The network is part of Avista’s Smart Circuits Project planned for the Spokane service area that will reduce energy losses, lower system costs, increase reliability, and enhance the utility’s ability to integrate distributed renewable generation resources, the company said.
In addition, the project is targeted to provide energy savings of 42000MWh and a reduction in carbon emissions of 14400 tons annually.
The implementation of Tropos’ GridCom mesh network system will deliver communications between substation controllers and grid devices such as reclosers, switches and faulted circuit indicators. Avista will be able to pinpoint faults in its distribution network, improving system reliability, Tropos said.
In addition, the GridCom distribution area network will enable distribution automation devices to report the location of faults and gives the utility the ability to dispatch line crews to the site.
Avista chose the GridCom wireless distribution area network based upon its open standards-based, scalable architecture; its multi-layer security (including FIPS 140-2 and NERC CIP); and its centralized management.
According to Tropos, GridCom provides Avista with a foundation upon which to build additional applications, such as AMI, demand response, distributed generation, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other smart grid applications in the future.
Avista’s Spokane Smart Circuits Project was chosen by the Department of Energy to receive the matching grant in Washington State, totaling $20m. Avista will contribute $22m for a total planned project investment of $42m.
The overall project includes the deployment of a distribution management system, intelligent end devices and a communications network along 59 distribution circuits and 14 substations.
