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atural gas utilities have been connecting millions of networked devices for decades. One could say that the utility industry is a pioneer and first mover in the internet of things (IoT).
Smart gas meters and smart network technology are already delivering tangible benefits to both utilities and consumers; however, while smart gas networks and devices do a fine job of moving data around today, will simply connecting devices be enough to enable IoT tomorrow? With increasing requirements for gas utilities in the areas of safety, reliability and integrity, the next step is using open standards to drive a real shift in how utilities engage with consumers to enable smarter communities and better manage gas resources.
Enter the active network—the next generation of the smart network in which intelligent devices have computing power. Beyond being smart, the modern utility network is active, meaning it has the inherent capability to respond in real time.
Metering and distribution systems typically collect reams of data and make sense of it in a utility’s back office. The active network, however, leverages data from a variety of devices to make real-time changes in the field. This active grid harnesses the power of IoT to improve safety and efficiency and create value for both utilities and communities.
With this approach, utilities can capitalize on the potential of these connected devices that have the computing power to not only measure and communicate, but also solve problems in the network in real time. Imagine data analysis and decisions taking place where it makes the most sense—at the meter or sensor rather than in the utility back office. Imagine using devices that automatically detect a gas leak, corrosion or low pressure before they become a serious event—improving safety, reliability and profitability.
While utility-centered applications such as smart metering will often provide the initial impetus for network infrastructure investment, the benefit stream can be broadened significantly and at a manageable, incremental cost with the right building blocks in place. An active network has four key characteristics that, when applied together, redefine what is possible for smart distribution of gas.
Connected. Complete network coverage is critical to utilities; holes in coverage are not an option. An active network is robust, reliable and fully connected, even in the toughest radio frequency environments. From rural settings to below-grade vaults, an active network with multiple RF modes helps ensure connectivity.
Unified. An active network features one open, scalable and multipurpose architecture for electricity, gas, water and smart city devices. This means that once the network is deployed, it’s very easy and cost effective to expand the network over time by adding new capabilities, justifying the initial investment.
Open. An active network is standards-based, built on an Internet Protocol version 6 networking protocol to enable multiple applications. It separates the network infrastructure from the devices and applications that run on it, so that new devices and applications can be added easily. It also provides security, state-of-the-art network management and quality of service to optimize operations and dynamically prioritize network traffic based on application and business requirements. This is critical to enabling IoT capabilities.
Active. With an active network, meters and devices can access and analyze high-resolution data in the field and take action in near real time. The active network provides peer-to-peer and local broadcast communications capabilities, so that meters and sensors can talk to each other individually or communicate with select groups of devices simultaneously. This enables them to assess the condition of the distribution system and support new distributed analytics use cases, such as detecting an abnormally high flow through a gas meter, sending an alarm to notify the utility of the condition and then taking action in the field to shut off gas service to the premise. Devices can also run multiple apps, thereby unleashing a growing ecosystem of developers to innovate on the platform.
These four building blocks open up an array of possibilities that can provide more efficient, practical and cost-effective solutions to network operation challenges. Customers don’t have to add smart technology in their homes or businesses to achieve these benefits. By combining peer-to-peer communications with analysis of data throughout the gas distribution network, the active network aids in pipeline safety. Utilities can pair methane sensors, seismic sensors, flood sensors and more with remote disconnect valves, enabling the utility to mitigate dangerous situations and improve the safety of communities, employees and first responders.
New applications are emerging to monitor pressure, temperature and pipeline stress via strain gauges and cathodic protection, all using the same network. This helps gas utilities engage in pipeline integrity management, perform pressure studies and meet compliance dates for cathodic protection reports.
Methane-sensing applications help keep utility personnel and customers safe by monitoring for unsafe or changing levels of methane and system leaks. In addition, remote disconnect valves can be paired with the methane sensor to shut off gas service when elevated levels of methane are detected.
In the age of IoT, the active network is creating new possibilities for gas utilities. They can capitalize on the potential of connected devices that have the computing power to not only measure and communicate, but also solve problems in the distribution network in real time. Data analysis and decisions take place where it makes the most sense. With the right tools, the possibilities are endless.
Annette Gardiner is vice president of strategic development at Itron. Before joining the company, she held a number of leadership roles in the gas utility industry, including vice president of shared services at Consumers Energy and president of New Mexico Gas Co.