Automated Meter Reading (AMR)

Automated Meter Reading is a technology that allows energy distributors to take meter readings from (residential or commercial/industrial) a remote location. Currently, there are a number of different technologies available, however our most popular communication medium over the past ten years has been Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC). This is primarily a result of Cannon PLC's unique ability to use a single channel for both one-way load control and two-way metering and automation. This sets the Cannon Technologies system apart from those systems that just do AMR.

Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC)

Cannon Power Line Communciations (PLC) is a popular communication medium used by Cannon Technologies. Cannon PLC has the unique ability to use a single channel for both one-way load control and two-way metering and automation. Using injection equipment described at other points in this glossary (CCU, SCU, Repeater), the carrier signal is injected onto the distribution bus at the substation.

Capacitor Bank Controller (CBC)  

Capacitor Bank Controllers are flexible, inexpensive one-way or two-way terminals used for remote control of distribution line capacitors or other distribution automation applications requiring similar control capabilities. A CBC also provides the capability to close or trip banks based on locally set voltage conditions (which may be overridden at any time from the Master Station).  

Capacitor Blocking Unit (CBU)

Capacitor Blocking Units are high impedance inductors that prevent distribution line carrier signals from being cancelled by distribution capacitors.  

Carrier Control Unit (CCU)

Carrier Control Units act as gateways to Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC) and offer advanced communication algorithms. A CCU is linked to the Master Station by a dedicated voice grade communication line and coupled to the distribution bus through coax cable assemblies to the Primary Coupling Assemblies (PCA).

dB Volt Meter (DBVM)

dB Volt Meters are for field and laboratory use to support the Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC) system. It is used to measure distribution line carrier signal or noise levels at CCU, Repeater, or terminal/transponder sites.

Demand Response (DR)

Demand Response is a strategy implemented by utilities to help reduce peak loads and defer further costs (installation of new generation equipment, expensive peak-period energy). Potential advantages in a deregulated environment include being able to provide real-time Internet readings in order to try to shift customer usage patterns, and being able to lower overall generation costs.

Distribution Automation (DA)

Cannon Technologies has been a leader in distribution automation for over a decade offering remote capacitor bank controls, downline voltage controls, downline micro-RTUs, remote metering and status notification.

DSM/2

DSM/2 is Cannon Technologies' legacy Load Management System. This DSM/2 system typically includes a stand-alone Master Station running on an OS/2 computer. DSM/2 gives users the ability to operate load control, automatic meter reading, and distribution automation from one computer. The Master Station communicates via leased phone circuits, radio, or microwave to Carrier Control Units (CCU's) and/or Remote Terminal Units (RTU's) in one or more substations. Data points are polled for load, pre-define load control strategies are automatically initiated based on customer projections, while Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Load Survey (demand interval recording) takes place concurrently.

Energy Information

Yukon® is designed to collect a wide range of energy information, ranging from single-phase meter data, to Commercial/Industrial interval data, to digital substation (IED) data, to downline information from devices like the two-way cap bank controller and third-party RTUs.

ExpressCom®

ExpressCom® is a broadcast group load management messaging protocol.

ExpressStat®

ExpressStat® is a line of programmable demand response thermostats.

H-Field Coupler

H-Field Couplers are antenna used for strengthening in-bound carrier signals. Named after the universal symbol for magnetism (H), the coupler is a valuable tool in situations where a full repeater may not be necessary.

Load Control

Load Control is the process whereby utility companies decide to regulate the supply (load) of electricity based on real-time data received during peak usage periods. This is done in order to conserve electricity and ensure that customer demand does not exceed available supply. If a utility is interested in controlling the load generated by air conditioners and/or water heaters in a residential setting, they would simply attach a Load Control Recevier, and then determine when they wanted to control the load. At the determined time, they would shed enough load to keep their demand below their peak, but not enough to have the control impact the customer (i.e. turn off an air conditioner for 15 minutes on the hour during a peak period).

Load Control Receiver (LCR)

Load Control Receivers are used to either directly control loads or to indirectly control devices via a low voltage circuit such as an air conditioner thermostat or contactor. Typical applications include residential water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps, single or dual heating systems, water wells, irrigation pumps, and swimming pool pumps & heaters.

Meter Control Transponder (MCT)

Meter Control Transponders designed to provide cost-effective remote meter reading (AMR) from customer or line locations using two-way Cannon PLC. Using Cannon PLC, the utility power lines provide reliable communications from the distribution substation through the distribution transformer to the MCT's (or other metering points).

Power Line Communications (PLC)

See Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC).

Primary Coupling Assembly (PCA)

Primary Coupling Assemblies are used in Cannon PLC systems to couple CCUs and Repeaters to the distribution line and to provide isolation for the communications equipment. Either single or 3-phase coupling may be used, depending on the desired application. Line-to-ground coupling is most typical, but line-to-line coupling arrangements are available for special applications.

Primary Coupling Capacitor (PCC)

Primary Coupling Capacitors are distribution capacitors that allow an SCU to couple the carrier signal onto a distribution feeder or bus.

Ripple

Ripple is a load management message protocol that has been used for several decades. Ripple control signals are injected onto the distribution bus at the substation.

Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Remote Terminal Units provide analog, status, and control input and output information to the control center for the purposes of having remote terminal control.

Repeater (RPT)

Repeaters provide a cost effective method of extending Cannon PLC coverage by collecting and resending the carrier signal in a controlled manner. Key features include its ability to eliminate primary injection points in remote substations (reducing system installed costs) and its ability to strengthen incoming signals from lower power devices or distant transponders.

Repeater Coupler Interface (RCI)

Repeater Coupler Interfaces are designed to an interface for a Repeater to a 120 VAC secondary circuit for signal reception and injection. The secondary coupler 120 VAC connection provides a coupling path for the carrier signal and is also used to power the Repeater.

Substation Automation

Facilitates predictive maintenance, improves asset utilization, and provides easy access to real-time substation information for planners and substation operations personnel.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems allow for more precise control of your substations, as well as features like outage reporting and power quality monitoring. Cannon Technologies already has in place bi-directional digital SCADA integrations including Valmet, Harris, ILEX, Landis & Gyr.

Single-Phase Coupler (SPC)

The Single Phase Coupler provides a low cost single-phase interface for Cannon Power Line Communications (PLC). The unit can be used with repeaters to boost Cannon PLC signals, for local signal injection, or for local meter reading.

Signal Coupling Unit (SCU)

Signal Coupling Units are a part of the Primary Coupling Assembly (PCA), and receive the CCU carrier signal output using coax cable. The SCU provides impedance matching and couples the signal onto the distribution feeder or bus through standard size distribution capacitors, referred to as Primary Coupling Capacitors (PCC). Distribution carrier coupling is available up to 35 kV (20kV line-to-ground).

Substation Advisor®

The Substation Advisor® System is a tool for integrating a diverse list of present and future substation devices through a single communications gateway, providing access for multiple separate SCADA or EMS master stations. The system also provides a cost-effective set of monitoring applications that utilize the steady flow of localized data for predictive maintenance, distribution feeder analysis, and power quality.

VERSACOM

VERSACOM is a load management message protocol.