely customized protection scheme for a utility or industrial facility’s electrical system.

By working closely with experienced and qualified protection or integration engineers, facilities can identify and select relay features and settings that are based on their electrical system configuration and unique protection scheme. Engineers can configure settings and program logic for each relay to ensure the required protection for an operation and meet additional objectives, such as complying with NERC requirements.

Properly Configured Microprocessor-Based Relay Systems Improve NERC Compliance

Steve nollette, Supervising engineer emerson network power, electrical reliability Services

Experienced integration engineers can recognize and recommend the right relay features and settings for an electrical system configuration and offer a custom protection scheme. Courtesy of Emerson Network Power

lOcKOut SettingSWhen a breaker or transformer is tripped,

reclosing the breaker automatically or remotely without first determining the

cause of the trip can lead to overlooked or unidentified problems that could put critical infrastructure and workers at risk. Many systems rely on 86 lockout relays1 to prevent such occurrences.

Multiprocessor-based relays allow for 86 lockout relay functions to be

moved into the relay logic. The lockout can be configured to require an operator

to manually interact with the relay and acknowledge the cause of the fault prior to

resetting the lockout and reclosing the breaker, thus providing increased protection for the system and worker.

1 An 86 lockout relay is an ANSI term for a relay lockout device, per ANSI/IEEE C37.2 Standard for Electrical Power System Device Function Numbers, Acronyms, and Contact Designations.


NERC requires maintenance testing procedures, testing intervals, and documented test results. The relay’s self-test features can be leveraged to automatically satisfy many of these requirements.

For example, relays can be programmed to continuously monitor the internal health of components including dc circuits and trip coil circuits. They can validate signal status, analog inputs, output circuits and communication links. The relays can even monitor breaker wear, status of transformer auxiliaries, and ambient environmental conditions.

System designers can further simplify compliance by configuring relays to work with a communication processor and reporting software to automatically communicate results of the self-tests and generate reports used for NERC reporting.

In utilities and industrial facilities, microprocessor-based relay self-testing features reduce maintenance time and costs by eliminating electromechanical switchboard components—meaning fewer components to test and maintain. What’s more, many inspection and testing procedures can be performed automatically and continuously by the relays while the system is operating, reducing the need for manual testing procedures and scheduled downtime.

It’s easy to understand why many utilities and industrial facilities are replacing aging electromechanical relays with microprocessor-based ones, especially since the retrofit is fast and easy. With the help of protection and integration engineers, utilities and facilities can implement a custom system that affords the best possible protection for critical infrastructure and personnel, while reducing maintenance and simplifying NERC compliance.

Between preventing equipment damage, minimizing troubleshooting time, and avoiding NERC fines, the investment in microprocessor-based relays—and in proper configuration—is likely to pay for itself many times over. ei

A supervising engineer, Mr. Nollette has more than 20 years performing and managing electrical testing, maintenance, and engineering services.

event recOrding cApAbilitieSMicroprocessor-based relays offer built-in event recorders capable of capturing and time-stamping event information at one millisecond resolution. Following a fault, the relay can produce a report summarizing the sequence of operations prior to the event, which can expedite troubleshooting and help operators quickly identify the root cause of a fault.

It’s important to remember that event recorders capture only what they are programmed to record. Without properly programmed event recorders, problems can go unresolved, resulting in significant equipment and financial damage and compromising facility reliability.

Enhancing System ProtectionIn addition to customizing specific relay settings, integration and protection engineers can design protection systems to leverage the multi-function capabilities of microprocessor-based relays and proactively eliminate multiple electrical system components from each control scheme. This minimizes the potential for multiple points of failure within the system, ultimately affording better protection and improving reliability.

As described above, lockout settings are one component that can be moved from the switchboard into the relay logic. Other options include auxiliary relays, wiring, timers, switches, and trip coil monitors.

When system designers take advantage of embedded ancillary features to eliminate redundant system components, they effectively increase the mean time between failures. In traditional system designs, each component in a switchboard could potentially fail undetected and compromise the entire system. But when these discrete components are eliminated, there are fewer components to fail, and reliability is increased.

Simplifying NERC Compliance Microprocessor-based relays include embedded self-test features that continuously monitor the relay, as well as all of the embedded inputs, outputs, and logic within the relay. When electrical system components and other functionality, such as arc-flash detection, are integrated into the relays, the relay’s self-test features can be extended to schemes previously unmonitored.

As a result, relays can help identify problems and failures within system components the moment they arise, allowing issues to be corrected before a misoperation occurs. Should the relay itself fail, it has the capability to immediately “fail-safe,” notifying system owners and operators and allowing action to be taken to protect the system.

Beyond improved protection, self-testing simplifies compliance with NERC PRC-005 Protection System Maintenance requirements for utilities. To verify that a utility’s critical protection system components are operating as they should,

123

Arc Flash Mitigation Capabilities

Lockout Settings

Event Recording Capabilities

These three relay settings can ascertain required protections for an operation are in place and aid in other objectives such as compliance.



For example, as ICS and the data produced in ICS operations are increasingly used to deliver critical services and support business decisions, the potential impacts of a cybersecurity incident on an organization’s business, assets, health and safety of individuals, and the environment must be considered. To manage cybersecurity risks, a clear understanding of the organization’s business drivers and security considerations specific to its use of IT and ICS is required.

In developing the framework, it was clear early on that the use of common language would help organizations address and manage cybersecurity risk in a cost-effective way without introducing additional regulatory requirements. Using business drivers to guide cybersecurity activities helps clarify that cybersecurity risk can affect an organization’s bottom line by reducing revenue, hindering innovation, and impacting the ability to gain and maintain customers.

The framework consists of three parts: Framework Core, Framework Profile, and Framework Implementation Tiers. Figure 1 provides a high-level summary of each component.

While the intended outcomes identified in Framework Core are the same for IT and ICS, the operational environments and considerations differ, leading to different implementations of security technologies and solutions. ICS have a direct effect on the physical world including potential risks to the health and safety of individuals and environmental impacts. Additionally, ICS have unique performance and reliability requirements compared with IT, and the goals of safety and efficiency must be considered when implementing cybersecurity measures.

According to President Obama, cyber threats “pose one of the gravest national security dangers that the United States faces.”

In a statement on February 12, 2014, which coincided with the publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, the president said, “To better defend our nation against this systemic challenge, one year ago I signed an executive order directing the administration to take steps to improve information sharing with the private sector, raise the level of cybersecurity across our critical infrastructure, and enhance privacy and civil liberties.”

That executive order—EO 13636 Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity—directed NIST to develop a voluntary risk-based cybersecurity framework based on existing industry standards and best practices to help organizations manage cybersecurity risk. The resulting framework was created through a yearlong collaboration between government and industry.

Connecting Shareholders and TechnologyThe critical infrastructure community includes public and private owners, operators, and other entities with a role in securing the nation’s infrastructure. Members of each critical infrastructure sector perform functions that are supported by information technology (IT) and industrial control systems (ICS). This reliance on technology, communication, and the interconnectivity of IT and ICS has changed and expanded potential vulnerabilities and increased potential risk to operations.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework Addresses Risks to Critical Infrastructure

victoria yan pillitteri, ciSSp, Advisor for information System Security, computer Security division, information technology laboratory, niSt


sector-specific agencies, and trade groups to develop sector-specific framework implementation guidance.

