Smart Grid Solutions

Satellite communication (specifically L-band) plays an important role in SmartGrid deployments, because of its high reliability (99.99%), ease of use, much more cost effective compared to a few years ago, no weather influence (raid fade) and the highest level of security. Satellite solutions are being used in multiple areas of the grid, including: substation connectivity, distribution automation, advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”), mobile workforce and disaster recovery. In any case, satellite solutions are an essential part of the multi-technology approach required by the utility industry to achieve an end-to-end, SmartGrid communications infrastructure — one that is reliable, fast, secure, and cost-efficient. Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network service (BGAN) provides both voice and IP data (up to 492 Kbit/s) simultaneously through a single, truly portable satellite transceiver with global coverage.

 The BGAN solution is being adopted and deployed for a range of utility applications worldwide, using the Hughes 9201 or 9502 BGAN terminal.  It can provide both voice and real-time IP data (up to 492 Kbit/s) simultaneously through a single, truly portable satellite transceiver with global coverage.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI); Smart Meter Backhaul

Tens of thousands of residential and business wireless smartmeters send usage data back to a collector point. The collector point sends the aggregated data over the BGAN network to the utility’s data center. The satellite devices are set to stay connected to the Inmarsat IP network for 24/7. Galaxy 1 developed the software that enables the utility to remotely control the Bgan in the field.

Distribution Automation

With its 99.99% reliability the Inmarsat Bgan solution is being used as secondary communication path (next to cellular and or WiMax) to critical SmartGrid infrastructure such as reclosers, fault indicators, capacitor banks, and other components. The satellite devices are set to stay connected to the Inmarsat IP network for 24/7. Galaxy 1 developed the software that enables the utility to remotely control the Bgan in the field.

Field Force Automation

The efficiency of a field force is strongly influenced by the performance of cellular networks. With the spotty cellular coverage in many remote areas the BGAN service is being adopted and deployed for the mobile workforce. Vehicles can be equipped with a mobile satellite terminal that provides IP connectivity while on the move. Ideal for utility personnel deployed to customer sites to restore services, or for everyday use to support maintenance and construction of facilities.

Business Continuity Solutions

Bgan services are widely used during the recovery period immediately following a catastrophic event that interrupts utility services. In a matter of a few minutes a mobile command center can be set up for multiple voice lines and data (up to 492 Kb/s). Bgan equipment has a built-in WiFi capability, which allows the crew to continue to work through their mobile devices during the critical restoration efforts.