Operations Center

The TWACS OC (operations center) from Distribution Control Systems Inc. (DCSI), a subsidiary of ESCO Technologies Inc., integrates common functions into a graphical, easy-to-use interface to ensure smooth navigation with a consistent look and feel across the TWACS Net Server (TNS) application environment.

Using the new TWACS OC interface, TNS will provide simple management of the TWACS communications network and adaptive control of advanced metering data in a relational database server. The functionality of the software is typically operated by front office personnel and includes meter maintenance, system status, substation maintenance, AMR job scheduler and system security.

With the system's new navigation capabilities, DCSI is also anticipating a significant drop in the number of support calls from customers. Initial field testing is proving that customers are finding the functions they need with ease. All TWACS TNS customers who are current with their support will receive TWACS OC at no charge. The application is installed on a customer's existing server and client machines, and will continue to run with the current TNS application. DCSI support staff will assist customers with initial setup and configuration.
Distribution Control Systems Inc. www.twacs.com

Logic Controller

The C90Plus logic controller from GE Multilin was designed for the automation requirements of utility substation environments and industrial power systems. Based on the URPlus platform of protection and control relays, the C90Plus simplifies substation automation engineering by delivering greater protection capabilities, performance and design flexibility.

The unit features advanced automation and control, bay protection and control, high-accuracy digital-fault recording, comprehensive communications and extensive HMI capabilities.
GE Multilin | www.gemultilin.com

Smart Metering

Telvent's Smart Metering System (TMS), part of Telvent's Smart Grid Solution Suite, is a tightly coupled set of components that work together to provide the core infrastructure for delivering secure networked energy services. The system consists of a set of intelligent, powerful IP-connected data concentrators, and the software platform, called Titanium, to supervise and communicate with data concentrators as needed to deliver smart metering services. Telvent's worldwide meter partner, Echelon, provides a bidirectional Networked Energy Services (NES) meter, which comes with the built-in capability to be the complete energy services platform.

Consumers benefit from the time-of-use aspect of Telvent's TMS; since the system tracks how much and when electricity is used, better management of electricity use is allowed and rewarded, which, in turn, has a positive impact on both the environment and the electrical grid.

Operators benefit in several ways as well. Telvent's TMS improves daily operations through integration of load data with SCADA, DMS, GIS and load control as a demand-management tool. The TMS also eliminates the need for site visits by meter readers. The meters allow reading time-of-use rates, as well as load control, outage detection, energy theft detection, retrieval of demand, power factor and energy data at hourly or even smaller intervals, automatically and without error.

With advanced metering, the utility is given control over load management in real time. Dispatchers are able to monitor weather forecasts, volatile power market situations and their own current aggregate loads. Using that information, they can dispatch load similar to the way they dispatch generation.

Properly handled, smart metering systems provide for a year-round flat load curve, which can be served with the least expenditure of generation, transmission and distribution resources. Telvent's TMS also provides the potential for energy utilities to deliver revenue-producing services such as cable TV, Internet access and security monitoring.
Telvent | www.telvent.com

Synchronous Compensator Analyzer

Zensol has introduced the PDR-16 for the analysis of synchronous compensators. This instrument facilitates the diagnosis of all synchronous compensators in a simple, precise and affordable way.

The PDR-16 is used in conjunction with accelerometers, pressure, displacement, temperature and vibration transducers. The sampling rate varying between 30 Hz and 300 kHz makes it possible to capture a wide variety of signals with slow evolution (i.e., PID loop) or with very fast evolution signals (i.e., vibration).

The PDR-16 is bundled with a powerful and easy-to-use software: PDR WIN. PDR WIN allows the standardization of tests during startup or reload service. Robust and portable, the instrument easily detects anolmalies and provides powerful math functions. In addition to integrating innumerable functionalities, it offers releases on events (trig) with the conservation of the preceding data.
Zensol | www.zensol.com

Unmanned Monitoring

The AirLink Raven XT is the newest addition to the Sierra Wireless AirLink line of mobile and mobile-to-mobile devices. The Raven XT is the company's latest installment of the X Platform line of rugged and intelligent wireless data communications platforms, joining the Raven X and PinPoint X.

Built on the new X Platform architecture and processing environment, the Raven XT is smaller than previous models and offers a future-proof design enabling room for expansion. With a serial port interface and Class 1 Div 2 certification for use in hazardous environments, the Raven XT is suited for electric utilities, automation and various infrastructure control and monitoring applications.

To simplify installation, troubleshooting and module-level diagnostics, the Raven XT has been equipped with a mini-USB interface. The mini-USB also will increase the flexibility of the device by expanding its functionality and integration options.

The Raven XT is powered by ALEOS embedded intelligence. ALEOS, available only on the Sierra Wireless line of AirLink devices, simplifies installation, deployment and management of any wireless solution. Compatible with numerous machine protocols, ALEOS streamlines integration with a broad set of legacy equipment. In addition, ALEOS ensures a persistent network connection and enables extensive remote management and diagnostics, all of which are vital in remote, unmanned operations where physical access is difficult and expensive.

The Raven XT is supported by AceWare, the comprehensive line of tools and utilities offered by Sierra Wireless. Deeply integrated with ALEOS, AceWare applications simplify deployment and management of wireless solutions by providing device setup and provisioning, remote control, configuration, and management of installed communications platforms.
Sierra Wireless | www.sierrawireless.com