The VisNet Hub is an innovative, low-cost low voltage (LV) monitoring device that provides real-time network visibility to support proactive network and fault management. Monitoring of the LV network is becoming increasingly important due to the pressure placed on electrical assets by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This includes electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and batteries.
VisNet’s Low Voltage Common Application Platform (LV-CAP) operating system allows on-device applications to be installed on the Hub to deliver specific monitoring functionality for DNOs. These apps process the raw data that the VisNet Hub collects to provide enriched information about the network and timely alerts of issues. Supplied on a SaaS basis, the apps, software, firmware and security are updated ‘over the air’ (OTA), minimising the need for engineers to visit the VisNet Hub.
With the increase in DERs, the grid must operate closer to its thermal and voltage limits. The Capacity app family allows operators to better understand and monitor circuit and transformer capacity. Similarly, the Power Quality app provides insights on the changing dynamics of the LV network as DERs are deployed locally.
Ensuring LV distribution network reliability can be a challenge given the reliance on many ageing assets. The Reactive Operations app provides rapid detection of faults and outages allowing a swift response to minimise the impact on customers. The Proactive Operations app uses LV monitoring data to identify potential faults before they occur, allowing outages to be prevented.
The VisNet Hub also offers an array of input/output connectivity options including voltage, current and temperature sensors, ALVIN Reclose² auto-reclosers and third-party interfaces. The Local Integration app family allows monitoring of these devices, as well as providing insights from the data gathered.
The app families offer the flexibility to be used for different purposes by different teams within a DNO. For example, the Capacity apps may be used by an asset manager to investigate the causes of a fault, while a network planner may use the same data to identify the circuits that require reinforcement due to evolving loading conditions.
“The VisNet Hub app portfolio has been designed and developed to give owners and operators of the electrical network the tools they need to proactively manage LV networks in an ever-changing landscape” said Dave A Roberts, Managing Director, at VisNet. “We are continually innovating and developing new software functionality meaning that investing in the VisNet Hub will allow our customers to futureproof their monitoring capabilities as the software will grow with the needs of operators.”
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