Aclara Introduces Highest Performing Network for Electric, Gas and Water Utilities

Aclara®, a world-class supplier of smart infrastructure technologies to utilities, introduces the Synergize® network, a fully integrated solution for gas, water and electric utilities that offers the best performance and the lowest cost of ownership of any network in the industry

“The launch of the Synergize network is part of our strategy to enable a true smart infrastructure environment for any utility, whether gas, water, electric or combination. The network provides the information utilities need to understand and respond quickly to problems on their distribution networks,” said Allan Connolly, president and CEO of Aclara.

The centerpiece of today’s announcement is the Synergize RF electric network, which builds on the highly successful STAR® RF protocol and point-to-multipoint architecture for gas and water utilities. However, the Synergize RF electric incorporates features to meet the unique requirements of electric and combination utilities, increasing range and bandwidth while reducing latency.

Plus, the Synergize RF electric network is by far the lowest total cost of ownership solution in the market today. Over a 15-year period total cost of ownership is estimated to be approximately 35 percent less than mesh systems.

As a result, the network meets the rigorous requirements of today’s smart-grid applications, providing a complete network solution for any electric or combination utility looking for the best advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart distribution solution.

The Synergize RF electric network offers industry leading features which are designed to optimize utilities’ capital and operating savings while delivering high reliability and customer satisfaction. The array of performance parameters includes:

Improved range.  The network operates on the FCC part 90, 450-470 MHz band, providing 6 dB better range than 900 MHz systems, and delivering higher efficiency and lower costs to the utility.

Lower latency.  At 50 milliseconds, latency on the Synergize RF electric network is half that of other point-to-multipoint systems and significantly less than the latencies of mesh systems.

Better read rates.  The Synergize RF system delivers read rates of up to 228 kbps compared to 128 kbps for other point-to-point systems and 38.4 kbps for mesh networks, optimizing capital and operating savings.

Redundancy.  The Synergize RF electric network offers the security of consistent, redundant data collection. This minimizes the chance of lost readings, resulting in more accurate information and improved network performance.

In addition to offering a complete RF network, the Synergize network brings together all the elements of Aclara’s comprehensive network product offerings, including its Metrum Cellular® LTE and its TWACS® power-line communications solutions. All of these communications technologies are controlled through Aclara’s iiDEAS® single headend platform.

Aclara’s headend software provides analysis and control, making AMI data easily accessible and actionable. It samples, stores and correlates data from many sources to deliver valuable insights that influence demand, service quality and performance, and improves customer satisfaction.

“The Synergize RF electric network completes what is already the industry’s most comprehensive product line for collecting and analyzing data from electric AMI and distribution networks,” said Todd Ellis, product manager for the Synergize RF electric network. “With features and functions that surpass any other RF electric solution in the market, it provides the best value in the market today, bar none.”

The Synergize network continues Aclara’s leadership in bringing smart infrastructure solutions to utilities. These solutions represent a new horizon for utilities, enabling them to not only collect data via remote sensors located throughout their network, but also interpret the information to optimize performance, mitigate potential problems and ultimately improve both economic and environmental factors.

Source: Aclara

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