Germantown, Md., March 24, 2010 — RuggedCom and Current Group will collaborate to deliver integrated smart grid infrastructure and advanced applications for distribution automation.
The integrated solution will enable electric utilities to improve the reliability and efficiency of the distribution grid, speed integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, and reduce technical losses and total load of their distribution system in a timely, more secure and more cost-effective manner.
Through this collaboration, electric utilities will be able to quickly adopt smart grid capabilities by combining RuggedCom’s utility grade IP-based communication networks which include the RuggedMAX family of utility grade WiMAX IEEE802.16e compliant broadband wireless products with Current’s intelligent sensors, OpenGrid utility element management system, and System Optimization and Reliability analytical software solutions.
“We are seeing an increasing number of electric utilities around the world choosing WiMAX for multiple applications as part of their smart grid solution” said Elik Jaeger, Vice President, RuggedWIRELESS.
“Utilities are faced with increased pressure to improve distribution system performance and efficiency while at the same time assuring they invest in technology that is reliable, secure and scalable to handle the business needs of today and the increasingly demanding needs of an emerging energy paradigm,” said Current CEO Tom Casey. “Current’s technology solutions are communications agnostic and allow us to partner with leading communications solutions providers such as RuggedCom whose market growth in the energy sector is a leading indicator of where utility communications are going. We believe WiMAX is one of the communications solutions utilities may consider and we are pleased to be able to offer an integrated solution to those customers.”
This collaboration will leverage the core experience of both companies to deliver key building blocks for an IP-enabled smart grid and provides electric power utilities process information securely, reliably and in real time.
Current Group, LLC delivers intelligent solutions that optimize the distribution system and offer utilities new ways to monitor and manage the health of the grid. Through Current’s distribution sensing, monitoring, and analytical technologies, utilities are better able to understand, predict and respond to system disturbances and faults, identify where inefficiencies are, and enable the smartest possible sourcing and distribution of power.
RuggedCom is a provider of communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments.
RuggedCom’s technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters, software and professional services.
