The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has launched a collaborative initiative to develop standard functions and a standard language for grid integration of smart solar and storage inverters. To move this forward, EPRI is conducting research that is analyzing the effects of advanced voltage control strategies on real distribution systems. The specific focus of this […]
Power Electronic Tips
National Semi & Suntech Collaborate to Develop Smart Panel Technology
National Semiconductor Corp. announced that it is collaborating with Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. to develop “smart panel” technology, incorporating National Semiconductor’s SolarMagic™ power optimizer chipset into Suntech solar panels to improve the power output of solar systems. “Smart panel technology is an important innovation that will help customers harvest more energy from their solar […]
IEC Announces Online Smart Grid Standard Mapping Solution
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) announced that it will launch its online IEC Smart Grid Standard Mapping Solution. This multidimensional interactive tool will create a map of the smart grid and enable smart grid managers around the world to quickly identify IEC international smart grid standards, position them in relation to their role in the […]
Accent Closes 5 Million Euros in Series B Funding to Expand Smart Grid Technology Offerings
Accent, a specialist in semiconductor integration of communications and metering technologies, announced that it has closed a new round of financing of €5 million from Silicon Valley investor Tallwood Venture Capital. The funding will be used to accelerate development and productization of key communication technologies for system-on-chip solutions required by Smart Meter as well as […]
Power Integrations Announces Strategic Investment in SemiSouth Laboratories
Power Integrations announced a strategic investment in SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc., a manufacturer of high-voltage silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices. Power Integrations’ commitment of $30 million, which includes an equity investment in SemiSouth, a technology license and other financial commitments, will help drive the continued expansion of SemiSouth’s SiC fabrication facility and spur continued growth of clean-tech […]
Powell Industries Acquires Thermal Monitoring Technology
Powell Industries, Inc. announced the completion of an Asset Purchase Agreement with ThermaBrite Technologies Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia. With this agreement, Powell acquires the patent-pending technology for real-time optical fiber based thermal sensors that have application for monitoring of hot spots in electrical power equipment systems. These hot spots typically develop at bus joints […]
Designing for the Smart Grid at the Smart Grid Electronics Forum
Communications, protection from lightning, accurate power measurements, security considerations and designing for tomorrow’s smart home were among the many topics discussed in detail at the Smart Grid Electronics Forum. Speakers represented a broad array of organizations including Boeing, Semitech Semiconductor, Phoenix Contact, ADD Semiconductor, Intel and Pulse Engineering. In the opening session, Boeing’s Ron Sackman […]
New standard is Enabling Technology for Smart Grid, Transportation and LAN Applications
The IEEE announced the ratification of the IEEE 1901TM Broadband over Power Line (BPL) standard. Sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society, this globally recognized BPL standard will be a key enabling technology for a wide range of applications including smart energy, transportation and Local Area Networks (LANs) in both the home and the enterprise. Networking […]
Power Schottky Diodes include Industry’s Highest Current part
SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc. announced a wide range of SiC power Schottky diodes including the 30A rated SDP30S120 – industry’s highest current 1200V part to be commercially available in a TO-247 package. The full 1200V, ROHS-compliant product range spans 5-30A with lower current (5 and 10A) diodes packaged as T0-220 parts while 10, 20 and the […]
Comverge Unveils Vision for Intelligent Energy Management
Comverge, Inc. unveiled its vision for Intelligent Energy Management, the next-generation of software, hardware, and services that help electric utilities, commercial and industrial (C+I) organizations and consumers optimize energy usage. According to the company, by addressing today’s energy challenges and managing the complexities of the smart grid, Intelligent Energy Management build’s on its long history […]