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Intelligent Grid Management Over Power Lines
Through the development of its two-way power line information system, MainNet PLUS™ is offering public power utilities Smart Grid innovations that are ready-to-deploy, affordable in price, and flexible for growth. By implementing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) over MainNet’s broadband power line technologies, utilities will be able to easily run Smart Grid applications to provide fast and accurate information to customers while saving operational expenses.
End-to-End Smart Grid Solution
MainNet’s intelligent plug and play, end-to-end PLUS™ Smart Grid system provides broadband communications for AMI and a host of emerging applications. From the medium voltage to the customer premises over the low voltage network, MainNet's system turns any electrical grid into a two-way, IP-based network for remote automatic meter reading and management. It also provides the management and control platform for innovations in load balancing, outage management, theft detection, and more.
Data flows in to the utility operation center from all points over the grid, including transformers, SCADA equipment, meters, street lights, traffic/security cameras, and energy management units in the home or business. The utility can also send outgoing data streams to deliver real-time pricing information to customer premises, connect/disconnect meters, or activate load control units.
With Smart Grid applications, utilities improve grid reliability by monitoring critical components to identify potential failures before they occur. Remote monitoring and control of a subscriber's power consumption also enables utilities to ensure device functionality, while better managing peak loads, reducing peak energy consumption, and delaying the need to invest in new power generation stations.
With improved demand management, utilities can shorten restoration times in case of failure and improve customer satisfaction. They can also reduce the use of energy resources, which leads to a greener environment.
Smart System Design—Easy, Efficient Implementation
The MainNet PLUS system is an open communication platform using standard IP (Internet Protocol), providing utility operators with a multi-application network that uses their existing power lines. Multi-application translates into a network that can be used with any third-party manufacturer’s IP or serial-interface product. IP products are available for switches, capacitor banks controllers, video cameras, SCADA sensors and more. This platform can also be used for any load balancing and demand-side management application the utility deploys today or may deploy in the future. With one purchase, utilities can add any grid application they envision for low incremental cost.
In a MainNet-based network, dynamic repeaters are installed sporadically over the network, eliminating the need for complex network planning or costly maintenance. MainNet incorporates a Smart Repetition mechanism that allows each unit to choose the best route to achieve the best performance at any given time. This dynamic routing feature enables the service provider to maintain quality of service at all times, while enabling plug-and-play installation and maintenance of the system. MainNet also uses a light weight, weatherproof (IP67) case design for all outdoor units (concentrators and repeaters), making the system virtually maintenance free.
First Power Line/ZigBee Hybrid
MainNet is the first company to launch a hybrid power line-based network able to communicate with any ZigBee®-compatible meter or energy management device in the home or business. By being compatible with ZigBee’s open standards, the PLUS system can wirelessly communicate with devices off the grid, such as water and gas meters or demand controllers inside homes or businesses.
Market Leader
With the largest commercial power line technology deployments worldwide, MainNet's PLUS connects more than 300,000 homes using over 100,000 active operating network elements.
APPA Member Talks About MainNet
“MainNet’s technology is stable, reliable, and very easy to install. The MainNet staff understands the intricacies of utility operations and is very responsive to our needs. And, unlike other power line technology vendors who target the largest utilities, MainNet allows us to purchase system elements à la carte. That’s a huge benefit for small and medium-size public power systems with tight staffing and budget requirements.”
--Mike Martin, General Manager, Lebanon Utilities, IN
Benefits of Powering the Smart Grid with MainNet
Increased customer satisfaction
--Real-time outage detection
--Real-time consumption information
Enhanced utility management and control
--Same-time Smart-Grid applications management
--Remote usage measurements
--Transformer and line temperature monitoring
--Detection of any malfunctions or service distribution disorders
--Load balancing and phase balancing feature
--Real-time theft detection
Improved operational efficiency & reduced expenses
--Improved usage forecasting
--Alert on misuse of any utility service
--Improved service utilization
--Reduced peak demand effects
--Extended component life cycle
Smart System Design
--Multi-utility metering: electric, gas, water
--Fast implementation
--Multipurpose IP67 out-door enclosure design
--Wired and wireless interfaces
PLUS™ Smart Grid Trial
MainNet invites utilities to test run the PLUS system over their own electric distribution grid during a two-month trial for a one-time fixed price. The trial delivers broadband AMR and Smart Grid applications including real-time voltage, current/temperature monitoring, and preventive failure analysis.
For complete details on the MainNet Smart Grid platform, contact Hometown Connections today.
Be sure to ask for your APPA member discount.
Visit the MainNet Web site for more information.
• MainNet Communications
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