Smart electrification – theme for the October e-tech

 

This month's e-tech focuses on Smart electrification. Various articles look at how the IEC can help resolve some of the world's energy challenges with energy measures that respond to the needs of regulators, industry and governments.

 

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Leading the way

 

A message from Jacques Régis, President of the IEC, talks of the role of the IEC, as a global technology enabler, in combating climate change.

 

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Rising beyond

 

Ronnie Amit, IEC General Secretary and CEO explains why, while a systems approach is undeniably increasingly important to achieve optimal outcome, the detailed work that is part of everyday contribution to IEC International Standards is indispensable for any technology-based global initiative.

 

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The smarter way

 

IEC President Jacques Régis was one of the speakers at the recent WEC (World Energy Council) 2010 which was placed under the banner, "Responding now to global challenges".

 

The President called for an international taskforce, while underlining the IEC's role in developing the many metrics and standards used as tools to improve the energy efficiency of the production and use of electricity, the most important future contributor to climate change mitigation.

 

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World Standards Day – making the world accessible

 

World Standards Day is celebrated each year on 14 October to pay tribute to the efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who collaborate within IEC, ISO and ITU to develop voluntary International Standards that facilitate trade, spread knowledge and disseminate technological advances.

 

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Puzzle pieces

 

What most Smart Grid project managers don’t fully understand is that not all standards are created equal. Until now, standards developed by the various SDOs (Standards Development Organizations) were not designed to fit together.

 

How is it possible to put the pieces together so as to create a portfolio of Smart Grid standards in a variety of shapes and colours?

 

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Predictable market advantages

 

Why do CEOs support their company's involvement in IEC work?

 

Through IEC Global Visions, CEOs point out how International Standards, participation in IEC standardization work and IEC CA (Conformity Assessment) systems provide them with more predictability in a world that has become increasingly competitive and volatile.

 

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Smart electrification fora

 

The IEC continues to be in high demand at various Smart Grid fora around the world.

 

At the 3rd Latin American Forum in São Paulo, Brazil, the IEC was represented by Richard Schomberg, leader of the IEC SMB Strategic Group 3: Smart Grid, and Amaury Santos, Regional Manager of the IEC-LARC.

 

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A passport to the world

 

IECEE, the System of Conformity Testing and Certification for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components, is a worldwide multilateral certification system based on International Standards prepared by the IEC.

 

The FCS (Full Certification Scheme) is one of the IECEE schemes. It goes far beyond product testing.

 

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Hazards tamed

 

Paper and textile manufacturing, grain handling and storage, like oil and gas or sugar refining, chemical processing and coal mining have one thing in common. They all have hazardous areas where flammable liquids, vapours, gases or combustible dusts present a fire or explosion hazard.

 

IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, is globally recognized to help companies tame hazards in Ex (explosive) areas.

 

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Safety certified

 

How IECQ makes electronics manufacturers’ lives simpler.

 

We cannot do without electronic components, even if most of the time they remain hidden inside the everyday devices of homes, offices, factories and transportation systems.

 

We expect them to work but how do we know that they are safe and reliable?

 

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IEC Young Professionals Programme

 

This year marks the launch of the IEC’s Young Professionals Programme with a workshop that will be held in Seattle on 10 and 11 October 2010.

 

It will provide young engineers, specialists and managers, selected by IEC NCs, with the opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of international standardization and CA (Conformity Assessment) in the field of electrotechnology.

 

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IEC continues to increase in 2010

 

In the year since the IEC 2009 GM (General Meeting) took place in Tel Aviv, Israel, the IEC Family has welcomed six new Members of which three are Full Members and three Associate Members.

 

Today the IEC Family numbers 162 countries.

 

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Using electricity safely

 

The IEC workshop to be held at the GM in Seattle on 13 October focuses on Ensuring performance and safety of household electrical appliances in industrializing countries.

 

It will demonstrate how the IEC provides both International Standards and IECEE CA (Conformity Assessment) as the platforms for promoting safety.

 

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Closer to international organizations

 

The IEC maintains a close relationship with various international organizations such as the WTO (World Trade Organization).

 

It is also active in promoting regional cooperation for developing and industrializing countries, helping provide speakers and transmit knowledge about the benefits of international standardization at the various events that occur around the world during the year.

 

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IEC Lord Kelvin Awards

 

The Lord Kelvin Award is the IEC's highest tribute and only granted to a maximum of three outstanding individuals in any one year.

 

Every year the IEC honours the commitment and work of a select group of experts who have shown particular leadership and technical expertise.

 

The IEC President will present three laureates with their inscribed gold medals, gold IEC lapel pins and certificates.

 

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Continuing dialogue in Latin America

 

This year, FINCA, the Forum of IEC National Committees of the Americas, was joined for its annual meeting by Chile, the newest Latin American country to join the IEC.

 

Electrical Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid was high on the agenda.

 

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IEC appointment

 

The SMB recently nominated Ivano Labricciosa, a Canadian from Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited, to the Strategic Group 3, Smart Grid.

 

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Measuring up

 

How does one improve the efficiency of global energy consumption? How is efficiency determined? Who decides that a product or system is more efficient than another? Wherever one turns these days, the media, heads of state, industry leaders and regulators all pinpoint the need for better measures.

 

How do stand-by power or more efficient motors fit into the picture of smart electrification?

 

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IEC Technical Committee work

 

During the year, the world has become safer, more efficient and interoperable thanks to the work and the International Standards of many IEC TCs.

 

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