Blog: 7 Problems VisNet® Hub Can Help Solve

VisNet® Hub is a radical approach to providing low voltage (LV) network visibility, providing valuable insight into the efficiency and optimisation of LV networks.

If you’re wondering how this exciting new tech can deliver strategic and tactical return on investment, here are seven problems VisNet® Hub can help solve…

1. The LV network needs to support the continuing uptake of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

The increasing penetration of DERs can bring complex network flow patterns into play, particularly as they can create unpredictable reverse power flows. VisNet® Hub puts the focus on prioritising investment by making it possible to identify the weak spots in the grid – a vital step in the process of efficiently revitalising an ageing network to enable the energy transition.

2. Adopting new strategies carries a risk

On a macro scale, as electricity companies experiment with different tactics, the clarity provided by VisNet® Hub minimises the risk of introducing new approaches. With fresh insights into the behaviour of the LV network, electricity companies can begin work to adapt their networks to accommodate DERs with increased confidence, thanks to a robust and future-proof data infrastructure.

3. Lack of visibility of secondary substation performance

There are millions of LV substations installed around the world, most of which are not closely monitored. Without real-time monitoring of distribution substations, there’s a knowledge gap that makes it difficult to improve network efficiency and flexibility.

As the VisNet^® Hub monitors secondary substations, it checks the voltage and current data on every LV feeder and supplies information on load, faults and condition information across the network. This data is critical for electricity companies as they adapt their networks. With VisNet® Hub, low-cost real-time insights become a reality.

4. Lack of warning when things go wrong

Without any warning systems in place, LV network failures come out of the blue. VisNet® Hub is designed to operate with as much local processing and interpretation power as possible, undertaking automated data analysis that triggers text and email notifications as network issues arise.

5. Time delay on repairing faults

In a low voltage network, the amount of time it takes to get customers’ power back can vary significantly, depending on how quickly the fault can be located. There isn’t usually a back-up power supply, so quick fault detection and location is critical and this can be extremely problematic. With VisNet^® Hub, you get a real-time view of asset performance, as well as a historical view. If there’s a problem, you can jump on it straight away.

6. Limited space for new equipment at substations

VisNet® Hub has a compact design, measuring a neat 430 x 266 x 71 mm (height x width x depth). As a result, it can easily slot into most set-ups. One hub can monitor six feeders and communicate via GPRS (2G/3G/4G).

7. Active Network Management requires LV network visibility

If you’ve got aspirations to adopt an Active Network Management approach, then you need to be able to see what’s happening in your LV network. LV network visibility is a given for any organisation that wants to make serious progress in working towards a smarter grid. Read our ebook Transforming the Low Voltage Grid for a concise overview of the current state of play.

To find out more about how VisNet® Hub could deliver for you, read our FAQs – or contact us for a discussion.