Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management System

Introduction
In todays dynamic, ever-changing, Utility Companys environment across the
United States, the inevitability of deregulation has brought to light the need to
focus and place an emphasis on system efficiencies, costs reductions, power
quality, and overall profitability. Mergers and acquisitions abound, and due to the
climate of the industry as a whole, many Utility Companies are performing
economic evaluations and studies to see where changes can be made to achieve
these goals. More often than not, Volt/VAr Management and Distribution System
Automation are rising to the top as decidedly hot topics for consideration.
The focal point for Volt/VAr management/control tends to be at the distribution
level, and generally contains automation of some sort. At the distribution level,
there are several major system components that can affect the management of
volts and VArs. These components, in no particular order, are; load tap changing
(LTC) transformers, load tap changing (LTC) line regulators and capacitor bank
controls (pole top and substation step bank), all of which can lend themselves to
automation. In any good assessment/evaluation of a Volt/VAr Management
System all of these components must be considered individually as well as
collectively to ascertain the most efficient, viable method of control.
Substation capacitor banks, both at transmission substations, as well as at
distribution substations, are there to handle base load requirements. The
discussions herein will therefore be confined to switched pole top cap bank
applications and their controls, which are used to offset the varying VAr
requirements on a day to day basis.
Capacitor Banks
Capacitor banks are certainly the most effective way to offset system load VAr
requirements and reduce current throughout the system. Fixed and switched
capacitors banks are used as a means to solve the age-old problem of supplying
leading VArs, and offsetting lagging VArs in the distribution system. Capacitor
banks are located on distribution feeders, distribution substation busses, and
transmission substation busses, all in an effort to thwart this problem.
Switching control of these banks varies in nature from any number of localized
controls that base their operation on voltage, current, time, temperature, VArs, or
any combination thereof, to manual/remote control via SCADA or radio, and even
to automatic/remote control via SCADA or radio. Application methodology varies
from simplistic to intricately complex. Each operating philosophy has advantages

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

and disadvantages to evaluate for optimization of system performance, and each

technology has its associated costs.
Having the ability to add or remove capacitance at the point in the circuit closest
to the reactive load requirement seems to make the most sense and therefore,
pole-top capacitor banks tend to be the preferred mechanism. Being able to
automate this function seems also to be a natural desire. Being able to do both
cost-effectively, seems to be an impossibility using traditional methods. The
underlying truth of the matter is that none of the present solutions actually
perform the task at hand with any real efficiency without being nearly costprohibitive.
Load Tap Changer (LTC) Transformers and Line Regulators
LTC transformers are typically used to control the secondary voltage coming out
of a substation (in our example, the distribution substation). Tap changer line
regulators are typically used to regulate the voltage further down the feeder with
respect to the theoretical load center, but have also been used in conjunction
with fixed transformers at the substation in place of a LTC transformer. The tap
changer controls for both LTC transformers and line regulators have run the full
spectrum of the controls world, from analog to digital, with and without
communications, and all combinations thereof, in between. Generally, these
types of controls are set at a desired voltage level with an allowable variance. If
the voltage goes outside the allowable variance (also referred to as bandwidth), a
correction to the voltage is made after some set time delay (typically 15 to 60
seconds) through the LTC mechanism.
Although the latest technology in the newer digital controls calculates and
communicates Watt and VAr information, decisions of tap change time and levels
are not affected by these quantities except as they impact line drop
compensation (LDC).
Innovation Vs. Traditional Practice
The system operation example below describes an Autodaptive Volt/VAr
Management system that innovatively forms a cooperative interaction between
pole-top capacitor bank controls and the voltage regulation controls on the LTC
transformer or tap changer line regulator in the distribution system. All of the
controls mentioned below, forming the system, use patented automatically
adaptive algorithms, and are not dependent upon external communications to
achieve timely efficient and effective switching of capacitor banks. Using controls
with adaptive algorithms has resulted in; reduced system losses, reduced
number of tap change operations, and the ability to increase equipment loading
by reducing currents and voltage variations in the lines and transformers.

