Digitalisation in energy sector
The process of identifying and managing energy demand was one of the first to adopt computer technology and the internet. The energy sector began integrating digital technologies in the 1970s and rightly so, because of its high resource levels, costs of failure and outages. Here, Sean Robinson, service leader at utilities control system provider Novotek UK and Ireland, explores the latest technological development for the utility and energy sector. The pace of digitalisation in energy is increasing rapidly. In fact, global investment in digital electricity infrastructure and software has grown by over 20 per cent annually since 2014. While many energy companies are implementing newer technologies to facilitate grid management, oil and gas companies are turning to digitalisation to improve the decisions behind exploration and production assets. Big data, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the leading technological developments across all industry sectors. Spanning these three areas is the concept of the digital twin, which has gained increasing popularity among energy companies in recent years. It can use physics-based digital models of real machines to understand their performance safely and efficiently in a simulated environment. By creating a virtual copy of a power plant in a digital realm, managers can simulate various scenarios in real-time to improve the operation of the plant, reduce their fuel use and assist in any energy trading decisions. There are several ways that twin technology can be implemented and, to explain, we will consider it in relation to a digital twin built on GE Digital’s Predix platform. The first is referred to as a part twin, which is used to capture the operating history and key performance indicators (KPIs) of the existing plant. The digital twin then draws up insights and notifies the operator of any early warnings or potential problems the equipment could experience, to reduce unplanned downtime. Next we have the product twin, which can monitor the remaining life of a certain piece of equipment, to protect against unexpected maintenance costs. In addition to this, a system twin can be integrated to review the company’s revenue against the remaining life and maintenance costs of equipment. Ultimately, digital twins can be used to predict not just potential failures, but also potential business opportunities for energy companies. While the energy industry is poised for transformation with the increased adoption of newer technologies like digital twinning, plant managers need to begin embracing these new and emerging technologies to further improve their processes and reduce expenditure.
DTL Expands Management Team in Response to Growing Demand
Develop Training Ltd (DTL) has hired Matthew Gray in the newly-created role of Operations Manager as demand grows for training in the construction and utility sectors. Reporting to DTL’s Operations director, John Kerr, Matt will oversee delivery of compliance training and apprenticeships across DTL’s seven UK training centres as well as bespoke courses at customers’ premises. A key objective will be to introduce new methods of training delivery. Building on DTL’s award-winning online Learning Assessment Portal, he expects to bring in more blended training, mixing classroom, practical and distance learning. Also on his agenda are developing a virtual learning environment and reviewing DTL’s existing e-portfolio system that allows trainees to catalogue their experience electronically, including with video, instead of in bulky paper portfolios. Matt said: “DTL is a very professional and well-organised company that counts some of the biggest household names in construction and the utilities as customers, and I am looking forward to the challenge.” He is particularly keen to build DTL’s growing apprenticeship offer, having managed major apprenticeship programmes in previous roles. As well as overseeing the company’s delivery managers and lecturers, this will include preparing DTL for assessment by the government’s education inspector Ofsted. As part of his focus on quality teaching and learning, he is developing a strategy to implement graded lesson observations for all DTL courses. Matt, who is based at DTL’s Derby training centre, will also be responsible for managing DTL’s property portfolio, comprising seven training centres in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A former apprentice himself, Matt began his career as an electrician, having followed his father into the industry, and ran his own business for five years until switching to teaching in 2008. A Level Five-qualified lecturer, his career in the training industry has developed from teaching electrical installation through a spell as a team leader and into senior management. In one previous role, he was responsible for delivering a training curriculum across two training centres offering electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation and other training to more than 300 learners. He went on to become a curriculum manager for another training company where he managed a team of vocational and functional skills trainers delivering apprenticeships in construction, housing and property management. Originally from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Matt still lives in Leicestershire. He is married with two children, and enjoys going to the gym, playing snooker and occasionally turning out for Ashby Rugby Football Club. www.developtraining.co.uk
