Voltage Monitoring
Remotely monitor and manage voltage regulators on the distribution grid
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Voltage Monitoring
Voltage regulators provide the distribution grid with constant voltage levels. Most enhanced voltage regulators also provide a means to monitor the line voltage; however, monitoring the voltage level can mean sending a technician out to read the level at the voltage regulator. With a two-way network configured to provide always-on communication with remote voltage regulators, utilities have the ability to centralize their monitoring and control without requiring a dispatched technician. Distribution networking enhances line voltage monitoring:
- On-demand and scheduled voltage level reports
- Remote control of voltage level settings
- Event-based reporting of regulator problems
The communications requirements for voltage regulators do not require much bandwidth are are relatively latency tolerant. They do benefit, however, by having always-on connectivity across the distribution network in order to enhance grid reliability.
The SecureMesh WAN products provide an optimal solution for voltage regulators. SecureMesh Connectors are cost-effective outdoor wireless devices that provide local Ethernet connectivity, either for a direct Ethernet connection or for a serial (RS-232, RS-485) connection via a Ethernet-to-serial adapter, that enables communication via both legacy protocols (DNP3, Modbus) as well as TCP/IP. Each SecureMesh Connector provides long-range links (up to 7.5 miles apart) to connect remote reclosers with always-on and low-latency wireless communications. In addition, every link is encrypted for security and communications can be partitioned into virtual private networks (VPNs) for additional security and traffic guarantees.
With the SecureMesh WAN providing distribution networking, the Smart Grid deployment can provide cost-effective communications to voltage regulators and integrate into SCADA and distribution management systems (DMS). Extending a Smart Grid network to voltage regulators results in improvements in grid reliability (i.e. lower SAIDI, MAIFI, CAIDI, SAIFI metrics), visibility into critical load information, asset management, and operations and maintenance costs, which also results in improvements in customer satisfaction.