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Operation Example
Probably the best and most decided way to explain the Autodaptive systems
approach is by example. Refer to Figure 1, Typical System Configuration. In this
typical configuration/scenario, our model utility has integrated a full Autodaptive
Volt/VAr Management System (AVVMS). An Autodaptive Transformer Control
(ATC) utilizing VAr Bias has been installed at the substation, and Autodaptive
Capacitor Controls (ACCs) have replaced older controls on the feeder circuits
associated with the substation transformer. Line regulators, located along the
feeders, have had Autodaptive Regulator Controls (ARCs) retrofitted and, this
utility even has disbursed generation at the end of one feeder. Quite the broad
spectrum, but very typical.
System operation is normal and the feeders are running along fine with normal
cyclical load profiles that are, as anticipated, i.e. daytime peak load/night time low
load.

ACC #1

ACC #2

ACC #3
ARC

M-2667
ATC

ACC #4

ACC #5

ACC #6
ARC

ACC #7

ACC #8

Co-Gen

ACC #9

ACC #10

ACC #11
ARC

Figure 1. Basic System Configuration (typical)

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Refer to Figure 2, Event Map. NOTE: Details in the following operation example
are referenced at or around the red analytical cursor seen in the historical data
file. The historical data file, also referred to as the event map, shows a four-week
segment of recorded field data downloaded from the ATC at one of the regularly
monitored sites.
Evening time cooling and reduced commercial/residential load begin to effect the
load profile. Substation secondary bus VArs begin to go leading and the voltage
at the bus, as well as on the feeders, continues to creep up. As the VArs begin to
slowly inch toward leading and the secondary voltage at the substation begins to
rise, the LTC transformer, seeing this voltage increase, wants to make a LOWER
tap change to bring the voltage back into bandwidth.
At the same time, out on the individual feeders, the ACCs are slowly timing
towards an OPEN switch operation in an effort to switch cap banks off-line and
reduce the site voltage. The ACCs have a slower time constant than the ATC at
the substation, and subsequently, havent operated yet.
The Autodaptive Transformer Control, as mentioned earlier, has a feature called
VAr Bias, (represented by the bottom data lines on the Historical data graph)
which is actively measuring the quadrature current magnitude (the VAr level).
When the VAr Bias measuring circuit sees the VArs go excessively leading
(based on magnitude above a programmed band edge), it gives a command (VAr
Bias RAISE signal) to the ATC control which raises the band center by,
effectively, one bandwidth. The ATC executes the RAISE command in
accordance with its configuration and its algorithm.
The ATC, now having a new operating parameter (a higher band center), no
longer wants to initiate a LOWER tap change operation to lower the voltage
because all parameters are within the new bandwidth, and it continues along its
merry way allowing the line voltage to continue creeping up. As the line voltage
continues to creep up, the voltage setpoint and the associated bandwidth of the
Autodaptive Capacitor Controls is being exceeded by an even larger voltage
difference which speeds the rate of timing toward an OPEN switch operation.
The ACCs were nearing an OPEN on their own, but having been biased into
operation, now decide to take cap banks out of the system to reduce the
measured voltage and they do so according to their algorithm.
With the voltage reduced, the VAr requirement of the circuit becomes once again
satisfied and the VAr Bias signal is removed from the ATC. With the VAr Bias
signal removed, the ATC band center is returned to the normal setpoint.

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

In this particular event map of the data, the VArs do come back within acceptable
limits as a result of the removal of the cap banks down-stream. However, the
voltage continues to be slightly out of the 1-volt bandwidth, and the tap changer
control (ATC) does indeed take a tap change down. None-the-less, as can be
seen by the data, tap change operations are at a minimum (averaging less than 2
tap changes per week).

Figure 2. Event Map

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

VAr Bias Timing

A little more about VAr Bias. Refer to Figures 3 and 4.
VAr Biass controlling variable is the measured quadrature load current. VAr Bias
works to maintain an overall lower VAr load on the transformer by influencing the
capacitor controls to operate in advance of when they would have normally
operated, were they stand-alone controls. The trick is in the timing.
Any time the measured quadrature load current deviates from the band center,
the integrating timer (designated G) is counting, slower within the bandwidth of
operation and much faster outside the band edges. Integrating timer G is
counting in an effort to match the value in a register (designated G).

