THE SMART GRID OF r ow - THE ROLE OF SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY - Inmarsat
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r w
THE SMART GRID OF
r ow
TOMOrrow
THE ROLE OF SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY
EXTENDING THE RELIABILITY,
EFFICIENCY AND SECURITY OF
TOMORROW’S SMART GRID
To help monitor, manage, Connectivity technologies In the past, satellite-enabled
automate and ultimately improve have been around for the solutions that provide ‘always-on’
the quality and reliability past two decades to underpin connectivity for utilities
of energy being supplied to this expansion of smart grid have been deemed cost-
consumers, the utilities sector applications, but mainly through prohibitive or overly reliant on
has become a pioneer of digital a combination of technologies bulky hardware, but much has
transformation, deploying more – such as radio and cellular changed in recent years.
advanced technologies across networks – that are not the best This paper addresses the next
their networks to build ‘smarter’ choice for every application. era of smart grid development
grids. These technologies are Further, the challenge faced and maps out the path to
numerous, but predominantly by many utility companies accelerating further digitisation
include centralised automated continues to be that large across the utilities sector –
reclosers, advanced metering areas of their networks have focusing particularly on the
infrastructure (AMI) and coverage dark spots, which is automation of electricity
substation automation. where terrestrial connectivity distribution and delivery –
fails to provide the reliable assessing the most reliable,
communications backbone economical and secure solutions
that is needed to build efficient, employing satellite-based
reliable and secure smart utilities technology for utility companies
networks. and technology providers.
Satellite is an important tool in
the arsenal of any reliable and
secure utilities network. On the
one hand, it eliminates coverage
dark spots in a cost-effective way,
while it also can work as a highly
reliable backup communications
system when terrestrial
connectivity networks fail.
THE EVOLUTION OF
THE ‘SMART’ GRID
Electric grid management has All this means is that the grid Consequently, the last two
always been a complex task. On is now permanently in a state decades have seen a huge
the one hand, grid managers of flux – no one day is ever the influx of automation devices,
need to ensure they meet same. The challenge for utility communications and control
fluctuations in consumer demand companies in this constantly technologies being increasingly
and provide a high quality of changing environment is, applied to create a ‘two-way’
service that improves people’s therefore, to ensure they have system that ensures distributors
lives. On the other, they must be the tools to meet growing can monitor, manage, automate
able to dynamically respond to demands of end-users, increase and improve the quality of energy
surges and keep downtime to power efficiency, reliability and being supplied to consumers.
a minimum. These challenges quality, ensure they are meeting These ‘smarter’, two-way power
are being compounded by the environmental targets and be grids mean that not only can
fact that both governments and ready for the assimilation of electricity be provided to end
the C-suite are now pushing the renewable energy sources into customers, but distributors and
switch towards a distributed- traditional networks. suppliers can also get heads-
generation, low-carbon economy, This, however, has not always up feedback on parameters
which is set to transform how been possible. The traditional such as system outages and
power is both being produced electrical grid was a ‘one-way’ electrical use. With this data,
and consumed by end users system, with power going grid managers can optimise the
across the globe. from the grid operator to the performance of the network,
customer, without any feedback ensuring they can accommodate
and data going back to the peak loads, as well as anticipate
provider. disturbances in the network.
THE MODERN
SMART GRID
The new metering, Centralised automated reclosers These technologies are all making
communications and control are arguably the most important field data more accessible and
technologies that are now smart grid application, as they reliable than ever before, helping
contributing the modern smart allow utility companies to grid managers to make smarter,
grid are numerous, but three core sense and interrupt currents more informed decisions. In doing
applications include: in the event of a fault, giving so, utility companies now have
them the tools to automatically the toolkit to:
Ƈ Centralised automated reconfigure the network to
reclosers. isolate faults and restore
Ƈ Enhance visibility over
supply. In doing so, this can help metering and grid networks.
Ƈ Advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI). maintain maximum continuity of Ƈ Fewer and shorter outages. Centralised
service and minimise outages, recloser
Ƈ Substation automation. which is critical if they are to Ƈ Reduce peak consumption monitoring
consistently improve service by shifting demand loads. and control
quality to end-users.
