IT & Automation
To meet this requirement, the utility network of the future will seamlessly blend multiple terrestrial, wireless and satellite-based communications technologies to dramatically improve grid reliability and efficiency. Te ideal network will typically combine two-way communication, pervasive energy network monitoring and digital controls with condition-based maintenance, self-monitoring and self-healing. Tis is essential if it is to provide the intelligent, highly reliable backbone necessary to support critical energy transmission and distribution. By combining satellite and terrestrial communications, utilities will be able to monitor the health and status of a greater number of remote distribution elements, allowing automatic and instant responses to potential issues. Tis level of responsiveness will translate into dramatically reduced outage times, lower operational and maintenance costs and results in greater end-customer satisfaction. Better grid predictability and quicker issue response will also ensure a more efficient, reliable and cheaper network. As such, service providers need to be able to offer cost-effective hybrid solutions that combine a flexible mix of terrestrial; wireless and satellite technologies which best meet the coverage needs of the individual utility.
Fig. 2. Domestic and business environment, these new networks will allow appliances to communicate with smart meters allowing reporting of consumption and demand on a per-device basis.
and gas usage, both in the home and in businesses – so enabling more intelligent, informed choices about energy usage. However, the increase in smart metering also heralds an era of fundamental lifestyle change as we move towards a world of ‘smarter living’, at home, in the car and in the workplace. At a domestic level, satellite will enable connectivity
in more remote areas where substantial investment in expanding the existing network cannot be justified. More importantly perhaps, satellite offers a number of significant advantages as part of the local and national infrastructure. With strong interoperability, high availability and flexibility, satellite can provide suitable back- up communications, with best-practice solutions offering an unrivalled quality of service and service level agreement (SLA). At the same time, satellite is especially well-suited to the type of narrow-band solutions typically required in a domestic smart meter environment.
Managed service In most cases, getting something right 99.99 per cent of the time is a job well done. Unfortunately, in the context of utilities this is not always enough. So how will they respond? Te high level of reliability demanded will only
be achievable by using multiple communications and networking channels that automatically switch based on availability, efficiency and cost.
36
www.engineerlive.com
Fig. 3. Service providers need to be able to offer cost-effective hybrid solutions that combine a flexible mix of terrestrial; wireless and satellite technologies.
Effective connectivity An effective connectivity solution needs to be backed up by comprehensive managed services, incorporating project management, engineering, operations and on- going maintenance and commercial support.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60