Island-wide Smart Grid Network (N.V. Elmar)

N.V. Elmar had initiated a project to implement a smart grid network across the entire island. The enhanced grid would streamline electricity distribution processes and provide N.V. Elmar’s customers with access to usage data which would result in more efficient use of power and services. Although the initial network deployment was designed for smart electric meters, N.V. Elmar wanted to have the ability to scale the network to add additional applications. Because this was essentially a greenfield project, the deployment process would start with a pilot program where various technologies would be evaluated. Cost, network longevity, coverage and reliability were all factors in the selection process.

After evaluating an array of competing technologies, N.V. Elmar selected Ingenu to implement its RPMA (Random Phase Multiple Access) network smart city solution. The initial roll-out took place in late 2013, with just 50 smart electric meters. However, after determining that the robust, scalable and secure network could expand without additional network investment, N.V. Elmar began to implement a myriad of additional applications. In late 2014, the utility company added distribution line monitors and smart streetlights to the RPMA network, totaling over 4,000 end points. The street lights were supplied by Ingenu partner, LED Roadway Lighting (LRL) which integrated RPMA technology into its NXT Luminaire street light solution. LRL has supplied more than 1,800 luminaires to N.V. Elmar, allowing street lights to be controlled and monitored using the same network as other smart grid devices, reducing both energy and maintenance costs.

• [Process Optimization - Real Time Monitoring]
  The addition of oil pressure monitoring enables the company to track oil pressure levels in its transformers, an application that was proposed and quickly deployed within a matter of months.
• [Efficiency Improvement - Operation]
  As N.V. Elmar expands its smart city initiatives, Ingenu and its RPMA network will enable the company to enhance its operational efficiencies and provide exceptional service and value to its varied customer base.

• N.V. Elmar now has over 50,000 end point devices in operation across the island country. Water metering using advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology is operating on the RPMA network.