e-tech News & views
MARCH 2014
Maglev high-speed trains
New trends in urban transport
Formula E on the starting grid
Getting to know Kerry McManama
IEC WORLD
Africa Smart Grid Forum
4 A technology that sees trains "fl oating" over a track using magnets and superconductivity may radically change train transport in the future
6 New safety devices, connected and autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation systems are expected to cut the number of road traffi c
victims 11 Insights into the standardization challenges faced by developers of the EV wireless charging system 18 Automated or "self-driving"
personal transport systems are no longer the preserve of science fi ction. They are now up and running at several locations around the world
31 The international Africa Smart Grid Forum will take place on 14-16 May 2014 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire 37 IEC material declaration Standard
goes global
Smarter, safer transportation for all
Getting to know Kerry McManama
Knowledge supports safety in
This issue of e-tech focuses on
Maglev – a technology for the
transportation, from the role
of the IEC in the automotive
Safer cars, smarter drives
Can smart traffi c and cars save
industry to new modes of urban
IEC WORLD
transportation and maglev
Smart energy for Africa
(magnetic levitation) high-speed
Easier, safer, leaner and cleaner
trains. Smart transport and traffi c
Reaching out – Using social media 32
management will also be covered.
EV wireless charging system:
to increase awareness of IEC work
And last but not least, electric light
a standardization challenge
and heavy-duty industrial vehicles.
Formula E approaches the starting 33
Behind the scenes at the Sochi
IEC FAMILY
Nominations and extensions
Personal systems herald
Nanotechnology: a key to solar
energy and energy storage
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AFFAIRS
IEC material declaration Standard
TC 9 – On the right track
e-tech I March 2014
Smarter, safer transportation for all
IEC standardization and conformity assessment work essential
to modern transportation modes
The March issue of e-tech focuses on transportation, from the role of the IEC
in the automotive industry to new modes of urban transportation and maglev
(magnetic levitation) high-speed trains. Smart transport and traffi c management
are also covered. And last but not least, light and heavy-duty industrial vehicles,
an important segment of the automotive industry that is undergoing many
developments with the emergence of electric vehicles.
Motor vehicles, whether they are EVs (electric vehicles), hybrids or powered by internal
combustion engines, contain an ever growing number of electric and electronic parts.
Consequently the role played by the IEC becomes more important as well. Through its
standardization and conformity assessment work, the Commission ensures that electrical
Claire Marchand
equipment and electronic components used in these vehicles are of the highest quality
Managing Editor e-tech
and reliability and help make cars safer and ever more energy-effi cient.
Another type of EV will be featured in this issue: electric racing cars. Formula E is a new
FIA (International Automobile Federation) championship and the world's fi rst fully-electric
racing series. In the words of its promoters, [the championship] represents a vision for
the future of the motor industry over the coming decades, serving as a framework for
R&D around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting
Away from the glamour of Grand Prix racing but indispensable nonetheless on factory
fl oors, harbours, hangars or warehouses, there are industrial vehicles. The trend for many
of those is to go all electric. An article will explain the whys of this development.
The March issue will also take a closer look at new modes of urban transportation.
With a view to reducing pollution and become more energy-effi cient, many cities around
the world are developing new public transit networks, such as electric pods or cable
cars depending on the terrain, and are encouraging emission-free individual means of
Formula E is a new FIA championship featuring
PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) System station at the
fully-electric racing cars (Photo: Formula E)
Masdar Institute Campus (Photo: Masdar City)
March 2014 I e-tech
Maglev – a technology for the future?Magnetically-levitated trains are running in a small number of countries
Morand Fachot
trains to run faster and faster, the
Come fl y with magnets
Railways have constantly improved
mechanical friction between wheels
Maglev train rail systems need three
since they were fi rst introduced.
and tracks is considered a factor
components: a large electrical power
However, they still rely on basically
limiting performance and requiring
source, metal coils lining a guideway
the same principle: train wheels
considerable maintenance of
or track and large guidance magnets
running on steel tracks and
equipment in this well-established
attached to the underside of the train.
causing friction. A technology
mode of transportation.
that sees trains "fl oating" over
Two different concepts of magnetic
a track using magnets and
Magnetically-levitating trains that
levitation – or suspension – are
superconductivity may radically
eliminate mechanical friction by using
currently being implemented.
change train transport in the
magnetic suspension (or levitation) are
seen as offering an interesting possibility
EMS (electromagnetic suspension)
for the future of rail transport. The
uses electromagnets attached to the
technology relies on superconducting
train's undercarriage; the magnets wrap
Not the end of the line yet
magnets. Even so, existing networks
around the steel guideway. The system
Ever since they were introduced
built over decades are not likely to
levitates the train about 1 cm above the
trains have run on rails; currently
disappear soon as the few maglev trains
guideway and keeps it levitated even
those are made of steel. Even though
functioning now are still mainly in the
when it's not moving. This system is
rolling stock and rail technologies
experimental phase or are running over
used in Germany's Transrapid train and
have greatly improved, allowing
relatively short distances.
the Shanghai Transrapid maglev train
Japan's MLX01-1 train holds the world record for fastest maglev train (581 kph)
e-tech I March 2014
Cutaway of Transrapid maglev train propulsion system (Illustration: ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH)
that connects Shanghai airport with
In August 2013 the mayor of Tel Aviv,
Superconductivity, acknowledges
its metro network.
Israel, announced plans to introduce
that this domain could benefi t from
skyTran, an urban maglev transportation
applications of superconductivity, in
EDS (electrodynamic suspension)
system that uses two-seater pods
particular where HTS (high temperature
is based on the repelling forces of
hanging from magnetic rails
superconductors) are introduced.
magnets to levitate the train. In EDS
Whilst LTS (low temperature
systems, trains fl oat about 10 cm above
superconductors) materials need
the guideway. EDS is used in Japan's
IEC work on superconductivity
to be cooled to about 4 K (-269oC)
MLX01 maglev train, the fastest train
IEC standardization work on
to demonstrate superconductive
in the world, which reached a speed of
superconductivity doesn't extend to
properties, HTS materials reach these
581 kph in 2003.
transportation, although IEC TC 90:
properties at temperatures as "high" as
77 Kelvin (-143oC) or so.
TC 90 works on preparing International
Standards to help the development
of commercial markets for new
products and/or applications using
As of March 2014 it had published
19 International Standards that concern
various kinds of measurements for
electronic or mechanical characteristics
and properties for composite
superconductors, including HTS.
TC 90 sees HTS as very promising for
new applications and markets. Even
so, their widespread use in maglev
technology is still some years away
– but then so too is the commercial
skyTran urban mass transit pods use maglev technology (Image courtesy of skyTran)
operation of maglev trains.
March 2014 I e-tech
Can smart traffi c and cars save lives?Road safety has been steadily improving; the trend is expected to continue
Morand Fachot
Each year, an estimated 1,3 million
people die in road traffi c accidents;
a further 20-50 million are injured.
Technologies that include new
safety devices, connected and
autonomous vehicles and intelligent
transportation systems with
their associated infrastructure
and systems are expected to
improve this poor record. Car
manufacturers, governments and
other organizations are all working
to achieve this goal and are heavily
reliant on International Standards.
Huge human and economic cost
Driver and passenger airbags helped cut road accident deaths
According to the WHO (World Health
Organization) around 1,3 mllion people
their seriousness. They are triggered
die in road traffi c accidents every
The falling rate of road traffi c accidents
and operated by electronic systems
year, with pedestrians, cyclists and
observed in many countries is by and
introduced more recently than passive
motorcyclists accounting for half of the
large the result of the gradual adoption
total. Most of these deaths occur in
of passive and active safety measures
low- and middle-income countries.
and devices. Changes in road traffi c
ABS (anti-lock braking system), which
regulations and improved road and
has been fi tted gradually to cars since
The WHO estimates that road traffi c
the mid-1980s, is an active safety
fatalities will be the fi fth leading cause
signalling infrastructure have also
system that prevents the wheels of
of death by 2030.
played their part.
a vehicle from locking up, reduces
braking distance and helps avoiding
However, statistics can be misleading
Seat belts and airbags are the best
uncontrolled skidding in case of
as the large numbers of victims
examples of passive safety devices.
emergency braking, allowing the driver
refl ect an exceptional growth in global
Compulsory wearing of seat belts for
to remain in control.
road traffi c in recent years. In most
drivers, front and rear passengers,
developed countries, the number
which started being introduced in most
ESC (electronic stability control), fi rst
of road accident fatalities has been
countries from the 1970s, has made a
rolled out in the early / mid-2000s,
steadily diminishing for decades. In
great contribution to cutting the number
helps avoid crashes by detecting the
the US, for instance, fatalities in car
of deaths and serious injuries caused by
likelihood of vehicles losing traction
accidents dropped by 30% between
road accidents. Airbags, now standard
and going into a skid during sudden
1994 and 2011 (in spite of a 20%
equipment on most cars, offer additional
manoeuvres such as avoiding an
increase in the number of drivers and
safety by protecting occupants from
obstacle in front. ESC applies brakes to
33% growth in the number of vehicles).
hitting parts of the vehicle's interior in
wheels independently, so reducing the
case of a hard impact.
risk of such skids occurring.
Overall in 25 European Union countries
(i.e. not including the 3 to join most
Lane departure warning systems, using
recently) road traffi c deaths (including
.to active safety
cameras and sensors, warn drivers
motorcyclists and non-motorists) fell by
Active safety is provided by devices
when their vehicle moves out of its lane;
54% between 1992 and 2009.
that help prevent crashes, or reduce
they help prevent accidents provoked
e-tech I March 2014
Today's new drivers live in a connected
world and expect a connected car.
They want to bring their connectivity
and the environment they have in the
offi ce and at home into the car. The
challenge is to do that safely and with
less distraction, as there are enough
opportunities for distraction in road
traffi c as it is, Owens said. The aim
is to have more connectivity and less
Towards the self-driving car
As is often the case when humans
meet technology, people are often the
weakest link. Connectivity aims to help
drivers when they need it by providing
technology which ensures that, even if
the driver is distracted, the car never is.
This camera-based alertness assistant detects the blink of the eyelid and calculates the blink
frequency and blink duration (Photo: Hella KGaA)
One objective is to create a "safety
envelope" around the car. Technologies
by drowsiness or distraction. Blind spot
this e-tech on electric/electronic content
for this, such as predictive forward
monitoring alerts drivers to possible
in cars) and for some by IECQ, the IEC
collision system (for the car in front plus
risks that may be in blind spots to the
worldwide approval and certifi cation
one) or steer-by-wire, already exist and
side of the vehicle and so could go
system embracing the supply of
hint at forthcoming autonomous driving
undetected. Other recent advanced
electronic components and associated
active safety systems include adaptive
materials and assemblies and processes.
cruise control, which automatically
One long-term objective is to provide
depresses and releases the accelerator
the possibility of autonomous driving
pedal to stay even with traffi c even as
Smart transportation looming on
when drivers want / need it. Certain
speeds of other vehicles vary, and anti-
the horizon
modes of automated transport are
collision equipment that apply brakes
If passive and active safety devices
already in operation (see article in this
when the driver is distracted.
have contributed greatly to cutting
e-tech on pods at Heathrow Airport
the numbers of road accident victims
and Masdar City). Autonomously-driven
All passive and active safety devices
in many countries, new technologies
cars have already been tested on
and systems, including many driver
made possible by ICT (information and
highways, so far without causing any
assistance systems that offer additional
communications technology) herald
safety features, were initially offered
additional benefi ts for road safety. The
either as standard features on the
average car has 50 computers, some
Government regulators are already
priciest luxury models or as optional
have as many as 100 and the trend
encouraging further automation and
and costly extras on other cars before
is growing, Jeffrey J. Owens, Chief
communication between vehicles.
becoming standard equipment on all
Technology Offi cer and Executive VP,
In early February 2014 the US
Delphi Automotive, told participants in
Department of Transport announced
a symposium on the Future Networked
a plan to require auto makers to
These devices rely entirely on
Car, held on the fringe of the 2014
equip new cars and trucks with so
countless electrical and electronic
Geneva Motor Show.
called V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) crash-
components such as sensors or MEMS
avoidance systems that allow vehicles
(microelectromechanical systems), and
A car is no longer a machine that gets
to communicate with each other to
all their associated components, such
occupants from A to B, but increasingly
avoid crashes. The DoT estimates that
as connectors, cables, fuses or drives,
a software-driven platform that keeps
V2V communication could prevent up
or improved lights, which are covered by
them plugged in, informed, entertained
to 80% of accidents that don't involve
IEC International Standards (see article in
drink driving or mechanical failure.
