Greentech Lead America: ABB has announced that Tropos Networks, a recently
acquired subsidiary of ABB, will supply a wireless communication network to
Kansas City Power and Light’s (KCP&L) smart grid demonstration project.
KCP&L’s demonstration project has received financial
support from a Smart Grid Demonstration Grant (SGDG) funded by the U.S.
Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Of the
program’s more than $49.8 million cost, $23.9 million is being underwritten by
SGDG funds.
Tropos Networks will supply wireless communications
network with advanced distribution automation features for the project. Tropos’
GridCom wireless IP mesh network will extend KCP&L’s IP network to
reclosers, capacitors and fault indicators in the field, providing direct
monitoring and control communications with substation-based distribution
automation controllers and the centralized distribution management system.
The project will help KCP&L optimize energy delivery
through active volt/VAR optimization and feeder load transfers.
ABB has paid more than $35 million in VC funds for
Tropos. ABB has incorporated Tropos into its network management business unit,
part of its North American power systems division. Both companies are doing
distribution automation together since 2009.
Earlier this year ABB
also bought Thomas &Betts, a manufacturer of low voltage products, for
$3.9 billion in January this year.
editor@greentechlead.com
