EDGE Validator uses a patent pending statistical method to calculate the change in average hourly energy use per customer during the voltage optimization period. By comparing historical substation and weather data to measured performance, EDGE verifies actual savings without the use of forecast and modeling methods. Changes in energy usage due to economic factors are also taken into account, giving credibility to the reported savings. EDGE Validator compares the historical performance of the circuit to the improved performance with EDGE engaged. Intelligently pairing ON/OFF data using weather and other drivers allows voltage optimization to begin immediately.
EDGE Validator determines whether records in the Off (higher voltage) and On (lower voltage) periods are a good match based on a statistical analysis of weather and load data. Data from higher voltage operations is paired with lower voltage operations to clearly establish the cause and effect relationship of voltage on the distribution load.
Results from On/Off pairings are provided in an easy-to-view chart. Each pair that meets the configurable criteria is used to calculate the CVR factor, an industry-standard measure that determines the expected percent energy savings for each percent change in voltage. EDGE Validator uses a statistically significant sample of pairs to estimate the mean CVR factor.
The calculated CVR factor is combined with the percent voltage reduction to calculate the total energy and demand saved due to voltage optimization. Energy savings is determined for every hour voltage reduction is in service.