Silver Spring Networks and Siemens Energy, a unit of Siemens AG, have announced the testing of Siemens SICAM substation automation unit, including SICAM 1703 pole-top RTU, Siprotec line of relays and 7SR recloser control, over Silver Spring Network's smart energy network. Silver Spring Network's smart energy network meets the critical requirements of a network supporting supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA).
This testing solidifies the interoperable design of Siemens and Silver Spring Networks products. As energy control and operation data become more valuable for daily analysis and real-time automation, leveraging this data for consumer and utility benefit is a strong focus for both Siemens and Silver Spring Networks.
Silver Spring Network’s secure, IP-based transport is compatible with protocols, such as DNP3 and IEC 61850. This high-density mesh network delivers ample bandwidth, low latency and ubiquitous coverage for distribution automation, advanced metering infrastructure and other smart grid applications. Leveraging a common network infrastructure significantly lowers both the capital and operational costs of implementing wide-scale distribution automation. The smart energy network also provides distribution automation traffic prioritization, easy deployment and maintenance and centralized network management.
“Siemens products continue to be the market leader in interoperability across various network topologies, and this work with Silver Spring is another great example. It brings continued confidence for Siemens customers that our products are designed to integrate seamlessly into their systems, for the long haul,” said Mike Edmonds, vice president, energy automation, Siemens Energy, Inc.
John O’Farrell, executive vice president of business development for Silver Spring Networks adds, “We are excited to be collaborating with Siemens, whose global reach and broad development activities are central to realizing the vision of the Smart Grid. We feel that the combination of both companies’ focus on open, interoperable systems brings world-class solutions to the utilities we serve.”
Silver Spring Network’s solution allows Siemens substation controllers and distribution automation devices to communicate across the network using protocols specified by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), ensuring a robust, upgradable path to the smart grid.
“Siemens’ unique ability to create solutions that fit into an existing grid, and grow with new developments and changes in the grid, make the automation solutions we’re delivering a strong strategic move. Enabling seamless communications is a key component, and we continue to deliver,” said Dave Pacyna, senior vice president of Siemens Energy’s North American Transmission and Distribution Divisions.
Siemens understands the complete energy conversion chain and is able to transform today’s grid into a living infrastructure that is smart enough to respond quickly, flexibly and comprehensively to society’s energy needs. Siemens also incorporates solutions for commercial and industrial applications as well as smart homes, including building automation, IT systems integration, advanced lighting technology and energy efficient appliances for a comprehensive smart grid solution.
Silver Spring Networks is a UK-based provider of smart grid network solutions.