In addition to the framework, NIST also released the Roadmap for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, a companion document that discusses NIST’s next steps with the framework and identifies key areas of development, alignment, and collaboration. These next steps are based on input and feedback received from stakeholders throughout the framework development processes, specifically on the “Areas for Improvement” section of the preliminary framework, which has been moved to this document.

NIST will host future workshops around specific roadmap areas and get feedback on the framework to inform future versions. It also will build on existing relationships and expand its outreach in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C3 Voluntary Program.2

The framework will continue to be updated and improved as industry provides feedback on implementation and lessons learned. As has been the case throughout its development process, organizations are encouraged to contribute observations, suggestions, and lessons learned to [email protected]. ei

Ms. Pillitteri is part of the NIST team that worked on EO 13636, chairs the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel Cybersecurity Committee, and is the NIST co-chair of the Cyber-Physical Systems Cybersecurity public-private working group.

2 C3 (C cubed) encourages use of the NIST framework to strengthen critical infrastructure cybersecurity and to help critical infrastructure owners and operators improve their cyber risk management processes. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/about-critical-infrastructure-cyber-community-c³-voluntary-program or contact [email protected].

Protecting Privacy and Civil LibertiesThe framework includes a methodology to protect individual privacy and civil liberties as critical infrastructure organizations conduct cybersecurity activities. The methodology is intended to be a general set of considerations and processes since privacy and civil liberties implications may differ by sector or over time. Organizations may address these considerations and processes with a range of technical implementations. However, not all activities may give rise to these considerations.

The framework is applicable to organizations of all sizes, with differing risks and levels of sophistication. It does not provide a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, it can be leveraged as a tool across the 16 critical infrastructure sectors,1 recognizing that each sector has unique threats, vulnerabilities, risk tolerances, and operational constraints.

Ensuring that there are products available to support the owners and operators of critical infrastructure are key and a continued focus moving forward. Industry-led efforts, such as the January 2014 “Statement of Cybersecurity Principles” by the NEMA Industrial Automation Control Products and Systems Section, are already underway to invest in the development, coordination, and ongoing refinement of relevant cybersecurity standards for the critical infrastructure and the vendors that provide services and solutions for them.

Similarly, other critical infrastructure sectors are working together through their respective sector-coordinating councils,

1 Chemical; commercial facilities; communications; critical manufacturing; dams; defense industrial base; emergency services; energy; financial services; food and agriculture; government facilities; healthcare and public health; information technology; nuclear reactors, materials, and waste; transportation systems; water and wastewater systems

Framework Core

Set of cybersecurity activities, outcomes

and informative references common

across critical infrastructure

sectors

Framework Profiles

The alignment of the Framework Core to

the business requirements, risk

tolerance, and resources of the

organization

Framework Implementation

Tiers

Provides context on how an organization views cybersecurity

risk and the processes in place to

manage that risk.

Figure 1. NIST cybersecurity framework encompasses a core, profile, and Implementation tiers.

The Framework for Improving

Critical Infrastructure

Cybersecurity, the Roadmap for

Improving Critical Infrastructure

Cybersecurity, and related news and information are available at www.nist.gov/cyberframework



mailto:[email protected]

http://www.dhs.gov/about-critical-infrastructure-cyber-community-c<00B3>-voluntary-program

http://www.dhs.gov/about-critical-infrastructure-cyber-community-c<00B3>-voluntary-program


http://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

is to accelerate the deployment of interoperable devices, systems, and services across the Smart Grid ecosystem. The challenge is to make decisions based not only on known facts, but also future technology. These changes can happen fast, making it extremely challenging for organizations to conduct day-to-day business while keeping abreast of the latest in technologies and regulations.

SGIP is unique in that it brings together the best and brightest experts in the Smart Grid industry to define requirements, review the work of other Smart Grid stakeholders, and provide recommendations. These individuals represent unparalleled resource pools that are up to date on the latest industry standards, processes, and guidelines.

Sometimes technology revolutions require a surprising amount of human touch.

While the industry discussions and recommendations around Smart Grid interoperability take place at the highest level of expertise on subjects of great complexity, in the end a great deal of information is still exchanged the old fashioned way—face-to-face meetings, telephone, and forums with networking opportunities.

The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) is a non-profit organization that provides a collaboration environment and transparent processes that allows industry participants to make more informed decisions that minimize risks and maximize advantages in the latest technologies. Its mission

Smart Grid Interoperability Panel Takes Modernizing Power Grid Personally

blaine Kohl, Sgip director of Marketing and Membership


experts—ranging from economists and analysts to regulators, utilities, and manufacturers—speak at SGIP events to share their thoughts on trends and their impacts on the grid.

SGIP uses a variety of communication vehicles such as SGIP-hosted webinars that feature participating members sharing their experience as well as take-aways that result from their SGIP involvement. Case studies, white papers, and a new SGIP website are used to help educate regulators, utilities, and manufacturers on cutting-edge advances and practices.

Along with the broader Smart Grid sector, SGIP is also positioned for extensive outreach and education in an environment where the public at large is substantially more aware of their own energy usage and how to manage it with Smart Grid tools. This education will require cohesive involvement from utilities, regulators, and manufacturers. In return, SGIP members save a significant amount of time, resources, and money through collaborative forums in which they share expertise and resources while gaining knowledge of—and access to—experts.

Collaborative and coordinated communication efforts help organizations deploying technologies understand and educate their markets more efficiently.

For more information, visit www.sgip.org. ei

Ms. Kohl helps SGIP members reap the maximum benefit of their membership. Her work utilizes previous experience with non-profits, standards organizations, Fortune 100 businesses, and start-up high-tech companies.

NEMA is a founding member of SGIP 2.0, Inc.

They come together in member working groups to handle a workflow that may lead to recommendations that arise from the implementation of new technologies or regulations. This diverse and complex ecosystem means that a great deal of communication must occur within and among all the working groups. There is a constant need to monitor what’s going on in the Smart Grid landscape.

In addition, these groups frequently provide feedback to standards developing organizations to help them understand where there may be gaps and technical deficiencies. By connecting members in collaborative efforts with experts from multiple disciplines and multiple vendors, this convenient access to information is invaluable to decision-making at all levels. As a result, SGIP members are the first to know the potential benefits and concerns regarding interoperable implementations.

SGIP members benefit by receiving timely and comprehensive information as a result of their engagement with literally hundreds of other SGIP members from more than 20 Smart Grid sectors. Members also receive first-hand responses to the feedback they provide. This feedback may take the form of verbal or written communication and may include case studies, lessons learned, and best practices regarding standards implementations and their implications.

The ability to interact in face-to-face environments is critical. It allows members to exchange ideas, test for understanding, and provide feedback. Events such as the recent members-only meeting in Denver and September’s annual conference in Nashville keep members current and the institution responsive to new developments in a fast-evolving sector. Industry

SGIP Member Committees and Groups collaborate to create products to educate and guide the Smart Grid industry through internal and external communication channels.



Although these standards have been vetted, the SGIP does not necessarily endorse any standard for a particular application. In some cases, the catalog may hold two standards that support the same application. It is up to the individual user to decide which of the standards is best suited for the user’s individual operating environment.

Adding New Standards to the CatalogIn most cases, the development of a new standard is facilitated by SGIP through the establishment of a priority action plan (PAP). However, non-PAP documents may be considered. Further, even non ANSI-accredited standards, practices, and guidelines can be considered.

