Understanding PLC Crosstalk: Closer Look at Signal Interference
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About the author: Tina Reynolds
Tina Reynolds Technical Journalist
Tina Reynolds is a technical journalist and content manager at CLOU, with experience as a freelance writer for various newspapers and magazines. With over ten years in the electrical energy sector, she has in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence, smart grid technologies, and advanced metering infrastructure. Tina focuses on breaking down complex topics for her audience, providing practical insights for decision-makers in the industry. Outside of her writing, she enjoys cooking and sharing meals with friends.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CLOU GLOBAL.
February 11, 2025
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Understanding PLC Crosstalk A Closer Look at Signal Interference
Power line communication (PLC) has become an increasingly popular technology for transmitting data over existing electrical power lines. This approach provides a convenient and cost-effective way to enable smart grid and automation capabilities by leveraging existing infrastructure. However, one key technical challenge with PLC is the issue of crosstalk or signal interference. In this article, …
The Psychology of Energy Conservation How Behaviour Drives Smarter Grids
The journey toward more sustainable energy usage and smarter grids is not just a story of new technology. Equally important is the science behind motivating people to adopt healthier, more responsible energy-related behaviors. Psychologists, sociologists, and behavioral economists have long studied how individuals perceive and respond to information about energy, especially when it involves personal …
Understanding the C-Rate in Energy Storage Striking a Balance for Safety and Performance
Advancements in energy storage technologies have opened up new possibilities for renewable energy integration and electric mobility. However, ensuring safety and performance remains a key challenge. One important factor that influences both safety and performance in many energy storage systems is the C-rate, or C-factor. The C-rate refers to the power, or rate of charge …
Best Practices for Preventing Energy Theft in 2025
Energy theft, a form of non-technical loss, involves stealing electricity through illegal connections or tampering with meters. This issue leads to financial losses for utility companies and safety risks in communities. Implementing effective strategies to detect and prevent energy theft is essential for maintaining efficient power distribution and reliable services. This article contains some best …
The Year of the Wood Snake is upon us once again! Every 60 years, this mysterious sign comes to visit us, and in 2025 we can enjoy its wisdom and ability to change. As families across the globe prepare for the grand Chinese New Year festivities, it's the perfect time to have a look into the traditions that have been woven into this celebration.
January 20, 2025
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Balancing Innovation The Light and Shadows of AI in Energy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how the energy industry operates. AI promises to improve efficiency and optimization across power grids. However, there are valid concerns around bias, security, and ethics that require thoughtful solutions.
January 17, 2025
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Water The Overlooked Resource in Energy Production
Water is critical for energy production. Thermal power plants, hydraulic fracturing, and even renewable sources all require significant water inputs. As energy demands grow, but supplies face increasing constraints, water's integral yet overlooked role becomes more apparent. Smarter management and efficiency improvements are essential to build resilient systems. The Role of Water Thermal plants need …
The Pricing Pitfall Aligning Time-of-Use Models with Renewables Targets
Electric utilities increasingly look to time-of-use (TOU) pricing as a way to flatten peak demand and better integrate renewables. But ill-designed TOU rates can perversely incentivize energy usage patterns at odds with solar and wind generation profiles. Careful rate structure optimization is essential for TOU pricing to support renewable energy goals. This analysis spotlights the …
Understanding Parasitic Capacitance Implications for Circuit Design
In electrical systems, capacitance arises not only from discrete capacitors but also from unintended parasitic capacitance within circuits. If overlooked, these parasitic capacitances can distort circuit behaviour. Accounting for them is critical when designing robust, predictable circuits. This article provides an overview of the parasitic capacitance phenomenon and offers recommendations for mitigation. What is Parasitic …
Rethinking N-1 Key Considerations for Utility Contingency Planning
Utility systems deliver essential services such as electricity and water, making reliable operation a complex task. Utilities must plan for potential disruptions, including equipment failures and severe weather events. This requires more than basic redundancy; effective contingency planning is important. Traditionally, the N-1 criterion has set the standard for redundancy in utility systems, ensuring that …
New Transmission Lines vs. Decentralization The Future of Energy Infrastructure – Progress or Pipedream?
The energy market is changing rapidly. Two major trends – the growth of renewable energy and decentralization of power generation – are disrupting traditional utility business models. This poses an infrastructure dilemma: Do we build large, interconnected transmission networks to support variable renewable generation? Or do we move toward decentralization and distributed energy resources (DERs)? …
Capturing Abundance Managing Surplus Solar Generation in Germany's Grid
Germany has rapidly expanded its solar energy capacity by installing rooftop solar panels nationwide. This growth in renewables has decreased fossil fuel dependence and progressed sustainability aims. However, it has also produced two interrelated problems – excess solar supply on sunny days and energy shortfalls during dark, windless periods known as "dunkelflaute". During solar peaks, …