A digitally-controlled, real-time, analog power-system simulatorfor closed-loop protective relaying testing

A power-system simulator is described that uses a control computer to configure an electronic analog model of a three-phase symmetrical power system and to set the model parameters. The model closely represents the dynamics of the real world up to 3 kHz. Precision high-power amplifiers convert the low-level analog signals to supply the protective relays under test. The design has been influenced by the key feature of closed-loop operation, with the relays functioning dynamically and in real time with the model. Nonlinearities are represented where significant, including the fault, transformer, arrester, and series-capacitor protection modules. The long-line transmission models represent the traveling-wave phenomena. Numerous system configurations can be selected. The data-acquisition system utilizes four digital computers, storing analog data at up to 25 kHz rate. The computers also analyze and manipulate the analog and event data and control a color plotter and printer. The emphasis of the discussion is on the analog models and the power amplifier designs     

Rotor heating effects from geomagnetic induced currents

The heating affects at the end-ring connection areas of the rotor due to the harmonic current generation of a saturating unit transformer from geomagnetic induces currents (GIC) on the transmission system have been calculated from observed data and from EMTP studies sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute. These calculations show that damage may occur during strong GIC storm activity. This damage can occur from unit transformer saturation or other transformers in the system near the generator. The possibility of damage should be monitored during strong GIC storms through the use of appropriate negative-sequence current monitoring and alarms     

Testing and performance of transformer differential relays

The phenomenon of transformer magnetizing inrush current has been discussed in many papers throughout the years. A brief review of magnetizing inrush is given to provide the basis of need for transient testing. Previous studies have shown that inrush currents contain harmonic components of the fundamental waveform. Conventional philosophy has been to utilize the second harmonic current to provide inhibited operation of differential relays because of its dominance. Manufacturers have used various designs regarding higher order harmonics. The use of second and third, as well as the inclusion of all harmonics, have been seen over the years. The relay considered in this article utilized the second harmonic current to provide restraint on magnetizing inrush. The reasons for this are discussed. The authors discuss relay transient testing, EMTP transient testing, factory transient tests, EMTP testing facility, transformer differential EMTP tests, and EMTP transformer modeling. Several case studies relating to transformer differential relays are then discussed     

Adaptive transmission relaying concepts for improved performance

Concepts for adaptive protective relaying of transmission lines are presented. These include changes in online relay settings, relay characteristics, or logic in response to power system or environmental changes, or as a result of operating experience. Such changes as line-out or generator-out contingencies, which affect fault current distributions and degrade the system's security level, initiate adaptive protection system responses. Adaptive relaying is shown to be capable of improving relaying reliability and power system security and of achieving better utilization of transmission facilities. Most of the concepts require a hierarchical computer system, involving front-line parallel processors, a substation host, and remote central processors, all linked by channels that transmit data or relaying changes prior to or after a disturbance. It is suggested that maximum value from adaptive relaying will result from integration with existing or planned substation control and data acquisition functions and interfacing with the central energy management system (EMS). Emphasis is placed on use of interim hardware approaches to allow evolutionary development     

Health care in the 105th Congress: A hopeful look forward.

Addresses the issue of health care reform by both reviewing events of the past few years up to and including the 104th Congress and by discussing issues of health care reform facing the 105th Congress. Issues discussed include Medicare and Medicaid, insurance reform, the uninsured, quality and consumer protection, and long-term care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mushrooms with Determination of Their Tryptamine Alkaloids

Since not only psilocybin (PSB) but also PSB-containing mushrooms are used for psychedelic therapy and microdosing, it is necessary to know their concentration variability in wild-grown mushrooms. This article aimed to determine the PSB, psilocin (PS), baeocystin (BA), norbaeocystin (NB), and aeruginascin (AE) concentrations in a large sample set of mushrooms belonging to genera previously reported to contain psychotropic tryptamines. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify tryptamine alkaloids in the mushroom samples. Most mushroom collections were documented by fungarium specimens and/or ITS rDNA/LSU/EF1-α sequencing. Concentrations of five tryptamine alkaloids were determined in a large sample set of 226 fruiting bodies of 82 individual collections from seven mushroom genera. For many mushroom species, concentrations of BA, NB, and AE are reported for the first time. The highest PSB/PS concentrations were found in Psilocybe species, but no tryptamines were detected in the P. fuscofulva and P. fimetaria collections. The tryptamine concentrations in mushrooms are extremely variable, representing a problem for mushroom consumers due to the apparent risk of overdose. The varied cocktail of tryptamines in wild mushrooms could influence the medicinal effect compared to therapy with chemically pure PSB, posing a serious problem for data interpretation.