Energy management

Energy management

Radio Ripple Control (RRC) is considered to be the only technology employed by distribution system operators (DSO) for load control which is capable of dispatching switching commands to a multitude of end-devices within a short time without being restricted by power network layouts or geographical barriers. Long wave technology for energy management purposes was developed in the UK in the early 80s switching night storage heaters on in off peak hours known as economy 7. The system won the queens award for innovation. Later during the 1990s’ in Germany a more comprehensive system was commissioned with a more dynamic addressing system allowing for specific control of devices categories and load groups over long-wave broadcasting services. Having drawn on the knowledge and experience gathered in the electric power industry in more than a decade Prolan started to develop their own RRCR in 2004. The first devices appeared in the market in 2007; the second generation has been in production since 2009. Till the end of 2011 230.000 units were sold, most of them to Hungarian E.On companies while a less considerable amount was delivered to two Czech DSO-s, Zapadoslovenska Energetica and E.ON Ceska Republika. In compliance with our marketing strategy 2011 we saw our first German buyers. Prolan’s success lies in high quality and flexibility. Our RRCR-s support both Versacom and Type-B data transmission protocol.

For those DSOs’ who are considering the option of load management via Long-wave radio broadcasting but still wish to utilize audio frequency legacy systems until the end of their life cycle, we have developed a “hybrid” receiver which is capable of using both RRC and audio frequency control (AFC) technology. Our aim was to offer a solution which makes a switch-over more smooth and easy while ensuring that return on investment be maintained.

Smart metering technology is now making a considerable impact globally. The technology is already deployed or is being considered for deployment by utilities around the world with strong backing and regulation by national governments. Here in Europe EU directives enforce that itemized billing based on smart metering shall be available for all customer segments whilst recognising that additional functionality such as direct load control and remote interval meter readings are a necessity for future smart grid implementations. Until more recently the technology of load control and metering technology has usually been developed independently.

A few years ago, Prolan decided to act on a bold initiative and pursue with the design of an integrated solution. Our new device embodies the advantages of a combined state-of-the-art smart meter and a low latency radio load control management element. The ProMETER device contains a metering module developed by Easymeter, a well renowned and experienced German manufacturer, and a version of our own radio ripple control receiver (RRCR). By having united two originally separate devices in one housing we are able to realize new functionality. Two of these functionalities which is becoming ever prominent is the illegal access detection and support for pre-paid services.

We have looked at developing new markets with new products where versatility provides a clear benefit to our future partners. Street lighting holds promise for being one of those areas. By installing our devices a notable amount of energy can be spared compensating for an abundance on installation costs.

The need to strive for an effective and efficient delivery model in energy consumption is putting metering and energy management to greater task in the developed and developing world. We believe that our new business branch can deliver state-of-the-art solutions by which the energy challenges of the future can be overcome.