March 2014 I e-tech
Liability and security issues
ICT systems might result in vehicle
Connected and networked cars may
malfunction and accidents occurring.
pose a number of legal issues. One
Manufacturers are aware of these
that has been encountered before is
risks and are working to reduce
that of liability.
and suppress the likelihood of their
Car manufacturers have recalled and
are still occasionally recalling cars
when a fault appears, often after
Safer driving conditions for all in
several years. When these faults have
the future
resulted in fatalities, manufacturers
Connected and networked vehicles
have even faced costly lawsuits.
will undoubtedly have a positive impact
Advances in car electronics and connectivity
on road safety. Experts forecast they
are heralding the introduction of self-driving vehicles
In the case of networked cars
could result in a further drop of 50%
the liability issue becomes more
or more in the number of road traffi c
the world's road traffi c fatalities.
complicated: it may prove diffi cult
As the cost of electronics in cars is
to establish if accidents are due to
mechanical or electrical faults, software
However, it must be borne in mind
forecast to reach 65% of their overall
or communication problems or to other
that the number of victims is unequally
value in a few years, it is clear that the
issues, such as hacking.
shared between countries and regions.
benefi ts of connected cars are likely
Low- and middle-income countries
to be felt initially mainly in high-income
Another issue that has been mentioned
currently account for 48% of the
countries before reaching other nations
is that breaches of security in cars'
world's vehicles but more than 90% of
further into the future.
Easier, safer, leaner and cleanerGreater electrical and electronic content in cars lightens drivers' burden
Morand Fachot
Most major automobile
manufacturers now offer a variety
of EVs (electric vehicles). However,
this offering often obscures
the fact that the electrical and
electronic content in vehicles
powered by internal combustion
engines has been growing steadily
over the years. This makes for
safer, more fuel-effi cient and
comfortable driving, and drives the
growth of a global industry.
Internal combustion engines rely
Petrolheads are often dismissive
of EVs, focusing instead on the
performance and features of their cars.
Well-designed EEA (electrical electronic architecture) plays a vital role in modern cars (Photo:
However, they often forget (or ignore
Delphi Automotive PLC)
e-tech I March 2014
the fact?) that even conventional cars
rely increasingly on a multitude of
electrical and electronic systems to
For decades electrical installation and
components in cars were confi ned to
essential functions and basic safety
Electric starter engines that could
provide enough power to crank and start
the engine were introduced widely from
The introduction of hybrid and other EVs has boosted the electrical/electronic content in cars
the 1920s and were the fi rst signifi cant
(Photo: Volkswagen AG)
electrically-based system in cars. They
replaced hand cranks (or starting
systems initially. Gradually they have
or drowsy drivers by issuing sound,
handles) and proved a major advance
incorporated electrical and electronic
vibration or light warnings.
for internal combustion engines. They
components that make them easier
relied on a lead-acid battery to provide
and more reliable to operate.
Systems that use information
suffi ciently high voltage and current.
transmitted from roadside infrastructure
Today, many other car systems
systems and rely on electronics to
The other electrical systems to
besides power windows, electric
control engines and brakes are also
be installed in cars early on were
power steering and electro-mechanical
being developed.
headlamps and tail lights, supplanting
transmission rely on electrical or
acetylene and oil lamps. Additional
electronic components. They include
Safety is further enhanced by better
lamps such as indicators were
light and rain sensors that automatically
lighting emanating from LED lamps that
introduced later. Other electrical
switch on lamps and wipers, cruise
are more luminous than conventional
components – for instance, alternators
control allowing drivers to maintain a
supplying electricity to electrical loads
constant speed and advanced parking
and batteries, ignition coils, motors
support systems that manoeuvre cars
for windshield wipers, etc. – were
automatically into a selected parking
Leaner and cleaner
introduced step by step and made up
space. All these contribute, along
A number of electronic systems now
most of a car's electrical content for
with a variety of other aids, to better
ensure cars powered by internal
several decades.
driveability, increased comfort and
combustion engines are more fuel
reduced driver distraction.
effi cient and cleaner than ever whilst
offering better performance. Fuel
More comfortable driving
injection, particularly of the electronic
To lure customers away from the
Safety fi rst
variety, has greatly improved the running
competition, manufacturers have
Improving road safety has been another
of engines. It allows smoother driving,
gradually introduced a variety of
major factor in the growing electrical
better operation throughout a wide range
features to make driving easier and
and electronic content of motor
of temperatures and is more effi cient, as
more comfortable; often these have
vehicles. Sensors play a crucial role
less fuel is needed for the same power
relied on electrical components. Initially
– for example by setting off airbags if
output. As a result exhaust emissions
they were available on top of the range
accidents occur and by detecting critical
are cleaner, containing combustion by-
vehicles only or at extra cost; now
situations so as to prevent a skid using
products that are less toxic and relatively
many of these features, such as electric
ESC (electronic stabilisation control)
easy to eliminate using clean-up devices
windows, heated rear windscreens
or ABS (anti-lock braking system).
such as catalytic converters.
and air conditioning, are standard
Safety is likely to improve further with
equipment in most cars.
the introduction of many other devices
Other technologies help save fuel and
such as pre-crash systems that control
cut emissions. They include Start/Stop
Other systems like power steering
the brakes, automatic steering so as to
in which double-layer capacitors shut
or automatic transmission, which
mitigate the seriousness of accidents
down and restart engines automatically
help to make driving easier and more
and collision-avoidance systems
when vehicles wait at traffi c lights or
comfortable, were primarily hydraulic
that detect hazards or alert careless
stop frequently, or braking recuperation
March 2014 I e-tech
that recycles the energy normally lost
In March 2011, IEC and ISO (Internatiomal
Manufacturers producing
during braking by storing it and then
Organization for Standardization)
electrotechnology components and
using it for acceleration or re-starting.
signed an agreement concerning the
systems for the automotive industry
standardization of electrotechnology for
also rely on IECQ, the IEC Quality
road vehicles and cooperation between
Assessment System for Electronic
Growing share in the value of
ISO TC 22: Road vehicles, and IEC TCs
Components, covering the supply of
electronic components and associated
Electrical and electronic systems are
materials and assemblies, to ensure that
wholly responsible for the advances
All road vehicles, even those powered
their products meet the requirements of
made in many areas of the automotive
by internal combustion engines,
the car industry.
industry. This is particularly true
rely increasingly on such systems.
for electronics, which have made a
More than 3 dozen IEC TCs and
spectacular contribution to the increase
SCs (Subcommittees) cover the
in overall value of cars in recent
standardization of equipment used in
As the electrical and electronic content
years. In the mid-2000s, electronics
and related to road vehicles as well as
of cars has increased, so has the overall
accounted for 10-15% of the total
of other associated issues.
value of the industry, opening up many
production cost of mid-range cars and
opportunities for manufacturers. The
20-30% of the cost of luxury models.
They include: IEC SC 17B and SC 17D:
current size of the global car market
Low voltage switchgear and controlgear,
gives a good indication of the size and
Today they represent some 20-30%
and their assemblies; TC 20: Electric
growth potential of the electrotechnology
of the total cost for all categories of
cables; TC 21: Secondary cells and
content of cars and of its overall
cars, and this share is expected to
batteries; SC 22G: Adjustable speed
value. Over 63 million motor cars were
reach 40% or so by 2015. The fi gure
electric drive systems incorporating
produced in 2012, in addition to 21 million
is nearer 50% if all electrical systems
semiconductor power converters;
commercial vehicles, according to the
are included. This growth is set to
SC 23E: Circuit breakers and similar
OICA (International Organization of Motor
continue: a recent study by A.T.
equipment for household use; SC 23G:
Kearney, a consulting fi rm, predicts
Appliance couplers; SC 23H: Plugs,
that a car's embedded software and
Socket-outlets and Couplers for industrial
Together, the world's top 10 car
electronics will account for up to 65%
and similar applications, and for Electric
producers had revenues of nearly
of its total value by 2025.
Vehicles; SC 32B: Low voltage fuses;
USD 1 375 billion in 2013, according to
SC 32C: miniature fuses, TC 34: Lamps
Forbes. As electronic components alone
and related equipment; SC 37A: Low-
account for a very substantial share
IEC Standards apply across all
voltage surge protecting devices (surge
of the total costs for all categories of
protection of electronic devices will be a
cars, they constitute a highly signifi cant
Road vehicle standardization relies on
very important consideration for plug-in
global market, and one that is set to
a number of international, regional and
EVs) and SC 47A: Integrated circuits.
grow further. This expansion would not
national regulations and directives.
Naturally IEC TC 69: Electric road
be possible without the standardization
vehicles and electric industrial trucks,
work done by many IEC TCs and SCs.
The main requirement is that cars
plays a crucial role in the development
should comply with the UNECE (UN
of future automotive products and its
Economic Commission for Europe)
importance and workload are set to grow
rules as defi ned by its World Forum for
in coming years.
Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations
(WP 29). Most countries — with
IECEE, the IEC System of
the notable exception of the US
Conformity Assessment Schemes
and Canada, which have their own
for Electrotechnical Equipment and
directives — recognize the UNECE
Components, has a scheme covering
Regulations and apply them in their
certain International Standards
own national requirements. They
developed for the EV industry. These
must also comply, when relevant,
Standards cover plugs, socket-outlets,
with national and regional rules and
vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets
regulations. Many of those apply to
for conductive charging of EVs,
This car overhead control centre integrates
equipment that depends on electrical
conductive charging systems for EVs
complex electronics for multiple functions
and electronic systems.
and secondary lithium-ion cells.
into a limited space (Photo: Hella KGaA)
e-tech I March 2014
EV wireless charging system: a standardization challenge
Dimitrios Ladas*
Since 2011 Dimitrios Ladas, IEC
In this article I will share some insights
2013 Young Professional Leader, has
about a specifi c charging system: the
been a member of the IEC TC 69:
Wireless Charging system, which could
Electric road vehicles and electric
be an enabler of EV market growth.
industrial trucks, project team which
From cable to wireless charging
develops the Standard for Wireless
Power Transfer for EV charging. In
this article he gives insights into
The current EV charging systems are
the standardization challenges
all based on a cable that connects
that developers of the EV (Electric
the EV to the grid. The charger can
Vehicle) wireless charging system
be embedded in the car or positioned
externally, but the cable is mandatory.
For the user, this represents a
constraint, because the cable can be
EV market context
dirty or diffi cult to handle.
For several years, the automotive
industry has invested a lot in the
To provide a more convenient charging
Dimitrios Ladas, IEC 2013 Young
development of electric vehicles. Some
system ICPT (Inductive Coupling
manufacturers have chosen to focus on
Power Transfer) technology can be
full electric cars whereas others have
i.e. a network of charging points that
used to transfer energy to charge a
decided to work on hybrid and plug-
ensures car drivers that they will always
vehicle without any cable to handle.
in hybrid models. For instance, the
fi nd a charging solution on the road.
In a nutshell, this technology consists
French car manufacturer Renault has
Others believe the electric vehicle
of a charger which is split in two
invested EUR 4 billion in research and
market cannot grow quickly unless a
parts. There is an emitter (on the
development to develop a range of full
real charging infrastructure is already
ground) which is connected to the
electric cars.
This represents a major business
opportunity for the electrotechnology
industry because all these new cars
will need to charge their batteries.
Basically, we can imagine that the
scheme is very simple: you can put
an electric charging cable between
the socket and the car and it should
work. Unfortunately, we are here at
the interface of two different worlds –
automotive and electrical distribution
The chicken or the egg?
