DistribuTECH Conference & Exhibition 2015 Preview

Jan. 23, 2015
DistribuTECH, one of the leading transmission and distribution events of the utility industry, will take place Feb. 3-5 at the San Diego Convention Center. The event is expected to bring together roughly 10,000 attendees from 64 countries to network with other professionals and experience the show’s many offerings. It will feature nearly 500 exhibiting companies who will showcase their new and innovative products and services across an expansive show floor.
Exhibit Hall Hours

Tues., Feb. 3 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 4 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 5 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, DistribuTECH is expected to bring together roughly 10,000 attendees from 64 countries to network with other professionals and experience the show's many offerings. The event will feature nearly 500 exhibiting companies who will showcase their new and innovative products and services across an expansive show floor.

DistribuTECH 2015 will also offer attendees 15 conference tracks, 82 conference sessions, six mega sessions, three live webcasts, and 26 utility university courses, all comprising over 180 utility speakers and more than 350 leading industry speakers. Other offerings include a utility partner program, multiple networking opportunities including breakfast roundtables, a variety of association and co-located events, and a special reception for water and wastewater industry professionals.

The opening keynote session, emceed by Teresa Hansen, conference program chairwoman and editor-in-chief of POWERGRID International, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m., and will address the world's energy challenges and how to resolve them quickly and economically. Featured speakers will include Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, U.S. Secretary of Energy; Jeffrey Walker Martin, CEO of San Diego Gas & Electric; and Dr. Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist, bestselling author and popularizer of science.

Water Utility Technology Track

DistribuTECH will again feature an entire conference track dedicated to water utility management systems, equipment and technologies. The Water Utility Technology Track will explore many processes and innovations being considered by water and wastewater utilities across the country. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to learn.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Practical Approaches to Reducing Energy
Energy costs account for the largest annual expenditure at water and wastewater facilities. This session will explore some practical approaches for reducing energy usage, including demand response, pump optimization and consumer engagement initiatives.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Journey to AMI
Much has been discussed about the benefits of AMI. But how do you know you're ready? Presenters will discuss some critical issues to consider early in the process.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Driving Efficiency and Value from AMI Analytics
AMI holds tremendous potential for helping utilities streamline operations, from leak detection to work force management. This session will explore how three utilities have been able to use AMI data to make effective business decisions across their organizations.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Innovative AMI Business Strategies
This session will explore business models for selecting, implementing and maximizing the benefits of an AMI system. Three utilities will share how technology improved their utilities.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Transferring Asset Data to Operations
Panelists will discuss ways to improve the largely manual, time-consuming and costly transfer of asset data from design and construction into operations. They will illustrate how increasing the speed and improving the accuracy of this transfer has a dramatic effect on the downstream use of information in systems and processes across the enterprise.

AMR/AMI Workshop

New this year, a special half-day AMR/AMI workshop hosted by the Water Research Foundation will be co-located with DistribuTECH. Taking place in the afternoon on Monday, Feb. 2, the workshop is designed to stimulate discussion around standards for the radio transmission of meter readings and the data it generates -- standards that do not currently exist in the water industry. The workshop will feature discussion and exercises to advance the adoption of useful language that utilities can use in upcoming AMI and AMR initiatives. This is a good opportunity for vendors to consider how utilities intend to proceed on key issues including interoperability.

Utility University Courses

As in previous years, DistribuTECH will offer its Utility University (UU) program, featuring a number of pre-conference educational courses. Topics will include big data, cybersecurity, meter data management, communications infrastructure, and more. UU courses of interest to the water industry include:

Monday, Feb. 2, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Evolving AMI: A Roadmap for Migration that Keeps You in Control

Monday, Feb. 2, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Approaches and Methods for Managing Aging Assets and Optimizing Spending

Monday, Feb. 2, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
AMI for Water Utilities: The Project Manager's Crash Course

Breakfast Roundtables

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Breakfast roundtables at DistribuTECH provide attendees an opportunity to collaborate with peers and meet industry experts to share information and discuss specific industry topics. Held in an informal setting, they will be moderated by leading professionals in each field. The Water Utility Technology roundtable will discuss current trends affecting the water industry beyond just AMR. What is the future of the water industry? How will small/rural water utilities representing the bulk of the America's 60,000 water systems deal with escalating regulation, tightening water standards and growing reliance on new technologies? In an inviting forum, we'll explore possible answers to these questions.

If your water utility is looking for ways to improve operations and increase efficiency through technology, DistribuTECH 2015 is an event you don't want to miss. For more information or to register, visit www.DistribuTECH.com.

Exhibitor Showcase

On the exhibit floor, equipment and service providers will showcase their latest technologies, including automatic meter reading and advanced metering infrastructure (AMR/AMI) systems; energy management systems; security systems; pump and motor control systems; and flow, level and pressure monitoring. Here are a few you won't want to miss.

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Access control system

The CyberLock access control system of electronic locks and programmable keys is designed to increase security, accountability and key control. This solution uses CyberAudit Web software to track and control access to all locking points. CyberLock offers a combination of hard-wired and key-centric options, so doors, gates and remote locations can be secured and audited wherever needed. The CyberLock system provides a convenient, cost-effective and flexible solution to secure users' water and their facilities.

Cyberlock
www.cyberlock.com
Booth 4320

Water meter

The Sensus OMNI™ meter is a technologically advanced large commercial water meter that has the precision to capture low-flow water usage and the durability to measure high flows with an unprecedented accuracy range. The key to this optimal measurement performance is the patented Floating Ball Technology (FBT). FBT employs an impeller with a ball design that makes the impeller weightless in the water line. When coupled with the Sensus FlexNet™ communication network, the OMNI meter provides a smart water solution that positively impacts utilities' bottom line by detecting leaks, saving money and minimizing time spent on meter repairs.

