Itron : Expands Itron Riva with Smart Load Control
October 20, 2014 at 09:22 am EDT
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LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. - Oct. 20, 2014 - Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today the launch of its smart load control solution, which is among its Itron Riva edge intelligence technologies. The load control solution features IP-based control devices that communicate to intelligently control and optimize run times on high-energy-use systems, such as HVAC systems, hot water heaters and pool pumps. Thermostats, remote terminal units (RTUs) and agriculture irrigation pumps are also supported. The solution utilizes Itron's OpenWay smart grid solution, which features Cisco's IPv6 multi-application smart grid reference architecture. With processing power and advanced energy management algorithms at the edge using Itron Riva and Cisco's IOx fog computing platform, load control enables utilities to increase reliability and dispatch speed while decreasing operating and maintenance costs.
The solution is a part of Itron Riva, which supports sensing and control technologies and dynamic applications at the device level. With edge intelligence, the solution efficiently manages load across an entire service territory without human intervention. Distributed algorithms can bring hundreds of megawatts of load offline and online gracefully, without causing regulation issues. By applying intelligent cycling strategies randomizing event start and end times, and measuring results for predictable load shed and load shaping procedures, the solution allows utilities to manage load with confidence and realize the benefits of smart demand response at scale.
Itron's OpenWay smart grid solution enhances the value of the solution by offering flexibility in communications options, including Cisco IPv6, cellular, Wi-Fi and ZigBee communications. The OpenWay network's proven performance ensures reliable and robust connectivity for critical load control communications,
"As our utility customers face the challenges of aging infrastructure and increased demand, load control has become increasingly important," said Jeff Carkhuff, vice president of global solutions marketing for electricity at Itron. "We are pleased to announce our smart load control solution, which will help our customers reduce system peak demands and lower the cost of power supply."
Itron, Inc. provides energy, water, smart city, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and intelligent infrastructure services. The Company operates in three segments. The Device Solutions segment primarily includes hardware products used for measurement, control, or sensing. Its Networked Solutions segment primarily includes a combination of communicating devices, network infrastructure, and associated head-end management and application software designed and sold as a complete solution for acquiring and transporting application-specific data. Its Outcomes segment includes its value-added, enhanced software and services, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in which it enable grid edge intelligence and manage, organize, analyze, and interpret raw, anonymized data to improve decision making. It is also engaged in embedding real-time, high-resolution grid edge data into the grid planning, operations and engineering process. Its solutions include technology, software and services.
ITRON, INC. 
