Vertech worked in cooperation with Power & Process Engineers to design and install a wireless network using a combination of Ubiquiti 5MHz AirFiber broadband radios as a network backbone and Ubiquiti NanoBeam radios connected at each site. Some sites were also connected using VPN connections hosted by local internet providers. Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PLCs were installed at each site for monitoring and control, and an Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA system was installed to provide visualization, alarming, and data collection. Ignition also provided the interface to a Cal-Edison GridLink appliance that provided the request to shut equipment down. Upon receiving the request from the utility, Ignition notified operators via alarm message and graphical notification on the dedicated ADR Event screen before sending the command to shut down equipment out to each site. The utility request arrives 24 hours prior to the event to provide advance notice of an upcoming event.
Testing over a three-month period demonstrated the ability of the system to reduce power consumption an average of about 50% during CPP events. Authority operators retain the ability to override shut-downs to ensure delivery of water to residents. During one test in particular where water demand was not critical, the system shed 99% of load, and more than half of the events showed reductions greater than 80%. The SCADA system provides the Authority with the ability to centrally monitor all sites, and the equipment and software installed provides a platform for the Authority to add additional functionality as budget allows in the coming years.