Sensus
www.sensus.com
Booth 1801

Mobile technologies

Visit Motion Computing, a provider of rugged tablet PCs, tailored accessories and services, at DistribuTECH 2015. Built on a foundation of award-winning technical expertise and decades of industry experience, Motion Computing counts regionally recognized water, gas and electric utilities as customers. See the company's complete product line at the show.

Motion Computing
www.motioncomputing.com/us
Booth 3723

Advanced metering analytics

BEACON® AMA from Badger Meter combines the intuitive BEACON AMA software suite with proven ORION® AMI technology, giving water utilities greater visibility and control over utility management. The system uses a managed solution approach and two-way communications -- plus fixed and cellular networks -- to deliver a simple yet powerful end-to-end solution. Built-in infrastructure management services and endpoint upgrades eliminate maintenance and technology concerns, and consumer engagement tools help enhance customer service and reduce costs.

Badger Meter
www.badgermeter.com
Booth 1024

AMI solutions

Itron will showcase its comprehensive solutions that help utilities more efficiently manage water resources. Leveraging the company's proven, secure advanced metering technology and analytics solution, utilities can trend consumption patterns, listen for leaks and protect revenue. Itron helps utilities leverage data to improve operations, enhance customer service and support conservation programs. And with its Itron Total AMI solution-as-a-service, Itron can manage all aspects of a utility's AMI system, freeing utility staff to focus on realizing benefits from their systems.

Itron
www.itron.com/water
Booth 2613

Leak detection system

Aclara's STAR® ZoneScan is an advanced automated detection system that can pinpoint underground leaks in water mains to within just 3' by collecting and analyzing acoustic data, thus helping to speed repair and identify trouble spots. ZoneScan automates the collection, retrieval and analysis of acoustic data gathered throughout the water system, listening for and recording vibrations during quiet hours when factors affecting leak noise are minimized. It combines the strengths of leak-intelligence units with Aclara's fixed-network AMI technology that incorporates two-way communication between the utility head-end and endpoints and time-synchronized initiation of sound recordings.

Aclara Technologies LLC
www.Aclara.com

Booth 2130

Weather station

Campbell Scientific specializes in versatile, programmable, stand-alone systems that include weather applications. The UTILITY-MET100 is a general, utility-grade SCADA weather station specifically designed for the utility market. Campbell's standard UTILITY-MET station provides weather station measurements in a configurable, turn-key package designed to simplify installation and commissioning. It supports any sensor and communication option. It can also be configured to meet EPA Permitting Guidance Standards for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration. Built-in security features keep the UTILITY-MET station and its data safe and secure.

Campbell Scientific
www.campbellsci.com
Booth 1841

Industrial PCs

Phoenix Contact's Designline industrial PCs are now available with an Intel Core i7 processor in new 18.5" and 21.5" screen sizes, as well as the original 15" version. These models are IP65 rated and have a fanless design, making it possible to mount directly on the factory floor. The VESA-mounting hardware also mounts securely on the machine, improving ergonomics. For example, the device can be installed at eye level on the front and used as a hardware platform for a manufacturing execution system. Designline measures 60-mm deep and has multi-touch capability for intuitive gesture control.

Phoenix Contact
www.phoenixcontact.com
Booth 1747

Variable frequency drives

Schneider Electric has announced the release of Altivar® 1260, a range of medium-voltage variable frequency drives from 700 to 7,500 HP, available in 3.3-KV or 4.16-KV output voltage ratings. The flexible, high-performance drive is ideally suited for large pump, fan and compressor applications and complements Schneider's broad portfolio of bundled power solutions. Altivar 1260 is a high-technology, motor-friendly drive combining MV-IGBT topology with a straight-forward modular design. Its medium-voltage drive is an air-cooled voltage source inverter, able to be applied to both synchronous and induction AC motors.

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com/us
Booth 1913

Automation controller

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has announced the release of the SEL-3505-3 Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) that adds connections for three digital outputs and eight digital inputs. The compact and economical SEL-3505-3 provides a fully-programmable IEC 61131-3 logic engine with several built-in function blocks, including recently released PID functionality. The automation controller's dimensions, 6.96 x 5.54 x 2.25 inches, make it ideal for cabinet or DIN rail mounting. It is designed for data concentration, protocol conversion and control applications.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.
www.selinc.com
Booth 1931

Rugged handheld computer

Verizon Wireless has granted carrier certification for Handheld Group's Nautiz X4 rugged handheld computer, a fully portable handheld device offering efficient data collection and communication capabilities for fieldworkers. It features high-powered 3G connectivity, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi capability and a powerful data collection. With a 5-megapixel camera and a choice of an integrated high-performance 1D laser scanner or 2D imager, it can quickly capture and convey important data in real-time from the field. The Nautiz X4 measures just 6.1 x 2.9 x 1.0 inches and weighs 11.6 ounces, featuring a 3.5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display.

Handheld Group
www.handheldgroup.com
Booth 3039

Composite register technology

Mueller Systems' Solid State Register (SSR) brings enhanced usability and accuracy to all the company's current positive displacement meters (5/8" - 2"). The SSR delivers extraordinary functionality and value when paired with the latest metrology and AMR/AMI solutions from Mueller Systems. The 10-digit display provides a precise visual reading of units, totalized consumption and intuitive icons for visual verification of field performance. The register can rotate 360° on the meter, adding flexibility in tight spaces.

Mueller Systems
www.muellersystems.com
Booth 4415

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