Tantalus completes alpha tests on BTM data analysis platform

Smart grid tech developer Tantalus Systems has completed alpha testing for a new TRUSense Gateway solution, a behind-the-meter (BTM) data analysis platform, in the hopes of enabling utilities to solve the broadband divide.

The gateway was developed by leveraging the technology acquired in Tantalus’ acquisition of Congruitive, a smart grid management solutions provider, in February 2022.

The gateway aims to serve as a multi-purpose socket-based device that delivers secure and interoperable integration of Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) onto the distribution system.

According to the Canada-headquartered company, the platform is coupled with high-resolution measurement of power delivery, transient power events and local conditions such as sags, swells, outages and phase information. They cite this as enabling utilities to:

• Pinpoint vulnerable distribution equipment such as transformers
• Understand the impact of Electric Vehicles and other DERs on the distribution grid
• Build demand-side flexibility programmes
• Mitigate the frequency and duration of power outage

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Tantalus president and CEO Peter Londa, said on the solution: “Utilities are in dire need of a solution that will allow them to analyse and integrate data from EV chargers and inverters located behind the meter directly into mission-critical systems.”

Alpha testing included eight utilities and commenced in November 2022, validating key use cases, including:

• The integration of data from BTM devices, including EVs and DERs,
• Capturing and analysing granular power quality data to optimise the distribution grid and prioritise equipment and assets that must be upgraded,
• Tapping AMI 2.0
• Leveraging investments in fiber to accelerate deployment of broadband services

Added Londa: “Similarly, electric cooperatives and public power utilities are being called upon to solve the broadband divide by leveraging fiber deployments to ensure equal access to the internet across the country.

“By providing these capabilities, our TRUSense Gateway solution allows utilities to achieve new levels of resilience and reliability today while accelerating their goal of becoming a utility of the future.”