S&C and Tantalus Join Hands to Enable Grid Optimization and Rapid Self-Healing
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S&C and Tantalus Join Hands to Enable Grid Optimization and Rapid Self-Healing

CIO Review

ORLANDO, FL: Delivery of self-healing distribution automation applications is only possible if the network provides high throughput and low latency. But the performance levels expected by rapid self-healing grid applications are usually not delivered by the typically deployed AMI communications network. This implicates reduction in outages from minutes to seconds. In the same context, S&C Electric Company and Tantalus Systems have announced the formation of a strategic alliance to allow utilities to support grid optimization and rapid self-healing solutions through the incorporation of a powerful layered communication structure.

“The integration of Tantalus' TUNet AMI capabilities with S&C's SpeedNet high speed communications portfolio will deliver a network capable of supporting both grid optimization and rapid self-healing distribution automation applications, such as S&C's IntelliTeam SG Automation Restoration System. By combining our solutions with Tantalus, we jointly enable utilities to attack outage prone areas with cost-effective, layered communication network architecture,” said Donivon Hettich, Director, Grid Control and Connectivity, S&C.

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This alliance also opens up a lot of scope to innovate on. Grid optimization application such as Volt-VAR Optimization has been enabled as S&C approved the use of the Tantalus DA-1710 Bridge Modem in S&C’s IntelliCap 2000 Automatic Capacitor Control. Automating capacitor controls and voltage regulators by the utilities becomes easy. This in turn helps to reduce peak demand, maximizing the value from their TUNet AMI communications investments.

Furthermore, the integration of S&C’s SpeedNet portfolio of high speed communication solutions with TUNet communications gives another dimension to the capabilities. This integration enables S&C’s IntelliTeam SG Automation Restoration System to rapidly self-heal targeted areas of the distribution grid. The solution also features enhanced control and verification of self-healing functionalities.

Tantalus’ new Bridge Modem leverages TUNet’s distributed computing capability to extend support for the delivery of standardized DNP3 messaging across the TUNet AMI platform. This helps forging visibility and control to end-of-line Distribution Automation devices on the distribution grid. Users are benefitted with complete access to powerful grid optimization and rapid self-healing solutions.

Peter Londa, President & CEO, Tantalus remarked, "Tantalus continues to successfully deliver smart grid applications such as voltage optimization via SCADA integration and power status notification through the TUNet network.”

Source: S&C and Tantalus Forge Strategic Alliance to Enable Grid Optimization and Rapid Self-Healing Solutions for Municipal and Cooperative Utilities

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