Oncor Installs First Intelligent, Pulse-Closing Switch in Dallas/Fort Worth

July 14, 2008
Oncor has installed the first IntelliRupter PulseCloser switch in the world at a location in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Oncor has installed the first IntelliRupter PulseCloser switch in the world at a location in the Dallas/Fort Worth area The new, groundbreaking technology is another step in the development of Oncor's smart grid.

This intelligent switch designed and built by S&C Electric Co. with utility partner input has PulseClosing Technology that is designed to know when a line is clear and can restore electric service. Multiple, non-disruptive pulses are periodically injected to check the line for short circuits and to quickly restore electric service if the fault is brief. This new design is expected to extend the life of lines, transformers and circuit breakers.

"The IntelliRupter switch will communicate with other technology on Oncor's system and will coordinate with Oncor's automated power restoration systems," said Jim Greer, senior vice president of asset management and engineering at Oncor. "The first IntelliRupter installed at Oncor bears a memorial plate commemorating the work of Doug Staszesky, an engineer for S&C who did much of the development. He died before he could see his work put into operation. Oncor is honored to be the utility that installs IntelliRupter No.1."

Oncor is introducing new devices, such as the IntelliRupter, as part of an initiative to develop an electric grid that will monitor, think, act, repair and prepare itself to respond quickly to consumer needs. Smart grid refers to a number of advanced technologies on the electric delivery system with the goal of improving electric service to the homes and businesses served by Oncor. Ultimately a smart grid is intended to expand automatic service restoration, sense outages as they occur, monitor equipment performance, report back on needed maintenance and more.

Oncor is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to 3 million electric delivery points over more than 102,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines. While Oncor is a subsidiary of Energy Future Holdings Corp., Oncor is a separate entity with a separate board that is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

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