Background
In the CIS region, a leading gas distribution utility faced challenges in operational inefficiencies, revenue losses due to unaccounted gas, and lack of consumer engagement channels. The utility needed a robust solution to modernize its infrastructure, ensure accurate metering and billing, and enhance network monitoring and consumer services.
Solution Implementation
Esyasoft introduced an integrated Smart Gas Distribution system, employing advanced technologies and customized modules. The key components included:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Smart gas meters equipped with NB-IoT connectivity were installed, offering high security, wide coverage, and low power consumption for remote data transmission.
Traditional mechanical meters were upgraded with LoRaWAN and wireless M-Bus retrofits, ensuring seamless data acquisition without complete hardware replacement.
Precision Measurement and Data Collection: Electronic Volume Correctors (EVCs) with 4G connectivity were deployed across the network, providing accurate gas volume measurements adjusted for varying pressure and temperature conditions.
Dedicated pressure and temperature sensors with LoRaWAN connectivity were integrated, enabling real-time environmental monitoring.
Data Management and Analytical Insight: The acquired data was channelized through a comprehensive Head End System (HES) before integration with Esyasoft's Meter Data Management (MDM) system.
The MDM allowed sophisticated analyses like demand forecasting, decoding consumption patterns, and presented an overview dashboard with real-time alerts for consumption or supply exceptions.
Commercial Management Enhancement: A holistic commercial management system was implemented, encompassing accurate metering, efficient billing and collection processes, and a prepaid metering system that allowed consumers to manage gas usage according to their budget.
Reconciliation Analysis Dashboard: A cutting-edge dashboard provided real-time Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), calculating unaccounted-for gas, monitoring pipeline pressure, and alerting anomalies instantly.
This feature significantly aided in identifying revenue leakage sources, thus enabling more informed strategies to curb losses.
Network Simulation and Optimization: Esyasoft’s gas simulation module, integrated with GIS view, utilized detailed site survey data to create a digital twin of the entire gas distribution network.
This virtual model became instrumental for the operations team in monitoring network pressure, predicting system behavior, and strategizing efficient network planning.
Consumer Engagement Platform: A user-friendly web portal and mobile application were launched, offering consumers direct access to consumption analytics, online bill payment facilities, and a dedicated support and maintenance channel.
Outcomes
The deployment of Esyasoft’s technologies revolutionized the utility's operational framework.
Enhanced Revenue Protection: The reconciliation analysis and advanced metering infrastructure plugged revenue leakages, significantly increasing the utility's profitability.
Network Optimization: The gas simulation module with GIS view empowered the operations department to make data-driven decisions for network planning and optimization, resulting in a more efficient gas distribution network.
Operational Efficiency: Real-time monitoring and simulations based on the digital twin concept minimized operational risks and optimized network planning and expansion strategies.
Improved Consumer Engagement: The introduction of transparent billing, prepaid metering, and a self-service portal empowered consumers, leading to higher satisfaction levels and positive feedback.
Proactive Anomaly Management: With real-time data and alerts, the utility could swiftly identify and rectify supply exceptions and anomalies, ensuring uninterrupted and safe gas distribution.
Conclusion
Esyasoft’s comprehensive solution set a new benchmark in the CIS region’s gas utility market. It not only streamlines the utility’s operations and improved financial performance but also establishes a framework that other gas distribution companies could emulate for enhanced safety, reliability, and service quality in the energy sector.
