Category: Blog

Hoover Generators

Gate Position Indication

In a hydroelectric power station, the wicket gate on a Francis or Kaplan turbine controls water flow into the unit. Varying the gate position changes the turbine spin rate and the amount of electricity generated. This photo shows a row of generators inside Hoover Dam. A turbine is mounted below each generator and water from Lake Mead is funneled into each turbine to turn its generator. (more...)

RJ45 connector for copper Ethernet

Ethernet for Measurement Applications

Ethernet was first standardized in 1983 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Originally specified for a maximum of 2.94Mbit/sec, it has been revised many times to support higher bit rates, a greater number of nodes, more operating configurations and longer distances. Today Ethernet is the dominant architecture for local area networks (LANs). (more...)

Substation Transformer

Transformer Loss of Life

Oil-filled transformers used in transmission and distribution systems are rugged units built for long life. They are designed to handle continuous operation at full load and can withstand short-term operation at significantly higher loads. (more...)

Linear Scale

Using the Table Function in a DPM

The table function is used to define the relationship between the input signal and the output reading in a digital panel meter (DPM). This allows the user to implement a complex output function or correct system errors. Here are some examples where a table increases the versatility or improves the performance of a DPM. (more...)

Ground Detection Diagram

Ground Detection Voltmeter 101

A ground detection voltmeter is used to monitor a floating battery bank for inadvertent grounding on either side. Historically, a center zero analog meter has been used for this application. The meter typically has a 250μA, 500μA, or 1mA DC movement, with a voltage scale of 100-0-100 for a 72V battery bank, (more...)