networking remote devices out there -...
TRANSCRIPT
Networking Remote Devices Out There - WirelesslyViola’s industrial end-to-end data communi-cation solution provides reliable and secure wireless connectivity for remote devices and systems. Field proven technology is used in a number of industry verticals. Typical charac-teristics of this solution are that it is used on connections with low communication costs and can be built without any changes to the existing devices.
Remote SitesArctics are industrial quality routers and gateways with built-in security features
which are installed at the remote sites. These devices are capable of versatile
monitoring of wireless connection and the device itself with automatic con-
nection re-establishment in case of malfunction. In order to avoid any mod-
ifications to existing devices and system, certain Arctic models provide
protocol conversion from industrial serial protocols to TCP protocols, en-
abling the connectivity of legacy serial devices to IP networks.
OperatorCommercially available wireless data networks like GPRS, EDGE
and 3G are utilized. These networks are available almost everywhere.
Viola’s communication solution is mobile operator independent as only
standard SIM cards are needed for Arctics. No special service (private
APN) is needed. This enables flexible and cost effective maintenance
and modifications of the communication solution. It is also possible to
use SIM cards from different mobile operators in a single system in order
to achieve better network coverage or avoid roaming costs.
Control StationViola M2M Gateway is connected to a fixed line connection (by Internet service
provider) and it is providing static IP addresses and maintaining VPN tunnels to
each Arctic. There are no limitations for the number of Arctics (remote sites) to
be connected to one control station. Remote sites can be seen as a part of a
company’s internal network leading to seamless operation with the locations
using fixed line connections from the control station personnel point of
view. There are different possibilities for setting up Viola M2M Gateway.
Redundant systems can also be built.
ISPWIRELESS
Viola M2M Solution™
General PresentationJuly, 2006
Viola M2M Solution™ Do you need a relief?
You may have noticed that sometimes installing and deploying a communication solution is easier on paper than in real life.
Reliable wireless communication is a major enabler in a number of automation applications.
Viola offers you a relief in the area of wireless GPRS/EDGE communication.
Install-and-forget-it™
Viola M2M Solution™ Arctic? What the heck is an Arctic?Viola M2M Solution™ is an install-and-forget-it, hassle-free approach that delivers secured end-to-end wireless and wireline connectivity for M2M applications.
Key system elements are
SCADA END/1 x Viola M2M Gateway
REMOTE END/n X Arctic IEC-104 Gateway; orn X Arctic Modbus Gateway; orn X Arctic EDGE Router
For more information, please visit at:http://www.violasystems.com/products/products.htm
Viola’s wireless remote terminals are called as Arctics.
Viola M2M Solution™ One stop shop
Applying new wireless technologies can be complex but it really shouldn’t. And we make sure it is not.
Viola has put together a complete end-to-end solution that is hassle-free. Just install it and then forget!
No need to shop part A from supplier #1 and part B from supplier #2.
Viola allows you to get everything from the same door, keeps your pain at minimum and let’s you get going fast and smart.
Install-and-forget it
Viola offers you a solution not a box
Viola M2M Solution™ Easy
”First, a SIM card is inserted into an appropriate SIM slot, then an external antenna is attached, and finally 12 V power cables are connected. And that’s all,” explains Jari Hakala, IT Manager of Koillis-Satakunta Power Utility in Finland.
Arctics are configured through easy and intuitive web user interface.
When the number of devices to be networked is high and human resources low, Viola can deliver its products as preconfigured to a specific customer application environment.
Simplicity at its best
Web –based user interface
Can be delivered as preconfigured
Viola M2M Solution™ Two way communications
Elegantly allows you to use GPRS network inherently isonly.
Let’s you build your wireless GPRS networks independent of mobile network operators.
Issues virtual static IP addrdevices and sites.
Can also be used to overcomecommunication if you don’t wantGateway.
two way communications as designed to work one way
esses for your remote field
the same issue of one way to go with the Viola M2M
Viola M2M Gateway
Operator APN (Access Point Node)
Viola M2M Solution™ Industrial-grade; built to last
Arctics are packaged into a
The hardware itself is designed with high availability and harsh conditions in mind quality components)
From – 40 celsius up to 70 celsius degr
Internal heater and battery ba
robust aluminium casing.
