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Silver Spring Networks Debuts New Load Control Solution
[September 21, 2012]

Silver Spring Networks Debuts New Load Control Solution


Sep 21, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Silver Spring Networks, a networking platform and solutions provider for smart energy networks, announced a new load control solution providing utilities with fast Demand Response (DR) resources to help them reduce peak load and maintain grid reliability.



According to a release, Silver Spring's open, IPv6-based networking platform has connected more than 12 million homes and businesses worldwide and enables utilities of all sizes and across all geographies to deploy the broadest possible array of applications atop a common platform.

Silver Spring's Direct-to-Grid technology allows utilities to directly monitor and manage energy intensive assets such as air conditioners, electric heaters, water heaters, and pool pumps. With two-way communications capability, these new load control devices can be used to update legacy DR technology ahead of, or together with, advanced meter rollouts. Silver Spring's solution provides Direct-to-Grid, fast-DR without any need for existing AMI infrastructure. Load control switches from multiple manufacturers seamlessly integrate with Silver Spring's demand response solution, helping utilities deliver increased benefits and unlock more value from their smart grid investments.


"We are now expanding our demand response solution to enable utilities to easily modernize their existing direct load control programs and to significantly increase overall program benefits," said Matthew Smith, Senior Director, Demand Side Business, Silver Spring Networks. "Load control programs are vital for grid stability and our Direct-to-Grid technology is a major step forward in upgrading these programs with the latest award-winning networking technology." As part of the Silver Spring Partner Program, Silver Spring is working closely with Cooper Power Systems and EnTek to integrate its Gen4 Communications Module into their most advanced load control switches (the Cooper Power Systems LCR-6600-S and EnTek FC340-SSN). Silver Spring's Gen4 technology delivers increased data rates, with support up to 300 Kbps, enabling the devices to support increasingly demanding DR applications with rapid response requirements. With complete two-way communications, these devices deliver utilities real-time load shed verification data for better management of load control resources. The high connectivity rates afforded by the Silver Spring network assure utilities they can reliably reach high-value DR assets, maximizing the effectiveness of their load control programs. The load control switches also possess relay capability to strengthen the Silver Spring RF mesh, boosting performance for all smart grid applications.

"Customers are looking to leverage their existing investments to reduce peak load, ensure continued grid reliability, and expand their smart grid programs," said Mark Thurman, president, Cooper Power Systems, a division of Cooper Industries plc . "Working through the Silver Spring Partner Program, Cooper Power Systems and Silver Spring are combining the best of standards-based networking infrastructure with leading Demand Response technology to deliver customers the industry's most advanced load control solution." "Managing electrical load and ensuring grid reliability are crucial elements of utilities' smart grid strategies," said Glenn Davis of EnTek. "Integration of Silver Spring's two-way Direct-to-Grid networking technology with EnTek load control devices enables our customers to quickly and easily expand and modernize their load control programs." More information: http://www.silverspringnet.com/solutions/loadcontrol ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected]))

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