SMART GRID Itron Riva Distributed Intelligence Drives New Thinking for Smart Grid U tilities worldwide are increasingly operating in a ‘meter-to-grid’ mode by utilising smart meters as grid sensors and applying analytic applications – usually operating in the utility back office – to sift through this tsunami of data and gain new insights to improve grid operations and energy delivery. There are however limitations to this approach to analytics. The latency of the collected smart meter data, the inefficiency of bringing all the data back over the network for post hoc analysis, and the inability to act on it in a timely manner – limits the grid operations value that the data smart meters generate. This is particularly true for smart grid use cases that involve near real-time decision making about the flow of power, connecting and disconnecting things, and the coordinated interaction of assets and devices at grid’s edge in response to rapidly changing grid conditions. It is with these challenges in mind that Itron developed its new Itron Riva distributed intelligence platform; a game-changing technology platform that empowers the grid to make decisions and respond to changing conditions in real-time. By extending intelligence throughout the network, Itron Riva brings new approaches to solving today’s critical challenges in grid operations and delivers four core capabilities that enable this new approach to grid applications and analytics: Adaptive communications technology: Itron Riva fundamentally changes the game for grid communications. It does this by intelligently and continuously choosing the best communication path (RF/ PLC) and frequency modulation to optimise network reliability, performance and cost. Locational awareness: Itron Riva-powered devices always know where they are in relation to distribution system assets to provide unprecedented confidence and 50 precision in real-time automated grid operations. Robust computing power at an affordable price: Itron Riva’s computing power is equal to putting a smart phone in every edge device to crunch high-resolution data at the edge. This distributed intelligence drives localised and real-time management of changing grid conditions while optimising network efficiency. Multi-protocol platform to enable interoperation of devices: OpenWay Riva delivers a unified software platform that supports multiple application protocols. This enables diverse grid devices and assets to communicate and work together locally to solve problems and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost reduction. Itron’s unique ability to employ and coordinate edge computing, peer-to-peer communication, local broadcast, and real- time high-resolution data analysis within a dynamic environment of RF and PLCs, enables utilities to deliver on the broader promises of a smarter grid. Utilities can leverage the technology platform to provide new solutions in the following: Detection of high-impedance connections: Itron Riva provides a practical and cost-effective way of detecting unsafe conditions associated with high-impedance connections, faults and downed conductors that were very difficult to detect before. By continuously analysing voltage and calculating resulting impedance, Itron Riva detects and locates potential safety problems for proactive response and repair. Energy diversion detection: Itron Riva increases the timeliness and accuracy of diversion detection by continuously analysing the flow of current across the grid. Itron Riva’s distributed intelligence quickly identifies energy theft – including precise location, magnitude, and diversion type – so that investigative resources can be prioritised. Outage detection and restoration: Itron Riva delivers a more timely and accurate assessment of outage conditions and scope assessment. Peer-to-peer communications enable Riva-equipped meters and grid devices to communicate with each other to quickly determine outage size, scope and potential cause based on locational awareness and dynamic connectivity model. Transformer load management: Itron Riva protects distribution assets in the growing two-way energy market of distributed generation. Devices monitor power flows locally on both sides of the transformer and manage the bi-directional load in real time to ensure the rated capacity of the transformer is not exceeded. Intelligent demand response: Itron Riva transforms demand response events by averaging target load reductions within specific meter populations to achieve event goals. The distributed intelligence of Itron Riva segments meters to enable surgical reductions in demand, based on individual customer profiles and their ability to shed load. Itron Riva provides an opportunity to solve operational challenges in a way previously not possible with current or alternate methods. By applying robust computing power at or near the edge of the distribution system, Itron Riva delivers better insight from high frequency data, while simultaneously reducing the amount of data transported through the network. Itron’s ability to employ and coordinate distributed computing, peer-to-peer communication, local broadcast, and high resolution data within a dynamic environment of RF and power line enables Itron to deliver on the broader and more impactful promises of a smarter grid. ESI ESI AFRICA ISSUE 1 2015