(hardware watchdogs, high .
ees.
ck-up provided as an option.
Robust mechanics and hardware
Wide operating temperature range
Viola M2M Solution™ High availability
Arctics are equipped with a built-in software functionality that continously monitors existing connections.
Should a connection go down, Atransparently re-establish the connection.
Customer can install two Viola M2M Gateways.
Each Arctic contains the IP addressegateways.
Should the default Viola M2M Gautomatically switches overGateway thus offering one additional level of redundancy.
rctic will immediately and
s of these two
ateway fail, the Arctic to the other Viola M2M
Automatic connection re-establishment
Redundant Viola M2M Gateways
Viola M2M Solution™ Freedom and Flexibility
Viola M2M Gateway allows you to go without obtaining operator APN and associated monthly payments.
Choose freely which mobile operator to use per node (price/quality).
Based on GSM mobile networks that are present practically everywhere.
No need to build and maintain your own private radio network.
Connectivity wherever you can locate a GSM network.
Ability to choose your operator per node
Guaranteed global coverage
No distance limitations
Viola M2M Solution™ Secure
Allows you to convenientlyaddresses your remote
Effectively blocks all unauthor
Secure, encrypted tunnels are remote equipment and central sites.
Tunneling technologies
- SSH- L2TP
determine from which IP device can be accessed.
ized connection attempts.
established between your
currently available:
Built-in firewall
VPN technology
Viola M2M Solution™ End-to-End
Viola M2M Solution™its inception back in late 2002.
Arctics are highly reliable embedded computing platformsthat effectively integrate a of device inter
Arctics not only provide communication capability but they integrate field devices at
In addition, Arctics link the device inforbackend information systemintegration protocols such as SNMP, Modbus and IEC-101/104.
is designed to be end-to-end since
powerful processor, a multitude
faces and GPRS modem.
physical and logical levels.
mation with s by using standards-based
Holistic approach
Communication gap filler
Viola M2M Solution™ Robust
Every prViola’s manufacturing facilities.
Viola’s products are designed to span of over 15 years
In pracfree.
Viola’s products are being sucritical solutions in harsh environments.
From icy road sides and elecricity substations to
oduct undergoes rigorous tests until it leaves
be use in the field a time after the installation.
tise, products have turned out to be maintenance
ccessfully applied in mission-
tough EMC conditions in extremely hot deserts.
Thoroughly tested
Field-proven
Viola M2M Solution™ It simply works!
industrial-strength and field-proven
easy, straigthforward and hassle-free solution
high availability
two way communications
mobile operator independent
end-to-end
built-in firewall and VPN technology for secure communication
Install-and-forget-it™
Toward a Smarter Grid: Why
Bridging the Communications
Gap is Key
White Paper by Viola Systems Oy
January 2010
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 1
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY
White Paper by Viola Systems
INTRODUCTION TO THE POWER GRID OF THE FUTURE: THE SMART GRID
In principle, the Smart Grid is an upgrade of the 20th century power grids which generally "broadcast" power
from a few central power generators to a large number of users. Now the convergence of three industries;
energy, telecommunications and IT, are turning the traditional power grid into an intelligent utility network of
the 21st
century, capable of routing power in more optimal ways to respond to the changing requirements of
today’s energy sector. Fundamentally, the traditional strictly hierarchical grid will become a more complex
dynamic network consisting of mutually interacting “islands”.
Smart Grid technology is sometimes referred to as the “Internet for power” due to its potential to
fundamentally shift the way we think about electricity production, distribution and consumption. Whereas the
Internet changed the information paradigm from a one-to-many to a many-to-many view, the Smart Grid has
the potential to achieve a similar change in the way electricity flows. The result will be a more flexible power
grid which is largely automated, will draw on intelligent monitoring and control mechanisms, and allow for
two-way communication between different nodes in the network. The shift from the traditional power grid to
the Smart Grid is illustrated in [Figure 1].
