Washington firm develops smart grid device

Sunday, 05 July 2009 22:22

The Allyn Technology Group (ATG) of Allyn, Washington has developed a device it believes will become a cost-effective smart grid solution for local utilities that lack the big bucks required for the deployment of extensive advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The group is currently testing the device that it says will encourage energy conservation. The tests are being conducted at several locations in the area including the North Mason Chamber of Commerce.

The new device is capable of providing an “energy profile” of appliances located within a home or business. At the chamber of commerce, the energy used to heat water is profiled on a daily basis. The building’s managers then look to the profile for insights into how the hot water heater can be used more efficiently to save energy and money.

ATG’s prototype can also remotely turn appliances on and off. Using a wireless connection, officials at the Mason County Public Utility District (PUD) could cycle the power on and off to the chamber’s water heater to reduce demand for energy and lower the monthly bill. Chamber officials can override the remote access of the system with the push of a button should it prove to be an inconvenient time for the water heater to be cycled off.

The system could also be deployed on a much larger scale with the local community. Participating homeowners could allow the PUD to turn off all the water heaters within a neighbourhood during a time of critically high demand, such as during the hottest days of summer. Such a practice could prevent a catastrophic blackout from occurring when the demand for power exceeds the capacity of the power grid.

“It’s a smarter use of the power grid, and we’re glad to be part of the project,” said Frank Kenny, president and CEO of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. “We’re helping prove the concept...millions of dollars could be saved by smartly controlling energy usage.”

“The technology exists today for homeowners and businesses owners to take a proactive role in saving energy,” said Fred Barrett, president and CEO of Allyn Technology Group. “People want to be green and given an opportunity, will almost always choose the environmentally friendly option. Our new device allows people to do the right thing and save money. It can even protect appliances from the power surge that can occur after a power outage.”

Allyn Technology Group has named the device the DCM-937 Wireless Demand Control Management Solution. The group developed it after a utility asked them to find a way to reduce the frequency of peak demand occurrences without the deployment of an expensive smart grid infrastructure. Utilities benefit from the DCM-937 with enhanced control and the ability to send messages over mobile phone networks.

The group has been engineering innovative new products for years but this is the first one to enhance energy efficiency. Previously the company has developed shipping container tracking systems for the Department of Homeland Security. Allyn Technology Group also offers Internet access for the local community along with business intelligence services and product marketing.

Allyn Technology Group
201 East Country Club Drive
PO Box 1289
Allyn, WA 98524
http://www.allyntech.com

North Mason Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 416
Belfair, WA 98528
http://www.northmasonchamber.com

Mason County Public Utility District
P.O. BOX 2148
Shelton, WA 98584
http://www.masonpud3.org