Square Law
Integrating
(Incrementing)

Square Law
Integrating
(Incrementing)

Integrating
Linear
Decrementing

-Error VAr
(accumulating
values of G)

Integrating
Linear
Decrementing

BandCenter

+ Error VAr
(accumulating
values of G)

Figure 3 Time Characteristic Curve

Threshold
Values of G'

Upper Bandedge
+3/4 C size

Lower Bandedge
-3/4 C size

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

The band edges of the VAr Bias operating bandwidth are determined by the
maximum capacitor bank size on the line.
Where:

VAr Lower Band edge = (-3/4 C size) and,

VAr Upper Band edge = (+3/4 C size).

Outside these band edges, the control increases the integrating timer G by an
integrating square-law function based on the capacitor size, and it does this
every 100msec.
The calculation is expressed in its simplest form as:
G = G + [(quadrature load current C size x 256) / 50mA]2
Within the band edges, the control decreases the integrating timer G by a factor
of 1024, again, every 100msec.
Expressed as:

G = G (G / 1024)

Where: G = Targeted value in the register that G must accumulate to in order to

cause band center to shift.
Integrating timer
G increases

VAR Upper
Bandedge

Bandcenter

VAR Lower
Bandedge

Integrating timer
G is cleared and
VAR Bias is
removed

Figure 4. VAr Bias Characteristic

NOTE: If at any time the measured quadrature load current crosses over the
VAr Bias band center and goes beyond the opposite band edge, Integrating timer
G is cleared and VAr Bias is removed.

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Everything up this point involving the ATC and its VAr Bias signal development,
is for the sole purpose of biasing/influencing the operation of the circuit ACCs.
VAr bias influences the operation of the ACCs such that, by switching cap banks
earlier to fine tune the feeder voltage, we have, as an end result, flattened the
voltage profile, provided VAr regulation, and have reduced the overall number of
tap change operations at the substation control, as well.
Next question, How does the ACC do its job?
Autodaptive Capacitor Controls
ACCs adapt their operation automatically, to three inter-dependent
parameters/criteria; the average voltage at the site, the bandwidth of the control,
and capacitor bank switching frequency.
Average Voltage
The first parameter the ACC adapts itself to, is the average voltage at the site.
The ACC has two modes of operation, the averaging mode and the fixed voltage
setpoint mode. Both modes will be discussed.
Average Mode
In the Averaging Mode, the internal average voltage tracks toward the
measured voltage. After the first switching operation, (a CLOSE), the average
voltage becomes the known reference voltage. From this point on, the control
uses this reference voltage for the basis of all calculations. The ACC calculates
its average voltage over a weeks time period to use as its band center reference
voltage for comparison to the measured voltage.
Fixed Voltage Setpoint Mode
If the control has been programmed with a fixed voltage setpoint for operation,
the ACC does not seek out, or perform the calculation for the average voltage at
the site. Instead the fixed voltage setpoint becomes the controls permanent
reference voltage from which all calculations are made. Fixed voltage setpoint is
extremely useful if the feeder circuit to which the ACC is being applied does not
have sufficient capacitance to achieve unity power factor. An independent control
in the average mode will flatten the voltage profile at the site but, because of the
lack of sufficient capacitance, the voltage profile will be below unity. Using the
fixed voltage setpoint can force the capacitor banks on more than just 50% of the
time, optimizing their use, and bringing the voltage profile closer to unity.

