Abstract: A current control device is described. The current control device includes at least one line socket configured to couple to a first power system. The current control device also includes at least one load socket configured to couple to a second power system and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switching device coupled between the at least one line socket and the at least one load socket. The at least one MEMS switching device is configured to selectably couple the first power system to the second power system.

Abstract: A method for communicating utility data includes receiving a voice signal and a data signal via a utility network, combining the voice signal and the data signal to form a communication signal, and transmitting the communication signal to a plurality of utility asset controllers and handheld devices via the utility network.

Abstract: An on-load tap changer (OLTC) for a transformer winding is disclosed. The OLTC includes a first MEMS switch coupled in series with a first tap on the transformer winding and a neutral terminal. The OLTC also includes a second MEMS switch coupled in series with a second tap on the transformer winding and the neutral terminal. The OLTC further includes a controller coupled to the first MEMS switch and the second MEMS switch, the controller configured to coordinate the switching operations of the first MEMS switch module and the second MEMS switch module to obtain a first predetermined turns ratio or a second predetermined turns ratio for the transformer winding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of hybrid predictive models to predict one or more of performance, availability, or degradation of a power plant or a component of the power plant. The hybrid predictive model comprises at least two model components, one based on a physics-based modeling approach and one based on an observational or data-based modeling approach. The hybrid predictive model may self-tune or self-correct as operational performance varies over time.

Abstract: A method for managing electrical demand on a power grid in response to electrical supply conditions is described. The method includes determining a first energy demand forecast using stored information, determining a first energy supply forecast based on a known energy production and transmission capacity, and comparing the first energy demand forecast to the first energy supply forecast. The method also includes transmitting at least one of an adjusted price signal and an electrical load shedding signal to a customer over a bi-directional communication system based on the comparison of the first energy demand forecast to the first energy supply forecast.

Abstract: A current control device is described. The current control device includes at least one line socket configured to couple to a first power system. The current control device also includes at least one load socket configured to couple to a second power system and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switching device coupled between the at least one line socket and the at least one load socket. The at least one MEMS switching device is configured to selectably couple the first power system to the second power system.

Abstract: An on-load tap changer (OLTC) for a transformer winding is disclosed. The OLTC includes a first MEMS switch coupled in series with a first tap on the transformer winding and a neutral terminal. The OLTC also includes a second MEMS switch coupled in series with a second tap on the transformer winding and the neutral terminal. The OLTC further includes a controller coupled to the first MEMS switch and the second MEMS switch, the controller configured to coordinate the switching operations of the first MEMS switch module and the second MEMS switch module to obtain a first predetermined turns ratio or a second predetermined turns ratio for the transformer winding.

Abstract: A method for managing electrical demand on a power grid in response to electrical supply conditions is described. The method includes determining a first energy demand forecast using stored information, determining a first energy supply forecast based on a known energy production and transmission capacity, and comparing the first energy demand forecast to the first energy supply forecast. The method also includes transmitting at least one of an adjusted price signal and an electrical load shedding signal to a customer over a bidirectional communication system based on the comparison of the first energy demand forecast to the first energy supply forecast.

Abstract: A method for communicating utility data includes receiving a voice signal and a data signal via a utility network, combining the voice signal and the data signal to form a communication signal, and transmitting the communication signal to a plurality of utility asset controllers and handheld devices via the utility network.