Crowds flock to TechTalk events
Regional shows attract record number of contractors ahead of 18thEdition introduction NICEIC and ELECSA’s latest Tech Talk series has attracted record crowds as contractors prepare for the upcoming introduction of the 18thEdition. More than 3,000 conscientious contractors have now booked to attend one of the 23 regional shows. The NICEIC and ELECSA team are now gearing themselves up for the second part of the series, which will see them visit nine more locations, and deliver talks even more electricians. Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Development Manager for NICEIC and ELECSA, commented: “Come January, all electrical contractors in the UK will have to work from the 18th Edition of BS7671. Because of this we are seeing more and more contractors coming to our events to update their knowledge and make sure they have an understanding of the changes. TechTalks are a perfect way for contractors to get an overview of what they need to know and ask us any questions they might have about how it applies to their day to day work.” More than 200 contractors attended each event in Manchester, Norwich and Chelmsford with other locations also proving popular. In addition to the 18thEdition, Darren and the team also take a look at other aspects of the electrical industry and how that could affect the way contractors work in the future. This includes talks on EICRs in rented properties, electric vehicle charging points and things to consider when designing heating installations. “TechTalks are a great opportunity for sparks to get together and have a chat about what is going on in the industry. The crowds have been great so far and I would suggest to anyone who hasn’t been already to book their ticket fast,” added Darren. Tickets cost just £25 and can be booked online at www.shop.niceic.com/eventsor calling 0333 015 6626. For further information about the TechTalk series please emailevents@certsure.com. Each event starts at 9am and finishes at 1.30pm. Every delegate gets a breakfast roll and refreshments as part of the package. Remaining TechTalk Dates and Locations: DATE VENUE LOCATION 05 December 2018 Newcastle Rugby Club Newcastle 06 December 2018 Middlesbrough FC Middlesbrough 12 December 2018 Doncaster Racecourse Doncaster 13 December 2018 Leeds United Leeds 23 January 2019 Cardiff City Stadium Cardiff 24 January 2019 Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham 06 February 2019 Amex Stadium Brighton 07 February 2019 Southampton FC Southampton *The 18thEdition of the wiring regulations was made available in July this year. Contractors were then given a six month transition period to get up to speed with the changes. From January 1 2019, it will then be a requirement that all electrical installations designed after this date comply with BS 7671:2018, 18th Edition (2018).
North-West Apprentice Scoops National Title
A NORTH-WEST Apprentice took top honours last night in a prestigious National Competition to celebrate Apprentices in the UK. Natalie White, an Early Careers Advisor at the National Nuclear Laboratory in Warrington, won the Royal Air Force Award for Apprenticeship Champion of the Year 2018 which was announced at a ceremony in London last night. Natalie, from Leyland, said: “I am over the moon to have won this award: I am passionate about promoting apprenticeships because they offer young people a route through to a rewarding and valuable career and I hope my winning this award inspires more people to consider Apprenticeships as a career option.” This year, the ‘Excellence in Apprenticeships’ themed Awards ceremony showcased individual and employer success stories, recognising apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and enabler of business growth. Now in its fifteenth year, the awards are the largest and most prestigious celebration of apprentices and apprentice employers across the country with previous winners experiencing a variety of benefits following their success. Paul Howarth, NNL’s CEO, said: “Natalie is a true ambassador for Apprenticeships and she epitomises everything they represent: in her work for NNL she is a passionate supporter of their development and we are grateful for everything that she does for us. Everyone at NNL sends her their congratulations – very well deserved.” Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said: “A huge well done to all the winners, finalists and rising starts! I have met so many apprentices up and down the country and all of them stars in their own right. Their passion for what they do, their determination to get things done and their drive to get on is so impressive. The winners tonight will have stepped out of their comfort zone to learn new skills and many will have changed the direction of their life. Congratulations to them all and they should be very proud of all they have achieved.” The 2018 National Apprenticeship Awards included over 1100 apprentices, employers and individuals from across England, from over 200 English towns and cities. Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for anyone to gain new skills and forge a career in anything from aerospace engineering to nursing. The National Apprenticeship Awards is a fantastic event to celebrate the achievements of apprentices, employers and training providers, and I want to wish all the winners and nominees congratulations on their incredible efforts.”
