Intelligent Infrastructure Deployment Using WiFi Technology, with Cyber Security, to Deliver a Robust Broadband Monitoring and Control Network
This presentation will detail an intelligent infrastructure system that is based on a 10 Gb Cisco Ethernet Fiber installation that lifts up data from substations to a WiFi mesh network. The information travels via the local area neighborhood’s WiFi and is linked to WiFi enabled meters capable of supporting Zigbee. 

This system is being developed in order to control demand, shift load from peak periods, match load to generation and provide for ancillary services associated with load following and contingency reserve obligation to the local balancing authority. The system also provides outage data to an outage management system and associated voice response unit, as well as web applications for improved customer notification during outages. Additional benefits include isolation of inefficient buildings, distribution automation, improved system monitoring and load studies using high capacity TCP IP mesh networks with state of the art cyber security and remote meter reading and remote connect/disconnect. 

Fredric Fletcher, Assistant General Manager • Burbank Water and Power 
Have PDF & Video

Cutting Costs - Designing Your Own Custom Remote Monitoring RTU
A typical remote monitoring adapter consists of a small imbedded industrial computer, additional auxiliary I/O, and a cellular modem. Since these systems can cost upwards of $2,500, Midwest Technology Ventures partnered with a local engineering college to develop a smaller and lower cost unit, (less than $1,000) that would provide a full feature set for remotely monitoring equipment.

The system incorporates an electric module containing RF components and a processor found in a standard “smart phone” purchased from a cell phone manufacturer. The presentation will show how the module was incorporated into a circuit board and packaged to industrialize the device. Finally, the speaker will describe how students wrote software to implement Modbus communications protocols, collect data, buffer data, and transmit the data via cellular data services to a remote server.

This presentation will also cover the many issues encountered while designing and implementing the unit. These included basic RTU design needs, FCC radio requirements, and certification/compliance from cellular carriers. The before and after versions of the RTU will be displayed and the presenter will also show live monitored data from remote sites where the monitoring units are currently located. Cost comparisons, including the costs of development for the custom unit will be described.

Richard Lamb, President • Midwest Technology Ventures
Have PDF

Trends in Substation Automation, Control Center Operations and Field Automation for the World’s Electric Utilities
Newton-Evans Research Company will provide a synopsis of highlighted findings from the company’s major 2008 global studies of substation automation and control center SCADA operations. Both of this year’s research studies have encompassed current issues, including cyber security for NERC CIPS compliance, communications protocol usage, and overall smart grid investment focus for utilities located in more than 50 countries. Coverage of additional remote monitoring and control functions, such as FDIR (fault detection, isolation and service restoration) being performed by electric utilities, the subject of additional research studies, will be included in the presentation.

Chuck Newton, President • Newton-Evans Research Company
Have PDF & Video

Leveraging the ZigBee Wireless Standard for AMI Networks
This session will offer a unique perspective on the successes, pitfalls, opportunities and challenges present in AMI systems today. It will draw on the cumulative experience of actual real-world in-home and around-the-neighborhood deployments. Utilities, regulators and metering equipment suppliers will leave this session with a better understanding of how to leverage ZigBee standard technology for successful AMI / HAN projects.

Bob Gohn, Vice President • Ember Corp.
Have PDF

Smart Wireless Communications for SCADA Operations
One of the country’s largest electric generation and transmission cooperatives makes the decision to replace its aging communications infrastructure with a real-time broadband communications platform. In order to replace a patchwork of analog systems with a single converged communications backbone that offers high-bandwidth, low-latency, security, operational efficiency and the ability to remain “always on” in the most rural and remote parts of the country, the coop selected a wireless carrier which provides access to the 700 MHz spectrum. The speaker will discuss how an electric grid was transformed into a “smart grid” through the implementation of a standards-based, frequency protected, high speed and routable IP network.

John Rasweiler, VP of Engineering and Network Operations • Arcadian Networks
Have PDF