Avoiding The AMI Trap

June 14th, 2009

 

The Smart Grid requires a two way communications network to enable AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) and other applications to the meter and beyond. While AMI as a stand alone application may not require a broadband connection, it is not desirable to select a communications network based on AMI alone. For a forward looking utility that plans on deploying additional smart grid applications in the future, selecting a narrowband network that is vertically integrated with its AMI product is quite limiting. Furthermore, selecting a proprietary communications protocol that locks the utility customer to a specific vendor is another potential trap to avoid. A Smart Grid communications network should be able to support multiple applications concurrently and should be based on an open standard architecture for interoperability with future products and software applications. The DOE stated that the Smart Grid communications network should be able to support applications from the point of generation to the point of consumption of energy. This implies a horizontal communications layer rather than vertically integrated solutions. The DOE strongly recommends open standards and standardization efforts are already under way.

 

Amperion has been promoting an open IP standard platform that has the capacity to support current AMI and new smart grid applications in the future. Our collaboration with muNet, an AMI and DR vendor, that also supports open IP, provides a complete solution that delivers deep IP to the meter and beyond. As a utility customer you can avoid the AMI trap by making the right selection that will not require a replacement of your meters in the next ten years. The trade off is simply between a short term dead end solution and a long term future proof alternative. Selecting an open architecture that is based on proven standards is a future proof decision.

Mass High Tech: Amperion’s equipment goes beyond smart grids

May 9th, 2009

 

Amperion’s article at MHT 05-08-09

Smart Grid video presentation

May 3rd, 2009

Watch the Amperion presentation at the Clean Energy Forum http://www.amperion.com/news.php

Closing the “Fiber Gap”

April 11th, 2009

There are more than 14,000 transmission substations in the US owned by about 3,000 electric utilities. Some of the substations are connected by fiber to the utility network, but many more are not. There is no data available today on how many substations are connected and how many are isolated. In order to make the grid smarter and more manageable, every substation should be connected to the network.

Having broadband communications to these substations will enable many smart grid applications. It will expand SCADA coverage, it can be used for protective relaying and digital control, remote asset protection and station surveillance, synchrophasor data streaming and other sensing and measurement applications, and others.

Installing fiber in every station is the ideal solution, however high cost, topographical and access challenges, right of way and license permits, and a long and labor intense installation process, make fiber a not very practical solution in many cases.

Amperion identified this problem as the “Fiber Gap” and is proposing a cost effective alternative with a newly developed technology - HV BPL - High Voltage Broadband over Powerline. This communications solution is using utility’s own wires so there is no need to trench or hang fiber over many miles. The installation process takes less than a day and is safe to install hot - so no outage is required.

The HV BPL technology has been tested over the last two years over 46kV and 69kV lines and will be applied this year on 138kV lines. Approximately 70% of all sub-transmission lines are at 138kV or below, so by the end of 2009, HV BPL can be used in about 10,000 stations to close the fiber gap.

Welcome to Amperion’s Smart Grid Blog

April 11th, 2009