Traditional
Power Grid
Smart Grid
Figure 1: Illustration of the traditional power grid and the Smart Grid
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 2
The Smart Grid will be more responsive, transparent and reliable, and better equipped to answer to the
demands of the future. The key differences between the traditional power grid and the Smart Grid are
summarized in [Table 1].
Table 1: Summary of differences between the traditional grid and the Smart Grid
Traditional Power Grid Smart Grid
Communication None or one-way only, not real-time Two-way, real-time information
Power Generation Centralized generation
Both centralized and distributed power generation
Intermittent generation from renewable sources
Possible for consumers to participate in the market
Operational
information Operations based on historical data Operations based on real-time data
Reliability Receptive to failures Automatic and pro-active protection, remote restoration
when needed
Fault restoration Manual restoration, reactive
maintenance
Remote restoration, corrective maintenance reduces
outages
System structure Hierarchical, strictly one-way power flow Network-like, multiple paths for power flow
Drivers behind the Smart Grid
There are several major ongoing trends that drive the development of a more intelligent utility network:
� Calls for increased grid efficiency
� Growing requirements for environmental sustainability
� Greater activity from part of consumers to control their energy consumption
� Growing demand for energy
� Calls for greater energy independence and security
� Regulatory support for e.g. expanding power generation from renewable sources
Efficiency is one of the leading drivers of the Smart Grid. Even in modern systems around 8% of electricity from
power plants is lost before reaching the customer, which means that increasing power efficiency through grid
optimization can have a potentially considerable impact both on the cost of electricity as well as on the
environment. Investment in grid optimization has even been said to represent one of the most lucrative
investments into the reduction of CO2-emissions.1 Another noteworthy driver of the Smart Grid is the growing
supply of renewable energy sources that presently face considerable operational challenges in the traditional
grid due to their intermittent nature. Without Smart Grid infrastructure these energy sources will remain niche
as they cannot be linked to the grid in an efficient way.
Regulatory and political support for Smart Grid initiatives has also been considerable. Both the US government
and the European Commission have set investments in Smart Grid technology as a top priority for upcoming
years, and President Barack Obama emphasized the need for a transformation in the power market in February
2009: “Today, the electricity we use is carried along a grid of lines and wires that dates back to Thomas Edison –
1 ”The Smart Grid in 2010: Market Segments, Applications and Industry Players” GTM Research, July 2009
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 3
a grid that can’t support the demands of clean energy. This means we’re using 19th and 20th century
technologies to battle 21st century problems like climate change and energy security”.
The Architectural Layers of the Smart Grid
Contrary to what it may seem, the Smart Grid will not be a revolution over night, and the entire existing
physical power transmission and distribution network will not need to be replaced. The intelligent utility
network will largely use existing infrastructure, but new technology will be added gradually over the years to
incorporate more intelligent and effective functionalities to the grid. The Smart Grid can be viewed as
comprising of three different architectural layers (see [Figure 2]): the physical power layer encompassing
transmission and distribution; the data transport and control layer (or communications layer); and the
application layer, i.e. the applications and services the grid actually performs.
The physical layer is already largely existent and only needs minor modifications, and the applications and
services are also already being developed or at least envisioned. The communications layer is currently being
enhanced by several utility companies, but not very rapidly considering that all the applications and services
are heavily reliant on the existence of a comprehensive, end-to-end, two-way communications layer. The
communications layer is the glue that holds the physical power layer and the applications together, and makes
the Smart Grid functionalities possible.
PHYSICAL POWER LAYER
LAN WAN FAN
3G Satellite
WiMax
RF MeshM2M
Private
APPLICATION LAYER
COMMUNICATION LAYER
AMI DR
MDMDA
FLISR
Billing
SCADA
…
Figure 2: The three architectural layers of the Smart Grid
Viola’s business is focused on building up the communications layer to enable grid enhancing applications. In
essence, this is where the focus should be at the moment – on laying the ground work and improving the grid
internally before directing focus outwards. The transition from the power grid we know today to the Smart
Grid of tomorrow will be as profound as all of the advances in power systems over the last century, but to do
so it first and foremost needs an effective communication system.
