In the technological questions associated with the operation of the MDS (Local Distribution Systems) we have always found answer in sféra. As the IMS implementation project exceeded our capacity and time, we entrusted it to them without any fear.
About company
Slovenské cukrovary, s.r.o., based in Sereď, is a sugar producer with a long-standing tradition. Since 1998, it has been part of the international AGRANA group.
It has a production capacity of 56,000 to 60,000 tons of sugar processing approximately 420,000 tons of sugar beet during one season.
In addition to the classic types of sugar from beets, it is also engaged in the production of special types of sugar.
Products under Korunný cukor brand are known for their high quality.
AGRANA is active in the sugar and starch segment in Europe and in the fruit segment worldwide. In these markets, it seeks to take a leading position in industrial processing of agricultural raw materials.
Background
As the operator of the Local Distribution System (MDS), Slovenské cukrovary, s.r.o. faced in 2016 a legislative obligation to selectively implement intelligent metering systems (IMS).
Precise conditions for the implementation of IMS are regulated by Decree c. 358/2013 Coll. as amended. It defines the categories of consumption points according to the annual consumption and required functionality of electricity meters to be installed at consumption points. It also specifies the exact deadlines for their implementation.
Slovenské cukrovary, s.r.o. addressed issues:
• which electricity meters and manufacturers to choose,
• what method of communication with the meter to use (PLC, mobile networks, ...),
• what software to use for data collection,
• how to make consumption measurements available to end customers.
Objectives
Precise conditions for the implementation of IMS are regulated by Decree c. 358/2013 Coll. as amended. It defines the categories of consumption points according to the annual consumption and the required functionality of electricity meters to be installed at consumption points. It also specifies the exact deadlines for their implementation. Slovak sugar factories addressed issues:
• which electricity meters and manufacturers to choose,
• what method of communication with the meter to use (PLC, mobile networks, ...),
• what software to use for data collection, • how to make consumption measurements available to end customers.
The main goal of the project was to fulfill the obligations defined by the legislation. Thus, to put into operation by the end of 2016 IMS which consists of a collection center and electricity meters of the relevant category.
Slovenské cukrovary implemented this obligation as opportunity for technological modernization of the MDS and set other secondary goals:
- To use the previous investment in part of the collection points, maintain the installed electricity meters, comply with the decree and ensure the connection with the new collection center.
- To replace the existing nine different types of electricity meters with a single manufacturer, simplify the deployment of IMS and future maintenance of equipment.
- To automate data reporting to the administrator of measurement OKTE, a.s., SEPS, a.s., as well as making data available to end customers.
Solution
Implementation of IMS in the environment of Slovenské cukrovary was realized as a complex service. Our sféra, a.s. team covered entire project and communication with manufacturers of meters, assembly company, mobile operator, data center operator. In the final, we combined products of all suppliers in deployed and delivered IMS XMatik®.NET/ISOM.
Based on inspection of the MDS, number of electricity meters was determined
for dlivery points with indirect, semi-direct and direct measurement, additional communication devices and additional mounting material. For communication between XMatik®.NET/ISOM and electricity meters, we have chosen transmission via the network of telecommunications operator. Data collection is automated. In case of technical issues, system sends error messages to authorized persons and activates alarms. Measured data are displayed online according to the set preferences and sent to OKTE, a.s. and SEPS, a.s.
End customers have consumption data available through a modern customer portal.
Slovenské cukrovary started preparation of the IMS implementation project at the beginning of 2016. For this reason, its successful implementation was not endangered even by long waiting times for the supply of new electricity meters. Installation of meters took place in the first week of November 2016 and as of 1 January 2017, Slovenské cukrovary has operated IMS XMatik®.NET/ISOM in accordance with the conditions of the IMS Decree.
Technologies
Slovenské cukrovary chose a cloud infrastructure environment for the deployment of XMatik®.NET/ISOM. Data collection takes place by its direct connection with electricity meters via the TCP/IP protocol using industrial SIM cards of the plug85 standard. XMatik®.NET/ISOM communicates with the OKTE system via automated external interfaces with the appropriate level of security. Due to sensitive consumption data, connection to the customer portal is encrypted through an SSL certificate.
Services
IMS XMatik®.NET/ISOM is available for Slovenské cukrovary in the form of a software as a service contract. Support and supervision of the operation are in the hands of our experienced technical support team. The system is monitored remotely, which allows to react in time to a possible problem and prevent outages.
It is planned to further expand the system to support energy distribution and supply invoicing processes. Our team of analysts provides consultations for MDS operators about this question.