From the need to deploying system-wide intelligent automation and establishing better communication to ensuring reliable flow of electric power and integrating renewables into the grid, respondents provided insight into the technologies and trends they believe will help the nation achieve a smart grid. For a summary of key findings from survey respondents, read the full article, available on T&D World magazine’s website, a sister publication to EC&M.

Overvoltage Protection SPD
One of two new overvoltage protection products recently unveiled by Ferraz Shawmut, Newburyport, Mass., the Surge-Trap Type is designed for indoor applications. Featuring TPMOV technology, this “no-fuse” SPD doesn’t require the use of fuses or additional overcurrent protection and can be installed upstream or downstream of the main disconnect. Surge-Trap Type 1 SPD is UL 1449 3rd Edition Approved for Type 1 and 2 applications, including service entrances, feeders and branch circuits. With features for both visual indicators, the Surge-Trap Type 1 SPD suits system voltages from 120V to 600V and MCOV rated 180V to 550V. It has a 200kA short circuit current rating (SCCR) and 40kA 8/20µs surge capacity rating per mode. Agency approvals include ANSI UL 1449 3rd Edition, and the unit also meets 2008 NEC Article 280 and 285, UL 96A, NFPA 780 and NEMA LS-1 guidelines. For more information, visit the company’s website.



UPS
GE, headquartered in Chicago, recently announced the availability of a new high-performance LP33 Series uninterruptible power supply (UPS). According to the company, this product delivers reliable power protection, a high efficient operating mode up to 98%, and proven redundant parallel architecture (RPA) to owners and operators of mission-critical applications, including small data centers as well as medical, manufacturing, industrial, telecom and commercial buildings. The new LP33 Series is sized at 80 and 100kVA, with a 0.9 output power factor (PF) and uses double conversion topology with a true on-line voltage frequency independent (VFI) 208V design. According to the company, the hybrid IGBT rectifier provides low input total harmonic distortion (THD) and high input power factor. The LP33 Series can operate in high efficiency Eco Mode with efficiencies up to 98%, says the company, stating that Eco Mode provides 5% to 7% reduction in UPS energy consumption plus another 2% to 3% reduction in cooling power energy requirements as well as up to 10% reduction in total data center energy use. For more information, visit the company’s website.