Renewable Revolution

Welcome to PSD Online which currently features "Renewable Energy". Our industry has pioneered this new and clean way of energy generation. But the problem does not just rest with the provision of this natural power. The distribution of this power poses several questions, now in deep discussion with the various National and International bodies that need to agree the standards for transmission, metering and communication within the new, so-called ‘smart grid'. At the May PCIM in Europe, I saw several new additions to the renewable energy field and you can see the video interviews we recorded - both on you tube and on our website. Among several others, I interviewed on video Helmut Doenges, Marketing Director of Magnetec who make high performance Current Transformers made of nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials, who provide an ideal transducer principle for renewable energy applications. The sophistication of these magnetic materials far out-strips the conventional magnetic iron core and can provide huge gains in energy efficiency in renewable applications. In a previous issue we talked about the countries all over the world looking forward to replace, extend or modernize their grid infrastructure. In many cases, this is with the development and installation of new and intelligent smart metering devices to make smart grids overall reliable and efficient. Of course, it is always easier to use existing transducer principles in meter solutions without any changes to promote a new product for smart grid technology. But now new and innovative products offer a huge potential and high level of safety and reliability in terms of a consumer friendly energy measurement. Such innovations are developed in close cooperation with the needs between utilities and meter manufacturers, and also between the utilities and the consumer. It is important that the solution is not only driven by price, but also by the quality and attractiveness of the product innovation. This means more security and reliability in the energy measurement within the smart grid and will be a good argument to penetrate the smart grid business. I hope you enjoy this renewable energy issue and our new online service. Please keep your valuable feedback coming in and do check out Dilbert at the back of the magazine. We all need a laugh sometime! All the best, Cliff Editorial Director & Editor-in-Chief, Power Systems Deign Cliff.Keys@powersystemsdesign.com