Utilities

The Importance of Data Collection in Utilities

The key to operational success in Utilities is to collect accurate, real time data from infrastructure and assets, at every point in the supply chain, from your networks, plants, treatment environments and customers.

A 360° view of your data gives you the business intelligence you need to solve the challenges of population growth, climate change, environmental responsibility, asset health, lone worker safety and system resilience.

However, a lot of the infrastructure is located in remote and harsh environments where data is unreachable via traditional cellular solutions. This creates silos and fragmented data, giving an inaccurate picture of operations and assets. Data gaps lead to bad business decisions resulting in customer complaints, high OPEX, redundant capacity, regulatory fines and reputational damage.

“With the proliferation of sensors enabling visibility in smart grids and networks, satellite presents itself as the most secure and reliable way to backhaul data from remote gateways to drive AI and predictive analytics” ~ Matthew Ellison, Ground Control Solutions Architect

Ground Control creates end-to-end, satellite Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) data solutions. These maximise telemetry and SCADA capabilities, lower OPEX, and bring your data home, wherever it’s located.

Our satellite and hybrid cellular, radio, satellite solutions go beyond the reach of terrestrial networks to provide coverage in even the most remote locations. They are scalable and customizable to enable precise measurements and near real time data aggregation. Our services include hardware, software and support for all utilities around the globe:

Solutions for connectivity for field technicians
Secure back haul of IoT networks
IP and serial M2M connectivity
Resilient failover communications
Secure data paths with encryption
24/7 support services
Proactive maintenance

Utilities Case Studies

Case Study

Renewable Energy Monitoring

One of the biggest challenges in the renewable energy industry is finding a suitable location. To justify the investment involved in building and installing a wind turbine array a prospective site has to meet stringent requirements with regard to wind speed and frequency.

Case Study

SCADASat and Garth Wind Shetland Islands Scotland

The SCADASat solution provides the connectivity between the wind farm and the termination point, reporting the data in real-time to effectively control the power generation. This is a crucial function to prevent power saturation at the point of termination and ensure most economic use of the power generated.

Case Study

Facilitating Renewable Energy with RWE

RWE is one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, and operates 5 hydroelectric stations in Wales, UK. This is an area of significant rainfall, which can lead to damaging and dangerous floods. But with enough advance warning, RWE can harness this rainfall and use it to supply more renewable energy to the grid. This is how satellite connectivity made that possible.

Data

We can provide reliable two way satellite connectivity using BGAN terminals such as the Cobham Explorer 540 BGAN M2M terminal in the “not spots” to allow full visibility of the network. Our own hybrid Iridium Certus / LTE product, the RockREMOTE, provides connectivity and network intelligence from sites running on solar power.

See data solutions

RockREMOTE for IoT / M2M Applications

Cobham Explorer 540 BGAN Terminal

i-Cell D-Sub LTE - Automatically switch from 2G to LTE spectrum

Here for you

Ground Control has a rich history in supporting the utilities industry with both telemetry / SCADA applications, and also remote field worker safety and communications. Please call us, or complete the form if you’d like to discuss your project, and we’ll be happy to provide objective, expert advice on the best devices, airtime and services to meet your needs.