Efacec ACS’ Integrated Volt/VAR Control Tools Meet Increased Demand for Delivery Efficiency

Dec. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- ATLANTA — Efacec Advanced Control Systems (Efacec ACS) is addressing an increased demand for Volt/VAR optimization among utilities with tools that calculate efficiency savings faster and more accurately than ever before. A pioneer in distribution automation since delivering one of the industry’s first fully-integrated large scale DMS/DA solutions nearly fifteen years ago, Efacec ACS’ Interactive Volt/VAR Control (IVVC) tools maximize distribution efficiency through coordinated control of all voltage and VAR devices.

“We’re making it very easy for utilities to see exactly how much they can reduce energy losses and optimize efficiency,” said José Barbosa, Efacec ACS CEO. “Our IVVC application enables utilities to optimize the voltage profile along the feeder under all loading conditions, while also minimizing the reactive power losses.”

Efacec ACS’ solution also offers a powerful model-based simulation tool that quantifies the efficiency that can be gained from IVVC. XpertSimTM can simulate at high speed a full year of system operation to show expected savings -- helping utilities quantify the return on investment for optimization initiatives.  It has been integrated into programs at various stages of evaluation and deployment, including projects for Avista Utilities and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).

Efacec ACS offers a true model-based application for Volt/VAR optimization, which uses a three-phase unbalanced load flow to provide a more robust and effective solution than offerings based on scripted rules or auto-adaptive methods of control. When combined with XpertSim, utilities can identify potential efficiency gains prior to implementation, then use the same tool to verify the savings once the system is in place.

“In today’s economy, utilities need powerful, accurate tools to maximize efficiency and the return they get on their investment in distribution automation,” said Barbosa. “The IVVC solutions from Efacec ACS are smarter tools that deliver superior accuracy and speed.”

The IVVC solution is available as a component of Efacec ACS’ PRISMTM Advanced DMS or as part of its CentrixTM feeder automation platform.


About Efacec Advanced Control Systems
Efacec ACS is a provider of smart grid solutions to the global electric power industry. The Efacec ACS software suite provides integrated distribution and outage management, simulation, optimization, and enterprise business intelligence. Our automation product lines include a wide range of flexible and cost-effective substation, distribution, and feeder automation solutions. Efacec ACS is powering the utility of the future – today. For more information, visit www.efacec-acs.com.

CONTACTS:
Nancy Broe
Media Relations
The McDonnell Group, Inc.
nancy@themcdonnellgroup.com
404-583-0003

Delores Edwards
Marketing Communications
Efacec Advanced Control Systems, Inc.
delores.edwards@efacec.com

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