DVI Awarded Patent for Volt/VAR Optimization

- Volt/VAR control methodology expands on previous voltage conservation patent
- Patent expands DVI's reach into integrated distributed generation, storage, photovoltaic, microgrids

RICHMOND, Va., June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Voltage, Inc. (DVI), a grid optimization subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D), today announced that it was recently awarded a patent related to its proprietary Volt/VAR optimization system — EDGE®, which is now being used by 12 electric utilities throughout North America.

The title of the patent issued on April 26, 2016 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is "Management of Energy Demand and Energy Efficient Savings from Voltage Optimization on Electric Power Systems Using AMI-based Data Analysis."

"This patent establishes a strong basis for controlling voltage through the use of line capacitors and regulators by using feedback from smart meters or other sensor networks," said Todd Headlee, executive director of DVI. "It recognizes that the EDGE® product family— Planner, Manager and Validator— creates a virtuous cycle, functioning as a comprehensive Volt/VAR optimization system."

"DVI uses actual premise-level readings to control voltages in real time, challenging model-based optimization schemes. In addition to the control of the line regulators and capacitor banks, this patent recognizes the approach of reaching deeper into the modern grid to include distributed generation, storage, photovoltaic and microgrid technology spaces," said Headlee.

The patent protects the methods, apparatus, system and computer programs used by DVI to provide the implementation of voltage control and conservation systems that minimize the losses in both the electrical energy delivery and energy usage systems. It also protects the validation and measurement processes associated with those methods.

To see how DVI's technology works, visit https://youtu.be/xSC8k0YXnnw.

DVI will be exhibiting its EDGE® products, including Planner, Manager, Analyzer and Stabilizer in booth #109 at the Greentech Media Grid Edge World Forum conference in San Jose, Ca. on June 21-23.

 

About DVI

DVI is a leading provider of grid analytics and control technology, providing solutions for energy efficiency, demand response, Volt/VAR control, and system reliability. DVI's patented approach plans, manages and validates utilities' grid optimization programs while delivering significant savings to both utilities and their customers (U.S. patents 8437883, 8577510, 9325174, 9354641 and other U.S. and international patents pending). For more information about DVI, visit www.dvigridsolutions.com.

Twitter: @DominionVoltage 
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About Dominion

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 25,700 megawatts of generation, 12,200 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,500 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 933 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 5 million utility and retail energy customers in 14 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

 

SOURCE Dominion Voltage Inc.

For further information: Janell Hancock, (804) 771-6115, Janell.M.Hancock@dom.com