World Metrology Day 2014
A message from Fluke Chief Corporate Metrologist Jeff Gust
World Metrology Day commemorates the signing of the Meter Convention on May 20, 1875. Those who are dedicated to metrology, the science of measurement, recognize this day each year as their time to celebrate the importance of measurements. Fluke Corporation joins enthusiastically in this annual celebration, as we have a long history of dedication to metrology.
The theme for World Metrology Day 2014 is “Measurements and the global energy challenge,” and Fluke is actively engaged in developing innovative solutions for the energy industry. As more alternative energy sources, such as solar, geothermal and wind generators, are placed on electrical grids, the monitoring and balance of power to prevent major outages becomes more critical. Phasor measurement units (PMU’s) are devices that are capable of making hundreds of measurements every minute and synchronizing the data for rapid monitoring and control of the power grid. However, several companies make PMU’s, and there are disagreements about their accuracy and performance. Fluke Calibration has introduced the world’s first commercially available PMU calibration system. This system is automated and reduces the time required to calibrate a PMU from several weeks to a few hours.
While the Fluke Calibration PMU calibration system is prepared to address future needs of the power grid, Fluke has also developed the 435 II Energy Analyzer for today’s pressing energy measurement challenges. This product can not only perform power quality analysis and energy assessments, it is the world’s only power quality analyzer that can monetize the cost of energy waste due to poor power quality.
In addition to developing solutions to electrical energy problems, Fluke also produces instrumentation to ensure the highest quality of measurements for natural gas custody transfer with our model 721 Precision Pressure Calibrator.
There is no end in sight to the increasing demand for energy. In order to solve the challenges caused by this demand, science will need to develop unprecedented solutions. Dmitri Mendeleev once said, “Science starts with the measurement. Exact science is inconceivable without measures.” For any technological breakthroughs to occur, they will need to be closely coupled with the highest quality measurements. Fluke will continue to be a part of the global metrology community supporting solutions for the global energy challenge.
I hope that each of you will join in the celebration of World Metrology Day and can share in the enthusiasm that Fluke employees have for the science of measurement.
Happy World Metrology Day!
Jeff C. Gust
Chief Corporate Metrologist