Laos EDL: Digital Modernization of Power Distribution and Utilization

Background

Laos manages more than 60 percent of the water resources in the Mekong River. Under the policy of “hydropower rich countries”, Laos exports electricity to ASEAN countries such as Thailand, which is called “batteries in Southeast Asia”. The Electricite Du Laos (EDL) is an exclusive power development and operation organization in Laos. It is responsible for power supply and power export outside Laos.

Challenges

To increase the power outlet, the EDL focuses on the construction of power stations and power transmission and transformation lines at the early stages. However, the power distribution and power supply base is weak, the devices on the live network are old and the line loss does not decrease, additionally the efficiency of manual meter reading is low. As a result, the EDL power development is unbalanced.

High line loss

The line loss reaches up to 18 percent (generally about 7–10 percent in the industry), and the line loss increases.

Unstable power supply and difficult fault isolation

Lack of detection methods and terminals. Faults cannot be located. The average outage duration is 30 minutes per week.

Unreliable communications network

Power distribution terminals use VHF backhaul, electricity meter data is sent back through the GPRS network of carriers, and the communication success rate is low and the cost is high.

Low efficiency of meter reading and billing

Manual meter reading often leads to omission, concealment, and few reports. Data entry and bank settlement are manual operations, resulting in low efficiency.

Serious electricity theft

Traditional mechanical meters lack technical detection methods, and industrial and commercial users have serious electricity theft.

High management cost of multiple independent systems

Multiple vendors’ electric meters and HES systems are deployed on the live network. The systems are independent of each other, resulting in data disconnection and high management and maintenance costs.

Solution

Through long-term communication internally and with EDL, Huawei analyzes EDL’s requirements and pain points, binds the domestic electric power design institute to in-depth survey, and works with framework partners to provide end-to-end power distribution solutions for the master station system, communications network, and terminal equipment.

Primary site system: The open AMI unified platform connects to customers’ CRM/billing applications and supports integration with third-party systems such as the HES system and bank payment systems of different meter vendors. The system provides the DMS power distribution management and supports SCADA, OMS, GIS, and ESB functions to effectively monitor the running status of power distribution devices.

Communications network: The backbone layer uses NE routers to form a ring. IP hard pipes ensure reliable transmission of key services. The access side uses GPON to carry DMS power distribution automation, AMI smart meter reading services, and subsequent FTTx value-added services. ADSS power cables cover core areas and provide abundant optical fiber resources for distribution networks.

Terminal device: Replaces the electricity meter on the live network with a prepaid meter, supports PLC-IoT, and improves the meter reading success rate. Provides 80 circuit breakers, 250 TTU, and 80 FTUs to improve power distribution automation, protect core assets, and reduce power grid losses.

Benefits

Improves EDL’s brand image: Multiple channels (bank/App/customer service center) pay fees, eliminating the need for queuing. The power outage duration is greatly reduced and user satisfaction is improved.

Improves operation level: Proper scheduling reduces line loss. Faults are quickly located and isolated to reduce the impact of power failures. Power consumption analysis accurately guides the power production.

Improves profitability: Remote automatic meter reading reduces labor costs. The meter prepaid mode accelerates cash return.