KPTCL installs VSAT-based communication network

BANGALORE: India's first VSAT-based communication network to support real

time data applications used for power generation and distribution will be

commissioned in Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). This

technology called "Vidyutnet" is being supplied, installed and

commissioned by the HCL Comnet systems. Currently KPTCL hub uses single hop

Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) connectivity, which is ideal for high

bandwidth applications like voice and fax traffic, video conferencing and

Internet/Intranet traffic. KPTCL is planning to introduce these applications

over the VSAT connectivity shortly.

According to N. Gokulram, Chairman, KPTCL, " Vidyutnet is one of the

major steps taken by KPTCL to improve operational efficiency of the transmission

and distribution network in the state. Satellite technology is reliable and

provides instantaneous connectivity of the state. KPTCL is actively looking at

providing voice and data services at remote locations to other government

agencies as well." The total project cost of Vidyutnet is around Rs 9

crore.

In the first phase, a hub station was set up at the load dispatch center

located in Bangalore and 40 remote sites covering the generating stations and

400/220 KV receiving stations all over the state. The satellite data channel

will replace the existing Data Channels using power line carrier circuits. The

data channel supports Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA)

that KPTCL is using for load dispatch operations. The network is also used for

voice and fax communication. The network management system at the hub shall have

the capability of supporting upto 500 nodes and 1000 satellites channel. Some of

the stations to be covered in the first phase are Mysore, Belgaum, Bellary,

Hassan, Chikkodi, Shahbad, Kadra, Supa, Lingasagur, Munirabad, Mangalore,

Shivanasamudra, Sedam, Humnabad and Kustagi.