The digital transformation is also in full swing in the energy industry and requires new, intelligent solutions. In close cooperation with public utilities and specialists from the energy sector, Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg (ATBB) develops smart networking solutions. They help to transfer data securely, automate processes and save time and costs. Antennas therefore play an important role in the conversion to smart meter solutions. Two development partnerships are outlined below.
Best Practice: Networks BW/Hager
The challenge: The EnBW subsidiary Netze BW and Hager were looking for an optimal solution for a strong and robust communication of the smart meter gateway via mobile radio. The antenna should be integrated directly into the meter cabinet and be invisible. The distribution network operator from southwest Germany and the manufacturer of meter cabinets decided to cooperate with ATBB. The challenges were manifold: Antennas that can be positioned inside a meter cabinet are invisible, but depend on a good mobile radio infrastructure, since the radio signals are strongly inhibited in their propagation. In addition, they must be securely mounted inside the cabinet, which requires a lot of installation work.
The solution: ATTB developed the patented antenna 4580, which uses the entire meter cabinet to transmit and receive radio signals. The large area of the meter cabinet results in excellent efficiency and optimal transmission quality in all conceivable cases. A simple click system has been developed for easy installation. The antenna is mounted in a free flange of the meter cabinet, connected to the gateway - ready.
The result: The integrated meter cabinet antenna 4580 developed by ATBB is broadband and also covers 5G. It has a very high efficiency and can be installed quickly and easily. Netze BW can save time and money in the mandatory installation of intelligent metering systems. The meter cabinet also remains undamaged. "Our questions were answered directly by the respective ATBB expert," says Marco Schäfer, engineer for metering systems at Netze BW GmbH. "Due to the high level of competence, we can unreservedly recommend ATBB as a development partner".
Best Practice: Thuringian energy networks
The challenge: The energy provider Thüringer Energienetze GmbH was looking for an antenna that would be installed in the meter cabinet and cover the frequency range 450MHz. The installation of the antenna should take as little time as possible. The energy provider from Erfurt chose ATBB as development partner.
The solution: ATBB already had a patented top-hat rail antenna in its mobile communications portfolio. This was adapted by the development department to the special installation situation in meter cabinets in the 450MHZ frequency band.
The result: The antenna meets all requirements of the Thuringian energy networks and could be developed cost-effectively and in record time. Extensive measurements and tests on site have confirmed the high performance. The installation of the antenna takes less than 10 seconds. Time and cost advantages that play a decisive role in the smart meter roll-out. "The cooperation with ATBB was very close and constructive," says Maik Rudolph of Thüringer Mess- und Zählerwesen Service GmbH, describing the collaboration. "Any problems that arose were discussed openly and promptly. Together we were able to find solutions quickly".
About Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg: The Weimar-based company develops and manufactures intelligent antenna solutions for various industries and applications. These include antennas for vehicles, industry 4.0, government radio and the energy sector. With its own research, development and production, ATBB stands for the highest quality and reliability "Made in Germany".
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