Use case for discussion Smart Metering with Satellite

Use case for discussion Smart Metering with Satellite Communications Group Name: WG#1 Source: Inmarsat Meeting Date: Joint-REQ-ARC-WGs-call Agenda Item: TBC

Contents • • Background Introduction Benefits Source Use Case: Advanced Metering High Level Illustration: Extended Smart Metering Configuration Sub Use Cases

Background • Traditional satellite communications acquired a stigma of being expensive and requiring large, power-hungry terminals too complex to integrate with applications. • Modern satellite networking, however, provides competitive price solutions, ubiquitous coverage, and a high level of availability that compliment terrestrial networks. • For this reason, it is important to consider satellite services for remote, unmanned machine-to-machine (M 2 M) services.

Introduction • In locations that are difficult to reach with fixed-line or cellular communications, a machine-to-machine (M 2 M) satellite solution extends terrestrial coverage and provides reachback to devices that require remote monitoring and control.

Benefits • Satellite-based communication networks provide communications compliant with Internet Protocol (IP) that integrate seamlessly with any remote IP based application. • Satellite networks offer the following: – – – IP connectivity ubiquitous real time coverage robust security high availability cost-effective solutions

Source (as applicable) • J. Schroeder, and A. Moles, “Extending the reach of communications on the grid, ” unpublished. – http: //www. inmarsat. com/cs/groups/inmarsat/documents/assets/dwld_utilities_wp. pdf • E. Scarrone, and D. Boswarthick, “Overview of ETSI TC M 2 M Activities. – http: //docbox. etsi. org/M 2 M/Open/Information/M 2 M_presentation. pdf

Use Case: Advanced Metering Infrastructure • An example of a M 2 M communication using satellite service is Smart Metering (valves, electricity meter, gas meter, water meter, heat meter). • Smart Metering devices over a small area connect to aggregation points or Smart Meter Concentrators via a local, meshed wireless network. • These aggregation points, or concentrators, collect usage data and distribute control data to and from consumers in a limited geographical area, transmitting it back to the utility’s data center. • The satellite connectivity backhauls Smart Meter data from a satellite antenna mounted on an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) concentrator to the utility’s data center.

High Level Illustration • In the following configuration example, satellite communications colocate with the primary gateway communication to aggregate meter data at the gateway, extending the network reach across a utility’s entire service territory.

High Level Illustration - Extended Smart Metering Configuration

Sub Use Case 1 – Distribution Automation • Deploying satellite M 2 M services along power distribution lines, as a supporting link, allows electrical utility providers to connect to their data centers and extend their network reach to the boundaries of their entire service territory. • As a result, satellite M 2 M services improves decision-making and operational efficiencies. • A single, two-way IP data connection provides automated monitoring and control of reclosers, switches, or other distribution devices, anywhere. • This enables utility providers to maintain continuous surveillance and control of their distribution network for voltage fluctuations, outages and service demands.

Sub Use Case 2 – Substation Connectivity • M 2 M Satellite communications provide services for electricity substations in locations that may be difficult to reach with fixed-line or cellular communications. • M 2 M Satellite communications contains the flexibility to cope with both low-volume, high-frequency traffic and bursts of high-volume, lowfrequency traffic. • If a primary link breaks down, satellite communications can automatically provide backup communications at any substation.

Sub Use Case 3 – Disaster Recovery • Business continuity is vital for utilities that provide essential services such as electricity, water, and gas to millions of people as they need to be able to recover immediately from natural or manmade disasters. • When a catastrophic event causes terrestrial networks to fail, utility companies can rapidly deploy satellite terminals to provide an alternative communications path. • This enables utility providers to maintain communications, diagnose issues quickly, and run critical applications