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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov 18, 2005 -- BUSINESS WIRE
Avistar Inc., a research and development subsidiary of PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM), and utility industry leader Siemens have agreed to develop a system that could help utilities prevent leaks of one the most potent known greenhouse gasses and automate aging electric substations. The Avistar system accurately detects SF6 leaks in electric substations using a complex algorithm that analyzes pressure and temperature and calculates the number of SF6 molecules present in storage tanks. Avistar has applied for a patent for the algorithm. Siemens initially expressed its interest in the project because of the technology's environmental benefits as well as its planned use of wireless communications technology as a means of delivering SF6 data collected at the substation to PNM's computer network. Under the agreement, Siemens has committed to providing a gateway device that would receive raw data from Avistar's SF6 detection system and integrate the data into PNM's computer system. Siemens views the Avistar approach to collecting and delivering sensor data as a potential route to automating older substations without requiring expensive and invasive retrofits. If successful, the technology could allow numerous other functions at substations throughout the world to be remotely monitored at a reasonable cost. "Substations are very expensive assets, and when utilities build them they expect them to provide service for many, many years," said David Pacyna, CEO of Siemens Power, Transmission and Distribution Inc. "The trick is to find an inexpensive way to automate aging substations so they can work with modern computer and communication systems." Though used in small quantities, SF6 has a global warming potential that is 23,900 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period of time. Leaks are rare, but effectively detecting and preventing them has clear benefits for the environment, as well as for improving system reliability and performance through reduced maintenance costs and the prevention of costly equipment failures. Avistar focuses on developing innovative technology solutions that improve operational efficiencies for the energy industry. The company leverages its relationship with sister utility company, PNM, as a test bed for developing new technologies, such as the SF6 sensor system. "We are proud to be working with a company like Siemens, a proven technology leader," said George Rhodes, chief operating officer of Avistar. "The potential benefits of this project to both the environment and to the bottom lines of utility companies are significant." Avistar and Siemens have entered into a memorandum of understanding in which the companies will seek to enable up to eight SF6 sensors equipped with wireless communications at one of PNM's substations, allowing PNM to remotely monitor SF6 storage tanks for leaks. Avistar and Siemens will pay the cost of the test system. The goal is to create a marketable, wireless SF6 on-line monitor and communications system for retrofit into the utility market. If successful, Avistar will license the technology to Siemens, allowing Siemens to manufacture and market the system to other utilities in the United States and worldwide. About Avistar Inc. Avistar Inc. develops innovative technologies for the energy industry, focusing on proprietary hardware and software solutions that address critical plant operational and reliability issues. Avistar's technologies include the About-Phase, a phase-detection tool; Mutual Inductance Bridge (MIB) NDT system; and Reliadigm, an advanced reliability analysis software package. Avistar is a wholly owned subsidiary of PNM Resources. SOURCE: Avistar Inc. News Provided By |
