AI is trained on data from our health care system as it exists, which means the data is contaminated by racial, economic, and regional disparities. But there are solutions.

Nowadays, it seems that everything we do tends to be somehow automated. The very same is happening in electrical distribution systems. The distribution system at the medium voltage (MV) or low voltage (LV) levels is designed using different structures such... Read more

The post The essentials of automation applied to distribution systems via PLCs, SCADA, IEDs, and RTUs appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Communication systems of electric utilities have become increasingly critical to electric system protection, operation, and maintenance. For fast tripping and clearing of system faults, communication-aided relaying has become a common protection scheme, particularly in line protection. Control centers depend on... Read more

The post Schematics and docs needed for communication systems of substation protective relaying system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Electrical distribution systems comprise a large number of remote applications and locations, and it has traditionally been challenging to monitor and regulate these remote applications and sites. Utility companies have been installing remote terminal/telemetry units, often known as RTUs, at... Read more

The post Three most common SCADA applications in MV/LV distribution systems you SHOULD know appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

It's unbelievable that 2016 is here and the school year is half over, but that also means we are closer to the busiest time of year for those of us in the assessment industry.

I hope everyone has created and follows a secure assessment policy, but if not, John Kleeman, founder of Questionmark, created Ten tips for Securing Your Assessment System, which provides a secure foundation for your assessment system.  It seems security breaches most often occur as we get busy and are more prone to creating shortcuts in our work, but a "system" should help minimize these errors.  Please read John's post in its entirety and address any weaknesses in your assessment security:

What can you do to make your assessment system more secure? How can you avoid a disruptive data breach where people’s personal information is disclosed? Using a vendor who takes security seriously reduces risk, as I wrote in my blog article Eight ways to check if security is more than skin deep. But security involves both vendor and user. This post gives ten good practice tips on how you as a user or administrator of an assessment system can reduce the risk of data breaches.

1. Don’t give yourself or other administrators unnecessary privileges. Follow the principle of least privilege. It may sound counter-intuitive, but most administrative users don’t need access to all capabilities and data within your system. Limiting access reduces the impact of a data breach if an account is compromised or someone makes a mistake. If you are using Questionmark, allocate appropriate roles to limit people to what they need.

2. When someone leaves the project or organization, remove their access. Don’t allow someone who has left your team to still have access to your assessment data.

3. Follow good password security. Do not share passwords between people. Do not use the same password for two accounts. Choose strong passwords and change them periodically. If someone asks you for your password, never, ever give it. And if a web page doesn’t look right, don’t type your password into it.

4. Install all the patches and secure the system. A common cause of security breaches is failing to install the latest versions of software, and attackers exploit known vulnerabilities. You need to be proactive and always install the latest version of system and application software, set up good technical security and follow the vendor’s recommendations.

If you haven’t got the time or resources to do this properly, move to a cloud solution. In a cloud SaaS solution like Questionmark OnDemand, the vendor is responsible for updating Windows, updating the application, monitoring security and ensuring that everything is up to date.

5. Install good quality antivirus / anti-malware software. Reportedly there are nearly a million new or variant malware and viruses produced each day. Protect your computer and those of your co-workers with up to date, professional software to address this threat.

6. Protect any downloaded data. Questions, assessments and reports on results are generally safer on a server or in an on-demand service than on a workstation. If you need to download data locally, set up security procedures to protect it and try to ensure that any download is temporary only.

7. Dispose of data properly. Deleting a file on a computer doesn’t erase the data, it simply erases the index to it. If you use a reputable service like Questionmark OnDemand, if a disk is repaired or reaches end of life, it will be securely destroyed for example by degaussing. But if you download data locally or use installable software to manage your assessments, you need to do this yourselves. A recent study suggested that about half of used hard drives sold online contain residual data. Make sure this is not your assessment data!

8. Be careful about clicking on a link or attachment in an email. Phishing attacks use email or malicious websites (clicking on a link) to collect sensitive information or infect your machine with malware and viruses. Such attacks could even be aimed at your organization or assessment activity directly (this is called spear phishing!). Think before clicking.

