By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:30
Europacable is the European Confederation of Associations of Manufacturers of Insulated Wires and Cables. Europacable, and its member companies in the European cable industry, have spent 30 years investing in innovative technology for underground cabling that overcomes the limitations of overhead lines in certain circumstances, and today, cable manufacturers are able to provide innovative and customised solutions for the modern power transmission industry.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:27
As part of the European Union’s energy strategy, there is a commitment to reducing the social and environmental risks associated with the transmission of energy and in this respect cables can provide benefits as they have been shown to be more effective in mitigating potential health impacts.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:24
The size of the transition/sealing end compound would depend to some extent on the number of cables, but if two circuits of three cables are used, the analogy is more like a “tennis court”; if four cables are used the analogy is more like a “football field”. If the transition compound is placed in a woodland area, it can be easily camouflaged from view. In Denmark, for example, the compounds had to be camouflaged through tree and shrub planting.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:22
In principle, the equivalent conductor size of underground cables is much larger than that of the OHL (i.e. a copper cable of 2500 mm2 corresponds with an aluminium overhead conductor of 1500 mm2). Consequently, the electricity joule losses are lower. At high circuit loads, OHL losses can be up to three times the cable losses due to the smaller conductor size of OHL. Conversely, UGC losses would be slightly higher for low load currents.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:19
Once installed in the ground, cables are intrinsically maintenance free. Since their introduction, EHV XLPE cables have had an excellent track record. It is only external influences that could damage the cable, and remote monitoring of the cable circuit allows the rapid location of the fault, so that a targeted intervention can be conducted. Remote monitoring of the cable circuit also means there is no specific need for a permanently staffed route surveillance team.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2009-11-20 20:16
Aside from creating less visual and environmental impact, which typically generates large opposition from local communities, underground cables have several other unique benefits. In particular, they:
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By Bruno De Wachter / Published on Sat, 2009-11-07 06:05
What are the decision factors in replacing an operating distribution transformer with a new one
Usually, distribution transformers are only replaced after failing.
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By Reader / Published on Mon, 2009-08-24 08:40
Please let me know if your co. can provide auto controls for the following problem. I own a vacation home in Lake Placid N.Y. where winter temperatures usually drop to negative numbers every night. I have a tenent occuping a small apartment above an attached garage that has its own zone in a oil fired forced hydronic system. My problem is that the tenent opens the two windows in the apt. and turns the stat to 76 and leaves all day so her cat can get fresh air. I am basically heating the Adirondacks 24/7 when I am not there to shut the windows and turn down heat.
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By Stefan Fassbinder / Published on Wed, 2009-08-19 08:08
An electric motor and an electricity generator are basically the same. By principle, any electric motor can also generate electricity. Electric drives are way ahead of combustion engines, since, unfortunately, a car engine which sucks up exhaust fumes during braking and downhill rides and converts them into fuel and fresh air is still pending. The electric motor can deliver this, although during its first century of existence, its use has largely been hampered by two basic drawbacks:
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By David Chapman / Published on Tue, 2009-05-19 12:58
Reader Question
I would like to understand, how the power conditioner rating to the actual load determines the ride through capability for the power conditioner.
Literature from lpqi states that the power conditioner should be oversized by 2.5 times that of the load. Increasing the size makes the power conditioner less efficient. What is the ride through benefit as compared to using a power conditioner that is sized to the load.
Regards, Theo
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:29
Yes. If the cover is far enough above the top of the unit as to not impede the air flow discharging from it, and if it doesn't interfere with servicing of the unit, then it could help protect the unit from the elements like snow, ice, falling branches and leaves. However, it is not really necessary. Heat Pumps are designed for outdoor use.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:27
Check it at least every month during peak use, and replace it when it looks dirty enough to impair the air flow through it. Some filters, such as media filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others are disposable and must be replaced. You should clean the filters on your Heat Pump depending on how dusty your house is. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:26
In most cases, no. Heat Pumps are on a 230 volt circuit. Severe shock or electrocution is possible without a thorough understanding of electricity. Also, Cooling systems today are more complicated to service than ever with solid state circuit boards and sensors.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:25
It can vary, depending on how much the system is used and how regularly it is checked or serviced. Generally, the average life-span of units built in the 1970s and 1980s is about 15 years, but individual units may vary and last much longer depending on use and how well they are maintained. Newer units are expected to last even longer. Air source units usually have a shorter life since they have to work out in the elements.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:22
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix.
If the unit is approaching 10 years in age and major components such as the compressor, reversing valve, accumulator or outdoor coil go wrong, it might make sense to replace instead of fixing. When faced with major repairs, we can help you make the right choice. Replacing a compressor is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency, lower operating costs and a brand new warranty on the whole unit, not just the part to be replaced.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:18
Heat pumps are driven by fairly large electric motors. Such motors work best with a 3-phase electrical supply. Unfortunately, this supply is not common for most houses in Europe. Having said that, small heat pumps (say up to 8 kW output) work just as well on single phase. Multiple compressor systems are available.
A 3-phase unit will arguably last longer, or may be a little more reliable than a single phase unit, so we favour that type.
It may be worthwhile asking your electricity supplier the cost of installing a 3-phase supply.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:14
Yes, you can.
A hydro-powered heat pump is probably the most viable renewable power-source since it is fairly constant. Solar or wind inputs would be difficult, especially on a small scale. The outputs are variable and dependent on the weather so there can be problems matching the input power requirements. The very large number of photo-electric cells required to power a heat pump would probably make this option impractical.
Powering a heat pump from grid electricity derived from a renewable source (e.g. wind-farm or hydro) is a good option for the environment.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:12
Heat pumps offer many more benefits than any other heating systems. They do not burn oxygen or create stuffiness like open fires. They are designed for year-round comfort, not just the four months of winter. They produce low density heat, unlike fires or electric heaters. They are unmatched for convenience and ease of use (remotely controlled). They do not pollute our atmosphere like combustion heating sources. They also filter the air in your home with their filtration systems.
Heat pumps are three units in one. They will heat, cool and de-humidify.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:11
Like a car, heat pumps should be serviced regularly for optimum performance. This involves cleaning the air filter and perhaps checking that the refrigeration charge is correct. It is also good to service the heat pump before each extreme season, i.e. before winter and summer.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:10
Yes. Heat pumps are reliable. They use the same process as a home fridge or freezer and have the same level of dependability and life expectancy.
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