With EV charging systems a
complicating factor is that there are
diverging views on the process and
timing. Some believe that we fi rst need
to have the cars before providing a
widespread charging infrastructure
.is a member the IEC TC 69 Project Teams PT 61980-2 and PT 61980-3.
March 2014 I e-tech 11
.which develop the International Standards for Wireless Power Transfer for EV charging (Image: Arriva)
grid through a converter. This device
objective is to agree on one International
standardization, but the combination
generates a magnetic fi eld, which is
Standard so that manufacturers have
of difficult technical questions and
used by a receiver (underneath the
a reference system. But there are
the framework of electric vehicle
car) that transforms the magnetic fi eld
several points that augment the diffi culty
leads to a complex situation where
into current that is used to charge the
with regard to cable-based systems.
consensus is difficult.
battery. With such a system, the driver
First of all, the market for wireless
can just park and charge, without
charging is not yet developed. There
IEC Young Professionals - 2014
having to think about plugging in the
are trials and many manufacturers have
demonstration models, some even have
The IEC Young Professionals - 2014
products, but the Standard is still in
workshop will be held in Tokyo, Japan,
advance of the market.
from 10 to 12 November, in parallel with
Complex standardization
the IEC 2014 General Meeting. Please
The technical aspect of the system
contact your NC for further information.
In TC 69, the IEC Technical Committee
is very difficult and not so obvious to
that is responsible for EV charging
standardize. As it involves a magnetic
* Since 2010 Dimitrios Ladas has been the project
system-related standards, a project
field, the project team has to take care
leader of the EV (Electric Vehicle) Inductive
Charging project at Schneider Electric, Grenoble,
team has been set up to address the
about public fear of electromagnetic
ICPT charging systems. Ideally, the
waves. This context is not unusual in
e-tech I March 2014
Heavy liftingEVs muscle in on heavy industrial applications
Morand Fachot
Mention of EVs (electric vehicles)
immediately brings to mind electric
cars and possibly urban transport
vehicles such as trolleybuses or
electric buses. However, it is also
important to consider commercial
and industrial EVs as they
represent 60% of the value of the
overall EV market. IEC Standards
are essential for the further
development and introduction of
this class of EVs and for the entire
EV sector.
An eclectic electric vehicle market
Certain types of EVs are already
widely present in the industrial and
commercial sectors.
FC systems can easily be retrofi tted to replace lead-acid batteries into forklifts, like in this
machine (Photo: Yale)
Materials handling vehicles, such
they act as counterweights in forklifts.
as pallet trucks, reach trucks,
may not be relevant in the case of
FC-powered vehicles can also be used
counterbalance stand ups and
commercial and industrial EVs. These
in cold environments, such as cold
counterbalance forklifts are obvious
are often used in limited environments
examples of vehicles that are often
stores, as their performance is not
and so may not need to cover vast
powered by electricity. This may be
degraded by low temperatures.
distances between charges. This is
imposed through laws and regulations;
certainly the case for airports' GSE
for instance in certain countries,
In future, the FC and battery
(Ground Support Equipment) such
forklifts have to be electric when
combination is expected to be used
as aircraft tugs, baggage tractors,
used inside buildings so as to prevent
for a hybrid mix of FCs and electric
belt loaders, shuttle buses and cargo
emission of noxious fumes.
storage for batteries and super
moving equipment.
capacitors. Already under development
Electric forklifts fi rst appeared in the
is a FC and battery hybrid that helps
There are about 300 000 GSE vehicles
1940s, but were only deployed on a
recover energy as forklifts raise and
in the world's airports today, including
commercial basis after World War 2.
lower loads.
in the commercial airports used for
They can be powered by lead-acid
freight and by the oil industry and
batteries, but these may not last a full
Energy is supplied as the forklift raises
in military airports. In a report on
working day and may take up to
its load and is then recovered as the
industrial and commercial EVs, market
8 hours to recharge.
lift comes back down. The recovered
research company IDTechEx estimated
electric power can be used in a
the sale of EVs for airport applications
More recently materials handling
generator to charge the battery and
to be between 30 000 and 39 000
vehicles powered by FCs (fuel cells)
keep the cycle going.
units in 2013.
have been introduced. In contrast
with lead-acid systems FCs can be
Airports are often funded or controlled
recharged in a matter of minutes.
Shifting and lifting beyond forklifts
by governments or local/regional
Their weight is not a drawback as,
Short range is often perceived as a
authorities and are under pressure to
in common with lead-acid batteries,
drawback for personal EVs, but this
convert their GSE to electric versions.
March 2014 I e-tech 13
IDTechEx expects the commercial
Fuel cells are increasingly being used
and industrial EV sector to more than
in commercial, industrial and personal
quadruple between 2013 and 2023. It
EVs. TC 105 prepares International
forecasts that 706 000 purely electric
Standards for FC technologies.
forklifts will be sold in 2020, almost all
In January 2013 three global car
for indoor use, together with 750 000
manufacturers announced they were
other heavy industrial vehicles, mainly
pooling resources to bring FCEVs
hybrid forklifts used outdoors and self-
to the market as early as 2017. FCs
Four-wheel drive / four-wheel steer SCHOPF
propelled cranes. Agricultural, mining
are already widely deployed in the
F110 electric tractor designed to move
and earthmoving electric vehicles will
aircraft up to 150 tonnes (Photo: SCHOPF)
industrial and commercial EV sector.
also be included in this latter category.
Comparable machines in other markets
Capacitors and supercapacitors
To this should be added 110 000
are electric yard or heavy duty tractors
are being used more and more
electric buses and 377 000 light
for use in harbours or warehouses to
widely in vehicle applications, with
industrial and commercial EVs.
pull containers or trailers.
supercapacitors sometimes replacing
traction batteries, Standards for
Some commercial and industrial EVs
capacitors are prepared by
IEC standardization supporting the
are also available as hybrid or plug-in
TC 33: Power capacitors and
hybrid vehicles or are equipped with
their applications.
Many IEC TCs (Technical Committees)
range extenders powered by fossil
and SCs (Subcommittees) are
fuels (petrol or liquid gas).
TC 69 liaises and collaborates with
working on Standards for systems and
TC 21 and TC 105, as well as with
components used in the EV sector. The
Another emerging trend likely to boost
other IEC TCs and SCs involved in
following list is not exhaustive.
the adoption of industrial EVs is the
electromobility. These include
rollout of driverless or fully automated
SC 17D: Low-voltage switchgear and
IEC TC 69: Electric road vehicles and
systems. These are already in use in
controlgear assemblies, SC 23E:
electric industrial trucks, is obviously a
warehouses and in the mining industry.
major player. It prepares Standards for
Circuit-breakers and similar equipment
motors and motor controllers, on-board
for household use, SC 23H: Plugs,
electrical energy storage systems and
socket-outlets and couplers for
Fast-growing sector for slow-
for power supplies and chargers.
industrial and similar applications,
and for electric vehicles, and
Unlike in the personal EV industry, where
TC 21: Secondary cells and batteries,
TC 64: Electrical installations and
manufacturers are launching many
prepares Standards for secondary
protection against electric shock.
models, sometimes without prospects
batteries for the propulsion of electric
of signifi cant ROI (return on investment)
road vehicles. These batteries can be
IEC standardization work for EVs
so as to keep up with their competitors,
of the lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-
supports an industry which is set
the commercial and industrial sector
metal-hydride or lithium iron phosphate
to reach a global gross value market
demand for EVs is driven by other
types, for instance.
of USD 334 billion by 2023.
considerations. These include the quest
to lower the operating costs of large
fl eets and the need to meet ever more
stringent government emissions limits.
These will drive the introduction of EVs
into previously uncharted territory, that
of earthmoving, mining, agricultural and
outdoor machinery.
Major earth-moving equipment
manufacturers such as Caterpillar,
John Deere and Komatsu, have already
introduced hybrid electric earth-
moving machines that can cut fuel
This Caterpillar 336E H hybrid excavator uses up to 33% less fuel than its 336D diesel
consumption by 25% or more.
equivalent (Photo: Caterpillar)
e-tech I March 2014
Behind the scenes at the Sochi OlympicsIEC International Standards helped to make things work
Janice Blondeau
prepare International Standards for a
Timing is everything
Invisible but essential for the
myriad of components and systems
Measuring athletes' performances
success of the Sochi 2014 Winter
that were used throughout the Games
relies on sensors, and optoelectronic
Olympics, IEC work underpinned a
venues and in the Sochi region.
sensors in particular, used to trigger
host of technologies which helped
chronographs to measure time as
in the smooth running of the
competitors go past them.
Rail away to Sochi
The Sochi Aeroexpress, a special
TC 47: Semiconductor devices,
train link was constructed from
and its subcommittees prepare
Invisible but essential
Sochi International Airport to the city
International Standards for the design,
From access control and transportation
of Sochi to make transport easier.
manufacture, use and reuse of discrete
for visitors, to timers and information
IEC TC 9: Electrical equipment and
semiconductor devices, integrated
systems for offi cials and athletes,
systems for railways, prepared the
circuits, display devices, sensors,
cameras, microphones, lighting for
International Standard IEC 61373,
electronic component assemblies,
announcers and the media, the stoves
Railway applications - Rolling stock
interface requirements, and micro-
and appliances for catering, as well
equipment - Shock and vibration tests,
as the kilometres of cables and fi bre
which sets down testing requirements
optics in electrical and communication
for railway vehicle equipment subjected
Electronic display devices form an
installations, IEC TCs (Technical
to vibrations and other similar shocks in
integral part of all sporting events
Committees) and SCs (Subcommittees)
connection with railway operations.
to show times, scores, and even
IEC International Standards helped to ensure many aspects of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.(Photo: romantiche/123RF Stock Photo)
March 2014 I e-tech 15
Work that was invisible but vital to enable timers, cables, lighting, cameras. (Photo: Russian govt.)
replay some of the action. TC 110:
outdoor cables, to ensure reliable
keeping ice frozen for skaters and air
Electronic display devices, works on
system performance and operation.
fl owing in areas with lots of people.
standardization in the fi eld of electronic
display devices and their specifi c
One US television chain reportedly
In the indoor arenas in Sochi where
relevant components. TC 34: Lamps
invested in 120 kilometres of cable for
ice hockey and ice skating took place,
and related equipment, prepares
its television coverage of the Sochi
underfloor cooling systems ensured
standards for lamps and LEDs (Light-
Games. TC 100/TA 5: Cable networks
that the ice didn't melt. This process
Emitting Diodes) used extensively in
for television signals, sound signals
used a chemical called propylene
lighting throughout the Sochi Olympics.
and interactive services, develops
glycol, cooled in a refrigeration
International Standards relating to
system and then pumped through to
cable networks including processing
chill pipes in aluminium panels that
Cables bring us the Olympic feats
and distribution of television and sound
sat directly below the ice. SC 61C:
To show audiences around the
signals. TC 100: Audio, video and
Safety of refrigeration appliances
world athletes' performances, photo
multimedia systems and equipment,
for household and commercial
agency Getty Images in a joint effort
prepares international publications in
use, prepares International Safety
with AP (Associated Press), AFP
the fi eld of audio, video and multimedia
Standards for motor compressors,
(Agence France-Presse), Reuters and
systems and equipment including
refrigerating appliances and similar
epa (european pressphoto agency)
specifi cation of the performance and
appliances for household and
used a 20-kilometre fi bre optic cable
interoperability with other systems or
commercial use.
supporting a 100Mbps network that
delivered images from southern Russia
to the rest of the world within three
IT standardization work central to
Ventilation and cooling
Olympic Games organization
A number of IEC TCs and SCs
Ensuring the security of major global
TC 86: Fibres optics, prepares
are involved in the preparation of
sporting events such as the Olympic
standards for fi bre optic systems,
International Standards for components
Games represents a major challenge for
modules, devices and components
and systems used in the ventilation and
organizers. The contests attract huge
intended for use with communications
cooling of installations and devices –
crowds and universal media coverage.
equipment, including indoor and
all key technologies when it came to
Underpinning the overall security system
e-tech I March 2014
increased train capacity, and new rail
lines, all of which required power.
