Itron Introduces Distributed Intelligence Enabled Applications to Optimize Capacity at the Grid Edge

Rhea-AI Summary

Itron, Inc. introduces Active Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring applications to help utilities manage the impact of distributed energy resources on the distribution grid. These first-of-its-kind applications provide real-time visibility into transformer performance, enabling utilities to optimize capacity, extend transformer life, and improve grid efficiency.

Insights

Energy Industry Analyst

The introduction of Itron's Active Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring (ATLM/ATVM) applications represents a significant advancement in the management of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the distribution grid. As utilities grapple with the integration of DERs such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and residential solar panels, these applications offer a much-needed solution for real-time transformer performance monitoring.

From an industry perspective, the ability to analyze data from service points and provide real-time transformer loading and voltage statistics is crucial. It allows for more efficient grid operation by enabling utilities to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they lead to transformer overloads or outages. This proactive approach can lead to a reduction in maintenance costs and extend the operational lifespan of grid infrastructure.

The integration of DERs is a growing trend and the demand for such solutions is likely to increase as more utilities seek to enhance grid reliability and accommodate the growing prevalence of renewable energy sources and EVs. The potential cost savings from reduced maintenance and operational efficiency improvements could be substantial, thereby positively impacting a utility's bottom line.

Renewable Energy Expert

The rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) presents both challenges and opportunities for the energy sector. Itron’s ATLM/ATVM applications are poised to address the challenges by providing enhanced grid edge visibility and control. This is particularly relevant as the adoption of solar power and electric vehicles continues to accelerate.

With the increasing severity of transformer overloads due to DERs, utilities must be able to manage hosting capacity constraints effectively. The ATLM/ATVM applications facilitate this by enabling utilities to prepare for and adapt to these changes in energy consumption and generation patterns. The historical data archived by the applications can also be instrumental in planning and forecasting for future grid developments.

Furthermore, the environmental benefits of such technology cannot be understated. By improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for physical infrastructure checks ('truck rolls'), there is a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions associated with grid maintenance. This aligns with broader sustainability goals within the energy industry and supports the transition to a more renewable-centric energy system.

Technology Implementation Specialist

The technical aspect of Itron's ATLM/ATVM applications involves advanced distributed intelligence (DI) capabilities, which are critical for the real-time monitoring and communication of transformer load and voltage data. The use of DI-enabled meters and the Location Awareness application exemplifies the practical application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology within the utility sector.

The ability to leverage peer-to-peer capabilities for scalable real-time information dissemination is a testament to the advancements in grid technology. The use of standard APIs for data access is also a significant feature, as it allows for seamless integration with existing utility systems and applications, facilitating ease of adoption and interoperability.

As utilities increasingly rely on digital solutions to manage complex grid operations, the technical robustness and reliability of such applications become paramount. The ATLM/ATVM applications' threshold-based alarms and real-time data capture capabilities represent a move towards more autonomous grid management systems, which can lead to enhanced decision-making and operational agility.

New Novel Real-time Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring Applications Help Utilities Plan for and Manage the Impact of Distributed Energy Resources on the Distribution Grid

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, is introducing its Active Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring (ATLM/ATVM) applications which give utilities more visibility into the low-voltage distribution grid enabling them to optimize capacity and resolve issues, therefore extending the usable life of transformers.

These distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled, first-of-its-kind applications are part of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio. As the grid becomes increasingly complex due to the adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs), including electric vehicle (EV) charging and residential solar generation, utilities benefit from real-time awareness of transformer performance. Without ATLM/ATVM applications utilities lack real-time visibility of asset performance at or below the transformer.

The ATLM/ATVM applications analyze data from service points to calculate transformer loading and voltage statistics in real-time and relay information and events to utilities through DI-enabled endpoints. The greater visibility provided by ATLM/ATVM enables utilities to quickly identify and anticipate transformer loading and voltage issues.