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 4
CUSTOMER-SIDE APPLICATION AREAS AND BENEFITS OF SMART GRID
The Smart Grid changes the way energy is distributed, purchased and used. Adding intelligence throughout the
networked grid challenges the status quo for each stakeholder in the energy market – the customer gets the
opportunity to participate in the energy market by e.g. modifying when and how to consume electricity, SCADA
can remotely control different parts of the network and isolate blackouts efficiently, renewable energy sources
become more accessible, energy companies can adopt new pricing models and offer new services, not to
mention all the possibilities we cannot even fathom today. These functionalities rely on the development of
Smart Grid applications.
Customer-Side Applications
The applications and services utility companies are developing and making use of today include advanced
metering infrastructure (AMI), demand/response (DR), distribution automation (DA) or grid optimization,
energy storage, metering data management (MDM) [and fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR)].
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI): The replacement of old-fashioned mechanical meters with
advanced “smart” digital meters. These smart meters allow for two-way communication, but require a
communications infrastructure to transfer the data. End-to-end connectivity between the utility and the
customer is likely to bring about large changes in an industry where direct customer contact has been limited.
Demand/response (D/R): Involving the customer directly in leveling out demand for electricity. Customers
are incentivized through e.g. pricing schemes to reduce their power consumption during peak hours of
demand, which allows for the utility to handle more customers with the same infrastructure, avoiding the
building of unnecessary, expensive and less environmentally friendly extra capacity.
Grid optimization or Distribution automation (DA): Grid optimization includes a broad range of
improvements that energy companies can implement in their networks to turn their old grid into a dynamic
Smart Grid. By adding IT, communication and advanced technology utilities will be able to e.g. remotely
operate network devices, draw and make use of more information from the field and quickly locate and isolate
outages in the network, thus optimizing the use of the existing infrastructure. Since the benefits to be had from
grid optimization do not depend on changing customer behavior, these returns are regarded as more
predictable and certain than the returns from other applications, making investment in grid optimization very
attractive. The focal point of Viola’s offering lies largely in issues dealing with grid optimization and Viola has
specialized in operations such as remote management of field devices, quick fault isolation and restoration, as
well as feeder automation.
Energy Storage: Historically, power grids have had effectively no storage capacity, and in developing a
modern, more intelligent grid energy storage has emerged as a necessary component of the future. Energy
storage not only reduces demand for new power plants and transmission lines, but also solves the operational
problem renewable energy sources have been dealing with due to their intermittent nature.
Meter Data Management (MDM): Quite literally, involves the management of the data smart meters
produce, be it data processing, analytics or storage. Since most of the large players offering smart meters do
not historically have much experience in handling large amounts of data, this is a market segment where a lot
of small start-up companies have been gaining market share.
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 5
[FDIR - Fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR)?]
Challenges related to Smart Grid
Before any of these applications can become operational and commonplace, Smart Grid implementation holds
several critical challenges to utilities. Greentech Media (GTM) Research summarized the three main Smart Grid
related challenges in June 2009 as follows:
� Interoperability standards – An intelligent grid requires that a multitude of independent actors are
able to operate and communicate with each other. If technologies and systems are created as
incompatible a large part of the promised benefits will never materialize.
� Future proofing – As utilities (and governments) are investing astronomical sums into Smart Grid
initiatives, a key requirement is that the system architecture, and especially communications, is built to
be scalable and modifiable in the future.
� Re-defining business models and incentives – With the rules of the game changing in the energy
market, regulations and businesses need to change relatively fast to provide the right incentives for
each actor in the system to engage in realizing the benefits attainable from an intelligent utility grid.
We have previously concluded that an effective communications layer lies as a vital intermediary between the
physical power grid and the envisioned Smart Grid applications. We can now also see that two of the major
challenges related to Smart Grid are closely connected to and dependent on the communications layer. End-to-
end connectivity and communications thus emerges as the key area for developing an intelligent power grid.
CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS: THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE SMART GRID
It is hardly uncommon for mankind to plunge head first into new ideas and visions. People have the
unfortunate tendency to jump at a bold vision, only to realize later that poor planning and badly lain
groundwork forces them to start from the beginning, often at a much higher cost. The same applies for Smart
Grid applications; e.g. smart meters are revolutionary but require an end-to-end communications and data
transfer network to make the information accessible, and demand/response holds great potential but the
utility will need to have great control over all devices in the network to make it happen.
