Mobile technology supports EDF maintenance

The distribution arm of EDF Energy is using mobile routing technology to monitor its substations

EDF Energy Networks is taking remote control of its substations

EDF Energy Networks (EDFEN) is monitoring the performance of 400 electricity substations in south east England using mobile routing technology.

Sarian software configures and manages the substations remotely, diagnosing problems so that EDFEN can resolve them without sending in an engineer.

The system saves time and money and gives EDFEN better control, said senior project engineer Roger Yeo.

“The new management system means we no longer have to dedicate time and money sending out our staff to either fix problems or wait for external engineers at substations," he said.

“The solution has provided us with a lot more control. We can now either fix the problems ourselves remotely or make a more informed decision about whether an engineer is needed.”

Wireless routers from Sarian were rolled out over a six month period and EDFEN is using the devices to link its legacy monitoring system to a wireless IP network.