$38m smart-grid project launches in Washington state
The communities of Pullman and Albion in Washington state are embarking upon a $38 million project to test and demonstrate the benefits of a smarter, more automated energy grid.
Being led by the energy company Avista Corporation, the project will feature technology from Tropos Networks and Itron. By automating part of the energy distribution system, Avista aims to increase system reliability and reduce outage time, incorporate renewable energy sources and provide customers with more tools and information to monitor their energy usage.
The project calls for the rollout of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), smart grid communications and distribution automation (DA) devices. Itron OpenWay smart meters have already been installed for Avista’s 13,000 electric and 5,000 gas customers. The meters will provide detailed energy usage data, outage detection and voltage monitoring. Itron’s meter data management solution will also provide software analytics to optimize distribution system reliability and efficiency in the area.
Itron’s cell and broadband routers will incorporate Tropos’ wireless broadband technology for smart-grid communications between meters and distribution automation devices.
The project will also extend real-time communications to DA devices providing centralized monitoring and control. By doing that, Avista expects to be able to take quick action to avoid or minimize power outages, as well as to determine which DA devices require maintenance or replacement. The DA portion of the project includes 20 capacitor banks and 800 transformers that will use Tropos’ GridCom wireless broadband network for communications.
The Pullman Smart Grid Demonstration Project is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project, led by Battelle, to expand existing electric infrastructure and demonstrate smart-grid technologies using matching stimulus funds from the US Department of Energy. Avista is leading the five-year Pullman Smart Grid Demonstration Project, and will contribute $14.9 million with its local partners contributing an additional $4 million.