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Bandwidth
The fundamental operation of the ACC is predicated on a bandwidth (using
traditional terms) operating around the reference voltage. Developing this
bandwidth requires a measurement of the delta V (based on the impedance at
the site and the size of the cap bank) when the cap bank switches. Due to the
fact that switched cap banks take varying times to operate; the ACC reads the
voltage just prior to a switch, makes the switch, waits 15 seconds, and then
measures the voltage again. The 15-second wait time is to allow sufficient time
for the line voltage to ring out. In this manner, an accurate measurement of the
delta V is made. It is this measured delta V that sets up the effective bandwidth
for control operation. To insure consistency in the bandwidth, a recursive
average of the last eight switch operations is performed.
Switching Frequency
The third criteria the ACC adapts to is the capacitor bank switching frequency.
The control monitors and stores historical data. One bit of information it looks at
is the number of times the control operated in a 24-hour period. It references this
information, comparing it to a truth table of sorts, and using its conclusions there,
makes adjustments to the internal threshold for timing. In other words, if the ACC
switches between 1 and 4 times in its 24-hour reference period, the timing
threshold is not adjusted, because the control is operating the way it is intended
to. If the ACC switches more than 4 times, it adjusts its timing threshold upward
in an attempt to reduce the number of daily switch operations. Likewise, if the
ACC switches less than 1 time per 24-hour reference period, it adjusts its timing
threshold downward in an attempt to switch more often.
ACC Normal Operation
The reference voltage of the control tracks the measured voltage. When a switch
operation occurs, the reference voltage changes by the bandwidth value and in
the same direction as the voltage change. In other words, the ACC monitors the
line voltage and by virtue of what the voltage is doing, sees that the line requires
more capacitance to support lagging VArs. When the switch operation does
occur, the reference voltage changes by the established bandwidth (typically less
than 2 volts) in the upward direction, to mimic the CLOSE (add more
capacitance) command, and raise the voltage.
Upper and Lower Voltage Limits
The ACC has programmable upper and lower voltage limits. The limits are
factory defaulted at 114Vac and 126Vac, based on a 120Vac factory defaulted
center voltage. These limits may be set at any levels by the customer, provided
there is a minimum of 6Vac difference between the two limits.

Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

The reference voltage tracks the measured voltage until a switch operation
occurs. When a switch occurs, the reference voltage changes by the entire
bandwidth value and in the same direction as the voltage change. Should the
measured voltage reach the upper voltage limit (UVL) and the bank is closed, the
ACC will open the bank in one second. Should the measured voltage reach the
lower voltage limit (LVL) and the bank is open, the ACC will close the bank in one
second. Reference Figure 6.

UVL = +5%
above reference
voltage

Bandwidth =
Av. change in
Meas. Voltage,
last 8 switch
operations

LVL = -5% below

reference voltage

Figure 6. Bandwidth Characteristic and Voltage Limits

To further explain autodaptive operationWhen the measured line voltage is

below the internal reference voltage, the ACC is timing towards a CLOSE output,
provided the cap bank is open. If the cap bank is already closed, no timing will
take place. When the measured line voltage is above the internal reference
voltage, the ACC is timing towards an OPEN output, provided the cap bank is
closed. If the cap bank is already open, no timing will take place.
Since the prior discussions have broached the subject of timing, a more thorough
discussion of the timing algorithms must be addressed.
ACC Timing
In paragraphs above, we have mentioned the progression of time towards a
switch operation. The timing circuit of the ACC is, in essence, a non-linear
integrating timer that adjusts the progression of time towards a switch operation
based on a comparison of the difference between the measured line voltage and
the internal reference voltage. The larger the difference between the two
quantities, the faster the timing progresses to a switch operation. Likewise, the

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

smaller the difference between the two quantities, the slower the progression of
time to a switch operation.
Throughout normal operation the ACC timing circuit is continually counting. The
timing circuit of the ACC is looking to match an accumulated value of this counter
(designated H) to an adapted threshold value (designated H). H and H are
actually data value locations within the microprocessors RAM and are utilized as
part of the timing circuitry and are effected according to the associated algorithm.
Fundamentally, when the values in both data locations match, a switch operation
is initiated.
The algorithm for timing is given in the following example:
The default setting from the factory for H is 800. If the measured line voltage was
122Vac, and the internal reference voltage was 120Vac, the ACC would be
timing towards an OPEN switch operation. The ACCs progression of time
towards a switch operation is based on the equation:
H = [ 128 x (measured V reference V) / (ULV reference V)]2
Where:

ULV = Upper Limit Voltage

Therefore, substituting the aforementioned values, we have,

800 = [ 128 x (122-120) / (126-120)]2
Thus:

800 = 1.22 minutes

When timing to a CLOSE switch operation the associated equation is similar,

substituting the UVL with the LVL value:
H = [ 128 x (reference V measured V) / (reference V LLV)]2
Where:

LLV = Lower Limit Voltage

The calculations for timing are performed every cycle. The timing characteristic
graphically depicted is shown in Figure 7 below.

