Siemens and Silver Spring Networks Announce Distribution Automation Interoperability for the Smart Grid
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23 -- Siemens Energy and Silver Spring Networks announce the successful testing of the Siemens SICAM substation automation unit, including SICAM 1703 pole-top RTU, Siprotec line of relays and 7SR recloser control, over Silver Spring Network's Smart Energy Network. As the premier products in Siemens' line of automated controls for the utility grid, this testing solidifies the interoperable design of Siemens and Silver Spring Networks products. As energy control and operation data become more valuable for daily analysis and real-time automation, leveraging this data for consumer and utility benefit is a strong focus for both Siemens and Silver Spring Networks.
Silver Spring's Smart Energy Network meets the critical requirements of a network supporting SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). Silver Spring's secure, IP-based transport is compatible with industry-standard protocols, such as DNP3 and IEC 61850. This high-density mesh network delivers ample bandwidth, low latency and ubiquitous coverage for distribution automation, advanced metering infrastructure and other Smart Grid applications. Leveraging a common network infrastructure significantly lowers both the capital and operational costs of implementing wide-scale distribution automation. The Smart Energy Network also provides distribution automation traffic prioritization, easy deployment and maintenance and centralized network management.
"Siemens products continue to be the market leader in interoperability across various network topologies, and this work with Silver Spring is another great example. It brings continued confidence for Siemens customers that our products are designed to integrate seamlessly into their systems, for the long haul," said Mike Edmonds, Vice President, Energy Automation, Siemens Energy, Inc.
John O'Farrell, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Silver Spring Networks adds, "We are excited to be collaborating with Siemens, whose global reach and broad development activities are central to realizing the vision of the Smart Grid. We feel that the combination of both companies' focus on open, interoperable systems brings world-class solutions to the utilities we serve."
Silver Spring Network's solution allows Siemens substation controllers and distribution automation devices to communicate across the network using industry standard protocols specified by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), ensuring a robust, upgradable path to the Smart Grid.
"Siemens' unique ability to create solutions that fit into an existing grid, and grow with new developments and changes in the grid, make the automation solutions we're delivering a strong strategic move. Enabling seamless communications is a key component, and we continue to deliver," said Dave Pacyna, Senior Vice President of Siemens Energy's North American Transmission and Distribution Divisions.
Siemens understands the complete energy conversion chain and is able to transform today's grid into a living infrastructure that is smart enough to respond quickly, flexibly and comprehensively to society's energy needs. Siemens also incorporates solutions for commercial and industrial applications as well as smart homes, including building automation, IT systems integration, advanced lighting technology and energy efficient appliances for a comprehensive Smart Grid solution.
The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2008 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR22.6 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR33.4 billion and posted a profit of EUR1.4 billion. On September 30, 2008, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 83,500. Further information is available at: http://www.siemens.com/energy.
Silver Spring Networks is a leading Smart Grid solutions provider that enables utilities to achieve operational efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and empower their customers with new ways to monitor and manage their energy consumption. Silver Spring Networks provides the hardware, software and services that allow utilities to deploy and run unlimited advanced applications, including Smart Metering, Demand Response, Distribution Automation and Distributed Generation, over a single, unified network. SSN's Smart Energy Network is based on open, Internet Protocol (IP) standards, allowing continuous, two-way communication between the utility and every device on the grid. The company has successful deployments with leading utilities in the US and abroad, including Florida Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, Inc., Jemena Electricity Networks Limited and United Energy Distribution, among others. In 2008, the World Economic Forum honored Silver Spring Networks as a Technology Pioneer.
For additional information, please visit www.silverspringnetworks.com.
Source: Siemens Energy
CONTACT:
Monika Wood, Media relations,
Siemens Energy - Power Distribution Division,
Mobile +1-407-455-2076,
monika.wood@siemens.com;
Kate Guerin for Silver Spring Networks,
Mobile, +1-860-810-5657,
GuerinK@ruderfinn.com,
PR@silverspringnet.com
Web Site: http://ww1.energy.siemens.com/energy/en
