Con Edison to Install Storm Hardening System in Lower Manhattan

Siemens is partnering with Con Edison to install technology that will help keep Con Edison customers in sections of Lower Manhattan in service during severe flooding.

Con Edison chose Siemens to collaborate on a new automation system to synchronously control underground switches and circuit breakers that will separate two of Con Edison’s power distribution networks into four sub-networks. That will allow the utility to continue delivering power to parts of Lower Manhattan, including Wall Street, in the event of flooding to coastal areas. Con Edison is the first utility in the U.S. to implement this storm-hardening technology.

“[This project] is an important part of our program to fortify our energy-delivery systems and protect our customers from severe weather events like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene,” said Patrick McHugh, vice president, Engineering and Planning, at Con Edison. “It’s also an example on how we are using automation and technology to remain an industry leader in service and reliability.”

Siemens developed the Distribution Feeder Automation (SDFA) technology specifically for Con Edison’s system out of its Wendell, North Carolina, research and development hub. Siemens’ technology will allow the system to issue open and close commands within four milliseconds from Siemens field devices that control the circuit breakers and underground sectionalizing switches that in turn switch the power to the sub-networks. The system will operate across more than 44 primary circuits. This custom automation system is interoperable with Con Edison’s control systems and installed primary switchgear.