Ƈ Optimise electricity
These technologies are enabled generation and distribution, Substation
by supervisory and control automation AMI backhaul
helping to reduce carbon
(SCADA) systems, which provide footprints.
an end-to-end system that
acquires data from the field Ƈ Lower maintenance costs. Network
through Remote Terminal Operations
Units (RTUs) or Intelligent Centre
Electrical Devices (IEDs) and
connects it to sensors through a
communications network.
Generation Transmission Distribution Customer premises
THE LIMITS OF
TERRESTRIAL AND
PRIVATE NETWORKS
With most utility and energy For example, while radio provides moments. Have you tried to place In situations where public cellular As the utility sector relies
companies relying on new dedicated coverage across a a call or send a text at a local networks aren’t readily available, more and more on the use
technologies to help make the network, the initial costs are sports event or concert only one course of action distributors of technology to improve its
distribution smart grid more high and it limits where and how to experience nonstop failed often take is a ‘do nothing’ resilience and efficiency, a
flexible, stable, resilient and equipment can be connected. attempts? The nearby cellular- approach. This means that, in lack of available and reliable
secure, the same qualities must For remote SCADA systems enabled utility infrastructure is areas without public cellular terrestrial communication is a
be true of its communication that require a highly reliable competing for that same shared connectivity, maintenance barrier to enhancing capabilities
network. The sector has monitoring and controlling consumer bandwidth. Further, crews and technicians have to and making the most of smart
historically deployed a mix of network, an unreliable coverage dark spots tend to be, for example, deployed to grid applications and solutions.
communications solutions to communications backbone appear at the limits of cellular manually read meters or restore This means that, whether it is
meet the demand of smart grid involving meshed networks, connectivity, where coverage is the functionality of locked out smart meters or digital sensors
applications, including radio and may significantly limits a grid either weak and highly unreliable reclosers. In many instances still, and switches, the infrastructure
cellular-based technologies. manager’s ability to, for example, or completely non-existent. utilities don’t even know there advancements that now allow
However, there are a number of pinpoint malfunctions and This is usually in remote or is a power outage until their utilities to more efficiently deliver
important limitations to these dynamically respond to outages. rural environments with low customers call to inform them. customers energy, improve
communications solutions. Cellular-based technologies population density, where the customer engagement, and
are designed for consumers terrain makes the construction increase grid resiliency and
using smartphones and large of private cellular infrastructure monitoring cannot be optimised,
amounts of data and suffer from challenging and costly, or where whilst in some remote areas they
congestion and intermittent the public cellular networks are simply not possible.
availability, which does not give don’t exist.
the reliability utility companies
need at mission critical
CHANGING
THE SATELLITE
PERCEPTION
With this in mind, there is a However, the technology For example, deploying SCADA Coupling this with the reduction
key role for satellite networks behind satellite networks has controlled centralised reclosers, of costs and the Quality of
to play in providing the cost- advanced considerably in recent which support the always on Service (QoS) requirements now
effective, ubiquitous connectivity years. Nowadays, two-way control that is needed to allow expected by regulators and
needed for a range of smart grid communication systems, such much greater visibility and control consumers, it is easy to see why
applications, ensuring that data as those providing IP services over a grid, is not possible in utilities are increasingly choosing
from applications out in the field for M2M applications, are many remote areas where cellular satellite communications for
is both reliable and continually increasingly becoming common, connectivity is intermittent and a whole range of different
available. particularly in rural areas that not fit for purpose. By choosing functions, whether it’s to
In the past, there has been are poorly served by other satellite, utility companies can extend the reach of existing
a perception that satellite communication technologies access a reliable and cost- communication networks,
communications are an or as an independent backup effective option to remotely ensure continuous, real-time
expensive and restrictive connection. monitor and control reclosers and cost-effective visibility
communications solution, Consequently, today’s satellite in areas where terrestrial over their networks and enable
requiring large, power-hungry terminals are able to provide connectivity is unreliable, making greater command, control and
terminals that don’t integrate an easy to integrate, real- it easier to reduce maintenance monitoring capabilities.
well with other, sector-specific, time, IP-based connectivity and site visits and keep downtime
smart applications. service, making them ideal for to a minimum.