When Sochi was selected to host the
winter Olympics it was far from major
pipelines and energy transmission.
Since 2007, Russia has built 49 major
energy projects, according to its
Energy Ministry. This has increased the
capacity to generate electricity in the
Sochi region by 800%.
A new power plant with two 90 MW
.microphones, heating, cooling, transport, communications systems and much more.
generators, and running on two steam
turbine units, was predicted to supply
more than 25% of the energy needed
for the Sochi Olympics were
of machinery Electrotechnical aspects,
during the 2014 Olympic Games.
electronic devices and installations
or SC 65 A: Industrial process
Expected to generate about 1,5 million
that rely on International Standards
measurement, control and automation.
megawatt hours of electricity per year,
prepared by ISO/IEC JTC 1, the IEC
the Dzhubginskaya plant aimed to keep
and ISO (International Organization
the Olympics on the grid and in the
for Standardization) Joint Technical
Is it a bird? No it's a drone
future it will also provide power to
Committee that deals with Information
5 million people who live in the southern
Technology matters. ISO/IEC JTC 1
These Olympics also provided a
Krasnodar Krai region. This plant has
work was also widely used in systems
showcase for the use of drones in
major importance for modernizing the
that allowed spectators back home to
broadcasting live video of snowboard
enjoy the Olympic experience in front
region's energy sector according to
and ski jump competitions. Olympic
of their televisions.
local authorities.
Broadcasting Services, which provided
the offi cial world feed of all the events
at the Games used a drone in Sochi.
Biometrics, automatic
Broadcasting live from a remote-
Turbines, transformers and energy
identifi cation and security
controlled device required an extra
measurement and control
Technological solutions to secure
transmitter to send back live video
TC 5: Steam turbines, prepares
the site areas including ACS (access
and allows closer angles than from a
specifi cations and International Standards
control systems) comprising RFID
helicopter. IEC TC work is once
for the rating and testing of steam
(radio-frequency identifi cation) token
again not far away. TC 2: Rotating
turbines. TC 14: Power transformers,
and biometrics are covered by the work
machinery, prepares International
conducts standardization in the fi eld of
of ISO/IECJTC 1/SC 31: Automatic
Standards regarding specifi cations
power transformers, tap-changers and
identifi cation and data capture
for rotating electrical machines and
reactors for use in power generation,
techniques, and ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37:
TC 91: Electronics assembly
transmission and distribution. TC 13:
technology, prepares International
Electrical energy measurement and
Standards on electronic assembly
control, prepares International Standards
Security surveillance for the
technologies including components.
in the fi eld of a.c. and d.c. electrical
Sochi Games included drones,
energy measurement and control, for
reconnaissance robots, extensive
smart metering equipment and systems
network monitoring, sonar systems
Power up for Sochi Games
forming part of smart grids, used in
and high-speed patrol boats.
The successful hosting of sporting
power stations, along the network, and
Drones and robots are essentially
events, as well as preparing and
at energy users and producers.
electromechanical systems that
transmitting media coverage of the
include electrical and electronic
Olympics depended on consistent,
So next time you sit down to watch a
parts that depend on International
reliable sources of electricity, as did the
gripping global sporting event such
Standards to operate properly and
various Olympic events that took place
as the Olympic Games or the World
safely. These are prepared by various
after nightfall or in enclosed athletic
Cup, spare a thought for the thousands
IEC TCs and SCs such as TC 47:
facilities. In addition, the remoteness
of technical experts whose work has
Semiconductor devices, TC 44: Safety
of Sochi meant it needed new roads,
helped to make the event run smoothly.
March 2014 I e-tech 17
Personal systems herald "smart mobility"New systems will introduce personalized modes of transport in urban areas
Peter Feuilherade
PRTs are intended to combine the
by GPS (Global Positioning System) to
Automated or "self-driving"
convenience and privacy of cars with
destinations selected on touchscreens.
personal transport systems are
the environmental benefi ts of mass
Conventional steering can be used on
no longer the preserve of science
transit. Their primary aims are to
a simple track consisting only of a road
fi ction. They are now up and
achieve optimum door to door mobility,
surface with some form of reference for
running at several locations around
improve safety, reduce environmental
the vehicle's steering sensors.
the world. IEC standardization
impact and lower operational costs.
work will prove instrumental in
The oldest system similar to a PRT has
the expansion of systems that use
They are part of the advance towards
been in operation since 1975 in the
innovative pod-type vehicles as
a new era of "smart mobility" in which
US city of Morgantown, West Virginia.
well as for two- and three-wheeled
infrastructure, methods of short distance
Comprising cars which hold about
transport, passengers and goods will be
20 passengers and run on a ground-
increasingly interconnected, especially in
mounted rail, it is more properly
urban areas.
described as "Group Rapid Transit".
Personal, rapid, clean and safe
Small self-driving electric powered
PRTs operate on networks of specially
vehicles running on dedicated
built guideways, with traffi c controlled
Pod systems in operation
guideways and designed for on-
by a central computer to eliminate
Worldwide there are currently two fully
demand use by individuals or
collisions and minimize congestion.
operational PRT systems: at Heathrow
small groups, typically four to six
Airport near London and Masdar City
passengers, are often referred to as
They are usually powered by onboard
near Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab
PRTs (personal rapid transit systems).
batteries recharged at stops, and guided
Driverless pod in service at Heathrow Airport (Photo: Ultra Global)
e-tech I March 2014
The driverless pod service at Heathrow,
operated by UK company Ultra Global,
was launched in May 2011. The
Personal transporters
system comprises 21 pods running
at a maximum speed of 40 kph along
Flexible use for multiple
Stability is maintained using a
guideways on a 3,9 km route between
combination of computers, tilt
Terminal 5 and a business car park; up
Electric stand-up personal
sensors, gyroscopic sensors and
to 100-120 vehicles can be dispatched
transporters (like Segways and their
motors that rotate the wheels
one or two-wheeled derivatives,
forwards or backwards as required
or alternative machines such as
for balance or propulsion.
The pods are powered by electric
Roboscooters) are devices that are
motors and use Lithium ion (Li-ion)
controlled by the body movements of
Personal transporters target the
batteries which recharge when parked
the driver and are equipped with self
individual consumer market for
at stations, bypassing the need for
balancing mechanisms
urban commuting or leisure, as well
electrifi cation along the track. The
as corporate users including police
batteries provide an average 2 kW of
They are also available as personal
forces, security fi rms, ports and
motive power, and add only 8% to the
scooters in three-wheeled
airports, factories, shopping centres,
gross weight of the vehicle.
confi gurations, which offer greater
campuses, sports stadiums and
stability and the option of riding seated
amusement parks.
The pods have onboard computers and
on larger models. These vehicles are
are guided by laser sensors. Passenger
generally powered by Li-ion batteries,
Manufacturers in the US estimate the
information is updated on LCD
removable on some models to allow
operating costs of three-wheelers
screens in the pods, and a wireless
longer operational cycles. Some
used in police patrol duty to be
communication system allows for two-
versions may include regenerative
around USD 0,10 per day.
way exchange of data and commands
braking capability, allowing batteries
between vehicles and central control.
to recharge during deceleration.
Passenger safety measures include
continuous CCTV and black box
monitoring of all pods; an independent
As part of a GBP 75 million UK
company 2getthere, was launched in
"Automatic Vehicle Protection"
government scheme to enable
November 2010.
system that protects against pod
businesses to make and test low
collision on the guideway; safety
carbon technologies, trials of driverless
Masdar City is an initiative by the
interlocks between the brakes, motor
cars will start in Milton Keynes, a
UAE government to build a new small
and doors; and emergency exits,
so-called "new" town 80 km north of
city based on renewable energy and
smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
London which was built on a "grid plan"
developed around green technologies,
fitted in all pods.
in the 1960s.
including public transport
A complete pod system like the one at
The specifi c technology has not yet
The pods run at 25 kph and are
Heathrow, including guideway, stations,
been announced but plans are for an
powered by lithium phosphate
vehicles and control systems costs
initial batch of 20 driver-operated pods
batteries, which are charged using
somewhere between USD 7 million
able to carry two passengers to enter
solar energy. They travel on tracks
and USD 15 million per km to
service in 2015, followed in 2017 by
equipped with embedded magnets
construct, according to the system's
100 fully autonomous (driverless) pods
placed every 5 m which the vehicle
operators. They say the pods have
that will run on pathways alongside
uses, along with information about
saved over 200 tonnes of CO per
but separated from pedestrian areas.
wheel angles and speed, to determine
annum and reduced the number of
The vehicles will be able to travel at up
its location. Pods designed to carry
bus journeys on the airport's roads
to 19 kph and will be equipped with
freight also operate at the site.
by 70 000 a year.
onboard sensors that will enable them
to detect and respond to obstacles.
Heathrow Airport Limited's business
Feasibility tests in other countries
plan for 2014-2019 includes plans for
The driverless electric pods used in
Other countries examining the
another PRT system linking Terminals 2
Masdar City near Abu Dhabi have
feasibility of PRT systems include
and 3 to their respective business car
carried more than 820 000 passengers
Taiwan and Brazil. In Florianopolis,
since the system, designed by Dutch
a provincial Brazilian city in which
March 2014 I e-tech 19
Driverless electric pods used in Masdar City (Photo: 2getthere)
large parts of the city are laid
testbed for new charging technologies
networks depend heavily on computer-
out on a coastal island while the
such as wireless induction and new
based management, control and
remainder of the city is on the
super capacitors for electric vehicles.
mainland, car traffic between the
two is served by a single bridge,
Other personal urban mobility
The IEC TCs (Technical Committees)
leading to peak time bottlenecks.
prototype vehicles have been
whose activities cover automated
The local authorities are mulling over
demonstrated in recent years but
public transport systems and personal
using PRT as a local distribution
never put into production. They
transport pods include TC 9: Electrical
network within the dense central
include self-driving pods unveiled by
equipment and systems for railways,
business district situated on the
the US multinational General Motors
TC 21: Secondary cells and batteries,
island, as part of a multimodal
Company in 2010. Powered by
and TC 47: Semiconductor devices,
transport proposal that would
electric motors and with a range of
and its SCs (Subcommittees).
include ferries and monorail.
65 km, the two-seater vehicles were
crammed with technology including
TC 9: Electrical equipment and
In Singapore, NTU (Nanyang
roof mounted GPS, Wi-Fi, vehicle to
systems for railways, is responsible
Technological University) and French
vehicle communication systems, front-
for International Standards relating to
company Induct Technology are
mounted ultrasonic and vision systems
the systems, power components and
collaborating on tests of a driverless
and collision avoidance sensors.
electronic hardware and software used
electric shuttle vehicle powered
in fully automatic transport systems
by lithium polymer batteries and
operating in the wider context of urban
capable of carrying 8 passengers
IEC makes safety top priority
rail and metro transport (see article
at a maximum speed of 20 kph.
The top priority in the operation of
on TC 9 in this e-tech). This includes
The vehicle uses laser mapping
automated public transport networks
safety aspects such as passenger
and sensors to manoeuvre, runs on
is to ensure provision of the highest
alarm systems and automatic system
a predefined route and recharges
levels of safety while not restricting the
surveillance. TC 9 works in liaison with
at docking stations. It serves as a
introduction of new technology. Such
other relevant IEC TCs, for example,
e-tech I March 2014
electric cars have also been tested
on roads in Japan. In the US, the
technology giant Google has been
licensed to experiment with driverless
vehicles, and says that in tests its cars
have logged about 500 000 km without
an accident. And in 2017 the Swedish
city of Gothenburg will start a pilot
project with 100 cars and 100 regular
drivers who will manually drive cars to
roads where they then join road trains
and switch to autonomous driving.
Software will be crucial to autonomous
travel, not only to calculate a vehicle's
position and route from a constant
stream of incoming data, but also to
Personal transporters can be used for indoor, sidewalk, cross-terrain and patrol use (Photo: Segway)
react to unforeseen obstacles.
coordinating with TC 69: Electric road
in urban environments, although the
However, it could be decades before
vehicles and electric industrial trucks,
density of traffi c in cities would pose
passenger cars driving autonomously
on the development of double-layer
more complex and diverse challenges
win consumer and government
capacitors for energy storage, and with
than, for example, in an airport setting.
acceptance to reach the mass market.