Once the standard is identified and vetted, comments from the evaluation process and other supporting documents are assembled for voting. After the package is verified by SGIP staff and the Program Management Office, it is reviewed by the SGIP Technical Committee and Board of Directors. After these groups recommend the document for inclusion in the catalog, the package is sent to the general SGIP membership for a vote.

The SGIP membership vote provides the ability to review the distilled artifacts and standards according to the CoS process. Since some standards are copyrighted, SGIP has made arrangements with ANSI to provide individual access to participants for a time-limited period to review select standards.

There are 60 standards in CoS. New standards are:

• OpenADR 2.0 Profile a and Profile bOpenADR 2.0 profile specification is an implementation standard to facilitate common information exchange between electricity service providers, aggregators, and end users; a specific area of interest is demand response

• Smart Energy Profile (SEP) 2.0 defines messages exchanged between devices that implement the Smart Energy Profile, thereby delivering on requirements in SEP 2.0 and enabling an interoperable ecosystem of smart energy devices

• MultiSpeak Specification Version 3 and MultiSpeak Security Version 1 currently being balloted for inclusion in the catalog; they will be followed by ANSI/CEA 709 and 852 series of standards

For more information, visit www.sgip.org/catalog-of-standards ei

Mr. Caskey ([email protected]) is SGIP Board of Directors Vice Chairman and Technical Committee Chairman.

Back in the old days, your grandparents waited anxiously to receive their new Sears Roebuck catalog. If they needed something they couldn’t

make or grow themselves, they probably ordered it from Sears—jeans, work shirts, guns, farm equipment.

Today, if you are a utility implementing Smart Grid or a regulator evaluating new Smart Grid proposals, the SGIP Catalog of Standards is your modern day “Sears catalog” to find what you need.

The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) was established in 2009 to support the Smart Grid activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST is responsible for coordinating the development of a framework of protocols and model standards for an interoperable Smart Grid.

In an effort to develop a set of model standards, SGIP identified potential standards and then evaluated those standards against stated criteria. Once vetted, these standards were placed in the Catalog of Standards (CoS), which now holds 60 documents.

The criteria used to evaluate the standards include:

• relevance to advancing interoperability of Smart Grid devices and systems

• acceptance by the community

• suitability for deployment

• ability to facilitate integration and promote implementation flexibility

• documented and maintained by multi‐member organization

According to the SGIP website, “the Catalog is a compendium of standards, practices, and guidelines considered relevant for the development and deployment of a robust and interoperable Smart Grid. Entries in the Catalog are not endorsed or recommended by the SGIP but rather have gone through detailed SGIP review. Associated review materials should be consulted along with the standards, as there may be noted concerns or considerations.”1

CoS is not only beneficial to NIST, but it also a useful resource for utilities, manufacturers, regulators, consumers, and other Smart Grid stakeholders. These stakeholders use the documents in it as a starting point for identifying relevant standards needed to create an interoperable grid. For example, utilities may use the catalog to review substation automation standards to find those that also have associated testing capability for product interoperability.

1 www.sgip.org/catalog-of-standards

SGIP Catalog Ready for Prime TimeJohn f. caskey, ceM, neMA Assistant vice president, industry Operations


$$$


has increased. At their core, microgrids reduce reliance on an increasingly frail external power supply and improve energy reliability. While there are significant advantages, there are risks associated with microgrids, such as vulnerability to energy fluctuation.

Unusual demand may overwhelm the system, putting critical operations at risk, but existing concepts and technologies including high-performance building systems, microgrids, and energy storage can ensure that facilities are more secure, reliable, and efficient.

The need to better manage the electrical grid is driving Smart Grid implementation, but commercial buildings benefit from energy management strategies when they:

• receive financial incentives from demand response programs and by managing peak demand

• use less energy and spend less money

• reduce building electrical usage at critical periods to prevent grid instability, blackouts, and critical peak charges

The Smart Grid, a reference to the modernization of the national electricity supply system, is an automated electric power system

that monitors and controls grid activities, ensuring the two-way flow of electricity and information between power plants and consumers—and all points in between.

What makes this grid “smart” is the ability to sense, monitor, and, in some cases, control (automatically or remotely) how the system operates or behaves under a given set of conditions, including weather events that cause power outages, national emergencies, or even malicious security threats such as hacking or potential cyberattacks.

In its most basic form, implementation of a smarter grid is adding intelligence to all areas of the electric power system to optimize our use of electricity.

Microgrids Offer SolutionsAs the national electrical grid shows increasing signs of instability, interest in independent and reliable microgrids

Energy-Efficient Lighting Makes Microgrids, Smart Grid More Reliable

Andy wakefield, director of government and OeM Solutions, lutron electronics


• eachfactorthathascaused,oriscausing,aconflictorshortage(asidentifiedinthelistabove)

USGSconductedthesurveyonbehalfofEPA.In2012,itdeliveredthefirstnationalwatercensus,Progress toward Establishing a National Assessment of Water Availability and Use.2

Theenergy-waternexuswillhaveanimpactonNEMAmembersasmanufacturersandassupplierstotheelectroindustry.Withthe2012nationalwatercensusasabaseline,thefocusoffederalagencieslikeUSGSandEPAwillnodoubtbeonmethodstoimproveconservationofwaterresourcesandefficiencygainsinwatermanagementsystems.DevelopingtechnicalstandardsandpromotingperformanceimprovementincentiveslikethoseforNEMAPremium®productscouldbepossiblerolesfortheassociation. ei

Mr. Molitor([email protected]) is the former plenary secretary of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel.

2 pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1384/support/c1384.pdf

For a number of years, environmentalists, scientists, and social scientists have underscored an extremely strong link between energy and water.

Energy delivery requires water along the entire supply chain, from the mining and production of fuel sources to cooling for power plants. Similarly, water delivery is heavily dependent on energy in the extraction, treatment, and distribution of the water supply, as well as the treatment of wastewater.

AccordingtothemostrecentdatafromtheU.S.GeologicalSurvey(USGS),about410billiongallonsofwaterarewithdrawnfromU.S.watersourceseveryday.Ofthosewithdrawals,thermoelectricpowergenerationisthenumberoneuseoffreshwateratroughly201billiongallonsperdayor49percentofthetotal.USGSnotes,however,thatasubstantialamountofthiswaterisreturnedtosurfacesourcesmakingitavailableforotheruses.Irrigationforagricultureisthesecond-mostcommonuseforfreshwaterwithdrawalsat31percent.Industrialpurposes,includingmanufacturing,representaboutfourpercent.1

In2009Congresspassed—andPresidentObamasignedintolaw—theOmnibus Public Land Management Act(PL111-11).SubtitleFofthislawistheSECURE Water Act,whichcallsfortheestablishmentofa“nationalwateravailabilityanduseassessmentprogram”withinUSGS.