Connectivity refers to the transport links between many small parts to make a greater whole, whereas
communication is these parts interchanging information with one another. Connectivity and communication in
terms of the Smart Grid thus refers to a network where each part is linked to a system, and where information
can flow freely between the different parts. Viola’s core competence lies precisely here: in creating an
extensive communications layer that enables contact to even the most remote field devices.
Why is the Communications Layer a priority?
For a number of different reasons, utilities should prioritize investments in the communications layer to ensure
a smooth rollout.
Laying the groundwork first Fred Butler, Chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners (NARUC) has pinpointed this problem by warning utilities of prioritizing wrongly and starting by
investing in smart meters. Instead, utilities are advised to start by investing in the communications network for
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 6
the distribution system, and focus on design it to support future applications. This represents not only a smaller
up-front investment but is also much more likely to create immediate benefits.
Appliances are reliant on communications and connectivity For all Smart Grid services and appliances
one component is essential: communications and connectivity. To enable the applications and a higher degree
of service, moving large amounts of data from one part of the grid to another is vital. This is easily visualized in
the three architectural layers of the Smart Grid (see [Figure 2]), where the communications layer is the piece
connecting the physical power layer and the applications. Connectivity to all parts of the network and
communication between these is the cornerstone of Smart Grid appliances.
Internal improvements of grid a logical staring point We have identified that the Smart Grid will imply a
revolution in the energy market. Changes will take place in regulations, companies’ business models, in the
consumer market and in power generation. While not all, a lot of the changes are external – closely connected
to but not directly dependent on the actual infrastructure. The infrastructure is, however, the starting point for
efficient energy distribution, and internal improvements should thus be a first priority for energy companies.
With well-managed internal operations, facing the external changes will result easier. Internal operations are
mainly improved through grid optimization, a market segment that is especially reliant on end-to-end
communications and connectivity to all parts of the network. The communications layer allows for the utility to
have real-time information about what is happening in each part of the grid, and events such as faults and
blackouts can be immediately located, isolated and restored.
Key Customer Challenges in Connectivity
To gain control and monitoring capacity over an entire distribution grid involves many challenges for utilities,
and due to the intermediate nature of the communications layer as an enabler of future applications, these
challenges are especially important to tackle and solve. A summary of the central connectivity problems are
presented in [Table 2].
Large Number of Nodes beyond Primary Substations
Traditionally, utilities have had their own networks to transport data within the company and to and from the
primary substation level. The missing links, however, have firstly been the connection to devices beyond
primary substations, i.e. secondary substations such as reclosers, disconnectors and transformers, and
secondly, the connection to the end-user. The number of nodes grows, however, drastically after the primary
substation level – for one substation you can have 2-3 reclosers and 50 disconnectors, not even to mention
customers that can amount to 1000 per substation. Building a communications layer to cover all these stations
is thus not a small project when undertaken, and sets strict requirements on the technology used as well as on
the installation and commissioning process. Utility companies may ask themselves: How can we achieve a cost
efficient alternative and fast installation in a project encompassing thousands of nodes?
Interoperability
The challenge of interoperability can be tackled on two levels: internal interoperability (compatibility of
existing devices in the grid) and external interoperability (readiness of the grid to communicate with other
systems, e.g. other players in the market).
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 7
INTERNAL INTEROPERABILITY The total asset base of most utility companies has been built up over a longer period
of time, and many larger utilities have been formed by combining several smaller utilities into one. This has
more often than not resulted in the utility assets of one company comprising of a very fragmented set of
different technologies and standards. This mixture of older and newer technology from a multitude of vendors
leads to all devices having their own physical and logical interfaces and standards, which makes it very hard to
find one universally adaptable way to connect the devices.
Moreover, communication is inhibited by the fact that devices tend to speak different languages – without a
way to convert between different protocols devices are not able to communicate even if they are connected.