TC 56: Dependabilty, which covers
One way to help promote autonomous
the reliability of electronic components
Consumers would pay a fraction of
driving would be to incorporate
and equipment and is included as a
the cost of buying and running an
technologies such as coordinated
characteristic of quality.
individual car, while building dedicated
traffi c lights and smart parking systems
trackways would be much cheaper
in the design of smart cities.
TC 21: Secondary cells and batteries,
than the cost of most traditional
prepares International Standards for
The US based market research and
all secondary cells and batteries. This
consulting fi rm Navigant Research
covers the performance, dimensions,
As the Heathrow system's operator told
forecast in August 2013 that sales of
safety installation principles and labelling
e-tech in an interview, "an innovative
autonomous vehicles would rise from
of batteries used in electric vehicles.
and now proven technology that
fewer than 8 000 annually in 2020 to
responds to patrons' desire for on-
95,4 million in 2035, representing 75%
TC 47 and its SCs prepare International
demand, direct and personal transport
of all light duty vehicle sales by that
Standards for semiconductor devices
should be seen not only as a viable
time. In addition to advanced driver
used in sensors and MEMS (micro-
but altogether a more economically,
assistance features now available
electromechanical systems) installed in
socially and environmentally benefi cial
in some vehicles, such as adaptive
personal transport systems.
alternative to conventional forms of
speed control, automatic emergency
public transport".
braking and lane departure warning,
new features that could assume control
Driverless vehicles approaching
The wider signifi cance of driverless
of more aspects of driving would
Existing PRT networks, albeit small-
pod networks is that they are part of a
be introduced gradually, Navigant
scale, combine the advantages of
long term trend in the car industry to
fl exibility in terms of planning available
develop autonomous vehicle control
with individual means of transport
systems equipped with a combination
"The fi rst features will most likely be
with those of urban public transport
of sensors and dedicated software for
self-parking, traffi c jam assistance,
systems. They have proved safe,
the personal mobility sector.
and freeway cruising – well-defi ned
reliable and environmentally friendly
situations that lend themselves to
and offer a feasible public transport
Tests on autonomous cars have already
control by upgraded versions of
option for tourist attractions, business
begun. As well as the Milton Keynes
today's onboard systems", said David
parks, hospitals and university
trial set for 2015, NTU in Singapore has
Alexander, senior research analyst at
campuses. They could also be one
tested a driverless electric vehicle on a
Navigant Research.
way forward for "last mile" solutions
2 km shuttle route, while autonomous
March 2014 I e-tech 21
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AFFAIRS
On the right trackIEC standardization for rail transport contributes to the sector's development
This Advisory Committee had the
title: Electric traction equipment.
It subsequently became IEC TC
(Technical Committee) 9: Electrical
equipment and systems for railways.
Widespread work with a global
Standardization work by TC 9 now
extends well beyond "tramway and
railway motors". It also includes "rolling
stock, fi xed installations, management
systems (including communication,
signalling and processing systems) for
railway operation, their interfaces and
their ecological environment".
Swiss-made "crocodile" electric locomotive introduced in India in 1928
As of March 2014 TC 9 had issued
91 publications covering all the above-
Morand Fachot
The fi rst electric-powered underground
mentioned areas, and was working on
Rail transport is a well-established
railway line was inaugurated in London
dozens more.
and pivotal mode of transportation
in 1890, with Paris, Berlin and New
both for passengers and freight
York opening their own underground
The TC's membership greatly
and is a key component of the
electric railway lines in the early 1900s.
expanded in line with the scope of
global economy. It has enabled
Underground railway lines gave an
its work. The Advisory Committee
many remote areas to be
impetus to electric traction as steam
created in April 1924 was "to consist
developed and, far from sliding
engines proved obviously impractical
of one delegate from each of the
into obsolescence, it is enjoying
in tunnels, from which they were soon
following [six] countries: France,
major expansion throughout the
Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Sweden,
world. Standardization work by
Switzerland". Today 395 experts from
IEC TC 9 : Electrical equipment
The IEC took the decision to start work
26 participating countries are involved
and systems for railways, is
on standardization for metropolitan
in TC 9 standardization work in 5 WGs
central to the growth of the rail
and railway transport networks in April
(Working Groups), 12 PTs (Project
1924. Minutes of an IEC Committee
Teams), a number of MTs (Maintenance
of Action meeting held in London on
Teams) to revise, maintain and update
28 April 1924 mention "the decision
existing Standards and 5 ad hoc
Early urban transport : electricity
to refer the question of traction
Groups to work on specifi c issues.
not steam
motors to a Subcommittee of the
Thirteen countries also hold observer
Whilst steam power ruled rail transport
Advisory Committee on Rating, but the
status in TC 9.
over long distances in most countries
Committee of Action felt that it would
when this mode of transport was first
be wiser to appoint a special Advisory
introduced, urban public transport
Committee for this subject. It was
Changing worldwide environment
systems were powered by electricity.
pointed out that the proposals already
TC 9 observes that the sector has
This started in Berlin in 1879 when
circulated appeared to refer only to
experienced signifi cant change. This
the world's first electric suburban
tramway motors and they felt that the
has greatly infl uenced the design of
railway was inaugurated and electric
Advisory Committee should review the
railway systems, their operational
trams and electric trolleybuses
subject from the point of view both of
characteristics and the technologies
followed soon afterwards.
tramway and railway motors".
e-tech I March 2014
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AFFAIRS
It also notes that its work has been
affected by regional activities, such
as the adoption of EU (European
Union) Directives aimed at promoting
common standards, open access and
competition in the railway sector.
Therefore TC 9 seeks to identify
"where there is a need of an attractive
action for worldwide standardization
by adapting regional standards when
possible; creating original International
Standards when there is a specifi c
need different from regional ones;
focusing its means preferably on
general worldwide items".
Japan Railways Group Shinkanzen high-speed trains
The TC sees its goal in the near future
as being "responsible for a full coherent
varying from 0% in many countries to
and stray currents. Environmental
set of standards, the ones based on
100% (Switzerland). Some countries
issues also include "taking into
regional standards included".
like India and China have embarked on
consideration the disposal, recyclability,
massive electrifi cation programmes.
reusability and toxicity concerns where
In recent years a domain that has
necessary", and energy-effi ciency
seen a signifi cant expansion in
Even where network electrifi cation
with "projects to assist the reduction
TC 9 standardization work is that
is partial or non-existent, it is worth
of energy consumption in trains and
of communication to interconnect
remembering that even so-called diesel
trains, to connect standard on-board
locomotives are actually diesel-electric
equipment and to connect trains to a
machines that use a diesel engine to
ground network. To make this possible
drive an electrical d.c. generator or an
Safety fi rst
TC 9 is developing the IEC 61375,
a.c. alternator-rectifi er to provide power
Global railway safety record varies
Electronic railway equipment – Train
to traction motors.
according to countries with obvious
communication network (TCN), series
differences depending on infrastructure
of Standards, six of which had been
and rolling stock conditions. However,
published as of February 2014.
Relevant for shorter and individual
considering the number of passengers
travel too
and volume of goods transported
TC 9 has also set up WG 46 to develop
The expansion of urban and suburban
it is on the whole extremely good,
Standards for on-board multimedia
transport and automatic people mover
especially when compared, for
systems for railways.
systems is also driving standardization
instance, with road transport.
work for TC 9, which set up WG 40:
Railway applications – Urban
Train safety is a major concern for
Technology and environment
Guided Transport Management and
manufacturers and operators. As a
Technology in the railway domain
Command/Control Systems, to develop
result TC 9 has identifi ed the following
has seen signifi cant performance
specifi c Standards.
safety aspects as being relevant to its
developments, in particular as regards
traction systems, which have benefi ted
The gradual introduction of automatic
from techniques based on on-board
people movers requires specifi c
• Protection against fi re
power electronics that allow the use of
provisions as these systems are fully
• Safety hazards in long tunnels
traction motors with their higher power-
automated (see article on automatic
• Passenger safety (including
to-weight ratio.
people movers in this e-tech). TC 9
passenger alarm systems and
also focuses its work on environmental
communication between the
Network electrifi cation varies greatly
issues that include noise emission of
operator and passengers)
from country to country. Worldwide
equipment, which involves acoustics,
• Event recorders (e.g. so-called
it stands at 26,6%, according to UIC
as well as EMF (Electromotive force),
"black boxes" or automatic system
(International Union of Railways) data,
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
March 2014 I e-tech 23
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AFFAIRS
All these contribute to safer railway
• CISPR (International Special
important. With over 9,8 billion t/km
transport. In the EU, for instance, there
Committee on Radio Interference)
of goods estimated to have been
were 2 261 persons killed or seriously
SC B to ensure coordination on
transported globally in that year, it is
injured in railway accidents in 2012.
an absolutely central pillar of domestic
However, the majority (82,1%) of these
• TC 9 liaises also with IEEE (Institute
and global trade.
victims were not passengers travelling
of Electrical and Electronics
on trains or railway employees but
Engineers) P1901, which works
The introduction of intermodal
"other persons" such as level-crossing
on the 1901 BPL (Broadband over
freight transport in particular, which
users or unauthorized persons on
Power Line networks) Standard,
made possible the transportation
railway premises.
to ensure coordination in the
of goods across multiple modes of
development of communication
transportation (lorries, trains, ships),
Furthermore, serious accidents which
protocols for train communication
thanks to containerization, has
result in significant loss of life, such as
transformed global trade.
the July 2013 Santiago de Compostela
derailment in Spain and the Lac-
Rail transport plays an essential role
Mégantic derailment in Canada, are
Crucial sector for the global
in intermodal freight transport, in
more often than not the result of
particular over long distances or in
human error rather than of technical
Rail transport is central to domestic
countries where the road infrastructure
and global trade. The public's attention
may not support movements of large
is often drawn to the latest generation
volumes of freight adequately.
of high-tech, high-speed trains in
service or being introduced or planned
IEC TC 9 standardization work
Railway transport is a complex sector
in many parts of the world. However,
over 90 years has provided and will
that relies on many technologies.
if passenger transport, which nearly
continue to provide the best possible
As such, TC 9 maintains liaison
reached 2 900 000 billion passengers/
support to ensure the safe and
with a number of IEC TCs and SCs
km in 2012, according to UIC statistics,
reliable transport of passengers and
(Subcommittees) to determine whether
is the most visible aspect of rail
freight over long or short distances
existing Standards developed by these
transport for the media and members
in international, domestic or urban
can apply, fully or partly. As a result
of the public, freight transport is no less
TC 9 liaises with the following:
• SC 32B: Low-voltage fuses
• TC 36: Insulators
• TC 40: Capacitors and resistors for
electronic equipment
• TC 56: Dependability
• TC 69: Electric road vehicles and
electric industrial trucks
• TC 79: Alarm and electronic
• TC 99: System engineering
and erection of electrical power
installations in systems with nominal
voltages above 1 kV a.c. and 1,5 kV
d.c., particularly concerning safety
• TC 100: Audio, video and
multimedia systems and equipment
• TC 106: Methods for the
assessment of electric, magnetic
and electromagnetic fi elds
associated with human exposure
• TC 111: Environmental
standardization for electrical and
This light rail system in Nottingham (UK) relies also on IEC TC 9 Standards
electronic products and systems
e-tech I March 2014
Getting to know Kerry McManamaA mind open to all possibilities
When I got out of the Navy I was
Explosive Atmospheres) I was able
hired by a local college to teach
to see the type of things that he was
basic electronics. That kept me
doing – business development in the
in the fi eld of electronics. Then I
Ex fi eld of Conformity Assessment,
changed jobs and went to work for
working with stakeholders from all
a US defence contractor. I worked
around the world – and that was
for them for about a year, helping
something I wanted to do so I made
them to design and manufacture
the decision to try for this job.
electronic countermeasure (radar
jamming) equipment. At the time of
my fi rst performance evaluation I was
told: "well Kerry, you've plateaued
e-tech: What did you expect when you
already. You're in the top position in
applied for this job?
terms of your training and you can't
McManama: I didn't have any major
go any higher". I decided that I wasn't
expectations per se. I wasn't sure that
ready for my career to plateau at that
I would be viewed as the right person
point so I went back to school to get
for the job, but I was hopeful given
Kerry McManama, the new Executive Secretary and Chief Operating Offi cer of
my Bachelor of Science degree in
my past work and my expertise in the
IECEE, attending the 2013 IEC General
Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the
industry. I guess my expectation was
University of Illinois.
that I would be able to do the job and
do it well otherwise I wouldn't have
Aliyah Esmail
applied to begin with.
e-tech talks to Kerry McManama,
Work that led to Conformity
the new Executive Secretary
I expect it to be diffi cult. I expect the
and Chief Operating Officer of
McManama: Coming out of university
learning curve to be long and steep.