Water Census to Mark ProgressTheactdirectstheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)todeliveranationalwatercensuseveryfiveyearstotheappropriatecommitteesofCongressthatencompasses:

• thecurrentavailabilityofwaterresourcesintheU.S.,includinghistorictrendsandannualupdatesofriverbasininflowsandoutflows,surfacewaterstorage,groundwaterreserves,andestimatesofundevelopedpotentialresources(includingsaline,brackish,andwastewater)

• significanttrendsaffectingwateravailability,includingeachdocumentedorprojectedimpacttotheavailabilityofwaterasaresultofglobalclimatechange

• withdrawalanduseofsurfacewaterandgroundwaterbytheagriculturalsector,industrialsector,municipalities,thermoelectricpowergenerators,andhydroelectricpowergenerators

• significanttrendsrelatingtoeachwaterusesector,includingsignificantchangesinwateruseduetothedevelopmentofnewenergysupplies

• significantwateruseconflictsorshortagesthathaveoccurredorareoccurring

1 Summary of Estimated Water Use in the United States in 2005,pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3098/pdf/2009-3098.pdf

Energy-Water Nexus to Affect Manufacturers and Suppliers to Electroindustry

Paul Molitor, neMa assistant Vice President

Ű Energy-Water Nexus by the numbers:• 30% to 40%*

Energy consumption by public drinking water and wastewater utilities of a typical municipality’s energy bill

• 80%* Typical energy usage to operate pumping motors at drinking water plants

Water required to generate one megawatt-hour of electricity: **

• Gas/Steam combined cycle 7,400 to 20,000 gallons

• Coal/Oil 21,000 to 50,000 gallons

• Nuclear 25,000 to 60,000 gallons

Energy required to deliver one million gallons of clean water: **

• Lake/River 1,400 kilowatt-hours

• Groundwater 1,800 kilowatt-hours

• Wastewater 2,350 to 3,300 kilowatt-hours

• Seawater 9,780 to 16,500 kilowatt-hours

* Congressional Research Service Report R43200

** Michael E. Webber, Scientific American, Earth 2008, Vol. 18, No. 4


http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1384/support/c1384.pdf

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3098/pdf/2009-3098.pdf


It will analyze, design, and develop high-voltage and high-temperature (HV/T) materials and structures for energy transfer, aerospace, automotive, and other applications. Graduate students will train in a university-industry collaboration and networking environment.

Research includes:

• design, development, and evaluation of high-voltage energy transmission and multifunctional materials for next generation conductors, insulators, underground cables, towers, and other structures for electric power transmission and other industrial applications

• failure prediction and prevention of HV/T materials and structures under in-service conditions through state-of-the-art, multi-scale modeling and material performance evaluations

• development of new multi-field failure monitoring techniques and material repair methods in HV/T materials under laboratory conditions and for the in-service inspection and repair

• design and development of advanced high temperature materials and evaluations of existing materials for industrial applications

A new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Novel High Voltage/Temperature Materials and Structures has just

been awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of Denver, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Michigan Technological University.

The I/UCRC program was established by NSF 30 years ago; currently, there are more than 60 centers with 178 sites, 760 members, and 500 distinct organizations jointly holding 1,080 memberships.1 Its mission is to contribute to the nation’s research infrastructure base by developing long-term partnerships among industry, academe, and government, and to leverage NSF funds with industry to support graduate students performing relevant research. Its vision is to expand the innovation capacity of our nation’s competitive workforce through partnerships between industries and universities.

The principal goal of the center is to conduct pre-competitive research in materials and methods that can improve the efficiency of the U.S. system of electrical power lines, as well as the performance of electricity-conducting materials and structures in other industries.

1 www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc/index.jsp

Research Center to Explore High-Voltage/

Temperature Materials, Structures

iwona Jasiuk, phd, department of Mechanical Science and engineering Martin Ostoja-Starzewski, phd, department of Mechanical Science and engineering

university of illinois at urbana-champaign


http://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc/index.jsp

the effects of HV/T in novel metal-based and polymer-based composite materials for a range of engineering applications.

Better understanding of the effects of HV electrical fields and high temperatures on the structural integrity of HV/T conductors and other structures will lead to major advances in power transmission, energy, and other industries. It will also create a diverse and interdisciplinary educational, research, and business environment for students and faculty; utility, automotive, and aerospace companies; and national lab engineers and designers.

Companies and government institutions may join the center. It will meet twice every year to review findings and evaluate new project proposals.

Interested companies may contact Professor Jasiuk ([email protected], 217-333-9259) or Professor Ostoja-Starzewski ([email protected], 217-265-0900) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ei

Professor Jasiuk is the site director and Professor Ostoja-Starzewski is the co-director of I/UCRC for Novel High Voltage/Temperature Materials and Structures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The advanced materials to be studied in the center will include metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites, and nano-composites. The research will involve interdisciplinary collaborations of participating faculty and use of the high-tech equipment at the three universities.

Significant benefits to industrial members of the center are expected:

• Research projects will be selected by members.

• Industrial Advisory Board will oversee research directions.

• Networking between industries will be facilitated.

• Access to intellectual property will be enabled.

• I/UCRC will be financially subsidized by NSF.

Awareness Leads to AdvancesBecause of the rapidly growing demand for electric power and development of new energy sources, there is an urgent need in the U.S. to be able to transport more electric power more efficiently using existing rights-of-way. However, current HV voltage conductors are limited by their propensity to sag at higher temperatures. Research will increase knowledge of

FULL STEAM AHEAD: MOVING FORWARD

TOGETHER

REGISTER ONLINE BY JUNE 27 FOR EARLY BIRD RATE

Long Beach, CA Renaissance HotelSeptember 24-26, 2014

Opening keynote: Greg Verdino, Business Futurist, will provide insight into how marketing, IT and industry leaders can collaborate in a rapidly changing eBusiness economy.

eBusiness workshops such as how to build a web store or manage product lifecycles. Topical tracks will help attendees in various job functions integrate efforts and acheive project milestones.

SEPT 24 - 26, 2014

THE ONLY ELECTRICALeBUSINESS EVENT

WWW.IDEA-EBIZFORUM.COMVisit our new Forum site for more info; attendee, sponsor, exhibitor registration






• each factor that has caused, or is causing, a conflict or shortage (as identified in the list above)

USGS conducted the survey on behalf of EPA. In 2012, it delivered the first national water census, Progress toward Establishing a National Assessment of Water Availability and Use.2

The energy-water nexus will have an impact on NEMA members as manufacturers and as suppliers to the electroindustry. With the 2012 national water census as a baseline, the focus of federal agencies like USGS and EPA will no doubt be on methods to improve conservation of water resources and efficiency gains in water management systems. Developing technical standards and promoting performance improvement incentives like those for NEMA Premium® products could be possible roles for the association. ei

Mr. Molitor ([email protected]) is the former plenary secretary of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel.

2 pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1384/support/c1384.pdf

For a number of years, environmentalists, scientists, and social scientists have underscored an extremely strong link between energy and water.

Energy delivery requires water along the entire supply chain, from the mining and production of fuel sources to cooling for power plants. Similarly, water delivery is heavily dependent on energy in the extraction, treatment, and distribution of the water supply, as well as the treatment of wastewater.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), about 410 billion gallons of water are withdrawn from U.S. water sources every day. Of those withdrawals, thermoelectric power generation is the number one use of freshwater at roughly 201 billion gallons per day or 49 percent of the total. USGS notes, however, that a substantial amount of this water is returned to surface sources making it available for other uses. Irrigation for agriculture is the second-most common use for freshwater withdrawals at 31 percent. Industrial purposes, including manufacturing, represent about four percent.1

In 2009 Congress passed—and President Obama signed into law—the Omnibus Public Land Management Act (PL 111-11). Subtitle F of this law is the SECURE Water Act, which calls for the establishment of a “national water availability and use assessment program” within USGS.

wAter cenSuS tO MArK prOgreSSThe act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver a national water census every five years to the appropriate committees of Congress that encompasses:

• the current availability of water resources in the U.S., including historic trends and annual updates of river basin inflows and outflows, surface water storage, groundwater reserves, and estimates of undeveloped potential resources (including saline, brackish, and wastewater)

