Siemens (Brazil)

More and more consumers of electricity demand services with the highest quality standards. One of these standards that have been required is the continuity of services as well as the speedy recovery after a power outage. With the advent of smart grids, the problems of distribution systems are attacked and systemic reliability indexes are improved. It occurs as a result of the automation that has been taking place in these systems. This paper aims to present a contribution in the area of self-healing distribution networks in the event of a permanent short-circuit wherein a systemic reconfiguration is necessary. The proposed strategy, based on distributed intelligence, allows the signals to propagate between the recovery switches, without these switches requiring a large range of communication. It occurs because the sign of a switch broadcasts on the network through communication between adjacent switches to establish an optimized switching solution. This strategy has been tested in a real network and in a large distribution network for simple, sequential, and multiple short-circuits.

Measurement of the frequency response, from a few Hz to a few MHz, is now commonly used in the transformer industry for the condition assessment of transformer windings and has demonstrated its sensitivity for detecting various mechanical and electrical failure modes. The present generally applied practice for interpretation is visual comparison of frequency responses, either with a previous measurement on the same or an identical unit, or between the phases of a three-phase transformer. Examples of curve comparison for typical mechanical and electrical failure modes have previously been published in CIGRE and IEEE guides. Over the last 15 years, numerous technical papers have been published regarding the interpretation of the results in an aim to make it more objective and quantitative. In 2016, CIGRE initiated a new working group titled “Objective interpretation methodology for the condition assessment of transformer windings using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA)”. This paper, written on behalf of the new working group, reviews the basics of FRA interpretation and summarizes the state-of-the-art regarding the potential methods that can be applied to achieve a more objective and quantitative interpretation of the results.

Elimination of hot spots and reduction of eddy current losses in structural parts is one of the important constituents of transformer design. In this work, the eddy current losses in the clamping frame, transformer tank and electromagnetic shielding are calculated using a 3D finite element method. The clamping frame, transformer tank and electromagnetic shielding are modeled by surface impedance method. The paper analyses the effects of electromagnetic shielding and magnetic shunts on the eddy current loss reduction in the transformer tank.

This paper was written to share the experience acquired in the specification of surge suppressors (snubbers) for protection against switching transients' overvoltage resulting primarily in dry-type transformers failures in some plants in Brazil and North America. This paper will also explain about the snubber ratings (damping resistor, surge capacitor and surge arrester), the assembly special cares, system modeling and simulations using the software ATP-Alternative Transient Program.

The current implementation of propagation models for the network simulator ns-2 only allows simulations within flat environments. Nodes are always within line of sight and the distance between one and another determines their connectivity. Our extensions permit simulations within urban and non-flat environments. This gives new insights into the behavior of routing algorithms. The simulation environment has great impact on the performance of ad hoc routing algorithms. Results show that packet loss and routing overhead are dramatically increased. Further, they advise the assumption that AODV always outperforms DSR. However, both have great shortcomings concerning networks with fast moving or numerous nodes. Results suggest the necessity for new routing algorithms or imply a paradigm shift for the application of ad hoc networks.

The protection of series compensated lines is considered to be one of the most difficult tasks for engineers. The series compensation affects the impedance measurement such that special considerations are necessary in the application of distance protection. In order to evaluate the performance of distance protective relays that will be applied in 500 kV Brazilian transmission system, real time closed-loop digital simulations were realized. The closed-loop testing approach enables the, evaluation of not only the protective relay but also the response of the system to the relays action. Several complex situations were simulated and analyzed. This provided an opportunity to optimize the relays settings and protection scheme, therefore saved time during commissioning and assurance of satisfactory performance. The main objective is to present an evaluation of distance protection when applied to protect series compensated transmission lines, presenting not only the tripping times, but also verifying all the performance and functionality of a modern protection system

Abstract Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging is becoming an important tool in oncology as a nonirradiating imaging technique since recent technological advances allowed the incorporation of high-quality imaging in an adequate time. Moreover, the noninjection of radioisotope/intravenous contrast, low cost compared with traditional nuclear medicine techniques, and fast acquisition times are another distinct feature. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review the whole-body magnetic resonance imaging protocol and its main applications in the oncology setting.

