The Bi-Directional R.F Intra-Substation Communications System project will deliver the next generation of cross substation communications systems for all types of condition monitoring data sources. The project will deliver a system which will have the capability of not only collecting data from multiple points and monitoring devices within a substation to one central point via low power, long range radio frequency before uploading to the Smart Asset Management (SAM) servers, but also allow commands to be sent from the server, down to the central hub, then out to an individual data collection node. In other words, bi-directional data control over long range RF communications.

Objectives

In order to ensure that National Grid manages its assets as effectively and efficiently as possible it is important that the business enters a regime of proactive asset management where appropriate. Large scale integrated condition monitoring of transmission assets will allow failures to be predicted and/or mitigated, maintenance to be planned more efficiently and will improve the safety of staff by providing up to date knowledge of the condition of assets to which they are within a close proximity.