• significant trends affecting water availability, including each documented or projected impact to the availability of water as a result of global climate change

• withdrawal and use of surface water and groundwater by the agricultural sector, industrial sector, municipalities, thermoelectric power generators, and hydroelectric power generators

• significant trends relating to each water use sector, including significant changes in water use due to the development of new energy supplies

• significant water use conflicts or shortages that have occurred or are occurring

1 Summary of Estimated Water Use in the United States in 2005, pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3098/pdf/2009-3098.pdf

Energy-Water Nexus to Affect Manufacturers and Suppliers to Electroindustry

paul Molitor, neMA Assistant vice president

Ű Energy-Water Nexus by the numbers:• 30% to 40%*

Energy consumption by public drinking water and wastewater utilities of a typical municipality’s energy bill

• 80%* Typical energy usage to operate pumping motors at drinking water plants

Water required to generate one megawatt-hour of electricity: **

• Gas/Steam combined cycle 7,400 to 20,000 gallons

• Coal/Oil 21,000 to 50,000 gallons

• Nuclear 25,000 to 60,000 gallons

Energy required to deliver one gallon of clean water: **

• Lake/River 1,400 kilowatt-hours

• Groundwater 1,800 kilowatt-hours

• Wastewater 2,350 to 3,300 kilowatt-hours

• Seawater 9,780 to 16,500 kilowatt-hours

* Congressional Research Service Report R43200

** Michael E. Webber, Scientific American, Earth 2008, Vol. 18, No. 4


http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1384/support/c1384.pdf



Electroindustry News

Ű NEMA Board of Governors Approves New MembersThe following were approved by the Board of Governors at its March 2014 meeting.

full MeMberSHip

Car Charging Group, Inc. www.carcharging.com Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/Systems Section (05EV)

FluoroPharma Medical, Inc. www.fluoropharma.com Molecular Imaging Section (09MO)

Gamma Medica, Inc. www.gammamedica.com Molecular Imaging Section (09MO)

Marmon Retail Home Improvement Products www.cerroretail.com Building Wire & Cable Group & Dues Center (07WC-1)

Space Age Electronics, Inc. www.1sae.com Signaling Protection & Communication Section (03SB)

ASSOciAte MeMberSHip

Tempel Steel www.tempel.com Industrial Supplier ei

Christine Shattuck, Member Relations Manager |

[email protected]

Ű Friends, Family, and Industry Saddened by Death of Charlie JerabekFormer Chairman of NEMA’s Board of Governors Charles “Charlie” F. Jerabek died May 19, 2014, from complications stemming from ocular melanoma. In addition to serving as NEMA’s board chairman in 2010, he held several key positions on NEMA’s board during his long tenure, including vice-chairman and treasurer of the board, chair of the Government Relations Policy Committee, chair of the Economics Policy Committee, and a director of NEMA’s Political Action Committee board.

Charlie retired in 2009 after a distinguished career with Osram Sylvania. A 38-year company and industry veteran, he led the company for eight years as president, CEO, and member of its board. He was executive vice president and general manager of global Automotive Lighting for Osram Sylvania since 1997 and head of Global Lighting since 1991.

After retirement, Charlie remained active with a number of business and industry entities. He was a Trustee of Endicott College and an honorary member of The Electrical Manufacturers Club. He was also very active in applying his business skills to other interests. He was a partner in The Landing Restaurant in Massachusetts; an advisor to Five Pawns Inc.; and served on numerous boards including Smartlabs Inc., Enlighted Inc., Luminous Devices Inc, Lucidity Lighting, and LumenZ Inc.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sydney Parvin Jerabek; his son, Rodney and daughter-in-law, Crystal; his daughter, Molly Frey and son-in-law, Jon; and his three grandchildren: Max and Grayson Frey and Charley Jerabek. He is further survived by sisters and a brother, as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Beyond his professional and personal accomplishments, Charlie will be remembered for his strong and deep relationships with family and friends. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Jefferson Foundation Uveal Melanoma Research Fund or to Endicott College. ei


http://www.carcharging.com

http://www.fluoropharma.com

http://www.gammamedica.com

http://www.cerroretail.com

http://www.1sae.com

http://www.tempel.com

Electroindustry News

Ű EEE PES 2014 Conference Charts Course to New Energy FutureThe 2014 IEEE Power and Engineering Society (PES) General Meeting will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland (Washington, D.C., area), July 27–31, 2014. This premier conference provides an international forum for practicing power engineers and academics to promote, share, and discuss developments in the field of electrical power engineering.

The theme is Charting the Course to a New Energy Future. NEMA members and staff will be a prominent presence.

Christopher Curtis, chairman of the NEMA Board of Governors, will cover the rapid technical advances that are changing the way we think about electrical services and the grid over which they are delivered in his keynote address July 28.

According to Mr. Curtis, the challenge is to serve an increasingly mobile customer base, a more dynamic and geographically diverse load profile, and greater kinds and quantities of distributed energy resources all while preserving safety, reliability, and quality. This could our “cell phone” moment—the evolutionary step that breaks conventional business models that have guided the industry for the last hundred years.

NEMA’s Smart Grid Industry Director Steve Griffith will chair two panels: “Reliability and Resiliency in the U.S. Capitol Region / Hardening the Grid: One Year after Hurricane Sandy, ” and “Using Smart Grid Data to Improve Planning, Analytics, and Operation of the U.S. Capital Region T&D Systems.”

In addition to NEMA member company participation on these panels, utility and government representatives will also offer perspectives.

Additional supersession topics will address cyber and physical security, natural disaster preparedness, planning and response, and results and lessons learned from the implementation of funded Smart Grid projects.

For information, registration, and program updates, visit pes-gm.org/2014. ei

Deana M. Dennis, Manager, State Government Relations |

[email protected]

Steve Griffith, PMP, NEMA Smart Grid Industry Director |

[email protected]


http://pes-gm.org/2014/

Ű NEMA Communications Garners Six Hermes AwardsNEMA Communications won platinum and gold awards for ei, the magazine of the electroindustry, and honorable mentions, including one for eiXtra electronic newsletter, in the 2014 Hermes Creative Awards competition.

Originally published in 1995 as Electroindustry with a distribution of 5,300, ei was redesigned earlier this year and has 52,000 subscribers.

Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional materials and programs as well as emerging technologies. Judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the competition has grown to one of the largest of its kind in the world. Winners range from individual communicators to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies.

NEMA Platinum Awards include:

• Overall publication: From campfire to control panel—the evolution of lighting systems (February 2014)

• Cover: issue, How innovation in medical imaging and radiation therapy has transformed healthcare (March 2014)

• Written article: “Ins and Outs of the Sustainable Growth Rate in Medicare” by Paul Molitor, NEMA assistant vice president and Brian Connell, MITA government relations director (March 2014)

Gold Awards include:

• Writing in overall publication: From campfire to control panel— the evolution of lighting systems (February 2014)

• Design of overall publication: From campfire to control panel— the evolution of lighting systems (February 2014)

• Design in publication interior: From campfire to control panel— the evolution of lighting systems (February 2014)

Honorable mentions include:

• April 2014 edition of ei

• April 7, 2014, edition of eiXtra e-newsletter

• Written article: “Going Green Improves Energy Consumption, Air Quality,” by Chrissy L. S. George, editor/writer (June 2013)

• Redesign of ei

Winning entries can be found on the NEMA Communications website.