Three steps to powering defence
In many ways, the Internet of Things (IoT) embodies the spirit of the defence industry, with a unit of devices working harmoniously to achieve one common goal in the most effective and efficient way. It makes sense, then, that the military and security sectors are seeing increased adoption of IoT technologies to transmit and handle intelligence quickly, with new lightweight and portable devices being used. Here Michele Windsor, global marketing manager of professional battery manufacturer Accutronics, outlines the three steps to ensuring the next generation of military devices are powered effectively. The global defence budget is expected to be worth $1,748.5 billion by 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.07 percent, according to market research firm MarketsandMarkets. While there is no elaboration on where funds are allocated within the budget, the necessity for smart communication makes it likely that a significant portion will be reserved for further implementing IoT technologies. Portable devices are the cornerstone of IoT but they are only as effective as their power supply. While mission-critical applications in biometric stations are usually fixed installations powered by generators, field devices require a reliable military battery that is capable of not just providing sufficient power discharge but also of doing it consistently. For example, a portable communication device needs a battery capable of withstanding lengthy periods without charging. Not only that, but the battery must be securely fitted and able to operate correctly in spite of the environment or handling of the device. Only then will it be a reliable source of power. This is one of the core challenges faced by defence and security batteries. While it might be relatively straightforward to find one suitable for powering devices, it’s significantly harder to find one that does so effectively. Batteries for field devices, or even emergency lights, need a longer operating life with accurate fuel gauging to avoid unexpected depletions. Specially designed military batteries offer a trustworthy solution. The best way to guarantee that the battery is capable of delivering consistent results is to approach battery manufacturers directly for a bespoke product.These could come with precise fuel gauging or an LED state of charge indicator, all housed within a lightweight and rugged casing to withstand harsh conditions. Little touches like this make all the difference in the field. The grey market – cost vs cost efficiency All markets have their difficulties and defence is no exception. Counterfeit, or grey market, batteries pose a tremendous threat to the electrical integrity of military devices, sacrificing quality for a lower price. This lower cost may sway some manufacturers, but these batteries are far from cost efficient. Aesthetically, the batteries may seem legitimate and no different to genuine products, but the internal components will be of inferior quality. This could be due to inadequate protection circuits leaving cells unstable and vulnerable to over-current, potentially culminating in the battery swelling or even explosion in rare circumstances. So how do you fight the fake batteries? The easiest method is to consult directly with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) who can not only guarantee that the battery is genuine but can also ensure that the best solution is chosen. For example, at Accutronics we have developed battery solutions that use algorithmic security, an in-built software that keeps devices safe from counterfeits. Algorithmic security uses a code that is unique to each battery, with a correlating code programmed into host devices. This prevents fake batteries being used with the device without personnel being alerted, eliminating the risk of failure during operation. It is worth noting that grey market products are not necessarily cheaply produced copycats. They may be recycled components that have been refurbished and branded as new, or even defective parts that the OEMscrapped. For this reason, it is important to form strong working relationships with battery manufacturers. Minimising interference In avoiding counterfeit batteries, defence businesses also minimise the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in IoT networks. By cutting corners on circuit insulation, electrical isolation and impedance, as well as creepage and clearance distances, counterfeit batteries typically do not meet EMC regulatory standards. As a result, when these batteries are connected to chargers plugged into the mains power supply, it can introduce issues such as voltage fluctuations and radio frequency interference that can affect other telecommunications equipment on the network. Counteracting this with technologies that provide additional filtering is a key first step, but further issues lie in the design of pre-engineered smart batteries themselves. For all the benefits they can provide, they do contain microprocessors which are a source for radio frequency interference (RFI). It’s for this reason that OEMs should consult specialists during the design stages, enabling them to provide a bespoke battery solution that meets application requirements while also complying with the latest EMC regulations. With careful preparation and the right guidance, any military IoT network can come together successfully. By considering the power behind the technology at the right time, the defence industry can work in harmony and unity to achieve its goals.
SELECT welcomes BSI’s agreement on post-Brexit European standards
SELECT, the campaigning trade body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland, has welcomed the approval last week (November 23) of a plan which secures full post-Brexit membership of the British Standards Institution (BSI) within European Standards Organisations (ESOs). The decision, taken separately by ESOs CEN and CENELEC, means the BSI, UK industry and other stakeholders will continue to have a central role in shaping and maintaining best practice standards across Europe. It also means that UK professionals will continue in leadership roles in committees and as policy experts engaged in maintaining and developing the 20,000 European standards that are managed by CEN and CENELEC. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “This is the best possible outcome of what has been an uncertain situation. BSI Group has argued that its membership and influence in ESOs should not be affected by the UK leaving the EU and that is what it has achieved. “The approval displays a welcome pragmatism on both sides which will provide stability for the European standards system and reassure standards users in the UK that the system will continue to meet their needs.” The BSI position on post-withdrawal arrangements was supported by the UK government and confirmed by Business Secretary Greg Clark in the White Paper, the Withdrawal Act and “no deal” technical notices. The UK, through BSI, will continue to commit to the fundamental membership principles of CEN and CENELEC, meaning that all member countries of CEN and CENELEC have a consistent and coherent catalogue of national standards for industry, consumers and regulators. BSI, established in 1901, was the world’s first national standards body. It has 86,000 clients operating in 193 countries. It published 2700 standards in the past year alone and its Kitemark symbol is accepted as an indication of quality and that products are tried and tested. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