backhauling data from smart grid Further, satellite is a more cost-
applications installed anywhere effective connectivity option than
in the power grid, enabling people think. Robust terminals
utilities to have greater command often have a lifespan of more
and control across entire than ten years, while the data
networks. cost is closer to cellular than
you would expect. In summary,
this means that total cost of
ownership (TCO) over a satellite
terminals lifetime is low – satellite
simply isn’t the big, scary and
expensive connectivity service
that has been previously thought.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY
PARTNER
However, it is important to point This not only impacts the uptime even in the most extreme
out here that not all satellite continuity of service, but also weather conditions, where other
services are the same. Due means trained technicians, types of satellite services fail.
to the unique nature of the accompanied by a member of The BGAN M2M service features
requirements of the smart grid, the utilities provider, often need robust and compact terminals,
understanding the differences to be redeployed to re-point the 2/3 the size of a laptop, such as
and limitations of different terminal, which adds significant the Hughes BGAN 9502, which are
satellite services is crucial costs to an operation. easy to install and can withstand
In particular, the adoption of VSAT So, while the VSAT service may hostile environmental conditions
satellite systems has increased be cheaper in terms of ongoing with a lifespan up-to ten years
in the sector over the past few airtime cost when compared or greater. With a low monthly
years, but there are notable to other satellite services, the data usage and long lifespan
limitations to this approach. terminals are not fit for purpose of the hardware, the total cost
VSAT works with bulky terminals, so the overall TCO is likely to be of ownership for the service is
which look like typical satellite higher. In contrast, Inmarsat’s minimal compared to the cost
dishes, making them an obvious BGAN M2M service is providing of dispatching technicians to
target for theft or vandalism. utility companies with the resolve issues and with all the
They also rely on a high power reliable and proven satellite benefit of achieving a higher
draw which means they can connectivity needed to build continuity of service.
cease working in the event of tomorrow’s smart grid. The To illustrate how satellite
a power cut, with solar power BGAN M2M service operates on communications can support
often not an option. Furthermore Inmarsat’s L-band network, which a utility’s daily operations and
VSAT is harder to install and to was created for government and further extend the reach of
point at satellites, meaning they emergency applications and is as smart grid applications, let’s
often lose connection if wind reliable as satellite gets. L-band look at the role of BGAN M2M in
or other environmental factors is the ideal satellite network for a range of use cases that use
move the terminal. enabling centralised recloser sensing and monitoring devices
monitoring control in particular, and command and control
as it provides up to 99.9% technologies, which require two-
way high-speed communications.
USE CASES FOR SATELLITE AND BGAN M2M CONNECTIVITY
CONNECTIVITY CASE STUDY:
ERGON ENERGY
Ergon Energy maintains and manages the regional electric
distribution network across Queensland, Australia. They provide
FOR ENERGY energy for more than 720,000 homes and businesses, covering 97%
of the state of Queensland.
Ergon Energy have installed hundreds of reclosers throughout their
network, with a significant number operating in the most isolated
parts of the state, areas in which traditional connectivity methods,
such as cellular and terrestrial, are limited or not available. Their
requirements for remote connectivity were a single, ubiquitous,
reliable network that was impervious to natural disasters and weather
events, while providing a high level of security.
Inmarsat’s BGAN M2M service met those requirements, providing a
seamless, easy to integrate, real-time, IP-based connectivity service,
to remotely monitor, control, and manage their recloser network.
BGAN M2M provided the reliability, cost effectiveness, security and
CENTRALISED RECLOSER MONITORING AND CONTROL ease of use that Ergon Energy were looking for to automate and
Electricity providers are under While providers often use Consequently, satellite monitor their distribution network, and with the service expected
pressure to consistently improve a variety of both types, the provides the most reliable to have an operational lifetime well into the 2020s, BGAN M2M will
service quality and minimise problems with decentralised and cost-effective option to continue to serve efficiently and effectively for many years to come.