NEMA Communications includes Paul Molitor, publisher; Pat Walsh, editor in chief / publications manager; Bill Green, digital media manager; Chrissy L. S. George, editor/writer and social media manager; and Phallan K. Davis, public relations specialist. ei

Ű Promoting Sustainability with Student Engineers NEMA Program Manager Ryan Franks (above) and NEMA High-Performance Buildings Policy Director Patrick Hughes,

were guest lecturers at the University of Maryland’s Environmental and Civil Engineering’s “Engineering for

Sustainability” class. Energy efficiency and energy storage were the topics of the day. ei

Photo by Patrick Hughes


http://www.hermesawards.com/

http://www.hermesawards.com/

http://www.amcpros.com/

http://www.amcpros.com/

http://www.nema.org/2014-Hermes-Awards

Code Actions/Standardization Trends

Ű Dick Schneider Honored for Service

Ű Recently Published Standards

Richard (Dick ) Schneider, PE., was honored April 23 for more than 30 years of service by the Fire Pump Controllers Subcommittee of the NEMA Industrial Automation Control Products and Systems.

Mr. Schneider is a longtime member of IAEI and NFPA, and he represents NEMA on NFPA 20 (Fire Pumps). He is an expert member of the IEC 17B/WG2, which developed the IEC 62091 (Fire Pump Controllers) standard, a member of CANENA THSC WG4, and various UL TAGs and is chairman of NEMA 1IS, S/C 10, Fire Pump Controllers. As the retired manager of engineering and quality assurance of Joslyn Clark Controls, his experience includes fire pump controls, vacuum contactors, and general low-voltage and medium-voltage industrial control equipment. ei

Photo by Pat Walsh

All NEMA standards, guides, and white papers are available at www.nema.org/standards:

• ANSI C18.2M, Part 1-2013 American National Standard for Portable Rechargeable Cells and Batteries—General and Specifications applies to portable rechargeable, or secondary, cells and batteries based on nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion electrochemical systems. It may be purchased in electronic or hardcopy format for $94.

• ANSI C136.12-2014 American National Standard for Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment—Mercury Lamps—Guide for Selection covers the selection of mercury vapor lamps recommended for use in roadway and area lighting equipment. It may be purchased in electronic or hardcopy format for $37.

• NEMA LSD 40-2014 Failure Modes for Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps—A NEMA Update reflects current industry practices regarding

end of useful life issues for self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps (SBCFL). The white paper communicates the actions that the industry has taken to minimize objectionable failure modes that resulted in these complaints. It may be downloaded at no cost.

• NEMA LSD 70-2014 A Comparison of High Performance Luminaire Programs in the U.S. Market assists luminaire purchasers and specifiers in stating requirements and reducing confusion surrounding popular high-performance programs and their overlaps. It may be downloaded at no cost.

• NEMA MG 1-2011 Condensed Information Guide for General Purpose Industrial AC Small and Medium Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor Standards, an abridgement of ANSI/NEMA MG 1-2011 Motors and Generators, may be downloaded at no cost or purchased in hardcopy for $110.

• ANSI/NEMA OS 1-2013 Sheet-Steel Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers

and Box Supports is the essential industry standard for ensuring compatibility of metal outlet boxes with standardized wiring devices and conduit and cable systems. It may be purchased in electronic or hardcopy format for $154.

• ANSI/NEMA OS 2-2013 Nonmetallic Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers and Box Supports is the essential industry standard for ensuring compatibility of nonmetallic outlet boxes with standardized wiring devices and conduit and cable systems. It may be purchased in electronic or hardcopy format for $97.

• NEMA TR 1-2013 Transformers, Regulators and Reactors applies to single- and polyphase power and distribution transformers (including step-voltage regulators and reactors)and is one of the few standards on the market that lists audible sound levels for these particular transformers. It may be downloaded at no cost or purchased in hardcopy for $55. ei


http://www.nema.org/standards

http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/American-National-Standard-for-Portable-Rechargeable-Cells-and-Batteries-General-and-Specifications.aspx




http://lists.nema.org/t/7655/294899/1388/1/















http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Sheet-Steel-Outlet-Boxes-Device-Boxes-Covers-and-Box-Supports.aspx



http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Nonmetallic-Outlet-Boxes-Device-Boxes-Covers-and-Box-Supports.aspx



http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Transformers-Regulators-and-Reactors.aspx

http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Transformers-Regulators-and-Reactors.aspx

Code Actions/Standardization Trends

Ű NEMA to Reinstate Standard for Dry Type Transformers

Ű Radiation Therapy Standard Enhances Safety, Effectiveness of Treatments

At its April meeting, the NEMA Codes & Standards Committee voted to reinstate the rescinded NEMA ST 20 Dry Type Transformers for General Applications.

The scope of ST 20 applies to single-phase and polyphase dry-type transformers (including autotransformers and non-current-limiting reactors) for supplying energy to power, heating, and lighting circuits and designed to be installed and used in

NEMA, on behalf of its medical division, the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), published NEMA RT 1-2014 Gating Interface to enhance the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy (RT) treatments.

According to MITA Executive Director Gail Rodriguez, this first-of-its-kind standard reflects the commitment of RT manufacturers to continue improving patient safety.

“RT 1 will improve targeting accuracy and reduce normal tissue irradiation

accordance with the National Electrical Code®. It covers transformers with and without accessories having ratings of 1.2 kV class, 0.25 kVA through 4000 kVA.

ST 20 was one of the few standards in the marketplace that specifically addressed sound levels for this particular type of transformer. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still references NEMA ST 20 in its criteria documents.

so patients can reap the benefits of this treatment without risk of damaging adjacent healthy tissue,” she said.

RT 1 provides key technical information to developers for synchronizing equipment with the patient’s breathing and other movements during cancer treatment. Movement outside of the standard’s predetermined window will trigger an appropriate signal. This motion monitoring information can be used to improve targeting accuracy through treatment delivery interventions

Changes in the latest version include a single average sound level table, more alignment with IEEE, and a new appendix providing a brief introduction to U.S. Efficiency Regulations.

This standard will soon be available on the NEMA website. ei

Steve Griffith, PMP, NEMA Smart Grid Industry Director | [email protected]

in the event that the target moves from the planned position. The standard defines specific technical “fail safe” provisions to improve interoperability among devices from various manufacturers.

NEMA RT 1-2014 may be downloaded at no cost or purchased in hard copy for $32 by visiting the NEMA website. ei

Stephen Vastagh, DICOM General Secretary |

[email protected]

Ű NEMA’s William Hoyt to Co-Chair Motor Summit NEMA Industry Director William Hoyt has been named co-chair of Motor Summit 2014, which will be held October 7–9, 2014, in Zurich, Switzerland.

The summit is organized by the Swiss Agency for Efficient Energy Use under the auspices of the Electric Motor Systems Annex of the International Energy Agency (IEA). IEA estimates that motor systems used in industrial and infrastructure applications are responsible for 45 percent of the world’s total electricity consumption.

According to Mr. Hoyt, this is an international opportunity for experts to discuss developments in new motor technology and motor systems efficiency.

“It is truly a gathering of some of the best minds in the world intent on finding common solutions to greater energy efficiency for preservation of diminishing resources,” he said.