The challenge can be presented in the form of a question: How can distribution grid devices with
heterogeneous interfaces be connected to centralized SCADA control centers?
An additional hindrance is brought about by the abundance of proprietary systems that persist in the industry.
These systems seldom have easy connectivity to other technologies and simply do not provide the required
flexibility an intelligent grid needs.
EXTERNAL INTEROPERABILITY Moving beyond one company’s assets and looking farther into the future we
encounter the challenge of enabling a multitude of players and actors in the energy market to fluently
communicate with each other across grid borders. In essence, the grid is not particularly smart if all major
players develop their systems and technologies independently, resulting in poorly compatible interfaces
between the systems. We are faced with the following problem: How can we achieve that the technology of
different actors and stakeholders communicate seamlessly with each other?
The missing link here is universally accepted standards. Some standards like the open communication IEC
61850 standard has received wide support, but due to the broad field Smart Grid encompasses, it will be very
difficult to find the common standards for energy producers, distributors, consumers, application
manufacturers and regulators alike.
Table 2: Summary of key challenges related to Smart Grid connectivity
Large number of nodes How can we achieve a cost efficient alternative and fast installation in a project
encompassing thousands of nodes?
Internal interoperability How can various distribution grid devices with heterogeneous interfaces be connected to
centralized SCADA control centers?
External interoperability How can we achieve that the technology of different actors and stakeholders
communicate seamlessly with each other?
Future proofing systems
architecture
How can we obtain a system that is flexible and scalable enough to meet any future
needs?
Security How can we protect the system from being hacked by unauthorized people?
Future Proofing Systems Architecture
As we mentioned earlier, Smart Grid is not an overnight revolution, but more of a gradual evolution with
several continual upgrades and changes. Thus, utility companies not only need to implement a systems
architecture to support present needs, but also future requirements. Developing a platform of communications
that is scalable and flexible enough to adapt to even unthinkable future needs is thus vital in order to avoid
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 8
having to re-do today’s investments in a couple of years’ time. The challenge is pinpointed in the question: How
can we obtain a system that is flexible and scalable enough to meet any future needs?
Security
Despite the sound logic behind the calls for more open communications and use of common standards, the
open approach has its drawbacks. Previously, when communications systems were predominated by
proprietary, closed systems it was close to impossible for an outsider to penetrate the system and cause a
security threat. Now as connectivity inside the grid and with other players is increasing dramatically and the
data is (literally as well as metaphorically) flying through the air, the security question is more topical than
ever: How can we protect the system from being hacked by unauthorized people?
VIOLA’S SOLUTION TO CUSTOMER CHALLENGES
Viola offers a complete end-to-end connectivity solution to tackle precisely the problems described above.
Viola’s business is to wirelessly connect geographically dispersed devices and sites. Viola’s products interface
smoothly with each distribution grid device – any distribution grid device the customer has, Viola has the
means to connect it.
Main Characteristics of Viola’s Solution
End-to-End Two-Way Communication System Viola’s connectivity solution concept is very simple: each
field device the customer wants to have under central monitoring and control is equipped with a wireless
router. These routers are wirelessly connected to a gateway located in the central control room, SCADA. Viola’s
products establish a two-way communication relationship between SCADA and the field devices, meaning that
not only can the field devices collect and send information to SCADA about what’s happening in the field, but
the devices can also be remotely controlled from SCADA based on the received information (see [Figure 3]).
Viola M2M Gateway
SCADA
Arctic 2
Arctic n
FIELD DEVICE
FIELD DEVICE
FIELD DEVICE
FIELD DEVICE
FIELD DEVICE
Arctic 1
…
…
Information from the field
Control commands
Figure 3: Basic functionality of Viola's connectivity solution
Wireless Public Networks Enable Real-Time, Always-On Communication Viola’s communication solution
leverages local public mobile networks, which means that the connection is always-on, and the communication
is real-time, which enables very fast and effective remote control and monitoring of the distribution grid. In
terms of grid optimization activities, this characteristic is vital for increasing the efficiency of the grid. All field
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 9
communication is handled wirelessly, which in comparison to traditional modem-based connectivity increases
the data transfer capacity immensely.
