Network assets
The intelligent network will include all the substations, poles and wires you see dotted across the landscape and the thousands of kilometres of powerlines strung between.
Not so noticeable are some of the devices that feature at different intervals across our vast network, such as transformers that convert power from sub-transmission
or distribution voltages down to levels suitable for consumption in your home or business (240 volts), or reclosers and gas switches that allow power to be diverted around problems. All of these devices are
getting smarter and once updated will assist us to monitor the state of vital infrastructure at all times.
Once in place, if there is a fault the intelligent network will have the capability to intuitively self-heal while alerting the network operations centre that a field crew should be dispatched directly to the network problem rather than travelling long distances evaluating powerlines to locate it.
In a network covering around 95 per cent of the State and parts of Queensland, locating problems remotely and attending to them quickly will help us deliver better customer service.
Communications - data transport and control
To enable data to be transported between smart devices and back to a network operations centre, new telecommunications must be installed.
We have already invested in a fibre optic solution for part of the network and we are exploring Satellite, WiMax and RadioMesh to ensure every last corner of Australia’s largest distribution network is linked.
Information technology applications
It will take information technology applications and solutions to receive and interpret the data transported from smarter devices in the field.
Different software applications will be used by network operators to translate the data into meaningful and usable information to monitor network performance, the condition of assets, and remotely manage assets to keep the power on.
When all three layers are working together, we will have a fully operational intelligent network.
Our intelligent network roadmap outlines the projects to be undertaken in the coming years to make our intelligent network strategy a reality.