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On-Ramp Wireless Deploys Underground Distribution Automation PilotAug 13, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- On-Ramp Wireless, a developer of wireless solutions for energy automation, announced the results of its U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded field trials at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). In a release, the company noted that the DOE awarded On-Ramp Wireless and its project team members a $2.1M project to integrate and demonstrate its wireless network solution for below-ground distribution automation, including outage detection and distribution transformer monitoring. The demonstrated performance results prove that On-Ramp's solution exceeds DOE's stated 2016 Smart Grid Performance Target to improve System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), an important metric of electric grid reliability, by greater than 10 percent. The goal of the project was to leverage wireless network automation and information technology to optimize electric grid reliability, a critical national need. With a cellular-like network which was purpose-built for utility automation, On-Ramp's solution can service both powered and battery-operated sensors in below ground locations of the utility environment and across disparate geographies. The ability to support multiple applications like electric grid reliability, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and critical infrastructure monitoring enables the solution to deliver Smart Grid benefits. "The support of the DOE was critical to bringing together industry leading wireless and sensor companies to deliver a complete end-to-end solution," said Joaquin Silva, president and CEO of On-Ramp. "We are thrilled that our solution has demonstrated the ability to improve distribution grid performance and provide substantial cost savings which has a substantial utility and societal benefit. We look forward to implementing the solution with our utility customers and partners worldwide." More Information: http://www.onrampwireless.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |