Nighthawk adds AMI Capacitor Bank Controllers to Lineup of Smart Infrastructure Devices
September 2, 2015
September 2, 2015 – Coppell, TX – Nighthawk, The leader in Cellular AMI devices announces the release of its CCU960 Cellular AMI Capacitor Bank controller that plugs into any standard capacitor bank controller socket. It provides an affordable upgrade for advanced distribution automation technology. It is built upon the shared communications standards and Mesh networking capabilities of other Nighthawk Smart infrastructure devices. These standards enable utilities to upgrade to a complete Nighthawk distribution solution as their budgets allow.
Nighthawk’s Cellular AMI Capacitor Bank controller offers full two way reporting and control capabilities as well as the ability to work as a self contained fully automated device. It is part of the growing family of Smart infrastructure devices from Nighthawk and parent company McWane Inc. The AMI Capacitor Bank Controller is incrementally deployable because of its cellular communications and lack of dependence on proprietary communications systems or other utility IT expenses. The device fits into Nighthawk’s strategy to provide smarter infrastructure and the industries best ROI to water, gas and electric utilities.
If desired it can come preprogrammed with preset sag and swell voltage and temperature limits for fully autonomous operation. These settings can be changed by the utility at any time though our Utility Web Connect software. Our control software allows for the creation of rules and alerts to govern device behavior as well as near real time reporting of line conditions across your grid. You can graphically map your grid and see the under or over voltage conditions as they develop.
In addition to the automated and online controls, utility personnel can engage the onsite manual controls which have a safety feature that temporarily locks out remote commands.
The externally attached neutral to ground fault current sensing feature provides protection and alerts when any of the three relays on top of the pole have failed to close properly in a timely manner. This protects your equipment and helps you schedule repairs.
Nighthawk Offers both manual and remote controls using our award winning Cloud based control interface WebConnect™. The Nighthawk CCU960 can be operated in three modes, automated, remote, or in person. Our online interface allows for integration with existing AMI or SCADA environments.
The CCU960 Capacitor Bank Controller is used in three-phase electrical distribution networks to buffer reactive current and boost line voltage during sags from: excessive loading, reactive current, or heat resistance on hot weather days. Nighthawk’s solution provides two way communications and logs all local, remote, or automated commands providing confirmation and direct alerts to utility personnel when alarming conditions occur. It is compatible with the full suite of Nighthawk Smart infrastructure solutions and interacts with your legacy systems through the WebConnect interface.
Nighthawk’s CCU960 Capacitor Bank Controller offers the most affordable way to update an existing manual or pager based system to the advanced control, reporting, and system integration features of a Cloud based, Cellular AMI networked two way device. The CCU960 offers utilities one of the quickest returns on investment of any infrastructure upgrade.
About Nighthawk
Nighthawk designs and manufactures Mesh-Cellular Smart Grid AMI solutions for the utility industry. The Nighthawk approach allows for incremental roll outs so cities can develop system wide solutions as time, money and needs allow. This incremental approach attacks the areas of greatest need first and deploys the latest technology at each step of the plan providing unmatched stewardship of public funds. Nighthawk is a subsidiary of McWane Inc., a leading manufacturer of ductile iron pipe, valves, hydrants, and fittings. McWane products make up the backbone of vital water distribution and wastewater treatment systems throughout North America, dependably providing the U.S. with clean drinking water. The company operates 25 manufacturing plants including 13 iron foundries across the United States, Canada, Australia, and China, Norway, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
About McWane Inc.
McWane, Inc. is a family-owned business based in Birmingham, Ala., with companies across the U.S. and around the world. The McWane Family of Companies casts ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings and plumbing products; manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels; and builds network switches and monitoring equipment. McWane is a leader in delivering clean, safe drinking water around the world while focusing on safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With more than 6,500 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of supporting the communities where its team members live and work. For more information, visit mcwane.com.
