Helios Electric

06/19/2024

Electrified railway systems often utilize the running rails to determine the location of trains. To accomplish this on a DC traction power system, the running rails are divided into insulated segments. Across the running rails of each segment, an AC signal is then applied. If a train were to occupy a given railway segment, its wheels/axle would connect the two running rails together to effectively “short out” the AC signal. This arrangement is fail-safe such that the “lack” of a transmitted AC signal (for any reason) signifies that a train has occupied that segment of track.

To ensure proper train operation, impedance bonds are used to connect the insulated track segments to allow the continuity of the DC power supply while restricting the AC signal across the insulated segments. This philosophy of train locating has been used for wayside signaling since the inception of electrified systems and is now also used in modern systems for automated train controls and SCADA integration.

To learn how our design capabilities can benefit you:

https://www.helioselectric.net/design-services

06/04/2024

Spot network systems are designed to provide continuity of electrical service to a facility's distribution system such that a given primary-side fault will not cause a facility outage. To fulfill this increased reliability aspect, it is also important to consider the proper application of secondary-side ground fault protection.

As opposed to utilizing a typical secondary-side network collector bus, applying normally closed tiebreakers with specific/timed protective relaying will allow a ground fault on a segmented bus to be isolated within the affected area without rendering an outage to the entire facility.

The proper electrical design should consider the installation cost, maintenance cost, economic impact of an electrical outage, and the cost of equipment repair in the event of a fault.

To learn about the optimal electrical design approach for your next project, or to get in touch with us:

https://www.helioselectric.net/design-services

05/27/2024

As we observe Memorial Day, let us take a moment to pause and remember the brave service members who sacrificed their life for our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

04/24/2024

Learn more about how we supported our client with a custom-built source transfer control system featuring advanced generating paralleling capability.

https://www.helioselectric.net/our-work/verizon

04/17/2024

Contact us to learn more about Transient Switching Analyses and other power system studies that can optimize your facility’s performance and reliability. Don't let transient conditions impact your power systems. Stay ahead and make any necessary adjustments now to ensure improved reliability later.

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/power-system-studies

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04/10/2024

Implementing an automatic main-tie-main source transfer scheme for WSSC Water at the West Substation of Parkway Water Resource Recovery Facility. Automation was achieved using Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), SEL-451 Bay Control System.

To learn more about our system integration capabilities:

https://www.helioselectric.net/system-integration

03/05/2024

Contact us for your next project involving protection, control, automation, and SCADA integration.

https://www.helioselectric.net/system-integration

02/28/2024

Paralleled operation of generators requires proper synchronization of the supply sources to be established in order to prevent undesirable electrical system conditions. When generator systems are located remotely where hardwired connections cannot be established, properly establishing a high-speed communication scheme becomes vital.

Learn more:
https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/generator-source-synchronization-and-paralleling-communication-schemes

Learn how to apply communication schemes for effective generator source synchronization and paralleling. Read Helios Electric's blog for more insights.

02/23/2024

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/electrical-equipment-protection

02/14/2024

In honor of black history month, we pay recognition to Granville T. Woods for his impact on the railroad industry. His most notable inventions include the induction telegraph system that was previously used for establishing train communication and train locating; and for the electrified third rail which is a railway electrification philosophy that is still widely used today.

https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/granville-woods

02/06/2024

The reliability and safety of electrical systems are critical for the operation of any facility, and regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance.

As an electrical engineering services provider, we share our expertise in the design and maintenance of electrical systems for various types of facilities. Our insights can help you avoid costly downtime, reduce the risk of electrical hazards, and optimize the performance of your electrical systems.

Learn more about how our approach can benefit you:
https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/electrical-system-maintenance

This resource covers topics such as the importance of regular maintenance, common types of electrical system failures, and the benefits of preventative maintenance.

Learn how to maintain your electrical equipment to improve resilience and reduce maintenance costs. Read our expert guide on electrical system maintenance solutions."

01/30/2024

Whenever a traction power system is designed or upgraded, its electrical characteristics are altered and its overall performance changes. With a well-crafted AC/DC power system study, these changes can be visualized before trains are placed in service.

Learn more:
https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/case-study-traction-power-feasibility-analysis

01/24/2024

Are you in the process of constructing a new electrical facility or modifying an existing one? Ensuring the construction integrity of your facility and the proper functionality of its systems is paramount for a safe, reliable, and fully functional operation. That's where our startup and commissioning services play a pivotal role.

We specialize in providing comprehensive startup and commissioning services that inspect, validate, and verify (IV&V) the construction integrity of both new and modified facilities. Our dedicated team works diligently to assure you that your systems have been delivered and installed in a manner that meets your operational requirements.

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/startup-commissioning

01/15/2024

Today, on MLK Day, we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy.

01/02/2024

Wishing everyone a happy, joyous, and prosperous new year filled with powerful goals, achievements, and impacts.

12/22/2023

From all of us at Helios Electric, we wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!