IECEE (IEC System of Conformity
I was hired by UL (Underwriters
Coming from a business management
Assessment Schemes for
Laboratories Inc.). I found the work
and Conformity Assessment
Electrotechnical Equipment
fascinating enough to keep me there
background and coming from being
and Components) to find out
for 21 years. It was different all the
the Chairman of IECEx it certainly isn't
how he arrived at this point and
time. You saw all kinds of products
something that is new to me: I am very
the challenges he sees in his
coming through the door. The work
familiar with what IECEE is. And I know
new role.
was never boring and monotonous and
it is going to be a challenge to do it well
I was able to do a number of different
– but I think I am up to that challenge.
things, both on the technical side and
Engineering is the choice
the business, or management, side.
e-tech: How did you decide to
More to do and more to believe in
become an engineer?
After those 21 years, this job became
e-tech: Why did you want to do this
McManama: Coming out of high
available. I had greatly enjoyed working
school I didn't really know what
with the IEC tangentially in my work
McManama: The vision and mission of
I wanted to do. I wasn't sure what
at UL. This prospect really excited me
the IEC are very interesting to me and
field I wanted to pursue or where
as it was a smaller company. UL was
I embraced it. This allows me to jump
my passion was. I joined the US
about 12 000 people and here we
in with both feet, rather than play a
Navy and it trained me in electronics
have about a hundred. Going from a
tangential role.
and in electricity, specifically as they
large corporation to a smaller company
relate to missile systems and gun
was something I found interesting and
Because we're a smaller organization
fire control systems. I operated
alluring. Having worked with Chris
I feel I will be able to provide input into
and maintained the computers
Agius as the Chairman of IECEx (IEC
different areas of the organization. I've
and radars associated with those
System for Certifi cation to Standards
got my fi nger on everything here. This
systems aboard ships.
Relating to Equipment for Use in
is certainly not going to be a job where
March 2014 I e-tech 25
ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment
– Requirements for bodies certifying
products, processes and services and
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements
for the competence of testing and
calibration laboratories. As International
Standards change, the assessments
that we perform also necessarily have
to change to a certain degree because
new requirements now exist. Our
documentation has to change, our
processes on how we function have to
change, and it is a challenge to meet
the new International Standards that
come on board.
Safe electrical products is one of IECEE's main goals
We have to stay up to date with
I am just focused on one thing and I
I understand that IECEE has been
technology. We have our own internal
am just putting a nut on a bolt on a
operating for a decade and a half or
IT challenges that we have to work to
conveyor belt.
more and for the most part it seems
improve. Our membership expects us
to be serving its members well. My
to be effi cient and cost effective, and
desire is not to muck that up. First I
they want us to provide value for the
The importance of IECEE
want to fi nish my assessment of where
money that they pay to the IEC, and
e-tech: Tell me why you think IECEE is
we're at then I'm sure I'll apply my little
specifi cally to the IECEE System.
touch here and there. Sometimes it will
McManama: We deal with safety
be visible and sometimes it won't be
We constantly have to show them that
standards and primarily with electrical
we are providing that value with fast
safety. Electric shocks and electrical
responses to emails and questions
fi res kill and injure people all around
It's a system that has been operating
and we have to do it in a cost effective
the world every year, as well as cause
for a long time. Most of the players
way. They're being challenged in their
untold millions of dollars in property
who have been coming to meetings
companies to cut costs or be more
damage. IEC International Standards
and participating in working groups
effi cient and they expect the IEC and
are used to set the minimum bar of
have been here for years and years and
IECEE to do the same thing. Our
what a safe product is.
years. They know every requirement,
challenge is always doing more with
every comma and period in our Rules
less at the same time as we are trying
IECEE Conformity Assessment
and Procedures. I have to get myself to
to provide better services and faster
System sets the bar in terms of the
that point so as to be able to be taken
responses to the needs of the System.
basic requirements for certifi cation
seriously and to be able to contribute.
That's the kind of juggling act that is
and evaluation to IEC International
Right now I'm doing a lot of listening
diffi cult to perform sometimes. And we
Standards. It means that everybody
rather than talking. I would hope that in
have to be fair and consistent in how
comes in at the same level. This
the near future I will perhaps be able to
we apply the rules as the Secretary is
is hugely important in facilitating
start putting my mark on things.
often the arbiter for various aspects of
international trade and cooperation.
Goals for the future
New role brings greater
e-tech: When you heard that you had
got the job, what things did you set out
e-tech: What challenges do you see in
McManama: The IEC is a fairly known
to achieve?
your new role?
commodity in the marketplace and
McManama: I came with an open
McManama: There are challenges that
so too is the IECEE for the main part.
mind. I didn't have any preconceived
come along because of changes to
Our biggest challenges are with the
notions of what I wanted to do. I am
International Standards – and I don't
differing regulatory systems around
still assessing where everything's at
even know if I want to classify them as
the world. Where I, in my position, can
and what's going on. I don't want to
challenges. Our certifi cation bodies and
step in is in assisting the regulatory
make changes arbitrarily or too quickly.
test laboratories have to comply with
agencies with any needs they may
e-tech I March 2014
have in terms of regulations and
thought of renewable energies. Wind
Conformity Assessment as they relate
energy, marine energy and solar are
to electrotechnology equipment and
things that have grown over the past
components. There have been some
15 to 20 years to the point that we're
successes in doing that, certainly at
now looking at a new system for those
I think that IEC is viewed as a fair
What's going to happen over the next
partner, a neutral player in terms
15 to 20 years in terms of technology?
of International Standards and
I'm not sure. If it continues along the
Conformity Assessment. Because
line of renewable energies we'll see
of that sense of neutrality and the
some new developments in terms of
mission and goals of the IEC, the IEC
energy storage whether in terms of
can help open doors to governmental
batteries or some other technique. It's
agencies. The fact that we're a non-
tough to determine what will come in
profit organization and that we're
Kerry McManama in front of the United
the course of the coming years.
looking to facilitate global trade
Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, when he
helps us get through doors and have
was Chairman of IECEx
discussions with regulators and users.
future technological changes. I think
Striving to practise fairness
our main challenge is that we know
e-tech: If there is one thing you want
Understanding the technological
change is coming – but sometimes we
people to know about you, what would
just don't know where it will occur.
e-tech: What technological challenges
McManama: What do I want people
do you see in the future of IECEE?
If you had asked me that question 15
to know? I think it's that I'm fair,
McManama: It is diffi cult to predict
years ago, I perhaps would not have
collaborative and consistent.
Knowledge supports safety in Ex areasChris Agius presents at the ATEX Forum in Denmark
Aliyah Esmail
The purpose of the Forum is to
The Forum is to act as a primary
It is important that the people working
give participants a place to exchange
contact point in Denmark for those
in explosive areas are competent and
experiences and knowledge and
who work in any Ex or explosive area.
have the most up-to-date knowledge.
urge them to give a presentation on
They might work in the offshore or oil
Not having this knowledge could have
what they do in their company to
and gas industry, consult in the Ex
serious repercussions, including
comply with Ex related regulations
areas, be a Danish producer of any of a
in Europe. Much of what is covered
number of different types of equipment,
involves the health and safety aspects
on the railways, in a cement factory
of working in explosive atmospheres:
(they install their own energy supply
A Forum that educates
how to work in Ex areas, what should
based on coal which makes it an
The Danish Forum and mailing list was
be worn and so on. It also covers
explosive area) or as a regulator. As
set up nine years ago. It's a network
the framework of the products
Denmark has a large number of SMEs
of about 350 participants who are
encompassed by IEC International
(small and medium enterprises) there is
registered on a mailing list and are
Standards through TC (Technical
also a drive to involve them.
invited to each Forum. The Forum is held
Committee) 31: Equipment for explosive
twice a year, once in the Eastern part of
atmospheres, as well as European
"We are focusing on areas like static
Denmark and once in the Western part.
electricity and others that get less
March 2014 I e-tech 27
working in the Ex sectors in Denmark
to increase safety. Agius explained that
in the 1990s, standards, certifi cation
and approval régimes that aimed to
control the risks inherent to Ex areas
differed from one country to the next.
This meant that if a manufacturer
wanted to sell a product in more than
one country, they would have to get
approval/certifi cation in each one.
For many manufacturers, the need to
repeat testing was expensive and time
Based on industry requests, the IEC
developed a unique international
Chris Agius talks in-depth about IECEx at the Forum in November 2013
System that today covers all of the
certifi cation needs of the explosive
attention. Static electricity can make it
probably won't happen in an ordinary
atmosphere sector. It includes
all go up in the air. The consequences
kitchen, in large industrial bakeries
individual devices and systems;
of an accident are major. You can have
there will be hot surfaces and it's vital
location evaluation; inspection;
a plant destroyed, people killed and so
that you know how to take proper
installation; maintenance and repair
on," says René Nielsen, the manager of
and assessment of the competence
the Forum as a result of his position as
of personnel working in this highly
Senior Consultant in the department of
specialized area. One of the key
International Leadership and University
Presentation on IECEx
advantages the System offers is that
Cooperation at Danish Standards.
In his presentation to Forum
testing and assessment only need to
participants, Chris Agius, the Executive
be conducted once and are thereafter
He uses the example of taking a
Secretary of IECEx (IEC System for
accepted by all members of the
handful of fl our, throwing it up in the
Certifi cation to Standards Relating
air and sparking your lighter. Given the
to Equipment for Use in Explosive
right mixture of oxygen and the ignition,
Atmospheres), dug deeply into the
Agius went on to talk about how IECEx
you can have a disaster. While this
subject of how IECEx can help those
has an open and transparent process
and clear rules and that industry is able
to provide direct input into the way the
System works.
Agius explained that at the beginning
IECEx only covered the International
certifi cation of Ex equipment. Industry
soon realized that these benefi ts could
equally apply to Ex related services
such as repair and overhaul as well as
to the assessment of the competence
of persons that work in Ex areas.
One of the most important aspects
of the IECEx System is its "On-
Line" Certifi cates of Conformity. All
IECEx Certifi cates issued by IECEx
approved Certifi cation Bodies have
the master version in electronic form
live on the IECEx website; any paper
Many surprising industries have potentially Ex environments: sugar refi neries; fl our mills; and grain silos, to name a few
or downloaded electronic version is
e-tech I March 2014
considered an uncontrolled copy of
also a member of the IEC SMB/JDMT
and has been the IEC NC (National
that master IECEx Certifi cate. The
(Standardization Management Board/
Committee) Secretary of Denmark
electronic version of any valid IECEx
Joint Directives Maintenance Team)
Certifi cate is fully accessible to the
public and allows instant verifi cation of
claims made by a vendor.
A place to discuss Ex issues
Though Agius' presentation took up a
large part of the day, other topics such
as how to be sure ATEX (Atmosphères
Explosibles) certifi cates are updated when
there is a change in standards and how
to deal with gas installations in relation to
ATEX regulations were also covered.
"The Forum is an exchange of
experience and knowledge. We have
people from all sectors of Ex coming to
these Forums. When we started out in
2005 we hit on something that people
were looking for," said Nielsen who is
Chris Agius talks to the Danish ATEX Forum about the history of IECEx
Safer cars, smarter drivesCars and world connect
Aliyah Esmail
Some days it looks if you are
going to be stuck in traffi c forever.
