In support of ever-emerging smart grid adoption, information and communication technology (ICT) group Huawei on Tuesday unveiled a long-term evolution (LTE) solution for electricity grids.

The eLTE smart grid solution, based on the “most advanced” fourth-generation wireless communication technology, enabled power operators to build efficient communication networks for their power grids.

The offering, revealed at the Africa Utilities Telecom Summit, in Sandton, would provide backhaul for distribution automation and advanced metering infrastructure, which delivered greater accuracy in meter reading and reduced labour requirements.

Huawei, which had provided more than 160 power companies with ICT products and services, stated that instant communication systems and reliable power infrastructure maintenance were vital for the efficient production and distribution of electricity.

The eLTE product delivered throughput of up to 100 Mb/s downlink and up to 50 Mb/s uplink, allowing for easy expansion of distribution automation terminals, with low access latency guaranteeing data collection timeliness and accuracy.

The smart grid solution also featured multiple levels of redundant backup at the board, network element and network levels to ensure high security and reliability.

Value-added services such as trunking dispatch, video surveillance, and mobile platforms, which enabled online early warning alerts, real-time fault monitoring, quick fault location, self-healing mechanisms, and effective load monitoring and management, were also included, said Huawei Enterprise Business Group president for the Eastern and Southern Africa region Eman Liu.

Further, geographic information system location support services enabled quick and convenient dispatching.

“Grid operators can now shorten unplanned power outages, decrease line loss, improve power quality and ultimately improve consumer satisfaction,” Liu said.