Energy Systems
Solutions for Regional Energy Networks (Monitoring Power Inputs and Access Control to Distribution Cabinets)
Task
Energy companies supplying electricity to residential and industrial consumers manage a vast number of facilities spread across large territories. Each of these sites can be exposed to natural disasters, vandalism, or other emergencies. Furthermore, equipment at regional energy management facilities (REMs) often continues operating well beyond its intended service life, making it prone to overload-related failures. When such problems occur, emergency crews and dispatchers must quickly repair the damaged electrical substation equipment — and to do that, they need accurate and reliable information about what exactly happened.
Some REM specialists install their own wireless alarm and notification systems at critical infrastructure sites. However, these solutions often prove unreliable because they depend on mobile operator networks, which can suffer from coverage gaps and require recurring subscription fees.
Solution
As a Ukrainian system integrator, iotji offers energy companies a reliable alternative — deploying LoRaWAN coverage, one of the most efficient options for maintaining power networks. To achieve this, LoRa base stations equipped with 868 MHz antennas are installed on tall structures such as radio towers, boiler chimneys, or microwave relay masts. This setup provides wireless connectivity across the entire district, enabling IoT device integration at all key facilities under REM supervision.
To prevent unauthorized access to transformer substations, door opening sensors are installed. At substation entrances, smart electricity meters with built-in LoRaWAN modems monitor current and voltage levels. LoRa-based current sensors operating over LPWAN networks ensure reliable protection of the power grid against voltage surges.
All sensor data is transmitted through LoRaWAN gateways to the ThingsBoard application server. Dispatchers and maintenance crews can view dashboards and manage IoT sensors from their work computers or mobile devices.
If any of the sensors report an abnormal event, responsible staff immediately receive notifications via email or messaging apps. Examples of such alerts can be seen in our blog article: How to Prevent Cable Theft from Manholes Using IoT.
Result
Thanks to LoRaWAN technology and the deployed network of sensors, maintenance teams spend less time troubleshooting power line issues. The operation of REM equipment is fully monitored by the dispatch center, and any incident is detected within minutes.
LoRaWAN-enabled devices allow real-time monitoring of all network parameters, making it possible to regulate loads with greater precision — and, most importantly, promptly.
Door opening sensors installed at substation entrances effectively alert staff to unauthorized access attempts, enabling rapid response to vandalism or theft.
Moreover, LoRaWAN technology used in Ukraine enables energy companies to expand their existing LoRaWAN-based networks by installing additional IoT modems on electricity meters. Through the LoRa gateway, these modems can remotely collect power consumption data from end users across entire districts or towns.