Utility Applications & Services

Within this overall framework, IGSolutions’ utility services generally fall into three categories:

1. Distribution automation services that monitor and control the equipment on the power distribution grid and the electric lines themselves;
2. Customer and facility automation services that extend the reach of monitoring and controlling the customers energy use; and
3. SmartHome applications that deliver communication services directly to the utility and their consumer(s).

Outage Reporting and Management

As the Smart Grid communication signals are carried over the power grid, any changes and/or interruptions in those signals become indications of potential faults in the power lines themselves – Should such a fault be identified, IGSolutions then alerts the client utility and dispatches the relevant repair crews directly and immediately from the IGSolutions' Network Operations Center.

Substation Monitoring

IGSolutions designs and installs sensors primarily to record temperatures, voltages and currents on the major forms of equipment found in client utility substations – These sensors automatically report faults and allow the equipment to be controlled and switched; and, when and where abnormal conditions are discovered, the utility can quickly dispatch repair crews and make repairs accordingly.

Recloser/Air Switch Monitoring

The combination of IGSolutions’ ability to isolate faults on the grid through the Smart Grid networks outage reporting capability and the use of reclosers/air switches that are placed on the distribution grid allows sections of the grid to be isolated and taken out of service until the cause of the problem is discovered and resolved –This remote methodology reduces potential damage to the grid and also allows for very rapid problem-identification and resolution.

DSM and Energy Efficiency Programs

Demand side management (DSM) and energy efficiency programs are generally subscriber-based programs that use AMR meters, integrated thermostats, and individual circuit or load control mechanisms – Generally speaking, these measures allow utilities to reduce customer power use during peak demand time frames. Limiting peak power consumption allows utilities to avoid and/or limit their investments in building excess capacity in their transmission and distribution grids and also reduces their need to purchase or generate expensive spot power in response to those peak demands. Ultimately this process lowers the strain put on both facilities and equipment during peak power demands.

To satisfy IGSolutions' client needs in this energy management arena, IGSolutions uses the Smart Grid network to track, monitor and control individual and collective customer loads that are needed to manage the utility clients' power. This program revolves around a smart meter gateway that connects to communicating thermostats and controllers, each capable of turning off high demand appliances like hot water heaters and pool pumps when necessary.

Energy Storage

The use of energy storage systems on the electric distribution grid offers a number of valuable advantages to the client utility and its end-user customers. The energy storage systems can first be tied to sources of renewable power, especially solar and wind, and then capture that power when available and discharge it when needed or during peak demand periods. IGSolutions designs and installs energy storage systems for homes, commercial buildings and utilities that store from 2.5kwh up to 250kwh of energy – These units are then connected through the power grid and Smart Grid network to IGSolutions' NOC using GridEYE to manage the pool of stored energy resources and make them available as needed.

Automatic Electric/Gas/Water Meter Reading

Smart Grid networks provide an ideal solution for automatic meter reading (AMR) programs by which energy use is measured in small intervals, usually at 15-minute intervals or less, throughout the day – This information is then communicated across the Smart Grid network to specialized IGSolutions' servers that collect key information, display real-time and historical usage by consumers, and transfer all pertinent data to the client utility’s billing/revenue systems. AMR has become one of the mandates of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and more than 76% of all utilities are now in the midst of planning or implementing such systems; in this regard, IGSolutions can deliver either new meter or retrofitted metering systems that also connect gas and water meters to electric meters.

Capacitor Bank Monitoring

IGSolutions provides a valuable service to client utilities to help stabilize their distribution grids by switching in capacitor banks that balance between maintaining voltage and preventing VAR losses. Each capacitor bank is equipped with a commercially available IP-based switch which is connected through the Smart Grid network to IGSolutions’ NOC where servers automatically shift to capacitor banks in response to ongoing voltages and electric current dynamics.

Video Surveillance

Protecting the widely dispersed distribution grid from disruption and vandalism has become extremely critical for IGSolutions’ utility clients; in this regard, IGS’ video surveillance tools and capabilities play a large role in helping client utilities comply with Industry Standards and protect their assets.
 
IGSolutions’ IP cameras can be mounted in substations along critical grid runs within and around vital facilities and/or almost anywhere the utility client requests. These cameras can also be directly connected to the Smart Grid network with live, real-time video streams/transmissions to specialized video servers at IGSolutions’ Network Operating Centers.

Related Ancillary Services

In addition to the core functions outlined above, IGSolutions also offers a wide range of supplementary and complementary services to its client utilities, including the following:

• Fiber and network management services
• Consumer SmartHome management
• Internet access via wireless networks
• Home and commercial communication packages
• Home and commercial security offerings and management
• Telecare home remote monitoring for the elderly market
• Street light and traffic light monitoring and management
• Critical equipment and environmental monitoring services