VisNet, a subsidiary of EA Technology, has developed a suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications tailored for its VisNet Hub ecosystem. These applications are designed to assist network owners and operators in making informed decisions and adapting to the changes driven by decarbonization.
The VisNet Hub is an innovative, cost-effective monitoring device for low voltage (LV) networks. It offers real-time visibility into network operations, aiding in proactive network management and fault detection. With the rise of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and batteries, monitoring the LV network has become increasingly crucial to ensure the resilience of electrical assets.
VisNet’s Low Voltage Common Application Platform (LV-CAP) operating system enables the installation of on-device applications on the Hub, catering to specific monitoring needs for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). These applications utilize the data collected by the VisNet Hub to offer enhanced insights into network operations and prompt alerts for potential issues. Offered through a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, these apps, along with software, firmware, and security updates, are delivered ‘over the air’ (OTA), reducing the necessity for physical visits by engineers to the VisNet Hub.
With the proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), the grid faces the challenge of operating closer to its thermal and voltage limits. The Capacity app family enables operators to gain better visibility into and monitor circuit and transformer capacity. Similarly, the Power Quality app delivers insights into the evolving dynamics of the LV network as DERs are integrated locally.
Maintaining reliability in the Low Voltage (LV) distribution network can pose challenges, particularly with reliance on aging assets. The Reactive Operations app swiftly detects faults and outages, enabling prompt responses to minimize customer impact. Meanwhile, the Proactive Operations app utilizes LV monitoring data to anticipate potential faults, proactively preventing outages.
The VisNet Hub provides diverse input/output connectivity options, including voltage, current, and temperature sensors, ALVIN Reclose² auto-reclosers, and interfaces with third-party devices. The Local Integration app family enables monitoring of these devices and offers insights gleaned from gathered data.
These app families offer versatility, catering to various needs across different teams within a Distribution Network Operator (DNO). For instance, asset managers may utilize the Capacity apps to investigate fault causes, while network planners can leverage the same data to identify circuits requiring reinforcement due to changing loading conditions.
“The VisNet Hub app portfolio is crafted to empower electrical network owners and operators with proactive LV network management tools in an evolving landscape,” stated Dave A Roberts, Managing Director at VisNet. “Our ongoing innovation ensures the development of new software functionalities, ensuring that investing in the VisNet Hub enables our customers to future-proof their monitoring capabilities, as the software evolves to meet operators’ needs.”
