Fujitsu and Powertech Labs Launch OpenADR Co-Innovation Project at DistribuTECH 2017
Helping electric power utilities and consumers to engage in curtailment events through the aggregation of devices
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu America, Inc. and Powertech Labs Inc. today announced a collaboration to co-innovate OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response) technologies that allow utilities to aggregate and curtail the energy demands of residential and commercial consumers. The technology allows utilities to view energy use in residential and commercial structures as a single unit of consumption. In so doing, electric power utilities can respond to demand response events in a single transaction rather than making users opt in on a device-by-device basis.
The technology platform can interact with and control an array of heavy-consumption residential and commercial devices such as load control switches, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), thermostats, water heaters, and other appliances. A pilot program incorporating the new technologies will be implemented on Powertech Lab's test bed at their facility in British Columbia (Powertech is a subsidiary of Canadian utility BC Hydro). Find out more about the technology at the Powertech Labs booth (#2947) during the DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition taking place between January 31 and February 2, 2017 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
The project is expected to result in several key benefits both for utilities and their customers: utilities will be able to meet peaks in demand without having to generate more electricity, allowing the customer base to grow while managing the need for more generation. Meanwhile, customers will play a larger role in the operation of the electric grid, as their usage can be reduced or shifted during peak usage periods, helping reduce costs. This collaboration between Fujitsu and Powertech Labs comes at a time when utilities are seeking innovative ways to accommodate new energy demands, such as electric vehicles and leveraging investments in smart grids.
The project is based on an OpenADR solution developed by Fujitsu, which will provide the solution as well as the architecture support to Powertech Labs. The team from Powertech will then be responsible for deploying and testing the solution against their test bed, showcasing a number of important use cases for the modern utility including electric vehicle growth and dynamic pricing.
OpenADR Background
OpenADR is an open and standardized way for electricity providers and system operators to communicate DR signals with each other and with their customers using a common language over any existing IP-based communications network, such as the Internet. As the most comprehensive standard for Automated Demand Response, OpenADR has achieved widespread support throughout the industry.1
Notes to Editors
1 Source: OpenADR Alliance: http://www.openadr.org/about-us
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About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 156,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.
About Fujitsu Americas
Fujitsu America, Inc. is the parent and/or management company of a group of Fujitsu-owned companies operating in North, Central and South America dedicated to delivering the full range of Fujitsu products, solutions and services in ICT to our customers in the Western Hemisphere. These companies are collectively referred to as Fujitsu Americas. Fujitsu enables clients to meet their business objectives through integrated offerings and solutions, including consulting, systems integration, managed services, outsourcing and cloud services for infrastructure, platforms and applications; data center and field services; and server, storage, software and mobile/tablet technologies. For more information, please visit: http://fujitsu.com/us and http://twitter.com/fujitsuamerica
About Powertech Labs
Powertech Labs Inc. is one of the largest testing and research laboratories in North America, situated in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Our 11-acre facility offers 15 different testing labs for a one-stop-shop approach to managing utility generation, transmission and distribution power systems. Outside of the utilities industry, Powertech provides routine testing capabilities, product development, research and consulting services to support an array of industrial-type operations, electrical equipment manufacturers and automotive original equipment manufacturers. www.powertechlabs.com
Fujitsu and the Fujitsu logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.
SOURCE Fujitsu America, Inc.
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