The explosion of broadband networks in all facets of business has positioned IP-based technologies to be the dominant communications protocols. Broadband networks currently pass through 300 million homes in the US and Western Europe alone. In addition to offerings by traditional cable and DSL providers, a growing number of electric utilities have deployed such networks, including more than 600 municipal utilities.
Several key factors are driving the interest of utilities in IP-based technologies. Less expensive and more efficient networks such as BPL (broadband-over-powerline), WiFi and Fiber have emerged. Utilities can now have realtime, two-way access to metering and control devices, can improve field services and provide added services to both customers and local agencies such as police, fire, schools and government. Finally, the fact that IP networks are “standards-based”, rather than proprietary, makes it easier for utilities to maintain the in-house expertise necessary to administer these systems.
Technology Evolves
While cable and telephony-based broadband networks remain the most widely deployed, wireless and BLP technology are becoming attractive alternatives for utility-deployed IP networks. Both address the issue of “last mile” connectivity that was previously a limiting factor for utility broadband deployment. They also allow utilities to expand the reaches of their current fiber infrastructure commonly deployed in substations and other facilities. WiFi and BPL deliver the same always-on, two-way connectivity that straight fiber networks offer and can support real-time asset management.
“One of the biggest benefits of IP networks to utilities is the inherent versatility of IP architecture,” said Vincent Moeyersoms, muNet’s Co-CEO. “Although there are many delivery mechanisms for IP (cable, DSL, wireless, BPL, etc.), there are well-established communications standards in place for IP-based networking and application development. Utilities can choose the most appropriate IP network infrastructure for a given application based on factors such as population, terrain, and existing fiber placement. "Our devices offer the same functionality whether they're connected to WiFi, BPL or a straight fiber network”
More efficient generation, transmission and distribution operations will be required to meet the pressing energy needs of tomorrow. Improving these operational processes requires timely data and analysis from devices on all tiers of the distribution network. As opposed to analyzing data on a monthly or daily basis, realtime metering data enables utility operators to be proactive rather than reactive. The ability to track load magnitude, duration, and specific timing down to the individual meter level insures that resources can be more intelligently allocated.
A Solution Appears
A new solution on the market is muNet’s “WebGate” IP Interface System, which targets utilities that own or operate broadband networks. WebGate uses existing broadband infrastructure for core utility applications including AMR, load management and distribution automation.
Each WebGate IP Interface unit includes: a data acquisition system with non-volatile memory, an embedded processor delivering interval data via XML and a broadband modem. The integral modem allows the WebGate to communicate over any IP-based network, including HFC, Fiber, WiFi, DSL, and BPL.
The WebGate iRIS™ IP Interface, is designed for residential electric meters and supports traditional metering applications, such as retrieval of kWh billing and interval data, tamper detection and a range of configuration options targeted at specific business applications. Optional functions include water and gas automated metering, electric disconnect/reconnect, high-speed Internet access, cable TV signal control and load management. muNet also offers a similar product, the WebGate iCIS™ IP Interface targeted at commercial meter-based applications.
Technology Creates New AMR Innovation
AMR companies are finding new ways of leveraging the explosion in utility broadband systems. muNet and Datamatic created a partnership in 2004 to develop the first AMR solution that would enable utilities to read electric, water and gas meters over any IP-based broadband network. The demand for these AMR “triple deployments” has been increasing as utilities seek to improve efficiencies and make their systems more effective.
The integrated solution integrates Datamatic’s FIREFLY® AMR technology into muNet’s suite of WebGate® products. The new product allows utilities deploying muNet’s WebGate technology to collect their water, gas and some electric readings via Datamatic’s wireless RF technology. The wireless collection of the gas, water and non-WebGate electric meter readings offer the best of both muNet’s IP and Datamatic’s RF technologies for multi service utilities.
Moeyersoms added, “incorporating Datamatic’s FIREFLY RF technology into our WebGate systems will provide utilities with a single solution to collect data from all of their electric, gas and water meters over any broadband network. This will maximize a utility’s infrastructure investment returns by providing critical operational information such as meter reads, time-stamped interval data and benefit from the other system features such as voltage sensing, turn-on/turn-offs and load management.”
This hybrid broadband/RF solution dramatically enhances the value of both technologies and slashes data collection costs. The result is a system that leverages investments already made in infrastructure while also improving the bottom line each month.
“Now a utility can collect and store water, gas and electric usage data at a single point until the WebBot collection system goes out over IP to the electric meter and transfers the readings,” noted Ken Kercher, President and CEO for Datamatic. “This type of system provides unparalleled access to information. On demand meter reading, near real-time notification of outages, leaks, tampers and the ability to execute remote disconnect and other control functions provide a tool set not readily available before. Utility operations become proactive rather than after the fact. Another key benefit is that difficult HR issues, such as filling meter collection positions and on the job injuries, are mitigated.”
The Next Step
The fusion of proven technologies has continued to produce “meta-technologies” delivering value that outstrips that of the individual solutions themselves. As utilities investigate and predict the needs of their operations in the future, they would do well to heed this principal and the Gestalt adage: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
About the Authors:
As Director of Sales and Marketing at muNet, Sean Doyle is responsible for both direct and channel sales strategies. Over the past five years Sean has been involved with most customer-oriented functions at muNet including project planning, customer service, installation support, and inside and outside sales. Sean’s most recent position prior to joining muNet was as Technical Sales and Support Representative with the Telecommunications Service Provider division of American Power Conversion, the world leader in UPS and power protection solutions. Sean earned a BS from the University of Rhode Island.
Scott Durham is the Vice President of Sales for Datamatic’s Energy Systems division. Scott has been with Datamatic for over five years. Scott has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California and has been involved in the delivery of Enterprise data collection solutions for over 20 years.
