The sensors will collect and analyze data to pinpoint electrical problems when installed on drilling machinery at a nearby oil rig.
The CREC in Stillwater serves the rig, and the cooperative was working with researchers at Oklahoma State University on the technology.
CREC smart grid communications director Jillianne Tebow commented, "The sensors will allow producers and the utility to remotely monitor voltage, amperage and power factor to identify issues before they become major problems, potentially costing producers significant dollars in lost production."
According to NRECA, "By December, researchers hope to finish building the hardware that will transmit energy-use data to the co-op. Initial tests are scheduled to end in April 2013. If initial tests are successful, the partnership wants to offer the technology to other oil and gas producers. And utilities joining the Smart Energy Source Association, a spinoff of the original partnership, can also use the technology."
The CREC’s Smart Energy Source partnership also includes engineering firm Guernsey, the City of Stillwater and Oklahoma State University.