9. Be aware of social engineering. Social engineering is when someone tries to trick you or someone else into a security breach. For example someone might ring up and claim to be a student who wants their results, but really is an imposter. Or someone might spoof an email from your boss asking for the questions for the next test to review. Be wary of strange phone calls or emails that ask for something urgent. If something seems suspicious, clear it with a security professional before you give them info or ask a caller to hang up and call them back on an official number.

10. Conduct security awareness training. If you’re not already doing this, organize training sessions for all your authors, proctors, administrators and other users to help them be security aware. if you can, deliver tests after the training to check understanding. Sharing this blog article with your co-workers would be a great way to start.

To see more Questionmark posts click HERE.

The auxiliary DC control power system is considered the most crucial element of a protection, control, and monitoring system. The failure of the direct current (DC) control power can result in the inability of fault detection devices to identify faults,... Read more

The post Auxiliary DC power system used for fault detection, trip coils and remote operation appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

To be honest, transmission and distribution networks are full of problems. But that’s nothing new, and you already knew that. This technical article will shed some light on solving some pretty severe problems in transmission and distribution networks by using... Read more

The post Controlling power system parameters through reactive power (VAr) compensation appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

A lighting control system is to be developed. The system will be controlled by four switches, SWITCH1, SWITCH2, SWITCH3, and SWITCH4. These switches will control the lighting in a room based on the following criteria: Any of three of the... Read more

The post Let’s develop the simple PLC program for lighting control system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

There are a lot of opportunities to optimise lighting system in (almost) any industrial facility. Seven practical energy-efficiency opportunities to reduce energy use cost-effectively are given below: Lighting controls Replace T-12 tubes by T-8 tubes Replace mercury lights with metal halide or... Read more

The post 7 energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in lighting system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

This technical article discusses criteria and requirements for designing protection systems for busbars in HV/EHV networks. One of the most critical requirements is reliable busbar relay protection to assure power system integrity during fault conditions. This requirement is further emphasized because... Read more

The post Design issues in HV busbar protection systems (substation topology and DC power supply) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

This technical article we will go through a number of existing applications for conducting a wide range of electrical studies. However, the practice says that studies involving load flow and fault analyses are the most commonly utilized programs in power transmission... Read more

The post Eleven most important calculations you can perform with power system analysis software appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

First, let’s say a word or two about the essentials of power distribution systems for our young electrical engineers. An electric distribution system, or distribution plant as it is sometimes called, is all of that part of an electric power... Read more

The post The loop electrical distribution system used to supply bulk loads (industrial plants and buildings) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Many young engineers consider cement plants pretty complicated because of their weird technology. The reason probably lies in the fact that you cannot understand all those technologies unless you worked in such a plant and saw all processes from scratch.... Read more

The post The essentials of electrical systems in cement plants appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

The countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) have agreed on common minimum regulatory requirements in order to ensure the free movement of products within the EEA. The CE marking indicates that the product works in conformity with the directives... Read more

The post EN61800-3 (IEC1800-3) – Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Jet Pumps are mounted above ground and lift the water out of the ground through a suction pipe. Jets are popular in areas with high water tables and warmer climates. There are two categories of jet pumps and pump selection... Read more

The post Jet pumps used for private well systems or low flow irrigation applications appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Efficiencies of fan systems vary considerably across impeller types. The average energy saving potential in these systems in the U.S. manufacturing industry is estimated at 6%. For optimal savings and performance, it is recommended that a systems approach is used.... Read more

The post Six energy efficiency improvement opportunities in fan systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Instrumentation consumes large amounts of compressed air at many individual locations in a textile plant, but these uses are susceptible to leakage. Most such leaks are at threaded connection points, rubber hose connections, valves, regulators, seals, and in old pneumatic... Read more

The post Eleven energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in compressed air systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

In many buildings, HVAC is the first or second item in terms of energy costs. This technical article deals with optimisation tips and energy efficiency savings in heating systems of a building. Heating systems have always been used when the... Read more

The post 8 actions to improve energy efficiency in heating systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