Universal Connectivity and “Multi-Lingual” Communication One of the first challenges any utility
planning to build out their communications layer stumbles upon is the diversity of the assets base, more
accurately the heterogeneous interfaces of different devices. Viola’s routers are, however, designed to provide
a smooth interface to ANY available field device, no matter what the device or who the manufacturer.
Moreover, as field devices and SCADA tend to use different data protocols for processing information,
communication between these has previously not been possible without a separate protocol converter. To
circumvent this obstacle Viola’s products have been equipped with internal protocol conversion, serving as a
built-in “translator” between the devices using different protocols.
Monitoring of Key Field Device Functionalities Viola’s Arctic Control products have been equipped with
several functionalities that allow for greater monitoring of the field devices. Besides controlling the field device
itself, it has the ability to control and monitor other elements inside the secondary substations, namely the
battery and the motor. The Arctic Control has been equipped with a functionality dubbed the “software fuse”
meaning that by monitoring the power used by the motor, the Arctic Control can foresee when the motor is
reaching its overload point, and shut off power to the motor before the physical fuse blows of the motor
breaks down. This way a lot of time and money can be saved since maintenance does not have to be called in
simply to replace a fuse or the entire motor. By monitoring the battery the Arctic Control can also deduce when
the battery needs to be changed and order corrective maintenance at the optimal time.
Cost Efficient, Also in the Long-Run Historically many communication networks in utilities were based on
proprietary systems built exclusively for the utility network in question. These networks not only resulted
costly to invest in, but also had high operating costs due to the degree of specialization the utility needed to
sustain in maintenance. Viola’s communications solution is built on an open architecture, meaning that the
solution is built on commonly used and accepted standards leveraging existing technology. The devices are
therefore easily connectable to other systems and devices, making it flexible and very easily scalable for future
needs. The use of public mobile networks also implies cost savings – no installation charges are needed, and
even with large amounts of data transfer, the communication costs do not skyrocket such as with radio
modems.
Complementary Services and Partnering for Smooth Roll-Out The core competence of utilities lies in
operating and managing the distribution grid. The communications system, however important for several grid
specific applications and functionalities, is thus increasingly seen as an external part that the utility company
does not want to manage internally. The emerging business model for distribution communication systems is
thus that of outsourcing. Due to this, Viola works together with several other players (e.g. Emtele and ABB) to
supply a complete communications system the customer does not need to tie any resources to or even hold on
its own balance sheet. In addition to this, Viola complements its offering by providing network design services
and pre-configuration of the devices. The pre-configuration saves a lot of time and costs in the installation
phase, as the devices only need to be attached to their place and supplied with power in order to work.
Secure Communication for a Secure Grid [Security – tästä en tiedä juuri mitään. Miten Viola tekee verkosta
mahdollisimman turvallisen? Mitä tekniikkaa / prosesseja käytetään? ”Internal firewall and encryption” ja
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 10
”Internal watchdog feature” ovat Violan kotisivuilta poimittu. � Mitä nämä tarkalleen ottaen tarkoittavat ja
miten ne toimivat?]
How Viola’s communications solution answers to and solves the central customer challenged related to
connectivity is summarized in [Table 3].
Table 3: Summary of customer connectivity challenges and Viola solution characteristics
High-level
challenge Large number of nodes Internal interoperability
External
interoperability
Future
proofing Security
Operational
challenge
Cost
efficiency
Installation
time
Heterogeneous
interfaces
Differing
protocols
External
communications Scalability
Future
threats
Uses existing
infrastructure
Pre-
configuration
of devices
Smooth
interface to
any device
Protocol
conversion
Uses common
standards
Open
architecture
Internal
firewall and
encryption
Open system
(not
proprietary)
Remote
configuration
partly possible
End-to-end
Partnering with
major players
such as ABB
Independent
of mobile
operators
Internal
watchdog
features Viola solution
characteristics
Uses public
networks –
no
installation
charges
Large capacity
to handle
multiple
devices
Always-on
Key Benefits of Viola’s Solution
Viola’s solution is closely connected to and supports most grid optimization applications. The most noticeable
benefit of Viola’s solution can thus be phrased as “allowing for grid optimization”.
