RALEIGH, NC -- 05/20/08 --
Optimal
Technologies International Inc., the leading developer of technologies
to optimize power grid systems and advanced building automation platforms,
today announced the commercial release of AEMPFAST, an analytical, planning
and operational platform that provides unprecedented visibility over an
entire utility network to maximize power generation, transmission and
distribution. AEMPFAST has the potential to completely eradicate blackouts,
significantly reduce costs for energy producers and end-users, create more
reliable and efficient power, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
AEMPFAST (Advanced Energy Management Power Flow Analysis System Technology)
features proprietary Resource Sensitivity Index (RSI) technology, which
measures the performance and reliability of every single location in the
power grid to prioritize and optimally manage all its resources. AEMPFAST
gives power providers a clear view of potential problems -- erratic power,
no power, poor power quality -- and a clear view of the solutions --
rerouting power to maximize efficiency without impacting the end-user's
experience. This type of fundamental system-wide visibility and analysis
has never been made available to energy companies and utilities until
today.
"At Optimal, our goal is to make energy production and transmission more
efficient, less expensive and more conducive to our long-term global energy
needs. The current grid system has no central operating system, no brain to
connect the nerves and parts that continue to be added. It must be
optimized to meet 21st century energy requirements and address our growing
environmental challenges," said Optimal founder and CEO Roland Schoettle.
"AEMPFAST makes the grid smart by showing in detail all parts of energy
usage and providing actionable recommendations on how to deliver positive
change at the system level. The result is maximized efficiency within our
existing power networks."
AEMPFAST enables higher net values of efficiency for every single asset in
the grid -- from generators to homes, down to light bulbs and outlets. In
numerous tests during its many-year development period, AEMPFAST has proven
its ability to improve an existing network's energy capacity by at least 10
percent, without installation of new hardware or significant capital
investment. AEMPFAST also:
-- Minimizes congestion on the power grid by identifying and ranking
critical points;
-- Identifies the most effective placement of new power sources to
maximize their benefits, including renewable energy systems such as wind
and solar;
-- Minimizes active and reactive power transmission losses
simultaneously;
-- Increases a system's load serving capability, voltage profile and
stability; and
-- Optimizes load management and demand response capabilities of a given
network.
Optimal has conducted research, development projects and pre-commercial
test projects for, among others, the California Independent System
Operator, California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research
Program, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), and on projects
using the Silicon Valley Power, Southern California Edison Company and PG&E
transmission and distribution systems, all involving AEMPFAST tests against
other applications. Optimal's customer projects and research results
include the following:
-- SMUD is currently using the planning capabilities of AEMPFAST to
consider the most optimal site locations for distributed and renewable
energy resources and reactive power sources. SMUD Transmission Planning is
leveraging AEMPFAST's unique capabilities to improve their ability to
address new energy reliability mandates required by the government.
-- Optimal contracted with the California Independent System Operator to
analyze the Bay Area blackout of 2000 and determined that with AEMPFAST the
event could have been avoided altogether.
-- The East Coast blackout of 2003 was determined to be the result of
reactive power deficiency in the transmission system. Through extensive
testing, Optimal determined that AEMPFAST would have prevented such a
blackout due to its unique ability to evaluate and optimize both active and
reactive power.
"There's a drastic need for change in the power industry in order to meet
the world's increasing need for energy and avoid further damaging our
planet and wasting resources," said Winston Hickox, former secretary of the
California EPA and a member of Optimal's board of directors. "We need to
address the problem at the source, the grid system, and with Optimal's
technology we have the ability to inexpensively increase the capacity of
our existing resources without adding any new infrastructure or power
plants."
The launch of Optimal's AEMPFAST product comes shortly after a $25M
investment in the company by Goldman Sachs International. Optimal
Technologies is using the funds to accelerate its growth, expand its market
presence and build on its mission to enable utilities, businesses and
consumers to analyze and manage energy networks from production to output
for complete optimization and efficiency. The company recently opened new
U.S. headquarters in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.
Optimal's SUREFAST technology, due to be released later this year,
addresses the consumer-side of energy optimization with a platform that
enables complete analysis of and control over energy usage, and all
interior building operations, including demand response, within a home or
office from a single control panel.
About Optimal Technologies
Optimal Technologies develops solutions
to help power utilities, businesses and consumers maximize their energy
efficiency and minimize their carbon footprint. The company's mission is to
enable a more efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible electric
power grid. Optimal's unique products and services have the potential to
create unprecedented industry, economic, environmental and consumer
benefits worldwide. Optimal is a privately held company financed by Goldman
Sachs International.
Media Contacts
Jason Mandell
Amy Neal
LaunchSquad
415.625.8555
otii(at)launchsquad(dot)com
Corporate Contact
Lynette E. McInnes
919.459.9818
lynettem(at)otii(dot)com