– Array Size: 10, 12-volt, 51-watt modules; Isc= 3.25 amps, Voc= 20.7 volts – Batteries: 800 amp-hours at 12 volts – Loads: 5 amps DC and 500-watt inverterwith 90% efficiency. The PV modules are mounted on the roof. Single-conductor cables... Read more

The post Calculation Example of Small Photovoltaic (PV) Residential Stand-Alone System appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Researches so far shows that, by 2020, around 20% of the total energy production worldwide will be generated from renewable energy. But the major problem with the standalone system is that the sources are not continuous. This intermittent nature of... Read more

The post Low voltage ride through in grid connected hybrid renewable energy systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

A dizzying array of new energy technologies are reaching or nearing the marketplace. Newer choices to generate electricity include fuel cells, wind turbines, solar cells and microturbines. Energy storage is approaching practicality, for example through reversible fuel cells and flywheels.... Read more

The post In Front Of The Third Electrical Systems Revolution in United States appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Power utilities use telecommunication systems either as a support for grid assets’ operation or as the enabler for voice communications among operating staff. The main objective of utility telecommunications is to connect remote premises and staff with central premises and... Read more

The post Five telecommunication systems embedded in smart grid applications and services appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Power can be provided from mains power or from local gas turbines or diesel generator sets. Large facilities have high power demands, from 30 MW and upwards to several hundred MW. There is a tendency to generate electric power centrally... Read more

The post Typical electrical distribution scheme and SCADA system of an oil/gas production plant appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

This article provides guidance on how to conduct gas monitoring and explains the various alerts that can be set. The many sorts of defects that might lead to partial discharges are discussed, and various partial discharge measuring techniques are described,... Read more

The post SF6 Gas Monitoring and Alarming Practices in Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

The Substation Automation Systems, often known as SASs, are responsible for a tremendous variety of tasks. These include some extremely important actions, such as clearing faults in a timely manner in order to maintain the physical condition of power system... Read more

The post The true art of control, monitoring and protection provided by Substation Automation Systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Substation earthing, or grounding, is essential for electrical safety and reliability in substations, which are critical nodes in the power distribution network. Proper earthing ensures safe dissipation of fault currents into the ground, preventing dangerous voltage build-ups that could cause... Read more

The post Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (1) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

To be honest, expertise in relay systems is fundamental for comprehension and creativity in circuits design. From bi-stable relays that maintain their states without continuous power to step relays facilitating incremental changes, and lockout relays guarding against unauthorized reenergization, each... Read more

The post The analysis of relay control systems: Electrical schematics with latch, step and lockout relays appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

The accurate measurement of the voltage, current or other parameter of a power system is a prerequisite to any form of control, ranging from automatic closed-loop control to the recording of data for statistical purposes. Measurement of these parameters can... Read more

The post How to make the right selection of a digital transducer for power system measurements appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

This article will shed some light on how adding capacitors gives the distribution system the necessary reactive power to return the power factor to the required level. Capacitors act as a source of reactive energy, which accordingly reduces the reactive... Read more

The post A few practical ways to determine required reactive energy compensation for a power system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

On the outset, it may be due to wheels as in the case of an automobile. What actually drives these movements, though, are motors. Additionally, many household appliances such refrigerators, air-conditioners, ventilation fans, washers, driers and so many others all... Read more

The post Yup, it’s the motor drive that makes systems in motion all around us appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

There are at least two safety requirements that medium-voltage switchgear MUST fulfil: an interlocking system and an arc protection system. Yes, these two systems are crucial in terms of safety because they protect not only the operator and other substation... Read more

The post Switchgear interlocking system and arc protection that you MUST consider in the design appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

When we talk about the power system, there are dozen of essential terms and definitions. One of the most important is for sure that any AC power system begins with a generating source. Electric generators are devices that convert energy... Read more

The post The essentials of power-generation systems you MUST know in the middle of the night! appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

At the beginning of my career in 2005, I had the opportunity to work at a 500kV substation with the National Transmission and Dispatch Company in Pakistan. During this time, I was introduced to various tools and techniques that were... Read more

