NEWS RELEASE - 03-12-2007

Integration of AMR and Distribution Management System (DMS) improves management of low voltage networks
- PiHa project produced a functioning system solution

The PiHa project, focusing on the management of low voltage networks, achieved its goal of developing a functioning technology solution. The test use has proved its benefits.

The project combined next-generation energy meters, telecommunications solutions, DMS and measurement management systems into a package conforming to open architecture.

Prior to its implementation, this system was tested as a whole in the real-time simulator environment at the Tampere University of Technology. The new solution is currently being used at Koillis-Satakunnan Sähkö which plans on increasing the number of energy meters connected to the DMS in the future.

- The results show promising, and we have decided to include more meters in the system. This can be performed on a remote download basis by updating the software of the previously installed energy meters in such a manner that it serves DMS, says Aimo Rinta-Opas, the operation manager at Koillis-Satakunnan Sähkö.

For instance, if the fuse of a distribution transformer blows, an energy meter will use a GPRS link to send an alarm to the DMS which informs the on-duty officer who can use it in order to view more detailed information on the event. This enables the initiation of procedures within a few minutes of power failure.

- Repairs can be performed within normal office hours, as we do not have to wait for a customer contacting us after coming home to an electricity-free house or the summer cottage on the weekend. Moreover, energy meters indicate it if a neutral conductor is cut, and in the future can automatically cut the power in order to prevent failure to customer devices, says Aimo Rinta-Opas.

The increasing demands of customers and authorities can be answered in regard to the quality of electricity. Electricity quality functions will be integrated with DMS as well as the customer service systems. The new measurement module and AMR meter integration, enabled by the open model, will be key to this development.

ABB Oy, Aidon Ltd, MX Electrix Oy, PowerQ Oy, Tampere University of Technology and Koillis-Satakunnan Sähkö Oy participated in the PiHa project, launched last year.

Further information:
ABB Oy, Matti Kärenlampi, product manager,
tel. +358 (0)50 335 2723

Aidon Ltd, Timo Chrons, managing director,
tel. + 358 (0)207 205 880

Koillis-Satakunnan Sähkö, Aimo Rinta-Opas, production manager,
tel. +358 (0)3 485 5222

MX Electrix Oy, Seppo Vehviläinen, technical manager,
tel.+358 (0)40 579 7844

PowerQ Oy, Petri Trygg, managing director,
tel. +358 (0)50 549 8941

Tampere University of Technology, Pertti Järventausta, professor,
tel.+358 (0)40 549 2384