Scott can be reached for comments and questions at sdurham@datamatic.com.
Several key factors are driving the interest of utilities in IP-based technologies. Less expensive and more efficient networks such as BPL (broadband-over-powerline), WiFi and Fiber have emerged. Utilities can now have realtime, two-way access to metering and control devices, can improve field services and provide added services to both customers and local agencies such as police, fire, schools and government. Finally, the fact that IP networks are “standards-based”, rather than proprietary, makes it easier for utilities to maintain the in-house expertise necessary to administer these systems.
Technology Evolves
While cable and telephony-based broadband networks remain the most widely deployed, wireless and BLP technology are becoming attractive alternatives for utility-deployed IP networks. Both address the issue of “last mile” connectivity that was previously a limiting factor for utility broadband deployment. They also allow utilities to expand the reaches of their current fiber infrastructure commonly deployed in substations and other facilities. WiFi and BPL deliver the same always-on, two-way connectivity that straight fiber networks offer and can support real-time asset management.
“One of the biggest benefits of IP networks to utilities is the inherent versatility of IP architecture,” said Vincent Moeyersoms, muNet’s Co-CEO. “Although there are many delivery mechanisms for IP (cable, DSL, wireless, BPL, etc.), there are well-established communications standards in place for IP-based networking and application development. Utilities can choose the most appropriate IP network infrastructure for a given application based on factors such as population, terrain, and existing fiber placement. "Our devices offer the same functionality whether they're connected to WiFi, BPL or a straight fiber network”
More efficient generation, transmission and distribution operations will be required to meet the pressing energy needs of tomorrow. Improving these operational processes requires timely data and analysis from devices on all tiers of the distribution network. As opposed to analyzing data on a monthly or daily basis, realtime metering data enables utility operators to be proactive rather than reactive. The ability to track load magnitude, duration, and specific timing down to the individual meter level insures that resources can be more intelligently allocated.
A Solution Appears
A new solution on the market is muNet’s “WebGate” IP Interface System, which targets utilities that own or operate broadband networks. WebGate uses existing broadband infrastructure for core utility applications including AMR, load management and distribution automation.
Each WebGate IP Interface unit includes: a data acquisition system with non-volatile memory, an embedded processor delivering interval data via XML and a broadband modem. The integral modem allows the WebGate to communicate over any IP-based network, including HFC, Fiber, WiFi, DSL, and BPL.
The WebGate iRIS™ IP Interface, is designed for residential electric meters and supports traditional metering applications, such as retrieval of kWh billing and interval data, tamper detection and a range of configuration options targeted at specific business applications. Optional functions include water and gas automated metering, electric disconnect/reconnect, high-speed Internet access, cable TV signal control and load management. muNet also offers a similar product, the WebGate iCIS™ IP Interface targeted at commercial meter-based applications.
Technology Creates New AMR Innovation
AMR companies are finding new ways of leveraging the explosion in utility broadband systems. muNet and Datamatic created a partnership in 2004 to develop the first AMR solution that would enable utilities to read electric, water and gas meters over any IP-based broadband network. The demand for these AMR “triple deployments” has been increasing as utilities seek to improve efficiencies and make their systems more effective.
The integrated solution integrates Datamatic’s FIREFLY® AMR technology into muNet’s suite of WebGate® products. The new product allows utilities deploying muNet’s WebGate technology to collect their water, gas and some electric readings via Datamatic’s wireless RF technology. The wireless collection of the gas, water and non-WebGate electric meter readings offer the best of both muNet’s IP and Datamatic’s RF technologies for multi service utilities.
Moeyersoms added, “incorporating Datamatic’s FIREFLY RF technology into our WebGate systems will provide utilities with a single solution to collect data from all of their electric, gas and water meters over any broadband network. This will maximize a utility’s infrastructure investment returns by providing critical operational information such as meter reads, time-stamped interval data and benefit from the other system features such as voltage sensing, turn-on/turn-offs and load management.”
This hybrid broadband/RF solution dramatically enhances the value of both technologies and slashes data collection costs. The result is a system that leverages investments already made in infrastructure while also improving the bottom line each month.
“Now a utility can collect and store water, gas and electric usage data at a single point until the WebBot collection system goes out over IP to the electric meter and transfers the readings,” noted Ken Kercher, President and CEO for Datamatic. “This type of system provides unparalleled access to information. On demand meter reading, near real-time notification of outages, leaks, tampers and the ability to execute remote disconnect and other control functions provide a tool set not readily available before. Utility operations become proactive rather than after the fact. Another key benefit is that difficult HR issues, such as filling meter collection positions and on the job injuries, are mitigated.”
The Next Step
The fusion of proven technologies has continued to produce “meta-technologies” delivering value that outstrips that of the individual solutions themselves. As utilities investigate and predict the needs of their operations in the future, they would do well to heed this principal and the Gestalt adage: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
About the Authors:
As Director of Sales and Marketing at muNet, Sean Doyle is responsible for both direct and channel sales strategies. Over the past five years Sean has been involved with most customer-oriented functions at muNet including project planning, customer service, installation support, and inside and outside sales. Sean’s most recent position prior to joining muNet was as Technical Sales and Support Representative with the Telecommunications Service Provider division of American Power Conversion, the world leader in UPS and power protection solutions. Sean earned a BS from the University of Rhode Island.
Scott Durham is the Vice President of Sales for Datamatic’s Energy Systems division. Scott has been with Datamatic for over five years. Scott has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California and has been involved in the delivery of Enterprise data collection solutions for over 20 years.
Scott can be reached for comments and questions at sdurham@datamatic.com.