The post Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (2) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

The protection and fault clearance requires great attention. In terms of fault clearance protection, we categorize the relays into main protection relays and backup protection relays. The main protection relay is installed at all primary equipment, and it is essential... Read more

The post The art of fault clearance in transmission systems: The logic of main and backup relays appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

In the world of power systems, synchronization and reactive power control are crucial to maintaining stability, efficiency, and reliability. Synchronizing various power sources, such as generators and grids, ensures they operate in harmony to meet the demand and support the... Read more

The post Synchronization and Reactive Power Control in Power System appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Choosing the power of a static UPS system serving a data center is a decision that involves various elements and which cannot be made before, or independently from, the choice of distribution scheme. The main elements to consider can be summarised... Read more

The post Sizing a Static UPS System In Data Center appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

To be honest, the technology of energy storage in batteries is pretty hot nowadays. It’s smart for utilities worldwide to get in line to learn what it is and how countries can benefit from it. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)... Read more

The post Is storing excess energy in batteries worth integrating into the power system? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

In the quest for a resilient and efficient power grid, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a transformative solution. This technical article explores the diverse applications of BESS within the grid, highlighting the critical technical considerations that enable... Read more

The post Grid Application & Technical Considerations for Battery Energy Storage Systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

In the present era, the presence of reliable and uninterrupted electricity is commonly assumed in the majority of nations. Nevertheless, in many nations, this is susceptible to frequent disruptions caused by a range of issues, including as insufficient supply, inefficient... Read more

The post Modern practice for LV/MV substation and power distribution systems within buildings appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

This article aims to inform the reader about the applications, procurement, selection & design, and integration of BESS (battery energy storage systems) into LV and MV power networks. The intended audience is project and design engineers who shall perform procurement... Read more

The post BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) in LV and MV Power Networks: Practical Guide (Part-1) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

In this technical article we take a deeper dive into the engineering of battery energy storage systems, selection of options and capabilities of BESS drive units, battery sizing considerations, and other battery safety issues. We will also take a close... Read more

The post Design Engineering For Battery Energy Storage Systems: Sizing, Selection and Operation appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

CRDN moves up on the 2024 Franchise Times Top 400 list, ranking third in sales growth within the Disaster Restoration category. Securing an overall ranking of 243, up from 278 in 2023, CRDN continues to showcase its growth and leadership in the restoration industry.

An immersive new exhibition at Queensborough Community College's renowned Kupferberg Holocaust Center documents the vastness of the Nazi's system of genocide. The center's Laura Cohen and Cary Lane discuss the exhibit and the emotional toll of creating it.

With the advent of new technologies, rapidly changing customer needs and emerging competitors, companies across industries are facing disruptions like never before. To succeed, they will need to innovate by harnessing the power of a wide range of partners who can bring different skills, experience, capacity, and their own networks to the task. In this podcast, SMU University Professor Arnoud De Meyer, who is also co-author of The Ecosystem Edge (https://ecosystemedge.com/) and The Ecosystem Advantage, shares riveting lessons from organisations poised to innovate successfully in this age of disruption. His case-based research reveals how ecosystem leaders bring companies together with complementary abilities to redefine value, serve more customers and create an overall larger pie for each to partake from.

“Many STEM professionals hold the misconception that engaging in science communication can hinder the progress of budding and established research careers. However, it is not necessary to choose between engaging in outreach and conducting research.

The post Science Communication: How it benefits a STEM research career appeared first on The Plainspoken Scientist.

From filling to sterilizing, flexible packaging must be handled differently than rigid containers.

Allpax, a ProMach brand, recently delivered a new high-speed automated pouch loading and unloading system to a customer to feed an existing bank of Allpax retorts.

Discover what inspired these six professionals to pursue careers in packaging and their advice for young women considering the same.

ProMach brand Pharmaworks will debut their capability to handle new 100-percent recyclable, mono-material packaging films on their blister machines.

Available in sizes from one to 30 liters, Politainer comprises a polyethylene container held within a sturdy cardboard outer.