outages as mandated by public reclosers are they cannot be remotely monitor and control
procurement contracts. Circuit monitored or operated remotely, centralised reclosers in areas
reclosers are considered an and once tripped they often where terrestrial connectivity is
essential device to maintain transition to a lockout state, which unreliable. Inmarsat’s BGAN M2M
maximum continuity of service, means engineers need to travel service is used on more than ten
with their ability to sense and to restore functionality, causing thousand reclosers around the
interrupt currents in the event of lengthy outages and costing world and has been trusted as the
a fault. Decentralised reclosers the provider money. With many industry standard by electricity
operate in isolation and are providers operating over wide providers for over ten years.
programmed to trip and reset and remote geographies, smart The service also features robust
without the need for connectivity grid management using SCADA and compact terminals such as
networks, while centralised controlled centralised reclosers the Hughes BGAN 9502 which
reclosers are connected to a is increasingly desirable. The are easy to install and can
central control room and allow challenge, however, is twofold. withstand hostile environmental
much greater visibility and Firstly, without connectivity, conditions with a lifespan up-to
control over a grid. many companies are forced to or beyond ten years. With a low
use reclosers that work as part monthly data usage and long
of a distributed or decentralised lifespan of the hardware, the
automation. Secondly, the total cost of ownership for the
challenge with centralised service is minimal compared
reclosers is getting connectivity to the cost of dispatching
that is reliable enough to support technicians to resolve issues
always on control, as in many and benefit of achieving a higher
remote areas cellular connectivity continuity of service.
is intermittent and not fit for
purpose.
CASE STUDY:
CEMIG
Cemig is the largest integrated electric power company in Brazil, with
83 power stations and participation in nearly 200 companies and
consortia in 22 Brazilian states and the Federal District. One of the
main problems that Cemig faces as an electric distribution company
is in improving cellular connectivity performance in remote areas
of Minas Gerais. While the state plays host to major cities such as
Belo Horizonte, it is also made up of very remote areas with lower
population densities.
In the event that there is an incident with the electrical system,
Cemig uses reclosers to test the medium voltage distribution network
automatically, interrupting the power in the event of a problem and
restoring the supply if they detect the problem is no longer present.
OnixSat and Inmarsat developed a solution based on satellite
connectivity to enable Cemig to increase availability and improve its
remote controlling of reclosers. The solution uses a serial/ ethernet
converter and Hughes’ BGAN 9502 terminal to connect the reclosers ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTUREA AMI
to Inmarsat’s ultra-reliable L-band satellite network, in order to ensure Smarter power networks These devices are a key element To remedy this, utility companies
the effectiveness of the commands issued to the reclosers by Cemig’s also require ‘smart meters’ of AMI and typically sit within have experimented with, and
Centre of Operations. to help consumers and wireless mesh grids, collecting then often abandoned VSAT-
The collaboration between OnixSat and Inmarsat has produced businesses manage their energy usage data from consumers based satellite services for
impressive results for Cemig. Before deploying the solution, Cemig consumption. In doing so, utility and businesses in a limited AMI backhaul. As mentioned
had an effective availability of remotely controlling the reclosers in companies can gain access to geographical area, transmitting it previously, while these services
the remote recloser project of less than 90%. After deployment of the consumption patterns, enabling back to the utility’s data centre – may be cheaper in terms of
Inmarsat and OnixSat solution, this indicator now shows an average of them to implement tariffs based usually via a cellular network. ongoing airtime cost, they have
98% at the points where satellite communication was installed. on time of use and real-time local However, cellular networks significant limitations. On the one
demand. As they are located at are not always ideal for data hand, VSAT terminals are bulky,
end points on the grid, smart backhaul for several reasons, making them obvious targets for
meters also provide utility including limited range, thieves. On the other, they are
companies with early warnings restricted bandwidth and also harder to install on pole tops
of power fluctuations, outages tendency to congestion, as and point at a satellite, making
and fraudulent activity, as well well as vulnerability to natural it difficult to retain a connection
as the ability to meet regulatory disasters and extreme weather. and increasing the likelihood of
requirements to read meters on a There are also many geographic deploying a trained technician to
regular basis. areas where cellular coverage re-point the terminal.
