New S&C Solutions Optimize Smart Grid Performance and Efficiency

CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- S&C Electric Company, a smart grid leader shaping the future of power delivery, today, in conjunction with DistribuTECH 2013, introduces new smart grid solutions that improve the efficiency and performance of utility power systems. The additions to S&C's smart grid portfolio include new radios, controls and software that make it even easier to deploy and manage the latest grid-based technologies for intelligent power systems.

"Smart grid technology is essential for reliable and efficient power delivery, but as deployments of smart grid technologies expand, utilities need tools that will enhance the performance of these systems as well as reduce operating costs," says Mike Edmonds, S&C vice president—Strategic Solutions. "The latest additions to the S&C smart grid solutions portfolio improve the performance of a range of grid-based applications while streamlining set-up and operating procedures for these systems."

IntelliCom® DA Mesh Radios for Smart Grid Communication Systems

IntelliCom® DA Mesh Radios provide dependable, high-capacity, self-healing wireless mesh network communication for a broad array of utility automation applications such as self-healing systems, advanced SCADA and distributed energy management. IntelliCom DA Radios are well suited for these demanding smart grid applications, which require both high-speed and frequent updates of grid data.  The new radios offer a high throughput of up to 60 Mbps and a low latency of just 900 microseconds per hop—approaching the performance of fiber optics.

"Communication systems are important to enable true smart grid functionality, but no single communication solution can meet the requirements of every smart grid application," says Ken Monro, vice president—Communication Systems, S&C. "IntelliCom DA Mesh Radios provide an effective communication solution for one of the most difficult smart grid communication applications—distribution automation—while requiring significantly less time to get the needed communications up and running properly."

The new radios also provide reliable Ethernet connectivity with Layer 2 wireless mesh bridging, which greatly enhances fault isolation and circuit restoration speeds in distribution automation applications. IntelliCom DA Mesh Radios support multiple frequency bands on each radio as well as frequencies used in countries around the world.

IntelliCap® 2000 Automatic Capacitor Controls for Volt/Var Optimization

S&C's new communicating capacitor controls make it even simpler to deploy volt/var optimization solutions. IntelliCap 2000 controls provide a simple set-up process and offer a variety of control strategies, which streamlines deployment by minimizing the need for custom programming and configurations in a volt/var optimization system. IntelliCap 2000 provide high-accuracy analog inputs of 0.15 percent for increased accuracy in the overall volt/var optimization system, along with harmonic reporting up to the 23^rd harmonic. GPS for 1-ms accurate time-stamping and WiFi functionality to enable easy and secure field access are also available. 

"Volt/var optimization technology offer advantages that almost anyone can appreciate, from reduced energy costs to improved power quality. The new IntelliCap 2000 controls make it even easier to deploy and manage a comprehensive volt/var optimization solution by reducing system set-up time and by providing access to very accurate data," says Chris McCarthy, director—Automation Systems, S&C.

Next Generation Remote Setup Software for S&C DA Controls

S&C also introduces the latest version of its IntelliLink® Remote Setup Software, which is used with products including IntelliRupter® Pulseclosers and 6800 Automatic Switch Controls applied on automatic restoration systems. A revamped user interface makes it easier to configure devices remotely, access historical and real-time data and troubleshoot equipment. S&C enhanced the software screens to improve the set-up workflow and the data-entry process. IntelliLink Remote Setup Software also now includes support for multiple languages.    

"IntelliLink is an important software tool for helping to install and operate automation devices, and the latest version offers a more intuitive interface that will further reduce the time needed to perform these tasks," says McCarthy.

DEMO: Live Community Energy Supply Mitigates Impact of Intermittent Renewable Energy Generation

S&C is also demonstrating a live PureWave® CES Community Energy Supply at DistribuTECH this week. The PureWave CES is supporting real electric loads, and the demonstration shows how the CES can mitigate the impact of intermittent renewable energy generation on the grid to increase power reliability. S&C will also demonstrate how the PureWave CES is automatically connected to loads as a back-up power source in the event of a disruption on the power grid. All new products and solutions are on display at DistribuTECH at S&C's booth #1736.

About S&C Electric Company
S&C, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world's power grids and is thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of employee-owned S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid. Additional information about S&C is available at www.sandc.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Monica Charleston
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SOURCE S&C Electric Company