This page hosts educational videos produced by NEMA, "Vids 4 Grids: New Media for the New Energy Workforce". This is one of 54 Smart Grid workforce training programs being funded by the Department of Energy. In collaboration with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and member manufacturers, NEMA produces a series of short videos that demonstrate Smart Grid equipment, explain electrical engineering concepts, and portray careers in electrical manufacturing.
Disclaimer: The SGIC portal does not endorse any companies or products mentioned in the videos.
Dynamic Line Ratings
Posted date: Aug 30, 2011 Description: A key part of the national electrical grid is the transmission of electricity over large distances from the point of its generation to the point of use. This is becoming increasing important as renewable energy sources become a significant part of the generation mix. The quantity of electricity that can be transported over a specific line is a function of many variables. In this edition of Vids 4 Grids is with Oncor where they are employing Dynamic Line Ratings technology from Nexans North America to increase the capacity of their transmission system on a real time basis. Dynamic Line Ratings technology aids the utility to monitor the condition of the transmission lines and weather conditions in the regions. The maximum achievable capacity is largely dominated by the weather. This technology helps to quantify the capacity of transmission power in severe weather and increases operational reliability and efficiency.
Voltage Regulators Cooper Power
Posted date: Aug 8, 2011 Description: Through intelligent apparatus and controls, the Smart Grid allows ever increasing precision to optimize the electrical distribution system. Voltage regulators and their electronic controls provide Integrated Volt/VAR Control (IVVC) for fast response to changes in voltage, improved power quality and system efficiency, and lower operating costs. This edition of Vids 4 Grids is with Cooper Power Systems in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Automation Controllers
Posted date: Jun 30, 2011 Description: Automation controllers, also known as programmable logic controllers, can be considered industrial hardened personal computers, able to receive input from a variety of sources and provide output to numerous machines, switches, motors, etc. The real-time nature of the dynamic changes experienced by a smart grid on a second-to-second basis will require world-class automation controllers if they are to operate at their full potential. This edition of Vids 4 Grids is with Rockwell Automation, one of the worlds largest and most respected provider of automation controllers and systems.
Grid-scale Flywheel Energy Storage for Frequency Regulation
Posted date: Jun 20, 2011 Description: This edition of Vids 4 Grids takes us to Beacon Power in Tyngsboro, MA to learn about storage of electrical energy by use of world-class flywheels. These devices are capable of storing energy in the range of megawatts and can be called upon by electrical utilities in milliseconds to balance the supply and demand of electricity.
Grid-Scale Battery Storage
Posted date: Jun 9, 2011 Description: This edition of Vids 4 Grids takes us to A123 Systems to learn about grid-scale battery storage, a proven technology that permits electrical storage on megawatt levels with interactivity on microsecond speed.
Lighting Controls
Posted date: Mar 30, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Leviton's headquarters in Melville, NY where we will learn the role lighting controls play in the Smart Grid.
Connectors
Posted date: Mar 29, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Thomas & Betts' connector manufacturing factory in Hackettstown, NJ where we will learn the role connectors play in the Smart Grid.
Surge Protection Devices
Posted date: Mar 29, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Eaton's surge protection device facility in Warrendale, PA where we will learn the role surge protection devices play in the Smart Grid.
Conductor
Posted date: Feb 17, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Southwire's wire manufacturing plant in Carrollton, GA where we will learn the role conductor plays in the Smart Grid.
Smart Meters
Posted date: Feb 17, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Itron's smart meter factory in West Union, SC where we will learn the role smart meters play in the Smart Grid.
Surge Arresters
Posted date: Jan 7, 2011
Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Hubbell's surge arrester plant in Aiken, SC where we will learn the role surge arresters play in the Smart Grid.
Switchgear
Posted date: Jan 7, 2011 Description: This episode of Vids 4 Grids will take us to Eaton Electrical's switchgear plant in Greenwood, SC where we will learn the role switchgear plays in the Smart Grid.
