Sateliot and Sentrisense have launched the first 5G satellite connectivity to IoT electric grid sensors — attached to electric towers and power lines, Sentrisense’s devices are capable of connecting seamlessly to cellular towers and satellite networks which helps to monitor and modify the correct amperage and manage electric grids more efficiently, even in the case of accidents, fires, or broken lines.
Sateliot’s 5G NB-IoT smallsat constellation will give Sentrisense the necessary access to retrieve data from all their devices, even if those are out of the reach of any cell tower connectivity.
Sentrisense’s network of devices is capable of pinpointing broken or damaged wire locations within five minutes, instead of the actual average reaction time of four hours. With Sateliot’s constellation, Sentrisense will be able to expand its solution in any place on Earth, allowing first responders to answer the fastest in case of any eventuality. The company has deployed sensors to electric wires in the USA, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Spain, and Sweden.
The agreement between Sateliot and Sentrisense is also key to massive data gathering from sensors spread across several locations, which will also make electric grids smarter. The devices can gather information from the current ambiental conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind direction and speed, making electric grids able to predict the weather and fire conditions. This feature brings electric grids to be more sustainable while preventing energy leaks, and also makes them an ally to face heat waves or blizzard conditions.
Sentrisense sensors are attached directly to a hot line with a standard industrial SnapFast clamp, and they can even be installed with the use of a drone. Provided with a solar panel and a battery, the sensor allows for a 10 years lifespan, and can be connected to several networks like Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G to transmit the data gathered.
Commenting on the launch, Jaume Sanpera, CEO of Sateliot, said: “The massive connectivity between 5G satellites and the sensors will allow far more accurate predictions on wear and tear analysis, alert to the presence of fallen trees or ice on the lines, and make models of wire inclination and distance from the ground and model the ideal ampacity, among other applications. All of it with an affordable connection of just $1 per month per device.”
Sebastán Cerone, CEO of Sentrisense, added: “This connectivity agreement will allow Sentrisense Line guard sensors to connect anywhere in the world, even in remote locations. The electric grid is the largest engineering feat of humankind right now, by definition is an analogue asset, and we are fully digitising it. We want to turn the grid from a mere instrumental transporting method into a smart tool, able to predict fires and other weather and environmental hazards.”
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