Sometimes it is because traffi c
volumes have suddenly increased.
All you can see is car ahead of car
as far as the eye can see. At other
times, you hear the squeal of tyres
and then you see two cars collide.
About 1.24 million people died on
the world's roads in 2010, said the
Global Health Observatory of the
WHO (World Health Organization).
But technology may be able to
V2V communication technology warns drivers of what is happening on the road
increase safety or save you from
being stuck in traffi c sooner than
Traffi c Safety Administration said that
specifi c information such as speed and
you think.
it will start allowing V2V (vehicle-to-
position, up to ten times per second.
vehicle) communication technology.
Cars can talk to each other in the US
This will let cars exchange basic safety
Signals from other cars, sent through a
In February 2014 the US Department
data, as well as information about road
modifi ed version of Wi-Fi, can help fl ag
of Transportation's National Highway
and traffi c conditions and vehicle-
up potential risks. This technology may
March 2014 I e-tech 29
help people avoid most of the crashes
functionality, effi cacy and feasibility for
involving two or more cars and has been
everyday use of car-to-x communication
shown to increase safety in the real world
– a combination of V2V and vehicle-to-
as well as in test environments. Though
infrastructure communication – under
V2V does send out warnings, it does
real driving conditions.
not take over vehicle systems such as
braking or steering.
The radio technology developed for this
system is based on the wireless local
area network. Its purpose is to increase
Tested on the street
safety as well as to minimize traffi c,
In August 2012, UMTRI (University of
which will hopefully save drivers time
With V2V and V2I technology helping drivers
Michigan's Transportation Research
on the road, lower their fuel and vehicle
plan their trips, hopefully traffi c jams will become a thing of the past
Institute) installed built-in connected
maintenance costs and reduce CO
technology into 2 500 cars in Ann
Arbor, Michigan. Another 300 cars as
As the technologies that allow cars to
well as some motorcycles, buses and
talk to each other and to infrastructure
take off, with multiple similar projects
commercial trucks had communications
running throughout the world, people
devices added into them that allowed
The launch plan for simTD is a voluntary
will come to rely on the warnings their
them to communicate with each other
one. Starting in 2015 the simTD
car is giving them. If the components
and the road infrastructure. This test
technology will be used near road
that underpin these technologies are
lasted for a year and used cameras
construction sites as part of a public-
not certifi ed by IECQ AQP, there will be
outside and inside the vehicles to see
private partnership signed up to by the
no way of knowing whether or not they
how drivers reacted to warnings.
Austrian, German and Dutch transport/
will fail at a crucial moment.
infrastructure ministries and called
Eight major car companies participated
"Cooperative ITS Corridor Rotterdam -
Organizations that hold IECQ
in the tests. They used different
Frankfurt am Main – Vienna".
Automotive Qualifi cation Programme
warning systems, including red LED
Certifi cation show the international
lights on the bottom of the windscreen,
The trials will benefi t drivers by
market that they and their facilities
alarms and vibrating seats as well as
showing them their travel history and
comply with the requirements of the
graphics in the instrument panel. The
the congestion on the routes they are
IECQ System. These organizations are
test also looked at the interoperability
taking and will help them understand
also demonstrating that they comply
of V2V technology in vehicles from
the best strategies to employ during
with the relevant declared technical
different manufacturers and suppliers.
rush hour. It can warn of traffi c delays
Standards and specifi cations for their
but it is not meant to warn drivers of
scope of activity.
Car-to-x communication in
The future may bring us cars that help
keep us safe and speed up our trips
In June 2013, the fi nal phase of the
New technologies require safer
during rush hour but IECQ will continue
simTD (Safe Intelligent Mobility –
to ensure that the electronic and
Test Area Germany) project began
To ensure that the technologies being
electrical components in our vehicles
examining the "fi rst social network for
developed for vehicles around the
do not fail us when we need them
automobiles". One hundred and twenty
world are reliable, IECQ (IEC Quality
vehicles and three motorcycles were
Assessment System for Electronic
tested in a venture that linked vehicles
Components) created a programme
and infrastructure in an electronic
that gives the automotive industry
network with the aim of avoiding traffi c
a standardized way of testing the
jams and accidents and to report on a
components in those technologies.
range of other applications. The overall
IECQ AQP (Automotive Qualifi cation
project, which began back in 2008, is
Programme) helps automotive
funded by the German Government. The
manufacturers avoid multiple tests and
research element is headed by Daimler
related costs. It can also be used by
Research and Advance Development
independent, third-party certifi cation
These technologies allow cars to communicate
while a number of other companies
bodies to make sure that components
about sudden braking and other incidents that
are also participating, looking at the
meet automotive industry standards.
could affect you while you are driving
e-tech I March 2014
IEC WORLD
Smart energy for AfricaFirst International Africa Smart Grid Forum next May in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
standards body), AFSEC (African
Electrotechnical Standardization
Commission) and APUA (Association of
Power Utilities of Africa).
The Forum is held in collaboration
and partnership with the IEC,
CENELEC (European Committee for
Electrotechnical Standardization), DKE
(German Commission for Electrical,
The Africa Smart Grid Forum has a dedicated website in English and in French where you can
Electronic & Information Technologies
register for the event
of DIN and VDE), SGCC (State Grid
Corporation of China), KATS (Korean
Claire Marchand
such as utilities, consumers and
Agency for Technology & Standards)
While access to electricity is a
telecommunications and ICT
and AFREC/AU (African Energy
given in industrialized countries,
Commission of the African Union).
the situation is very different
in large parts of the developing
world, and so also in Africa,
What is at stake?
Save the date! Register!
where vast areas have only limited
Smart Grids for whom, why and what
To register and obtain more information
and sporadic energy supply or
for? What are the technological barriers
on this event, please visit the
are still completely off the grid.
to the Smart Grid development? Which
Africa Smart Grid Forum at: http://
To continue and increase its
investments are necessary to deploy
economic development, Africa
these solutions? How to manage the
index.php (website available in French
needs to upgrade existing
decision-making hierarchy between
electrical infrastructures or in
all stakeholders? Which standards are
some cases build networks from
applicable to these networks? What will
scratch to meet the ever growing
be the benefi ts for Africa?
These questions, and many more,
will be addressed during the fi rst
The Smart Grid approach
international Africa Smart Grid Forum
Today Africa has a unique opportunity
2014, which will take place in Abidjan,
to build systems and networks that
Côte d'Ivoire, from 14 to 16 May 2014.
use the most recent technologies and
include renewable power generation.
A solar farm in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa
The continent can benefi t from recent
First international Africa Smart
developments in the industrialized
Grid Forum
world and put in place smart systems
Entitled The Smart Grids, a solution for
that integrate renewable energies –
emerging Africa, the Forum will bring
solar and hydropower for instance –
together renowned Smart Grid experts
and state-of-the-art ICTs (information
from around the world who will be able
and communications technologies).
to share their experience and expertise
with all participants.
This move towards a Smart Grid
approach is bound to have in-depth
The event is jointly organized by CIE
consequences on the interaction and
(Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Electricité),
communication between stakeholders,
CODINORM (Côte d'Ivoire national
The Naute dam in Namibia
March 2014 I e-tech 31
IEC WORLD
Reaching outUsing social media to increase awareness of IEC work
The IEC has embraced the changing communications landscape and is present on all major social media channels
Zoé Smart
be informed of latest news through
From early on the IEC has been
With the introduction of social
targeted communications such as
responsive to the changing
media to the communications
news releases.
communications landscape by
landscape the way organizations
reaching out to audiences and sharing
interact with their stakeholders has
information on social media platforms
changed irrevocably. The IEC has
it has deemed appropriate. As a result
risen to the challenge with aplomb.
the IEC is today present on all of the
top 5 social media channels globally;
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+
Reaching out to audiences…
and YouTube.
Today more than ever, people expect
to be able to connect with the brands
that interest them on the social media
…with tailored content
channels on which they are active,
One of the major consequences
rather than having to spend time
of the expansion of social media
looking for a website or waiting to
Today content is shared on multiple networks
is that content is shared on multiple
e-tech I March 2014
IEC WORLD
With nearly one in four people world-
celebrating standardization work,
wide estimated to be using social
introduced in February 2012
networks, the IEC is keen to keep
• Global Visions mobile app
abreast of the latest developments in
launched in January 2013
social media effectiveness by follow-
• Reached 3 000 Facebook fans
ing industry insights on best practice.
in September 2013. Like us here:
From setting up its IEC Facebook
page in 2008 to reaching an audience
of 36 800 with a single post in late
• 10 000 members on LinkedIn in
2013, here are some of the key IEC
October 2013. Join the conver-
social media milestones:
sation on ‘The Electrotechnical
• Facebook and YouTube accounts
Standards Group' on LinkedIn
• Joined LinkedIn in early 2010
• #StandardsTuesday
out of earshot, the type of content
actively engaging with stakeholders
being shared is of utmost importance.
rather than talking at them and
sharing content, both existing and
Key IEC social media milestones
With businesses and those working
IEC-produced, that will arouse interest
in electrotechnology and related
and stimulate further discussion. In
fields being the organization's core
the case of the IEC LinkedIn group,
networks and often without the
audience, the IEC aims to share
which boasts 12 316 members to
organization's awareness, in what
content that increases awareness
date, content is predominantly self-
is called the ‘ripple effect'. Because
of its work and the importance of
generated and reflects the interests of
a lot of the conversations take place
standardization. It does so through
the professionals initiating them.
Formula E approaches the starting gridElectric vehicles in the motor-racing spotlight
Janice Blondeau
The inaugural season of the
world's fi rst fully-electric racing
series, Formula E, will run from
September 2014 to June 2015.
Ten teams, ten cities
For the first season, 10 teams with two
drivers each will compete in 10 cities
across the world. Races are planned
for Bejing, China; Putrajaya, Malaysia;
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Punta del Este,
The Formula E series gives the opportunity to showcase electrical vehicle innovations in a
Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina;
racing environment (Photo: Formula E)
March 2014 I e-tech 33
IEC WORLD
The Spark-Renault SRT-01E will be used by all teams in the fi rst season (Photo: Formula E)
Los Angeles and Miami, USA; Monte
traction motor. The maximum weight
in a racing environment. Organizers
Carlo, Monaco; Berlin, Germany and
of the Battery Cells and/or Capacitor
hope that this multi-make series
of the RESS must not be more than
will foster research and development
200 kg. The amount of energy that
around the electric vehicle and
can be delivered to the MGU (Motor
push the boundaries of current
One car for 2014
Generator Unit) by the RESS is limited
The Spark-Renault SRT-01E is the
to 30 kWh. This will be permanently
first car to be homologated by the
monitored by the FIA.
A long-term aim of Formula E is to
FIA. For the 2014-2015 season, each
accelerate the market penetration of
team will run four Spark-Renault SRT-
Cars will accelerate from 0 kph
electric vehicles by appealing to new
01E Formula E cars, two per driver.
to 100 kph in an estimated time of
The cars and teams will be based at
3 seconds, with a maximum speed
a purpose-built central workshop in
of 220 kph. Maximum power will
the UK. From season two, Formula E
be available during practice and
will become an open championship
qualifying sessions while during races,
with teams designing and developing
power-saving mode will apply. A ‘Push-
their own cars, in accordance to the
to-Pass' system will temporarily allow
technical specifications set out by
maximum power for a limited
time during a race.
The traction battery is a RESS
The Formula E series will provide
(Rechargeable Energy Storage
car manufacturers and constructors
Formula E hopes to accelerate the market
System), supplying electric energy
with the opportunity to showcase their
penetration of EVs by appealing to new
to the power circuit and so to the
electrical energy innovations
e-tech I March 2014
IEC FAMILY
Nominations and extensionsTC 11 welcomes its new Chairman
Giovanni Pirovano is the new Chairman of TC 11
Zoé Smart
TC 18 prepares standards for electrical installations and equipment of ships and of mobile
SMB (Standardization Management
and fi xed offshore units
Board) has approved the
nomination of Giovanni Pirovano as
Extensions of terms of offi ce and
Jos Remy as Chairman of TC 108:
Chairman of IEC TC 11: Overhead
new member to ACEE
Safety of electronic equipment within
lines for the period 1 November
SMB has approved the extension of
the field of audio/video, information
2013 to 31 October 2019.
term of offi ce of Alasdair M Anderson
technology and communication
as Chairman of TC 18: Electrical
technology, for the period 2014-02-01
installations of ships and of mobile and
to 2017-01-31.