12/19/2023

Transient Switching Analyses help understand the impact of voltage transient conditions, current chopping, prestrikes, and restrikes associated with capacitor switching, transformer energization, and fault interruption in power systems.

By performing this analysis prior to equipment design or installation, we can determine the appropriate surge protection and RC snubber implementation required to reduce undesirable transient conditions. Doing so ensures the safety and long-term reliability of your power system, by reducing the risk of equipment damage and unnecessary power outages.

Contact us for more information on Transient Switching Analysis and other power system studies to optimize your facility’s performance and reliability.

Don't let transient conditions wreak havoc on your power systems. Stay informed and make the necessary adjustments to ensure uninterrupted power flow.

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/power-system-studies

Trust Helios Electric for comprehensive power system studies to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of your electrical facilities. Our guiding principle is to keep your equipment and personnel protected while maintaining reliable, uninterrupted operations.

12/12/2023

Electrical engineering solutions using proper hazard classifications, motor control center design, schematic controls, system integration, and electrical protection will save you money as well as ensure the safe, reliable, and long-term operation of your wastewater facilities.

To learn more about our solution:
https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/designing-efficient-electrical-systems-for-wastewater-facilities

11/30/2023

By carefully selecting and timing control devices, transition times of less than 10 cycles (approximately 167 ms) can be achieved. This rapid transfer minimizes downtime and keeps critical industrial processes running smoothly.

To overcome these challenges, a supervising Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) is required. Under engineering supervision, this IED device must be configured to provide fast and accurate sensing capabilities, using the overlay of ANSI-27, ANSI-81, ANSI-81R, ANSI-78, and ANSI-25 protective functions.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Motor Fast Bus Transfer schemes and their impact on improving reliability and avoiding disruptions in industrial process flow, please see our resource below: https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/improve-reliability-avoid-interrupting-industrial-process-flow-high-speed-motor-bus-transfer-scheme

11/22/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! We want to take this opportunity to share our genuine appreciation for our employees, customers, partners, and consultants.

11/10/2023

Thanking the men and women who have served our country for generations. 🇺🇸

11/07/2023

Water and wastewater treatment plants rely heavily on electrical systems to ensure the effective and efficient operation of their equipment. Many of these systems are essential to delivering clean water to communities while managing wastewater responsibly.

To learn about how our electrical solutions can benefit you:
https://www.helioselectric.net/water-wastewater

10/24/2023

Whenever a traction power system is designed or upgraded, its electrical characteristics are altered and its overall performance changes. With a well-crafted AC/DC power system study, these changes can be visualized before trains are placed in service.

Learn more:
www.helioselectric.net/blog/case-study-traction-power-feasibility-analysis

10/10/2023

ANSI-7 (DC Rate of Rise Protection) is a critical safety feature for DC traction systems. It detects the rate of rise of current to distinguish between normal train starting and track fault events, which can be very dangerous. ANSI-7 protection helps to ensure that your system remains safe and operational by tripping the breakers quickly when a track fault is detected.

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/protect-establish-traction-power-systems

We can help perform power system studies to determine optimal AC/DC protection settings and undertake the programming of complex multi-function relays.

09/12/2023

When installed properly, power factor correction capacitors can improve your electrical distribution system and reduce the likelihood of the utility company penalizing you for a low power factor. Power factor correction capacitors act as kVAR generators to offset the reactive power usage of inductive loads (such as transformers and motors) and to increase the overall power factor.

However, if your electrical distribution system also consists of nonlinear loads, it is important to pay special attention to harmonic distortion when applying power factor correction capacitors. Although capacitors do not generate harmonics by themselves, they can amplify existing harmonic conditions and create a dangerous resonance condition within your power distribution system.

If you need help in sizing power factor correction capacitors to properly suit your application, please feel free to contact us.

To learn more about how our power system study capabilities can benefit you:
https://www.helioselectric.net/power-system-studies/

09/04/2023

Happy Labor Day! We hope you enjoy the day off and spend time with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our business.

08/29/2023

Supporting our major telecommunications client with a very customized source transfer control scheme with generator paralleling capabilities. For maintaining reliability to their customers, our client had very specific requirements for automation that were complemented by manual wrap-around capabilities.

To achieve this, we implemented a mix of both "old school" and "new school" technologies in a very unique manner. Utilizing Woodward, Inc.. LSM and SPM-A devices in conjunction with TE Connectivity Crompton solid-state relays, we established an overlayed scheme with the following capabilities:

- Automatic Generator Start
- Generator Auto-Synchronization
- Isochronous Load Share
- Cross-Current Compensation
- Droop Speed Control
- Closed-Transition Restore
- Base-Load Control

Learn more: https://www.helioselectric.net/our-work/verizon

08/15/2023

Since DC power systems do not have "zero crossings" (like in AC systems), the fault current must be forced to zero by the circuit breaker. This is particularly true in traction power systems where both distant and close-in faults must be considered.



To learn more about how to specify DC power circuit breakers for traction power systems:

https://www.helioselectric.net/blog/ac-dc-circuit-breaker-selection-traction-power-systems