Next generation energy information solutions

While most AMI companies approach the Smart Grid from a metering perspective, Carina is taking a different approach. The real problem facing utilities today is not simply obtaining a meter read or outage notification, which can and has been done in the same manner for decades, but rather to fully realize and understand the need for access to critical real-time utility data, to interpret and present it in a meaningful format, and to identify and execute instrumental changes to increase operational efficiency, reduce wasted resources and to ‘get smart’.

One utility that did realize and understand the need to modernize and lay the groundwork for the future state of the utility as well as the development of a connected community was Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES). With this progressive vision in mind, BTES developed a plan to deploy Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) throughout its community. Not only would this infrastructure enable the means for next generation consumer applications, but the system would also open up numerous possibilities to increase efficiency and abandon many outdated utility processes that were in place for decades.

In 2005, after careful consideration, BTES decided to begin deploying CarinaPoint devices, designed to utilize broadband deployments specifically for utility applications. CarinaPoint serves as a data collector and facilitator to the utility communications network for data gathered by the device, as well as data that is continuously produced by the utility meter. This data is then processed in real time and is transmitted back through CarinaXchange, the back-end information management suite.

Collar design
Carina differentiates itself at the metering point by utilizing a collar design as opposed to an ‘under the glass’ approach. This proprietary design allows for more intelligence hardware to be incorporated, thereby allowing more data collection scenarios than even remotely possible by traditional AMI applications utilizing ‘smart meters’. Data can be transported from the CarinaPoint device over multiple communications paths including traditional broadband, FTTH, GPRS cellular and WiMAX. However, since the utilization of a single communications method is not necessary within a deployment, the utility is provided with unprecedented flexibility and deployment options to maximize coverage while avoiding costly proprietary backhaul requirements.

With introduction of the Energy Act of 2005, the need for information to allow utilities more efficiency requires a new way of thinking. Consider the scenario where multiple utilities purchase power from a generation utility, such as an Investor Owned Utility (IOU). Under time-of-use rate structures, it is easy to define daily intervals where consumer pricing is fixed at different rates. However, during a critical peak event, it is important for the distributing utility to inform the consumer of the event to allow them to react immediately by turning off devices that impact electrical loads.

Legacy AMI systems are simply inadequate to properly manage such events since they have limited bandwidth, communication latency issues and don’t provide true real-time, or even near real-time capability. To address this scenario, Carina has developed IP-enabled solutions utilizing broadband network connections. By utilizing broadband connections, utilities can be assured of real-time connections where intelligent devices continuously analyze information for immediate system status information.

For optimal system design, it is important to understand that the need for utility information will continue to increase exponentially. Current AMI systems may be adequate in today’s environment, but the future will require a far more robust metering environment and infrastructure. Unfortunately, many utilities today are not aware of the possibilities that are currently available, and tend to settle on existing technologies that appear to be adequate. As technology progresses and consumers demand more information, a simple meter read isn’t enough. By continuing to deploy decades old technology, utilities can satisfy a short term problems but will likely suffer in the long term. The question to consider is whether it is worth the economic risk to deploy older technologies or embrace the future – today.


Michael L. Smalley, Carina Technology
Michael, Carina Technology’s VP and COO, is a veteran of the telecommunications industry with more than 24 years of experience in a variety of business development and leadership roles. He has authored several published articles related to the telecommunications industry, and holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Columbia College.

About Carina
Carina Technology, Inc. is a Huntsville, AL-based technology hardware and software firm that provides Energy Information Solutions through its CarinaPoint Solution. Carina enables energy providers to manage operations more efficiently through real-time applications such as Meter Data Management, remote meter reading, Demand Side Management, & remote disconnect/reconnect.

More information about Carina can be found at www.carinatek.com.