The chapter reports on the case study project of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of a wind park farm in Brazil from the supplier perspective of Siemens Ltd. In the case study, researchers, together with practitioners, further developed project stakeholder analysis by explicitly integrating Sustainable Development (SD) principles. The chapter offers an operative approach and describes the working form systemic board to better handle the increasing dynamics and complexity in contemporary projects and contexts. For project stakeholder management, the consideration of SD principles means in particular: applying a more comprehensive stakeholder management approach with underpinning values that support sustainable development; integrating economic, ecologic, and social interests of project stakeholders into the project objectives to create shared benefit for the project investor and other project stakeholders; broadening the time perspective to consider not only current stakeholders but also future stakeholders of the investment initialized by the project; broadening the spatial perspective to consider local, regional as well as global impacts of the project for stakeholders; using systemic working forms to allow for making the dynamics and complexities of the project and the project contexts better visible to the project manager, the project team, and the project owner; taking consequences in the project organization which lead to more integrative project organization structures to support cooperation on a project and with its stakeholders.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging has become an essential tool in the management of patients with iron overload. Most of these patients are located in under-developed regions of the world where access to scanners is limited. Effective use of resources is therefore mandatory especially in very densely populated areas. We sought to assess if an accelerated protocol under ten minutes for iron overload assessment in the heart and liver using automated sequences and analysis would be feasible and accurate in a multicenter study.

Prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) is used to treat patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and with lower urinary obstructive tract symptoms. It is an interventional procedure which uses fluoroscopy equipment and can result in exposure to high doses of radiation in patients and staff. We aimed to demonstrate the reduction of radiation doses received by staff during PAE by implementing an optimised protocol called Radiation Exposure Curtailment for Embolisation (RECiFE). This protocol was implemented in cooperation with the medical team and technical team using Siemens Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure (CARE) protocol. The results showed approximately 83% reduction in the radiation doses received by the main physician during PAE. Thus, by adjusting the acquisition parameters of the angiographic equipment and implementing the RECiFE protocol, it is possible to optimise the PAE procedure and reduce the staff radiation dose.

We present in this paper our experience with applying a new architecture review process that uses a globally distributed review team to assess architecture risk of a complex mission critical system. The new architecture review process uses aspects of the checklist-based architecture review process and the operational scenario-based architecture review process. We present the architecture review process approach, a summary of the architecture under review and the detailed analysis of the most important operational scenarios. We conclude by presenting a summary of the lessons we learned using the new process.

This paper was written to share the experience acquired in the specification of surge suppressors (snubbers) for protection against switching transients' overvoltage resulting primarily in dry-type transformers failures in some plants in Brazil and North America. This paper will also explain about the snubber ratings (damping resistor, surge capacitor, and surge arrester), the assembly special cares, system modeling, and simulations using the software Alternative Transient Program.

Abstract Objectives In the laboratory medicine segment, benchmarking is the process in which institutions seek to compare with the macro environment (performance comparison and best practices with different laboratories) and improve their results based on quality indicators. The literature has highlighted the vulnerability of the pre-analytical phase in terms of risks and failures and the use of interlaboratory comparison as an opportunity to define a strategic performance benchmark aligned with the laboratory medicine sector, which has been a promising strategy to ensure continuous improvement, identifying within the pre-analytical process the critical activities to guarantee patient safety. In this context, this paper aims to present the three-year experience (2016–2018) of the Benchmarking Program and Laboratory Indicators – in Portuguese, Programa de Benchmarking e Indicadores Laboratoriais (PBIL) – with emphasis on pre-analytical indicators and their comparison against literature references and other programs of benchmarking in the area of laboratory medicine. PBIL is organized by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML) in conjunction with Controllab and coordinated by a Brazilian group with representatives from different countries. Methods The data presented in this paper involving the performance results of 180 laboratories with active participation. Results are presented in percentage (%, boxplot graphical in quartiles) and Sigma metric, recognized as the metric that best indicates the magnitude of failures in a process. The Pareto Chart was used to facilitate ordering and to identify the main errors in the pre-analytical phase. The Radar Chart was made available in this work for the purpose of comparing the results obtained in Sigma by the PBIL and IFCC Working Group Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety (WG LEPS). Results In the study period, just over 80% of the pre-analytical failures are related to Blood culture contamination (hospital-based and non-hospital-based laboratories), Recollect and Non-registered exams, with failure rates of 2.70, 1.05 and 0.63%, respectively. The performance of the PBIL program participants was in line with the literature references, and allowed to identify benchmarks in the laboratory medicine market, target of PBIL, with best practices were observed for some indicators. Conclusions The results of the program demonstrate the importance of an ongoing program comparative performance-monitoring program for setting more robust goals and consequently reducing laboratory process failures. Even with these promising premises and results, the contextualized analysis of the program indicators, point to a still significant number of failures in our market, with possibilities for improvement in order aiming to ensure more robust and effective processes.