About Giovanni Pirovano
fi xed offshore units. Anderson's new
Currently head of the research
mandate runs from 1 December 2013
Philippe Volletas has been approved by
group ‘Electrical Technologies and
to 30 November 2016.
SMB as TC 23: Electrical accessories,
Components' for RSE (Ricerca sul
member to ACEE (Advisory Committee
Sistema Energetico) SpA, Pirovano
The SMB has also approved the
on Energy Effi ciency).
has no less than 25 years' experience
extension of the term of office of
in research, testing, consulting and
standardization activities on overhead
lines and relevant components.
He has provided his expertise as
consultant for a number of international
bodies, such as UNMIK (United
Nations Interim Administration Mission
in Kosovo) and the Arab Fund for
Economic and Social Development and
is author of a large number of technical
He takes over as Chairman of TC 11
from Romeo Rendina.
ACEE coordinates IEC TC activities related to energy effi ciency
March 2014 I e-tech 35
Nanotechnology: a key to solar energyand energy storageNew IEC and Fraunhofer ISI study fi nds it will bring signifi cant benefi ts to energy sector
Janice Blondeau
and "nano-electrodes". These seven
Nanotechnology will bring
technology profi les form the basis for
signifi cant benefi ts to the energy
two comprehensive roadmaps in the
sector, especially to energy storage
technical report.
and solar energy, a new study
from the IEC and the Fraunhofer
Institute for Systems and Innovation
A key to success
Research ISI has found. Improved
Commissioning this study to evaluate
materials effi ciency and reduced
the potential of nanotechnologies and
manufacturing costs are just two
the future role of nanomaterials in
of the real economic benefi ts that
addressing the energy challenge helps
nanotechnology already brings
the IEC to understand the kind of work
these fi elds and that's only the
This study found that in some areas
it needs to undertake to enable the
nanotechnology may even be a key to
broad roll out of these technologies.
Against the backdrop of an anticipated
30% increase of global energy
which will gain importance as
Into the nano future…
demand by 2035 and the signifi cant
technology continues to advance. The
Thanks to continued development
expansion of renewable energy
Technology Report Nanotechnology in
of nanotechnology, battery storage
coming into the grid, the study has
the sectors of solar energy and energy
capacity could be extended, solar cells
found that nanotechnologies including
storage is available on the IEC website.
could be produced cheaper, and the
new nanomaterials, could be a key
lifetime of solar cells or batteries for
to successful renewable energy and
electric cars could be increased.
energy storage integration.
The rise of nanomaterials
In the study Nanotechnology in the
The study found that the following
sectors of solar energy and energy
nanomaterial technologies will be of
Large-scale application in solar
storage commissioned by the IEC,
particular importance: "organic and
power generation and energy
the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems
printed electronics", "nano-coatings",
and Innovation Research ISI found that
"nano-composites", "nano-fl uids",
Dr Björn P. Moller, project leader of this
there is a whole range of nanomaterials
"nano-catalysts", "nanocarbons"
study at Fraunhofer ISI is convinced
that everything points to its large-scale
application in solar power generation
and energy storage, unlike many other
fi elds where nanotechnology has been
unable to make a break-through. Moller
said, "It can be assumed that in 2035
the share of fossil fuels in global energy
production will have decreased to
75%. This implies that renewable energy
will need to contribute signifi cantly
more to the overall energy generation.
It is therefore crucially important that
key technologies such as solar cells
are further developed with the help
of nanotechnology and that energy
New nanomaterial technologies will be of growing importance to energy storage and solar energy
storage is improved." "In some areas
e-tech I March 2014
nanotechnology may even be a key to
that work in this area are TC 113:
success. There is great potential for
Nanotechnology standardization for
nanotechnology to help to mitigate the
electrical and electronic products and
intermittency of renewable energy,"
systems, TC 117: Solar thermal electric
Moller said.
plants, TC 82: Solar photovoltaic
energy systems, TC 120: Electrical
Energy Storage (EES) Systems and
In practical terms
TC 21: Secondary cells and batteries,
A practical example is through the use
as well as others.
of nanotechnology, the light and energy
generation of crystalline silicon solar
cells or organic solar cells can already
MSB market watch
be enabled or signifi cantly increased.
This study was commissioned as part
Their manufacturing also requires less
of the market watch that the MSB
material and is more cost-effi cient.
(Market Strategy Board) has put in
place to know in advance what kind of
In addition, energy storage capacity
technology will be important to IEC in
will signifi cantly improve with the use of
the future. The Technical Report of the
The future role of nanotechnology and these
nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries.
study Nanotechnology in the sectors
new materials will be vital in addressing the
This is by far the most important
of solar energy and energy storage will
energy challenge (Photo: Siemens)
battery technology for energy storage
be useful for those planning the use of
emergence and effects of innovation.
since the early 1990s. It is especially
solar energy and storage, whether they
important in view of the constantly
make products, use those products
We explore the short- and long-
increasing demand for electric vehicles,
to generate and store electricity, or
term developments of innovation
whose success is also directly linked
organize and regulate the use of the
processes and the societal impact of
to battery performance and resulting
electric energy produced.
new technologies and services. On
range extension.
this basis, we provide our clients from
industry, politics and science policy
About the Fraunhofer Institute
recommendations and perspectives for
Resource for TCs' ongoing work
for Systems and Innovation
key decisions. Our expertise lies in the
The work of several IEC TCs (Technical
Research ISI
profound scientifi c expertise as well as an
Committees) might be impacted by
The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems
interdisciplinary and systemic research
the fi ndings of this study. The TCs
and Innovation Research ISI analyzes
Material declaration Standard goes globalEuropean, Japanese and US bodies recommend adoption of IEC Standard
Morand Fachot
industry, and its associated database
Every electrotechnical product has
have been adopted by European,
an environmental impact over its
Japanese and US industries.
entire life cycle, from raw material
acquisition, to the manufacture,
distribution, use, maintenance, re-
use and end of life of its components,
Electrical and electronic products are
and all of this across borders. An
manufactured using many substances;
IEC International Standard for the
some, for instance lead, mercury and
material declaration for products
cadmium, are regulated and must be
Compact fl uorescent lights contain small
of and for the electrotechnical
quantities of mercury
March 2014 I e-tech 37
The US-based CEA brings together
2 000 companies within the consumer
technology industry. It "functions as a
vital connection between companies,
retailers and consumers to develop
a unified technology roadmap and
tackles any impasses along the way."
DIGITALEUROPE "the voice of the
European digital technology industry"
represents more than 10 000
companies all over Europe with more
than 2 million employees and over
EUR 1 000 billion in revenues.
Lead is often used in batteries
Japan's JGPSII is a voluntary
organization created with the purpose
IEC TC (Technical Committee) 111:
reporting thresholds. The database
of standardizing substances contained
Environmental standardization for
also includes information for software
in parts and materials of equipment
electrical and electronic products
developers who are working on IT
in electrical and electronic products
and systems, published IEC 62474,
tools for material declaration that
through effective survey methods.
Material Declaration for Products of
conforms to the standard.
Back in June 2012 it announced it
and for the Electrotechnical Industry,
would be dissolved and its activities
in March 2012.
IEC 62474 specifies the criteria to add,
transferred to a subcommittee of
change or delete a given substance,
the Japanese IEC TC 111 committee
This landmark standard was designed
substance group or material class
following publication of IEC 62474.
to help the industry track and declare
from the database. There are three
specific information about the material
basic criteria for inclusion in the
Adoption of this International Standard
composition of its products.
IEC 62474 database: "currently
and its associated database by these
regulated", "for information only"
three influential international bodies
It is aimed at harmonizing
and "for assessment".
will help manufacturers track and
requirements across the supply
declare detailed and harmonized
chain and at improving economic
information about the material
efficiencies; it defines requirements for
Simultaneous adoption across
composition of their products and
the exchange of material composition
the possible presence of restricted
data and provides those for material
On 21 January 2014 three bodies,
substances they contain. It should
declarations. IEC 62474 benefits
CEA (Consumer Electronics
also help ensure that these products
conform to legal requirements, thereby
the electrotechnical industry by
Association), DIGITALEUROPE
supporting trade and reducing the
establishing the requirements for
and the JGPSSI (Japanese Green
possible negative environmental
reporting substances and materials,
Procurement Survey Standardization
impact of many electrotechnical
standardizing protocols, and
Initiative) announced that IEC
components and products.
facilitating the transfer and processing
62474 was now the recommended
electrotechnical industry's material
declaration standard. The existing JIG
(Joint Industry Guide) 101 they used
Associated database facilitates
previously was "now several years out
of date with global regulations and,
The IEC 62474 "database"
consequently, should be considered
accompanies the IEC 62474 standard.
officially obsolete," a joint press
This database, which is maintained by
release by the three organizations
a validation team, consists of a list of
indicated, adding: "IEC 62474 is now
substances, substance groups and
the recommended electrotechnical
common material classes to declare,
industry's material declaration
Old IT equipment may contain regulated
with reportable applications and
e-tech I March 2014
EDITORIAL FOCUS - PREVIEW
Medical equipment
Healthcare is undergoing nothing short of a revolution with key advances in
long-established technologies and major development in new areas which all
depend on electrotechnology. From X-ray imaging and therapies techniques,
fi rst discovered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to developments
in ultrasonics diagnosis and treatment equipment and, more recently the
introduction of robotics, printed electronics and 3D printing in the medical
environment, improvement in the health of patients has become more
reliant than ever on electromedical equipment. A number of IEC TCs work
on developing standards for such equipment, with one IEC TC in particular
focusing on basic and particular safety requirements.
One related technology that is set to experience a major expansion is that
of wearable health monitoring and wellness equipment, which relies also on
standards prepared by a number of IEC TCs.
Photo: iHealth
March 2014 I e-tech 39
News & views from the IEC
This is a special printout of IEC e-tech our electronic publication. You can fi nd a link to e-tech on the IEC homepage, or you can access it at www.iec.ch/etech
If you would like to receive our monthly email notice telling you when the latest edition of e-tech is available, you can subscribe via the e-tech homepage. Click the button "Subscribe" or sign up for an RSS feed.
Articles may be reproduced in whole or in part provided that the source "IEC e-tech" is mentioned in full.
- Managing Editor e-tech: Claire Marchand- Editor in chief: Gabriela Ehrlich
Articles published in e-tech represent the opinion of their author and the IEC cannot be held responsible for content matter or content.
IEC e-tech is published 10 times a year in English by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Copyright IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. 2014.
3 rue de Varembé
PO Box 131
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
T 41 22 919 02 11
Contact: [email protected]
For more information visit: www.iec.ch
Source: http://www.inec.ir/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=2ed15dfa-0581-4f5d-856e-3c8ec0d7bf9f&groupId=14
R E G L A M E N T O REGLAMENTO DE CONTROL DE DOPAJE II. Violaciones del reglamento contra el dopaje III. Prueba de dopaje 1. Carga y medios probatorios 2. Métodos para establecer hechos y presunciones IV. Organización de los controles de dopaje 1. Disposiciones administrativas 2. Obligaciones de Clubes y de los jugadores 3. Procedimiento del control de dopaje para las muestras de orina
NOVEMBER 9 & 10, 2010 IMMUNE RESPONSES IN FISH: FROM GENE TO FUNCTION Invited speakers:Dr. Barbara Nowak, Australia University of Copenhagen Dr. Bertrand Collet, Scotland Faculty of Life Sciences Dr. Simon Jones, Canada Book of abstracts DAFINET November 9 and 10, 2010 University of Copenhagen, Denmark DAFINET is supported by the Danish Council for Strategic Research The book of abstracts is edited by Kurt Buchmann, Per W. Kania and Lars Holten-Andersen Printed by Frederiksberg Bogtrykkeri 2010