Greater Control and Automation of the Distribution Grid The most noticeable benefit of Viola’s
communications system is the greatly increased control over the field devices that an end-to-end
communications systems enables. In the utility industry it is actually quite revolutionary since historically
utilities have had zero control and very limited insight into what happens beyond the substations. With real-
time data on all relevant events in the grid several tangible grid enhancing benefits can be achieved:
� Reduced number of outages With real-time field information faults can be located faster, and thanks
to remote control the faults can be isolated and restored more efficiently
� Reduced maintenance need Instead of sending actual maintenance crews to the site, field devices can
now be controlled remotely
� More targeted corrective maintenance thanks to situational information of field technology
� Better forecasting due to the large amount of data that can be drawn from the field and analyzed
Optimized Use of the Existing Infrastructure As a side effect of having greater control of the grid is the
increased efficiency. According to the Global Environment Fund a Smart Grid “could send 30 percent to 300
percent more electricity through existing corridors.”2 Getting more out of existing infrastructure means that
2 Ibid.
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 11
the need for investments in new capacity – power lines, power plants and substations – is deferred or even
eliminated.
Increased Reliability of Power Delivery to End Users By reducing the number of outages, the time of one
outage and the number of customers affected by a single outage, the reliability of power supply to customers is
increased. Utilities often call this power quality, a key characteristic of electricity for the end-customer.
Increased power quality is often cited as the greatest benefit to the customer in the first phase of Smart Grid
developments.
Reduced Overall Cost of Electricity Distribution Lower maintenance costs, decreasing regulatory penalties
paid out due to outages, deferred investments and less tied-up capital (in the case of an outsourced
communications system) the overall cost of maintaining the distribution grid in the long-term will be smaller.
Partly this cost reduction will enhance the utility’s bottom line, and partly it will be transferred to the customer
in the form of reduced electricity distribution fees. To quantify these benefits, the Electric Power Research
Institute (EPRI) has estimated that Smart Grid initiatives have a cost-benefit ratio between 4:1 and 5:13.
Field Information Reveals Error Prone Parts of Grid When utility companies start to obtain large amounts
of data and information from their field assets, a whole new world of improvement possibilities opens up.
Whereas energy companies previously had been reliant on the information field maintenance crews noticed
AND reported on, utilities now obtain heaps of relevant (and irrelevant) information, which can reveal
completely new things about the asset base. Utilities are hoping to be able to identify the parts of the
distribution network that are most fault-prone and might need structural improvements, thereby further
increasing reliability of the network and better service to customers.
Positive environmental effects The environment has been one of the main reasons for strong political and
regulatory support for Smart Grid initiatives. Besides providing a solution to incorporating renewable energy
sources to the distribution grid, the Smart Grid leaves a much smaller environmental footprint than the
traditional power grid. The main effect is the reduction in greenhouse gases, namely CO2- emissions. CO2-
emissions are cut through reduced maintenance driving resulting from remote control of field devices, from
the reduction in needed additional capacity, and if demand response initiatives can be carried out effectively,
the use of peak demand power plants (often coal plants giving out very nasty emissions) can be reduced.
Furthermore, due to emissions trading these reductions in emissions may even result in significant financial
benefit.
3 “Toward a Smarter Grid – ABB’s Vision for the Power System of the Future”, ABB, July 2009
TOWARD A SMARTER GRID: WHY BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP IS KEY 12
Control and Automation
Reduces Outages
Optimized Use of Existing
Infrastructur
Increased Reliability of
Power Supply to End-
Users
Positive Environmental
Effects
Field Information Reveals
Weak LinksReduced Overall Cost
Viola's Smart Grid
Solution Benefits
Figure 4: Summary of solution benefits
VIOLA’S SOLUTION ON A GRASS-ROOT LEVEL
� Which field applications in particular can Smart Grid functionalities be applied to?
� Which particular applications Viola can connect? Why would that be valuable and important to an
electric utility?
� Substations, reclosers, disconnectors, distribution transformers (DT), ring main units (RMUs)
- Voltage correction
SUMMARIZING THE BENEFITS