Overview

This completed project resulted in an advanced design of a prototype distribution remote terminal unit (DRTU) that is modular in design allowing easy and low cost expansion of functionality. The design leverages an existing platform by CCET member National Instruments.

The DRTU is part of an ongoing "Smart Grid" focus on development, demonstration, and commercialization of instrumentation devices for electrical power distribution feeders. This effort is part of the CCET vision of a "smart-grid" distribution system. The "smart-grid" distribution system requires distributed instrumentation devices, software, and communications systems.

RTUs can provide operational status and general situational awareness about the system and can assist in the location of faults and restoration of service. Advanced functionality could also provide information about the health of the system and provide advance warning of impending failures. This information can enable improved reliability, lower operation and maintenance costs, and improved safety for crews and customers.

Although the DRTU project ended with the design stage, National Instruments has continued product development and is now testing several units on CCET member systems.

Status: Design completed in 2008.