Case Study: Efficient Monitoring of Power Distribution Through the Unified ATEN Solution

The production and distribution of electrical energy is a major global topic due to the specific challenges of this field, requiring utmost attention to ensure efficiency and reliability. Alternative energy uses resources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, and most of these renewable energy sources are sustainable since they are practically inexhaustible. However, the intermittent availability of these resources brings several challenges when introducing direct current into the grid.

In this context, a Romanian electricity distributor provides energy to thousands of industrial and residential clients through its photovoltaic park, with a production capacity in the hundreds of megawatts managed both locally and remotely. The control centers at these sites are now managed much more efficiently with the integrated ATEN solution, which enables real-time monitoring and control of SCADA parameters and generates appropriate alerts to ensure the optimal functioning of the entire system.

 

The Challenge – Centralized Monitoring of a Large Number of Parameters from a Command Center and Ensuring Rapid Response to Alarms

As the number of photovoltaic panels and related equipment increases, it has become increasingly difficult for the photovoltaic park supervisors to manage and monitor all components effectively. Without a centralized system, supervisors were required to be physically present in the two management and control rooms to check parameters and intervene when necessary. Additionally, in case of alarms, supervisors had to follow specific intervention procedures from manuals to resolve them, which was time-consuming. The solution integrator began searching 3-4 years ago for a hardware and software control solution to improve the efficiency of monitoring energy production.

 

The ATEN Solution: Tailored Control Systems for Alternative Energy Production and Distribution

The ATEN solution includes a series of hardware and software tools that enable centralized monitoring and control of the servers responsible for managing parameters. Additionally, ATEN developed its software solution to meet the integrator’s requirements, optimizing the monitoring and control process.

“The value of this solution lies in the integration of equipment and the efficient interaction between them. We combined KVM, controllers, and video wall processors to meet the client’s requirements perfectly, all accessible with the ATEN app. The control room monitoring solutions significantly simplify the activity and workflow of employees or supervisors in the energy sector,” stated Bogdan Mihalcea, Country Manager ATEN Romania.

 

Equipment Used

• VW3620 Modular Video Wall Processor: Processes up to 36 input sources and manages up to 20 displays of any size at various resolutions. It handles 4K60 input sources, supports delay-free source switching with near-instantaneous transitions, and delivers high-quality video streams with zero latency. It supports custom resolutions and allows video signal upscaling for clear, precise images, regardless of screen size or type. It provides real-time signals in customizable layouts, such as PiP (Picture-in-Picture), PbP (Picture-by-Picture), source cropping, overlay, and distribution across multiple screens in any size and with the correct aspect ratio.
• Slim DisplayPort (KE9900ST) and Slim HDMI (KE8900ST), KVM over IP Transmitters class: Advanced processors that deliver lossless, low-latency video transmission. They allow multiple extension and matrix connections for Multi-Display installations and video wall applications. The Slim Matrix mode is also ideal for smaller command center applications.
• ATEN Controller and Tablet, with App: Enables centralized management of all operational parameters and scenarios, providing quick and efficient access for real-time intervention and monitoring.

Real-Time Monitoring and Alarm Scenarios: The ATEN system collects a wide range of parameters from all servers, allowing the setting of alarm triggers based on predefined values, based on the distributor’s specific intervention manuals. In case of an unexpected event, supervisors are alerted directly via the video wall and app and have immediate access to detailed information on each piece of equipment.

Scalability and Interaction: The solution supports system expansion as the number of devices increases, without affecting performance or response time. ATEN products are compatible with all client equipment, facilitating remote interconnection and monitoring of operational parameters.

 

Benefits

By implementing the ATEN solution, the energy distributor has managed to streamline the monitoring and control of the locations. Staff can now supervise the entire photovoltaic park from a single command center, eliminating the need for frequent tours and reducing reaction time in case of alarms. Alerts are customized, classified, and generate appropriate automatic responses, but can also be monitored by the operator to control responses. Additionally, the solution is scalable and can easily adapt to the client’s infrastructure changes.

 

Conclusion

Implementing the ATEN solution has revolutionized the way the energy distributor manages parameters in real-time, optimizing processes and enabling the control of the entire system from a single location. The solution has been successful and can be replicated or adapted for other future projects in critical infrastructure fields, such as energy, as well as in the medical, defense, or public sectors, with high-performance technical support from ATEN.

With the expertise gained from implementing and customizing the solution, the ATEN team is available to provide training and site visits for future interested clients.

 

About ATEN

Founded in 1979, ATEN International Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 6277), is the largest provider of AV/IT connectivity and management solutions. With KVM solutions, professional A/V solutions, and intelligent power solutions, ATEN’s product range connects, manages, and optimizes electronic equipment in corporate, government, education, media, and transportation environments. ATEN holds over 570 internationally registered patents and a research team that ensures a constant flow of innovative solutions, resulting in a comprehensive portfolio of products available worldwide. Headquartered in Taiwan, ATEN International Co., Ltd. has expanded with subsidiaries in China, Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Australia, the USA, the UK, Russia, Turkey, Poland, India, and Romania – with research centers in Taiwan, China, and Canada.