The summit will bring together selected experts from research, policy, manufacturing, and utilities. Mr. Hoyt has been a frequent contributor at the Motor Summit and other major conferences related to motor systems efficiency. Participants will debate global strategies and actions to overcome barriers to widespread market transformation opportunities. Speakers from Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and the U.S. have committed to attend. ei

William Hoyt at the 2012 Motor Summit. Photo by Thomas Burla


http://www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Gating-Interface.aspx



International Roundup

Ű NEMA Shines at PEMEX-CANAME-CFE Expo

NEMA’s Mexico Office Director Gustavo Dominguez was invited by the director of standards of PEMEX, the national petroleum corporation of Mexico, to speak at the tenth annual technical forum organized by PEMEX, CANAME (Mexican Chamber of Electrical Manufacturers), and CFE (Mexico Federal Electricity Commission). The objective of the PEMEX-CANAME-CFE Electrical Expo and Forum is to show technological innovation and state of the art electrical solutions. This year’s show featured 59 CANAME member companies, 80 exhibits, and 1,100 participants.

Because NEMA is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable organizations in the arena of international electrical standardizations—and especially in Latin America, it was asked to make a presentation on the electrical systems in the U.S. including the installation code, standards, certification, and inspection; NEMA’s strategic initiatives; CANENA; and NEMA’s Latin America Initiative.

Speakers from CFE provided insight regarding current changes taking

place as a result of the energy reform, focusing on the need for CFE to change its operating strategy to improve both management and energy system efficiency. The objectives are better grid operations, resources management, sustainability, and client services.

The utility is continuing to develop its Smart Grid roadmap, but is implementing technology in response to its initial plans to upgrade its system. Using several different communication protocol standards, including IEC 61850 for the design of electrical substation automation, IEEE 1588 for time synchronization, and IEEE 37.118-2005 for data acquisition, CFE has installed 164 phasor measurement units and envisions adding a similar number in the near future. This will result in a huge amount of real time data that will be used to improve system stability and reliability.

CFE has also installed dynamic reactive compensators to various sites in its grid to improve power quality. This equipment responds in less than half of a cycle to compensate voltage. The objective is to

maintain a balanced transmission system. The plan is to install energy metering equipment in substations and power generation facilities, both their own and those of independent power producers. The new system will allow CFE to do active management.

Mr. Domínguez met with several NEMA member companies at the forum to discuss their ongoing efforts in PEMEX and CFE. The general trend is that members are increasing their level of activity in the Mexican market and gaining increased visibility.

Following this expo, Mr. Domínguez met with the PEMEX standards director to discuss future possible NEMA presentations in PEMEX forums. ei

Gustavo Domínguez, NEMA Director for Latin America |

[email protected]

Gene Eckhart, Senior Director for International Operations |

[email protected]

NEMA members gain increased visibility in Mexico, as seen at the CANAME-PEMEX-CFE Electrical Expo and Forum in Veracruz. Photos by Gene Eckhart



Ű Guatemalan Officials See Need for National Installation Codes and StandardsNEMA staff recently met with numerous government and private sector officials in Guatemala as part of our Latin America Initiative. As reported earlier in ei, this program builds on the successful outreach we have conducted in the region since 2007, focusing on the Latin American countries having free trade agreements with the U.S. (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru). The payoff is reflected in the export statistics—in 2013, exports of products within the scope of NEMA topped out at $2 billion.

Currently, no NEMA member company is facing market access issues in the countries targeted by this program. However, there is a real need for national installation codes and standards to ensure continued access, increasingly important since competitors worldwide are looking at the same market. It is precisely for this reason that the program focuses on the following goals:

• formal adoption of electrical installation codes that are based on the National Electrical Code® (NEC) in all the target countries

• formal adoption of product standards harmonized with those used in North America by all the target countries

• formal adoption of energy codes and green building standards that are consistent with the latest versions available in the U.S.

• increased awareness and understanding by the governments and electrical communities in the target countries about the need for conformity assessment and inspection to ensure safe electrical installations

• heightened awareness about the proliferation of counterfeit products by the electrical community and local customs officials

• proactively encourage energy efficiency regulations that are consistent with North American requirements

Several years ago, NEMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Commission of Electrical Energy (CNEE), the regulator for the electrical grid in Guatemala. The agreement allows CNEE to use NEMA standards to develop national standards, either by direct adoption or with local deviations. In a meeting with the CNEE director, we agreed to update the agreement to reflect current practices used to distribute standards. We are also working to arrange licensing of the broad portfolio of electrical standards harmonized through CANENA (Council for Harmonization of Electrotechnical Standardization of the Nations of the Americas).

In a separate meeting with COGUANOR (Guatemalan Standards Commission), a division of the Ministry of Economy, we discussed the importance of formal adoption of the NEC as a mandatory code—a step necessary to ensure a safe and reliable electrical system.

We have been working on this objective for several years in close cooperation with the Latin American office of the National Fire Protection Association.

In meetings with several different electrical distributors, we learned that all are keenly aware of the variation in levels of product quality from different regions of the world, and of the close relationship between quality and price, the latter of which drives many purchasing decisions. There is increased awareness of both the dangers and presence of counterfeit products in the marketplace; distributors are paying close attention to the paperwork that accompanies product shipments, noting that discrepancies between the products and documentation often point to illegal substitutions. ei

Gustavo Domínguez, NEMA Director for Latin America |

[email protected]

Gene Eckhart, Senior Director for International Operations |

[email protected]

In Guatemala, there is need for national installation codes and standards, including adoption of those based on the National Electrical Code®. Photo by Gene Eckhart



Ű Discovering a New Perspective on MotorsRita Werle, A+B International, Switzerland

Electric motors and motor parts are manufactured in —and shipped across—many countries. The industry has also seen major mergers during the past few years. The motor market has become truly global and so has the work associated with it.

The U.S. has implemented regulations and programs aimed at raising motor systems efficiency for more than two decades, with minimum requirements for motors setting the pace for other countries. Today, the U.S. has the highest minimum requirement for electric motors (IE3 / NEMA Premium®) worldwide. A vast amount of experience from that can be applied in other countries and adapted to local needs. This was the fundamental concept of my three-month professional excursion in U.S. motor systems efficiency, which began in January.

The idea for my visit was born after a discussion with William Hoyt, NEMA Industry Director, during the Eighth International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems1 in October 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was instrumental in making my venture—from a desk at NEMA—a success.

I improved my understanding through several meetings on:

• history and current operation of the NEMA Premium program

• manufacturers’ interests and concerns at NEMA Motor and Generator section meetings and during discussions on global harmonization of motor testing standards, certification, and labeling—the goal of the Global Motor Labeling Program2

• Extended Motor Product Label Initiative3 at the 23rd Annual

1 www.eemods2013.org

2 See ei magazine, August 2013, page 18.

3 More information: www.aceee.org/blog/2014/01/voluntary-

CANENA4 meeting

• concerns and new business models of utilities at “Powering the People: Next Generation Utility” organized by the Edison Foundation and the Institute for Electric Innovation

• the process of manufacturing an electric motor during a visit at Regal Beloit in Wausau, Wisconsin

• stakeholder consultation process of the Department of Energy rulemakings at the public meeting for pump efficiency regulations

• successes and pitfalls of efficiency programs of the past 20 years and future trends in regulations and policy at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

• laboratory accreditation process and proficiency testing at the National Institute of Standards and Technology

• SEAD5 Global Efficiency Medal Competition for Electric Motors at the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program

My report on our activities and experience was well received back in Europe, where EMSA6 is working on Policy Guidelines for Electric Motor Systems, to be published in October 2014. The guidelines show successful examples from various

performance-label-industria

4 Council for Harmonization of Electrotechnical Standards of the Nations in the Americas (www.canena.org)

5 Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment Initiative ( www.superefficient.org)

6 EMSA is the Electric Motor Systems Annex (www.motorsystems.org) of the International Energy Agency’s Implementing Agreement 4E Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (www.iea-4e.org). Australia, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, and U.S. actively participate in EMSA.

countries and provide policymakers with recommendations on how to design policies and what mix of instruments to apply for widespread use of efficient electric motor systems. Many good examples are incorporated from the U.S.