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00
Bandcenter,
Average or Fixed Voltage
Customer Set
Lower Voltage
Limit

Customer Set
Upper Voltage
Limit

Band Edge

Band Edge

Timing
Rate

Timing
Rate
g
tin
en ting
em ra
cr g ng
in nte imi
i t

- Delta V

decrementing
linear
timing

decrementing
linear
timing

Bandwidth

g
tin
n
g
e
m atin
e
cr gr g
in nte min
i ti

+ Delta V

Figure 7. M-2501ATime Characteristic Curve

Conclusion
In and of themselves, the products (ACCs, ATCs, and ARCs) are selfsubstantiating in as much as they are efficient, effective system controls. Applied
correctly, they can create tremendously synergistic overall systems effect that
dramatically improves performance and power delivery to the end customer. In
doing so, voltage, VAr and Pf profiles are improved. By improving these profiles it
goes without saying current is reduced and subsequently losses throughout the
distribution system are saved in real dollars or as added system capacity which
may even defer capital expenditure for expansion. Because the system requires
no human intervention, operating costs are reduced as well as engineering costs.
Additionally, maintenance costs are saved due to the dramatic reduction in the
number of tap changer operations.
Lets take a look at a typical model that uses real, existing field data and apply it
to real word conditions and see just how much might be saved by implementing
an Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management System.

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Economic Evaluation Model

Introduction
Utilities all over the country are doing economic evaluations on newly installed
equipment to help determine overall bottom line effectiveness and to determine
payback and return on investment for their shareholders. Recently, the quality of
delivered power at the customer has been all the rage and Volt/VAr Management
Systems have risen to the forefront. One progressive, forward-thinking Utility
Company, utilizing an Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management System, performed
such an economic evaluation of their new system and their example yielded the
following results.
In any evaluation some assumptions must be made when all variables are not
quantifiable. In this particular case, the following assumptions were made.
1. Total system losses = 8%
2. All losses are not reduced by the installation of distribution pole
top capacitor banks. Estimation was made that portion of the
total losses that were effected by the installation of the ACCs
was 1% of the total 8%. Seemingly conservative.
3. The utility has been using ACCs for many applications and has
consistently addressed the power factor problem. It was
estimated that they have already saved approximately 75% of
the available savings or % of the total losses. The estimated
additional savings that could be attributed to the further changeout of equipment to the Volt/VAr Management System would be
the remaining %.
Given these basic assumptions, they looked at four categories of savings; losses,
reduced maintenance, deferred capital expenditure, and operating cost.
Losses Savings

Annual Load =
35,000 GWHr/yr.
Total System Losses @ 8% =
2800 GWHr/yr.
At $0.05/KWHr, the losses =
$140,000,000/yr
Working on the second assumption, 1% of the total 8% an effective
real losses probability =
$17,500,000/yr
Working on the third assumption, 3/4 already saved $13,125,000,
and 1/4 still yet to save with further changeout of equipment =
$4,375,000

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Maintenance Reduction Savings

There are approximately 400 LTC Transformers installed at this Utility and their
maintenance interval is 15 months based on the number of tap changer
operations. Therefore,

Maintenance Costs = 4 man-days @ $43.75/Hr. =

cycle/transformer
Total Annualized Maintenance Costs =
Estimated reduction in Tap Change Operations =
Estimated Annualized Maintenance Savings =

$1400/maint.
$448,000/yr
50% to 75%
$225,000

Deferred Capital Expenditure Savings

In this calculation estimate we make the assumption that 5% of the upgrade or
replacement of existing power transformers is the result of utilizing the
Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management System.

Estimated Time Value of Money Annualized = 8%

5% of the 400 transformers @ $300,00 net ea. =

$480,000/yr

We also make the assumption additional Generation will be required for new load
growth at 5%/yr, and that % of the losses associated with the new generation
would be saved as a result of utilizing the Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management
System. Therefore:

5% load growth at an estimated cost of new generation @

$800/KW multiplied by % =
$400,000/yr.
Total Deferred Capital Expense Savings =
$880,000

Operating Costs Savings

The Utility estimated their annual cost of engineering and field personnel time for
cap bank control setting changes for seasonal and system changes is
approximately $500/control. Since the ACC needs no adjustments but rather
adapts itself to seasonal and system changes, a subsequent operating cost
reduction per unit would be realized after initial installation.