The ATLM/ATVM applications leverage the direct peer-to-peer capability of Itron’s DI-enabled meters along with the Location Awareness application that provides an accurate picture of the connectivity between a utility’s meters and transformers. This enables real-time information on distribution transformer voltage and loading at scale which is made available through a standard API. In addition to capturing real-time data from the transformer, the application generates configurable threshold-based alarms to notify the utility operator of issues or problems associated with a transformer. Furthermore, historical data is archived and made available to the grid operator through APIs. With more visibility and control at the grid edge, utilities can better manage the integration of intermittent loads with the rising energy demand.

Benefits of ATLM/ATVM for Utilities and Cities:

Beyond monitoring distribution transformer loading and voltages in real-time without the need for dedicated transformer sensors, ATLM/ATVM offers many additional benefits.

• Low-Voltage Grid Insights: Increased awareness of how distributed energy resources impact the grid in near real time to help improve grid efficiencies.
• Transformer Lifespan Extension: With visibility into loading and voltage statistics, utilities and cities can better identify transformers that are overloaded, balance out the power flow and extend their useable life.
• EV and Solar Readiness: As solar generation and EV deployments rise, the severity of overloads increases. Insight into the effects of these DERs can help utilities prepare for the hosting capacity constraints on the grid and help speed the approval of new interconnection requests.
• Unplanned Outage Reduction and Enhanced Operational Efficiency: ATLM helps with decreasing customer outages by reducing the number of premature transformer failures driven by overloading conditions that have historically been unmonitored. ATLM/ATVM insights can also be used for phase balancing, leading to operational efficiency improvements.
• Reduced Costs: With proactive identification of problems, utilities can reduce truck rolls for transformer analysis and conserve resources like fuel.

“Solar energy plays an important role in Tampa Electric’s future – and our present. About 10% of our energy mix comes from the sun, up from zero in 2013 and growing rapidly. With several solar options for our customers, harnessing the power of the sun allows us to deliver the most solar per customer in Florida,” said John Peurrung, director of OT, AMI, Lighting & Meter Services at Tampa Electric Company. “To help monitor our transformer loads and voltages in real-time without the need for dedicated sensors, we are deploying Itron’s ATLM/ATVM applications. This will help us to ensure our solar generation and deployment improves grid efficiencies.”

“Without the right tools, it can be difficult to optimize capacity at the grid edge. For example, without real-time grid insights, if too many electric vehicles are charging under the same transformer at the same time, the transformer could be overloaded or its lifespan could be dramatically reduced, causing outages and costly upgrades. With our DI solution, utilities can optimize capacity at the edge of the grid efficiently and cost effectively. Taking advantage of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, utilities can prolong the life of their transformers and delay the need for infrastructure updates,” said Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron. “By leveraging ATLM/ATVM within our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, customers like TECO Energy have more control at the grid edge so they can better manage the increasing rise of solar generation and EV deployments.”

To learn more about ATLM/ATVM, visit Itron booth #2200 at DISTRIBUTECH International from Feb. 27-29, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

About Itron

Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.

Itron^® is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

Additional Resources

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• Newsroom: www.itron.com/company/newsroom
• Blog: https://blogs.itron.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240227913607/en/

Itron, Inc.

Alison Mallahan

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

509-891-3802

PR@Itron.com

Paul Vincent

Vice President, Investor Relations

512-560-1172

Investors@itron.com

Source: Itron, Inc.

FAQ

What are Itron's Active Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring applications?

Itron's Active Transformer Load and Voltage Monitoring applications provide utilities with real-time visibility into transformer performance to optimize capacity and extend usable transformer life.

How do ATLM/ATVM applications help utilities?

ATLM/ATVM applications help utilities quickly identify and anticipate transformer loading and voltage issues, enabling better management of distributed energy resources impact.

What benefits do ATLM/ATVM applications offer for utilities and cities?

ATLM/ATVM applications offer benefits such as increased awareness of grid impact, extended transformer lifespan, preparation for EV and solar deployments, reduced outage and operational costs.

Why are ATLM/ATVM applications considered first-of-its-kind?

ATLM/ATVM applications are considered first-of-its-kind due to their distributed intelligence-enabled features providing real-time transformer performance data and insights.

How do ATLM/ATVM applications help in reducing costs for utilities?

ATLM/ATVM applications help in reducing costs by proactively identifying problems, reducing truck rolls for transformer analysis, and conserving resources like fuel.