Conservation Voltage Regulation/Reduction with AdaptiVolt™

Deploying AdaptiVolt™ technology to obtain the energy conservation benefits of Conservation Voltage Regulation (CVR) allows a utility to maximize its return on CVR investment over traditional or legacy Conservation Voltage Regulation methods.

• Real-Time end-of-line voltage monitoring and control assure adequate voltages to all customers.
• Maximum reduction in average system voltages is gained.
• Advanced algorithms reduce tap changer operations.
• Installed costs are as low as $250k per Average Megawatt (AMw)
• Energy conservation measured costs are as low as $.004 (4 mils) per kWh saved.
• Reduced system reactive power requirements may reduce the need for a utility to install capacitors.
• System peaks are reduced by 3% to 7%.
• Peak Demand Shaving and Dispatchable Demand Control are available with AdaptiVolt™ based Conservation Voltage Regulation/Reduction.
• AdaptiVolt™ technology is based on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment.

AdaptiVolt™ platforms can dispatch voltage-based demand control within seconds. They can also operate on the distribution system, 24 hours a day to achieve maximum energy savings or during selected time periods. Once deployed system wide, AdaptiVolt™ clearly enhances grid reliability and optimizes distribution automation.

What is the purpose of Conservation Voltage Regulation/Reduction?
The objective of CVR is to have the customer’s voltage at the lowest level consistent with proper operation of equipment and within levels set by regulatory agencies and standards setting organizations. ANSI Standard C 84.1 sets the range for voltages at the distribution transformer secondary terminals between 114 and 126 volts.

How has Conservation Voltage Regulation traditionally been practiced?
Historically CVR has been implemented using two different strategies. The first method is Line Drop Compensation (LDC) and the second is Voltage Spread Reduction (VSR). Some utilities use a combination of these strategies. These strategies require system studies and computer modeling of the system. They are engineering intensive, often requiring expensive load balancing, re-conductoring, and capacitor additions before a utility is able to implement them.

Benefits of AdaptiVolt™
The AdaptiVolt™ system allows utilities to begin obtaining the benefits of Conservation Voltage Regulation immediately without the high engineering costs or engineering manpower requirements of the other strategies. Not only does the AdaptiVolt™ system reduce energy usage, it provides system improvements as well. The cooperative benefits by implementing a positive energy conservation program while at the same time gaining the benefits of a data acquisition system.

The AdaptiVolt™ system can be used to manage costs by identifying and reducing system losses, verifying complex wholesale power bills, tracking system growth, planning for expansion and implementing predictive maintenance. The system can be used to support customers by reducing outages through outage management and improved power quality. The utility controls their energy conservation measures rather than allowing the customers to control the conservation efforts. Energy purchases can be reduced and the utility can implement demand control with the system. The AdaptiVolt™ system also allows the utility to verify system performance for regulatory agencies. And, because the AdaptiVolt™ system can be the basis of a SCADA system, remote supervisory control can be added to further reduce the utility’s operating costs.

For more information about CVR using AdaptiVolt™ systems, see Frequently Asked Questions.