Aclara Energizes the Industry by Expanding Power Sensor Product Line for 48kV Sub-Transmission Networks

Increased Visibility to Improve Reliability and Uptime for End-Customers

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Aclara, a leading supplier of smart infrastructure solutions (SIS) to electric, gas and water utilities worldwide, today announces the expansion of its grid monitoring platform power sensor product line that operates on sub-transmission networks up to 48kV to increase visibility beyond the distribution network.

The inductively powered smart grid sensors offer accurate detection of faults and transient events as well as a wide range of measurement capabilities such as current, power factor, phase angle and real-time voltage within 0.5%. These capabilities support diverse applications such as fault detection and location, Volt/VAR optimization, power quality monitoring, power flow modeling, bi-directional power flow for distributed generation, and monitoring of substations and network interconnections.

Simple solutions for collecting real-time data from sub-transmission networks, which cover large territories as they convey power from major transmission lines to regional distribution substations, are critical today because many smart grid applications alter the voltage and load profiles of circuits. Circuits that are fed from multiple sources of generation and have a limited number of sectionalizers make it much more challenging for field personnel to quickly identify the location of faults.

With the ability to monitor lines up to 48kV, this addition to the product line offers a simple turnkey solution with unmatched functionality at a fraction of the cost of alternative approaches used by operators to monitor sub-transmission lines. Inductive powering, integrated measurements and wireless communications eliminate the need to install separate RTUs and provide 120v power.

"Aclara is offering sensors for our 46kV and 35kV systems that will provide us valuable information to help provide better service to our customers, improve reliability, and provide visibility into these critical systems as part of our grid modernization effort," said Eric Clement, Supervising Engineer, Minnesota Power. 

In the UK, where sub-transmission circuits are often fed from multiple sources, the availability of the next-generation power sensor has simplified the process of identifying the direction of faults for UK Power Networks. Prior to deploying this new generation of power sensors, the utility discovered faults by first "walking the line" to identify their causes. If no visual evidence of a fault was found, each line segment was tested independently to identify the source of the fault, a process that sometimes took several days.

"Aclara Power Sensors can be used on 33kV networks to improve reliability, reduce the duration of supply interruptions by directing linesmen to the most likely fault locations and to monitor power flow, current and voltage, providing improved network visibility. We are regularly reviewing Aclara power sensor data as part of UK Power Networks' overall quality of supply improvement program and hope to make more strides in improving the reliability of our distribution networks," said Peter Lang, Project Manager, UK Power Networks.

"The sub-transmission market is one of the most overlooked segments of the electric utility industry. There are presently limited solutions available to serve it, and those that are available tend to be expensive, cumbersome, time-consuming to install, and may require field calibration. There is a need for an easy-to-install, inexpensive alternative like Aclara's power sensor, especially to accommodate distributed energy resources," said Kumi Premathilake, senior vice president of advanced metering infrastructure for Aclara.

Pricing and Availability
Aclara Power Sensors are available now. For pricing or more information, please contact info@aclara.com.

About Aclara

Aclara, now part of the Hubbell Power Systems family of brands, is a world-class supplier of smart infrastructure solutions (SIS) and services to more than 1,000 water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Aclara SIS offerings include smart meters and other field devices, advanced metering infrastructure and software and services that enable utilities to predict and respond to conditions, leverage their distribution networks effectively, and engage with their customers. Aclara won a Frost & Sullivan Global Smart Energy Networks Enabling Technology Leadership Award in 2017 and was named a finalist in three categories of the Platts Global Energy Awards in 2016. Visit us at Aclara.com, follow us on Twitter @AclaraSolutions or read our blog.

About Hubbell Power Systems

Hubbell Power Systems, Inc. (HPS) is a subsidiary of Hubbell Incorporated and an international manufacturer of quality transmission, distribution, substation, OEM and telecommunications products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction and electric, gas and water utility applications. With revenues of $1.1 billion, HPS operates manufacturing facilities in the United States and around the world. The headquarters is located in Columbia, South Carolina.

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