Www.twacs.com An ESCO Technologies CompanyISO 9001:2000© 2007 DCSI The 10 Myths of DCSI By Doug Varner Director of Sales and Marketing Western Region IOU.

www.twacs.com An ESCO Technologies Company ISO 9001:2000 © 2007 DCSI

The 10 Myths of DCSI The 10 Myths of DCSI

By

Doug Varner

Director of Sales and Marketing

Western Region IOU Market


What is DCSI vs. TWACSWhat is DCSI vs. TWACS

Logic Test

DCSI is to TWACS as ITRON is to OpenWay

DCSI = Distribution Control Systems Inc.


Company OrganizationCompany Organization

ESCO Technologies

DCSINexus Energy

SoftwareHexagram


What is a MythWhat is a Myth

A belief or set of beliefs, often unproven or false, that have accrued around a person, phenomenon, or institution.

I review very common myths regarding DCSI


Myth #1 – DCSI was kicked out of PG&EMyth #1 – DCSI was kicked out of PG&E

To date, DCSI has met all PG&E AMI milestones

At the last RFP vendor meeting PG&E affirmed continued work by established AMI vendors

A cursory reading of CPUC filing by PG&E indicated a continuous review and testing of AMI technologies on the market.

A switch from electromechanical to electronic meters would trigger a review of the business case and technologies


Myth # 2 – TWACS Cost to Operate is ExpensiveMyth # 2 – TWACS Cost to Operate is Expensive

The costs of meters are similar or lower than many other AMI systems out there

Injector – Distribution Transformer

Inbound and Outbound Reading Equipment

Communication Paths are Established

Software is much less than existing AMI Software


Myth #3 – TWACS is a Rural SolutionMyth #3 – TWACS is a Rural Solution

TWACS can handle Urban areas

PPL – Allentown

FPL – Miami (load control)

WPS – Greenbay

TWACS is not subject to many of the technological issues associated with RF in Urban areas


Myth #4 – TWACS Needs Specialized Instrument TransformersMyth #4 – TWACS Needs Specialized Instrument Transformers

TWACS uses any voltage transformers that are 500 VA and above

Some lower cost voltage transformers that are purchased for 480 volt applications may not meet the 500 VA rating

TWACS uses any current transformer


Myth #5 – TWACS is Old TechnologyMyth #5 – TWACS is Old Technology

975 in 60 is a common DCSI saying

FPL shed 975 megawatts in 60 seconds using TWACS technology for load shedding

Sometimes old = reliable = dependable

TWACS is a proven product on the market now and not a promise for tomorrow


Myth #6 – TWACS has limited BandwidthMyth #6 – TWACS has limited Bandwidth

In the past, yes.

Current technology allows for concurrent phasing, concurrent feeder and concurrent bus messaging both down and up distribution lines.

Old product was single phase messaging

TWACS can meet or exceed other AMI bandwidths for an apples-to-apples comparison.


Myth #7 – DCSI Makes Feeder Switching HardMyth #7 – DCSI Makes Feeder Switching Hard

The way TWACS operates is that feeder switched meters are transferred automatically in the software.

Can be handled manually by using the feeder switching sheet

Easy process. No fuss.


Myth #8 – To Get Accuracy Over Long Distances, TWACS needs RepeatersMyth #8 – To Get Accuracy Over Long Distances, TWACS needs Repeaters

In the United States there is a line that runs 130 miles without a repeater. 80 miles is not unusual without repeaters.

We experience 99.9% accuracy at FPL on reads.


Myth #9 – TWACS is Unsecured for Data TransmissionMyth #9 – TWACS is Unsecured for Data Transmission

TWACS system is a secure system on a utility's power line and not on public networks or over-the-air data transmission

Can’t replicate a TWACS system easily

TWACS will meet the NERC guidelines when they are approved


Myth #10 – DCSI is a AMR CompanyMyth #10 – DCSI is a AMR Company

Additional Myths are:Hardware CompanyChallenging Software Integration

DCSI has been 2-way for 20 yearsDCSI has more full scale deployments than any other AMI solutionThe last full scale AMI deployment in the Industry was TWACSDCSI has tripled in size moving to three separate locations for hardware (HAN) and Software (multispeak) development.

Www.twacs.com An ESCO Technologies CompanyISO 9001:2000© 2007 DCSI The 10 Myths of DCSI By Doug Varner Director of Sales and Marketing Western Region IOU.

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