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Investment Consideration
The Utility considered investment in a new project to continue the controls
upgrades. Project costs considerations broke out as follows:

Install 400 ATCs =

$900,000
Replace 1000 old cap bank controls with new ACCs = $600,000
Install 150 additional new distribution
cap banks with ACCs (labor incl.) =
$1,020,000
Total Project Costs =
$2,520,000

Overall economic impact analysis and return on investment (ROI) study showed;
if the Utilitys new project were implemented, the annual savings of the new
project, plus the other annual savings combined, would bear the following
annualized saving results.

Total savings from losses =

Total Reduction in Maintenance Costs =
Total Deferred Capital Expenditure =
Total Operating Costs Savings (assuming 1000
new ACCs installed in the new project) =
Total Annualized Savings =

$4,375,000
$225,000
$880,000
$500,000
$5,980,000

With annualized expected savings of $5,980,000 and New Project costs of

$2,520,000 a very respectable ROI of less than 1 year could be realized.
Of course these calculations will vary from Utility to Utility depending upon their
costs, their previous VAr management strategy, and their overall system
configuration. Nonetheless, annualized savings as well as a relatively short ROI
for new investment can be achieved.
As is readily apparent, the majority of the overall savings (from all categories) is
associated with the installation of the ACC control on the distribution pole top cap
banks. It should be noted that the ACCs can be/are, without a doubt, standalone devices. The utilization of the full system, however, will definitely optimize
the Volt/VAr management results.

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Summary
The first priority of any Volt/VAr Management System is to provide quality power
at the customers end. This quality is effected by both the method of voltage
control on the tap changers and regulators, and by the VAr flow on the
distribution system. The Autodaptive Volt/VAr Management System can quantify
this measurement of power quality by monitoring and controlling the Voltage
Regulation Quality Factor (VRQF).
The second priority is the control of the VAr flow through the distribution system
as limited by the number of distribution line capacitors and substation bus
capacitors available. This can be accomplished if the full implementation of the
system is employed including the ATCs and/or ARCs.
A third priority would be to accomplish priorities 1 and 2 above while reducing the
total number of tap changes (LTC and Line Regulator) and thereby reduce the
field maintenance associated with these devices. It should be noted that field
testing of all these controls (ACC, ATC, and ARC) has shown a significant
reduction in the number of tap changes as compared to the number of tap
changes provided by conventional controls. Generally, 50% to 75% in the
number of tap changes is typical. In some recorded field data we have seen tap
changer operations reduced by as much as a 32 : 1 ratio when integrating the full
system.
Undoubtedly, the foundation for the Autodaptive Volt/VAr System that controls
distribution voltages and VAr flows, is the Autodaptive Capacitor Control provided
the feeder and/or substation has adequate compensation in the way of
capacitance. Adding the Autodaptive regulating controllers (ATC and ARC)
further completes the system and reduces the number of LTC and Line Regulator
tap changes. All of this is done to improve and maintain a better Voltage
Regulation Quality Factor (VRQF) and a desirable voltage profile that is delivered
to the customer
The individual components of the system have demonstrated their ability to work
well as stand-alone devices, as well as working in conjunction with other
suppliers equipment. They have demonstrated their ability to operate/coordinate
with several other Autodaptive controllers on the same circuit or together on
multiple circuits. The ATC however interacts only with the ACCs on the circuits
and as such must be included in the complete Autodaptive Volt/VAr
Management System in order to realize the maximum benefits.
Understanding the devices have the ability to adapt/change the setpoints which
the deviations are being compared to, based on other fundamental criteria being
measured in the circuit, and we begin to see how this approach makes a little
more sense.

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Beckwith Electric Co.

Autodaptive Marketing
Rev. 5, 09/26/00

Knowing the devices have the capability to capture and collect historical
operating information that is used for systems planning and analysis, we begin to
see the possibilities.
Learning we are able to have multiple devices working together in a system,
communicating to each other but not having the headaches normally associated
with communications in the traditional sense, one begins to see that thinking
outside the box is really in order.
When the sum total of all these advancements are coupled with tried and true
field data that backs up the story, and the economic justifications begin saving
real dollars, one begins to really understand how the system works. It becomes
readily apparent the system is a very Pro-active rather than Re-active system
that continually adjusts and fine tunes itself to operate at its most efficient level
possible.
The long and the short of it says whether using these devices as stand-alone
components or in a system, the savings is there to be made, all that need be
done is to use the technology available.

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