does not reach, and maybe never
will. This may lead to the ‘do
nothing’ scenario outlined above,
where technicians are deployed
to manually collect data from
meters in rural areas, adding
further cost and inefficiency to
an operation.In contrast, BGAN M2M offers a Ultimately, satellite
high-quality, low-cost alternative communications can help extend
SUBSTATION AUTOMATION
to backhaul meter traffic from AMI, down every dirt road, to Substations are a critical However, being connected to Another key area where satellite
wireless collector points for every meter across a network, component for maintaining a substation and retrieving can support in a substation
AMI deployments, providing enabling real-time meter reads, electrical supply and load vital information has always setting is enabling security
real-time, anytime access to as well as offering the tools for control in electrical distribution been a challenge. Not all the camera monitoring. Using
meter data, while lowering the instant remote connect and networks. In order to ensure the substations are of the same size satellite to enable movement
cost of manual collection in disconnect. Further, by extending proper functioning of substations or importance, while some are triggered streaming means
the previously unconnected two-way communication to every and connected equipment in in remote areas where public control centres can get a
areas. BGAN M2M provides meter, providers can also track the field, such as line-mounted cellular networks are non- real time view of the security
ubiquitous, global coverage, outage restoration progress, as switches, most utilities now use existent. situation at key substations,
and – as it is a secure network well as reduce any unnecessary SCADA systems to automate While substation sites in urban alerting them of potential arson
and does not traverse the open dispatching of technicians to fix monitoring and control. and suburban markets can attacks or weather events.
internet or other public networks issues and outages. For example, if the voltage level be mostly connected to the With innovative technologies
– is not susceptible to public is outside of a normal range, grid via existing terrestrial like Digigone compressing
usage. Furthermore, advanced grid managers and maintenance communications networks, and decompressing video so
antenna design – such as on the teams can fix the issue in order to create a fully- that the data sent is optimised
compact Hughes 9502 terminal accordingly. The SCADA system, automated, reliable grid, rural for satellite, this can be an
– allows for easier installation therefore, allows substation and remote sites must also be inexpensive and valuable use
to accommodate mounting on engineers to visualise everything accommodated and backup case.
pole tops. The compactness of within the network in real-time, systems need to be in place
the terminal also means that such as where a failure occurs, for critical sites. This is where
it is a less obvious target for as well as providing monitoring satellite connectivity can
theft, while it can also retain a and control both in data ensure remote substations stay
connection to the network even networking and acquisition. This connected. Satellite can also
when its direction has shifted live monitoring capability also act as backup communications
up to 30 degrees, which may avoids the need for maintenance at any substation, which would
happen when there is extreme crews having to manually find automatically take over when the
weather or seismic activity. problems with equipment in the primary link fails.
field, saving costs and keeping
downtime to a minimum.CONCLUSION
It is no longer acceptable Advancements in satellite This also places satellite at
for utilities providers to have communications can enable the forefront of the next wave
smart grid capabilities in urban electricity companies to of development in smart grid
and densely populated areas, overcome these new challenges, applications and technologies.
while neglecting remote areas. while enjoying the benefits of From supporting the integration
The modern smart grid is now reliability, ease of deployment, of smart grids into smart cities,
spreading across geographies and network reach. Whether it to providing the infrastructure
and into the worlds remotest is providing centralised recloser needed to enable the efficient
areas, which in turn requires automation or AMI backhaul, use of this new generation of
a flexible, stable, resilient and satellite-based solutions provide Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs),
secure communication backbone the most cost-effective and the global reach and reliability
to underpin it. reliable communications solution that satellite communications
in a number of key smart grid offers makes it a key component
areas. in building tomorrow’s smart grid.ABOUT INMARSAT Inmarsat is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com inmarsat.com/enterprise While the information in this document has been prepared in good faith, no representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability (howsoever arising) is or will be accepted by the Inmarsat group or any of its officers, employees or agents in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or fitness for purpose of the information in this document. All and any such responsibility and liability is expressly disclaimed and excluded to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. Coverage as shown on maps is subject to change at any time. INMARSAT is a trademark owned by the International Mobile Satellite Organization, licensed to Inmarsat Global Limited. The Inmarsat LOGO and all other Inmarsat trademarks in this document are owned by Inmarsat Global Limited. © Inmarsat Global Limited. All rights reserved. BGAN M2M Utilities White Paper February 2021.
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