The soil characterization is one of the major prerequisites in grounding system studies. Along with an adequate measurement procedure and a reliable field data processing, they are responsible for the success in the design and the installation of grounding grids in electrical power systems. In this frame of reference, the purpose of this work is to present an embracing investigation combining <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">in-situ</i> measuring data from soil resistivity and geological survey, supported by the Wenner method and standard penetration test (SPT). The study is focused on investigating the differences in the apparent soil resistivity interpretation, provided by distinct approaches, identifying the one that better correlates with SPT. Furthermore, a geoelectrical and geotechnical soil characterization is in-depth evaluated, culminating in the derivations among soil resistivity, moisture content, and its mechanical properties. The study has a particular application, but not restricted, to electrical substations design, in which a proper soil modeling and representation are mandatory. The obtained results are promising serving as a foundation for further investigation.

Many models exist in the literature to explain the success of technological innovation. However, no studies have been made regarding graphic formats representing the technological innovation models and their impact, or on the understanding of these models by non-specialists in technology management. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to propose a new graphic configuration to represent the technological innovation management. Based on the literature, the innovation model is presented in the traditional format. Next, the same model is designed in the graphic format – named ‘the see-saw of competitiveness’ – showing the interfaces among the identified factors. The two graphic formats were compared by a group of graduate students in terms of the ease in understanding the conceptual model of innovation. The statistical analysis shows that the seesaw of competitiveness is preferred.

This paper was written to share the experience acquired in the specification of surge suppressors (snubbers) for protection against switching transients' overvoltage resulting primarily in dry-type transformers failures in some plants in Brazil and North America. This paper will also explain about the snubber ratings (damping resistor, surge capacitor and surge arrester), the assembly special cares, system modeling and simulations using the software ATP-Alternative Transient Program.

The entire Image Signal Processor (ISP) of a camera relies on several processes to transform the data from the Color Filter Array (CFA) sensor, such as demosaicing, denoising, and enhancement. These processes can be executed either by some hardware or via software. In recent years, Deep Learning (DL) has emerged as one solution for some of them or even to replace the entire ISP using a single neural network for the task. In this work, we investigated several recent pieces of research in this area and provide deeper analysis and comparison among them, including results and possible points of improvement for future researchers.

During the development cycle of a project, it is common for software requirements and functionality to change and for code errors to occur. To deal with these unforeseen changes, the artifact known as change request, which is a formal proposal to alter a system, is used. Its assignment is an important step in the development process. Projects can receive a very high number of requests daily, which makes the automation of this process compelling. This work proposes a method for assigning unresolved requests, based on developer's profiles. The proposed method consists of three steps. The first step is to extract code quality metrics, commit data and previously resolved requests, in order to model developers through the mining of repositories. The second step concerns with the selection of the profile of potential developers through the application of natural language processing and information retrieval techniques. And finally, in the third step the appropriate developers are selected based on the quality of their code and the impact of their commits. Results from experimental evaluation show that the method is able to recommend more developers with a positive impact on the repository quality if compared to the iMacPro method.

The energy transition is changing power systems towards more environmentally friendly structures by increasing renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Besides their natural short-term uncertainties, climate changes input long-term variations on renewable sources’ behavior. Thus, the development of proper tools for Transmission Expansion Planning (TEP) is imperative to mitigate the consequences of unexpected climate events on the operation of power systems. Hence, this paper presents a Five-Level Stochastic Programming (FLSP) TEP formulation that aims at finding protective umbrellas measured by Business Climate Resilience (BCR) while employing stochastic optimization techniques to enhance investment and operative decisions over a planning horizon containing uncertainties. The proposed methodology is tested using the NREL-118 system, and the results confirm that adopting an aversive behavior to climate risk can reduce operation costs by 69.85% over the years.

Paper, pressboard, mineral oil, copper have been used for decades in the power transformer design and are considered as "classic materials". Progress in the material technology, as well as reliability requirements for obtaining higher life expectancy require a better knowledge of their degradation pattern and additional information on their long term properties. The reliable diagnostics for an early failure recognition, as well as adequate maintenance procedures for restoring the dielectric margin are needed. These challenges can only be solved with a better knowledge on ageing processes and physico-chemical behaviour of transformer materials and their consideration in the transformer design.