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Cemig and Huawei Deploy a 450 MHz Private Wireless Network

In a groundbreaking move, Brazilian electricity distributor Cemig has partnered with technology giant Huawei to implement the first commercial private wireless network operating at 450 MHz in Latin America. This innovative network aims to address challenges faced by Cemig’s energy distribution services which were heavily reliant on public networks, hence presenting significant operational risks.

Challenges in Current Distribution Systems

As the complexity of distribution networks increased, Cemig's devices utilized primarily leased public networks for data transport. However, this model exposed the utility to several risks:

1. Insufficient Coverage: Approximately 50% of the operator networks in Brazil did not provide adequate coverage in remote areas. Consequently, many distribution devices remained offline for extended periods, resulting in operational inefficiencies and increased repair times as personnel had to travel long distances for maintenance.

2. Unreliable Service: The service level agreements associated with public networks were not tailored to meet the requirements of electricity operations. Weather conditions during rainy seasons often led to outages within base stations or microwave link interruptions, reducing the connectivity rate of distribution devices from about 90% down to 60%. When communication was lost, remote commands could not reach devices, necessitating on-site manual operations and delaying power restoration, which jeopardized supply reliability and incurred significant economic losses.

The Solution: A Strategic Partnership with Huawei

To combat these challenges, