Electricity networks require resilient communications to operate safely and efficiently. To provide this level of resilience typically comes at a high cost. CommsConnect aims to reduce the critical interdependency of communication and power networks, through increased information exchange and interoperability between Distribution Network Operators (DNO) and Mobile Network Operator (MNO) systems. Understanding and removing the barriers obstructing the use of public mobile networks using this innovative approach empowers networks to operate more affordably, effectively reducing costs and ensuring improved performance.
What is the project about?
Distribution network operators (DNOs) have an increasing reliance on data and communication for network automation, control, and monitoring. Cellular networks require electricity to operate, and increasingly DNOs are using cellular networks to communicate. CommsConnect aimed to break this interdependency through providing DNOs advanced warning about cellular network failures, including detailing which electrical assets would lose cellular connectivity.
CommsConnect aligns with Challenge 3 “improving energy system resilience and robustness”, by trialing solutions to improve communication infrastructure resilience.
How we’re doing it
Work Package (WP)1 aimed to validate our understanding of the problem and the solution. We focused on stakeholder engagement to understand the challenges of data exchange and integration between cellular and electricity networks. The engagement sessions were used to understand requirements and inform the design of solutions. Most organisations engaged with envisaged increasing use of cellular networks in the future and outlined it would be beneficial to have additional status information. Respondents also highlighted that this should be technically possible and could be implemented through a staged approach. CommsConnect also engaged with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), other innovation projects, equipment manufacturers, a relevant standard development organisation, as well as regulator and government department representatives to ensure any proposed solution would be beneficial and viable.
WP2 focused on direct integration of a proof-of-concept system designed and installed at the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) to provide real-time information on the state of a cellular network to a DNO.
WP3 focused on active network monitoring and developed a proof-of-concept wireless sensing module to monitor the health of surrounding mobile networks around electrical network cellular routers.
What makes it innovative
The design proposed in WP2 could detect a loss of power at the mast, collect unique identifiers of all the connected devices and report this electrical outage, a list of devices and the expected battery life remaining to the DNO. Implementing this at scale could allow a shift from a reactive approach, responding to issues as they arrive, to a proactive approach where restoration to sites with longer remaining battery life could be deferred in favour of prioritising restoration at more at-risk sites.
The information gathered as part of WP3 could be presented on a user interface for DNO staff. This would allow DNOs to develop an independent understanding of the resilience capabilities of the public network, which in turn would allow DNOs to make case-by-case decisions on which sites should employ which communication methods for optimal cost-effective resilience.
What we’re learning
Significant potential savings were identified by knowing communication has stopped due to a cellular network failure, rather than an issue with the DNO device itself. MNOs also saw benefits in identifying failures due to power issues to better manage the deploying of generators or repair crews.
The user research detailed that increased data sharing, collaboration and coordination between utility and cellular operators is beneficial for both sectors.
Key Learnings:
Increased visibility of mobile and electrical network interdependence stands to benefit both parties, as well as customers.
Increased communication network reliability will be crucial to facilitate increased levels of communication anticipated by DNO assets.
Data sharing would be beneficial and possible but will be technically challenging to implement.
Overall the stakeholder engagement detailed that increased data sharing, collaboration and coordination between electrical and telecoms operators could be beneficial for both sectors. The next phase of CommsConnect should develop a staged approach for data sharing.
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If you have an idea that could reshape or revolutionise the way we work, we want to hear from you.
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