Trilliant’s Integrated Multi-Tier Smart Grid Architecture

Trilliant’s multi-tier communications infrastructure provides utilities with a Smart Grid connectivity solution in which the WAN, NAN, and HAN work together seamlessly. This creates an end-to-end secure private network that supports unified network management and security in a flexible and upgradable deployment wherever and whenever needed.  This integrated architecture supports multiple applications solution and true end-to-end IP-connectivity through the use of powerful layered networks:

• The SecureMesh™ WAN is a self-forming, self-balancing, and self-healing mesh for low-cost private backhaul and advanced distribution operations with long range, high bandwidth, and low latency.
• The SecureMesh NAN is a self-forming, self-balancing, and self-healing mesh  for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) capable of basic and advanced metering, integrated demand side management, and innovative consumer-centric programs.
• The SecureMesh NAN enables home area applications through the network itself or optional 3^rd tier HAN interface to emerging protocols such as ZigBee.

This multi-tier network securely partitions applications into virtual networks, each according to their required bandwidth and latency, thereby ensuring the most effective and efficient use of each network.  For example, in addition to serving as the backhaul for meter communications, Trilliant’s broadband network can be used to support real-time applications such as distribution automation and substation video monitoring and provide connectivity to renewables and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).  Similarly, the SecureMesh NAN collects meter data and enables demand-side management applications.

Communications for a Complete Range of Meters

Trilliant offers a variety of advanced and C&I meters as well as basic residential electric meters from major manufacturers such as GE, Itron, and Landis+Gyr. Each meter is available in a wide range of ANSI forms, voltages, and meter class ratings and is equipped with a factory-installed, under-glass SecureMesh communications module. The SecureMesh module adds intelligence to the meter so that even a basic residential meter can provide many of the functions of an advanced meter and support interval metering and TOU billing. Each SecureMesh electric meter can report a power outage or restoration event to the head-end in real time, and each meter can detect tampering by reporting changes in energy flow direction or a reverse flow after an outage. Additionally, Trilliant supports meters with integrated service disconnect switches to allow remote disconnect/connect.

Trilliant also offers SecureMesh gas meter modules that can easily retrofit the most commonly deployed small- and large-diaphragm gas meters from manufacturers such as American, Rockwell, and Sprague. A battery-powered SecureMesh gas meter module provides operational life greater than 20 years. Unlike many systems, a gas-only network of SecureMesh enabled meters is possible, as well as a mixed network of SecureMesh electric and gas meters. Because Trilliant supports both electric and gas metering applications, a utility can employ the same SecureMesh NAN and infrastructure investment across both lines of business.

Easy Integration and Interoperability

The SecureMesh communications network relays distribution, metering, and consumer data to the UnitySuite™ Head-End Software for metering, demand-side management, grid management, and network management. The SOAP-based API in UnitySuite Platform facilitates easy integration with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Information System (CIS), Meter Data Management (MDM), and Outage Management System (OMS) applications.