I return to Switzerland with a better understanding of past, current, and future motor systems efficiency developments in the U.S. and with valuable new contacts. We will benefit from this experience in our Swiss, European, and global work. I look forward to continuing the discussions at the Motor Summit October 7–9, 2014, in Zurich (www.motorsummit.ch), that my company is organizing.

Personally, it was a wonderful experience to live in Washington, D.C. The city has a lot to offer. I enjoyed visiting museums, listening to live jazz and blues, wandering the Great Falls Park, and admiring the beauty of nature. I visited New York, Chicago, and New Orleans. I found the American people very open and friendly, and I made many new friends. I return with one eye laughing—finally to be back home—and one eye crying—for leaving this great experience behind. ei

Ms. Werle has worked for the energy consultancy A+B International, in Zurich, Switzerland, for four years. A+B International is active in the field of energy efficiency in industry, particularly efficient electric motor systems.


http://www.aceee.org/blog/2014/01/voluntary-performance-label-industria

http://www.aceee.org/blog/2014/01/voluntary-performance-label-industria

http://www.canena.org/

http://www.superefficient.org

http://www.motorsystems.org

http://www.motorsystems.org

http://www.iea-4e.org

http://www.motorsummit.ch

Economic SpotlightInternational Roundup

Ű Current Business Conditions Stable in May; Optimism Retreats from April PeakNEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America declined to 50 in May, the value typically associated with a stable business environment, down from readings of 66.7 in April and 52.6 in March. The share of respondents that reported improved conditions in May fell to 24 percent from 48 percent in April while the share reporting deteriorated conditions climbed to 24 percent from 14 percent. Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated that conditions were unchanged from April.

The survey’s measure of the mean degree of change in current North American conditions also slipped in May, decreasing to +0.2 from +0.7 in April. Panelists are asked to report intensity of change on a scale ranging from –5 (deteriorated significantly) through 0 (unchanged) to +5 (improved significantly).

The EBCI for future North American conditions continued to signal widespread optimism. However, the index for conditions six months hence retreated from 92.9 in April, a twelve year peak, to 85.3 in May. Seventy-one percent of survey respondents said they expect conditions to improve over the next six months, down from 86 percent in April. For a seventh straight month none of the survey respondents reported that they anticipate a near-term deterioration in the business environment. ei

Compiled by NEMA Business Information Services

North American Current Conditions Magnitude: May 2014

Num

ber o

f Res

pons

es

0

1.75

3.5

5.25

7

Change in Conditions Rating-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Median = 0 Mean = 0.2

Electroindustry Business Conditions Index: March 2001 - May 2014

Inde

x (>

50

indi

cate

s ex

pand

ing

sect

or)

0

25

50

75

100

2001

2001

2002

2003

2004

2004

2005

2006

2007

2007

2008

2009

2010

2010

2011

2012

2013

2013

Current Conditions Future Conditions Series3

Ű April EBCI Conditions Jumped Showing Optimism for Next Six Months NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America jumped to 66.7 in April, up from readings of 52.6 in March and 50 in February, the value typically associated with a stable business

environment. The share of respondents that reported conditions improved in April rose to 48 percent from 26 percent in March, while the share reporting conditions deteriorated to 14 percent from 21 percent. Thirty-eight percent of

respondents indicated that conditions were unchanged from March to April.

See www.nema.org/ebci for the complete April 2014 report. ei


http://www.nema.org/ebci

ExpertASK THEComing in

Connectivity.

The evolution of network connectivity over the past two millennia tracks the technical progress of mankind: from Roman roads to standard gauge railroads; from steam pipes to electric grids; from telegraph offices to the digital mesh of today’s data networks.

It’s more than a mere academic exercise to explore the connectivity of network architectures, organization, taxonomy, and classification schemes that permeate and dissect the electroindustry in general and NEMA member products in particular.

The July issue of ei will consider numerous overlaps, similarities, parallels, cross-connections, and shared purposes of connectivity as they relate to:

• emerging technologies

• transportation

• home automation management

• Smart Grid

• medical imaging

• commerce

NEMA—We connect. We interconnect.

July

Q

Got a question? Ask the experts at [email protected]

Q: What is a Smart Grid?The Smart Grid is a modernized electrical grid that enables bidirectional flows of energy and uses two-way communication and control capabilities.

The basic concept is to add monitoring, analysis, control, and communication features to the national electricity delivery system in order to maximize its output while reducing energy consumption.

A Smart Grid allows homeowners and businesses to use electricity as efficiently and economically as possible.

StOcK Art creditSCover, 1, 9: RafaelRamirezLee/Shutterstock.com10: GVictoria/Shutterstock.com16: ©iStockphoto.com/mariofoto

20 watcharakun/Shutterstock.com22: HaslooGroupProductionStudio/Shutterstock.com28: KrivosheevVitaly/Shutterstock.com

Steve Griffith, PMP, NEMA Smart Grid Industry Director

ExpertLISTEN TO THE

What role does energy storage play in a Smart Grid?Listen to Ryan Franks, NEMA Program Manager, discuss the benefits of energy storage as well as changes in the energy-storage market.

www.nema.org/HPB-Week-Pt4-Energy-Storage


http://www.nema.org/HPB-Week-Pt4-Energy-Storage

Anamet Electrical, Inc.

Mattoon, IL. 61938

Customer Service: 1-800-230-3718

7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time

FIND US ON THE WEB - WWW.ANACONDASEALTITE.COM

Anamet Electrical has

Anaconda SEALTITE®

solutions designed

for smart grid technology

and communications.

Type ZHUA is a UL listed,

zero halogen conduit that

is ideal for public areas

that may have restricted

ventilation.

Type SHIELDTITE® provides

shielding effectiveness of

81-119Db at 1 Megahertz

to 1 Gigahertz and is

manufactured to meet Mil-

STD-1310D for EMI and

EMP shielding. Samples and

details available from our

web-site or our Customer

Service department.

ANAMET Electrical, Inc.Worldwide Leaders in Flexible Conduit Technology

CSA Ad No. CS-14-238Full Page, 4 color processTrim Size: 8.5" X 10.875"Bleed Size: 8.75" X 11.125"NEMA electroindustryAlexander Marketing Services, Inc.Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 USAJob No. 13-CS-0199January 9, 2014

North America I Europe I Asia www.csagroup.org

Customers accept products with confidence when they see CSA marks. They are among the leading marks

in North America, appearing on billions of products every year. We are an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing

Laboratory (NRTL), accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and fully qualified to confirm

products meet U.S. and Canadian national standards for safety or performance. CSA Group tests and

certifies a wide range of electrical products to standards written by ANSI, UL, CSA and more. We also verify

energy efficiency to ENERGY STAR®, NRCan and CEC requirements. Our one-stop capabilities combine

testing in a single, seamless program that helps meet your goals for speed, efficiency and global market

access. Contact the experts at CSA Group to discuss your next project.

1.866.797.4272 | [email protected]

MARKET READY.

think about it— · Ű achieving a resilient grid gary rackliffe, vice president, smart grids...

Documents