Securing electrical components: How fasteners can be used for security
The global climate has changed considerably over the last few decades in regards to the way that we work, integrate, communicate and travel. The development of mass air travel, smartphones and other pieces of technology has completely transformed the way in which we operate our daily lives. Whilst these innovations have become crucial assets in our global society, an undeniable new set of risks and dangers have evolved alongside these modernizations in technology and the expansion of globalisation, which have to be considered in manufacturing. Thieves, vandals and securing safety-critical components (such as on an passenger aircraft) are some examples as to why security fasteners are now becoming integral in product design. Manufacturers of technology have to be aware of these risks and produce products that seek to reduce any potential dangers to users or by those with immoral intensions. Within these design considerations, security fasteners have taken a primary role. As they come in all shapes and sizes, security fasteners are designed in accordance with new technology developments, usually for a specific product design. At their most basic level, they provide a fastener function, keeping the product components together and helping to ensure that they work effectively and efficiently. However, they are different to traditional fasteners as they must have additional security features to prevent removal of the component. It’s crucial that security fasteners must be tamper-resistant and vandal-proof, in order to maintain the functionality of the product they are contained with, regardless of the environment it is operating in, as they are often securing expensive or function-critical electrical components. This is accomplished by designing technology into the fasteners that prevent anyone from undoing the fastening without specialist equipment, or training. An example of this would be that on some designs, the outward shape of the screw may be very different to its actual shape within the product. Security fasteners could be designed to have increased frictional resistance with the bolt, preventing any rotation and thus preventing the nut from loosening. Available in a range of sizes, these fasteners can be used across product types and variations and be adjusted to specific environments or requirements. By implementing security and tamper-resistant engineering right at the beginning of the product development phase, we can ensure we are doing all we can to contribute to a safer and more secure world. www.trfastenings.com
New flexible spotlights from LEDVANCE adjust to changing store layouts
LEDVANCE is bringing new flexibility to retail lighting with versatile spotlights that can be adapted on the spot as store layouts are changed. Spot Vario can be adjusted as a recessed spotlight or wall washer and Spot Multi can be rotated in any direction. Recessed spotlights for accent lighting and general illumination The new Spot Vario from LEDVANCE provides the ultimate flexibility in retail lighting installations. This highly versatile recessed spotlight can be used as a classic downlight with the luminaire head fully recessed. With the luminaire head extended it can be used as a wall washer. As a result, retailers are able to reconfigure their installation according to need, using accent or general lighting to illuminate temporary displays and promotions to best effect. Spot Vario is easy to install because it is connected to an external driver with a bayonet connection. The luminaire and the ECG can therefore be easily separated to allow DALI or DIM devices to be connected. The aluminium reflectors with their black ring provide excellent anti-glare properties (UGR<16). Also new is the Spot Multi, a versatile cassette spotlight that has cardan joints for the luminaire heads so they can be adjusted in any direction to provide a high degree of flexibility in illuminating a room whenever the layouts are changed. This is an important consideration for fashion boutiques, for example, where a single luminaire has to provide both basic illumination and flexible accent lighting. With its broad portfolio of LED retrofits LEDVANCE offers excellent options for existing luminaires. The new AR111 reflector lamps and the PAR16 and MR16 lamps in high and low-voltage versions have excellent colour rendering (CRI 97), making them perfect replacements for halogen lamps. The same applies to the LED lamps in Classic A, Classic B and Classic P designs (CRI 95). With the exception of AR111, all the lamp bulbs are made of glass. All above-mentioned luminaires and lamps from LEDVANCE are listed in the Relux and Dialux planning software. Find out more
Birmingham Educational Partnership Launches New Innovative Engineering Course
South & City College Birmingham, University College Birmingham and The University of Birmingham have joined forces to launch a new Foundation Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Officially announced on Tuesday 23rdOctober 2018 at Bournville College, one of South & City College’s eight campuses, the new degree collectively developed by the three educational establishments offers a unique pathway for students looking to pursue a career in Mechatronics and Robotics. The dedicated launch event was led by Sardul Dhesi, Deputy Principal of South & City College, who introduced numerous guests from each arm of the partnership. Speakers included Mike Hopkins (Principal of South & City College), Alex Lofthouse (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University College Birmingham), Kathy Armour (Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham) and Bob Howlett (Head of Faculty for Construction Studies & Technology, South & City College). Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, also showed his support and spoke highly of the collaboration between some of the most highly-respected educational establishments within the city. Mike Hopkins, Principal of South & City College, said: “This unique programme provides a fantastic new route to the University of Birmingham for many of our students, as well as helping meet our regional skills needs. We pride ourselves on the quality of teaching in Engineering – our lecturers have vast experience of the sector and many hold PhD qualifications.” The two-year Foundation Degree will be taught at Bournville College, after which the students will progress on to a final year of an Engineering degree at the University of Birmingham. There will also be opportunities for paid summer placements with local employers. A major aim of the programme is to boost students’ digital, technical and employment skills, and as a result, employers such as Alstom UK & Ireland, Telent and National Grid have contributed towards the development of the specialised course. For more details, please visit: https://www.sccb.ac.uk
