Huawei unveils LTE for the grid

Huawei has unveiled an LTE solution for electricity grids which allows power operators to offer 4G wireless communication technology. Huawei believes that its solution will offer speeds of up to 100Mbit/s downlink and up to 50Mbit/s uplink.

Power distribution networks are often structured in complex ways and widely distributed to accommodate electrical power feeds to dense cities and rural communities. Instant communication systems and reliable power infrastructure maintenance is vital for efficient production and distribution of electricity. Technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are also important because it provides greater accuracy in meter reading and reduces the amount of manual labour required, to improve personnel safety.

The Huawei eLTE smart grid solution is based on the most advanced 4G wireless communication technology and enables power operators to build efficient communications networks for their power grids. Not only does it provide Distribution Automation (DA) and AMI backhaul but it also provides value-added services such as trunking dispatch, video surveillance, and mobile platforms. These services enable online early warning alerts, real-time fault monitoring, quick fault location, self-healing mechanisms, and effective load monitoring and management. Its support to GIS location services simplifies operations and enables quick and convenient dispatching. Grid operators can now shorten unplanned power outages, decrease line loss, and improve power quality and ultimately improve consumer satisfaction.

With throughput of up to 100Mbit/s downlink and up to 50Mbit/s uplink, the solution allows for easy expansion of distribution automation terminals, as one cell is able to support up to 1000 terminals. In addition, low access latency (less than 10 ms) guarantees data collection timeliness and accuracy.

Huawei’s eLTE smart grid solution provides multiple levels of redundant backup, at the board, network element, and network levels, to ensure high security and reliability. It also supports flexible bandwidth configuration and frequency customisation for better adaptation to available spectrum in different areas.

Huawei is dedicated to providing innovative ICT products and solutions for the power sector. Through continuous R&D efforts in communications technology for building smart grids, the company provides reliable and efficient ICT solutions that enhance the competitiveness of power companies,” says Eman Liu, President of the Huawei Enterprise Business Group for the Eastern and Southern Africa region.

Currently, Huawei’s ICT products and solutions have been deployed by more than 160 power companies around the world and the company is a leader in deploying commercial eLTE-based power distribution solutions.

* Follow Gadget on Twitter on @GadgetZA