GridSync Smart Grid Solution introduced by ABB

The launch of GridSync wireless sensors has been announced by ABB, a major power and automation technology group at the ABB Automation & Power World 2010 conference. This conference is ABB's annual premier customer event which was held in Houston this year. Increased grid visibility and efficiency through VoltVar Optimization or VVO for the utilities will be possible with GridSync, which is a combination of sensors and wireless communications.

Smart Grid applications, including Volt Var Control also known as VVC, Demand Response, and Load Monitoring are provided high accuracy current, voltage and frequency information in real time by GridSync. The CVC-110ER extended-range combination current and voltage instrument transformer is utilized by GridSync to obtain highly accurate current and voltage readings from distribution feeders.

GridSync's remote terminal unit also known as RTU is then fed the real time data. With the help of wireless technology, this data is then sent to the utility for analysis, action, and integration into their Distribution Management System also known as DMS.

Vice President and General Manager for ABB's Power Products Medium Voltage instrument transformer factory which is located in Pinetops, North Carolina, Jon Rennie said that, "GridSync will allow our utility customers to make their distribution networks more efficient, reduce their generation needs, and reduce their operating costs. ABB is leading the way in both Smart Grid solutions, as well as other energy efficiency initiatives, and we are proud to contribute to these activities.'

Head of ABB's Power Systems division, Peter Leupp, explained that cables play a key role in the efficiency and reliability of long-distance power transmission. The demand for cables is being driven by the need to upgrade the existing transmission infrastructure in the US to provide grid interconnections and integrate more renewable power into the grid.

The company uses its power and automation technologies to enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. A new $90 million factory in the United States which would manufacture high-voltage land cables for power transmission, in both AC and DC applications is being planned by the company, with the site selection in progress. Over the past year, more than $1 billion has been invested by ABB in research and development.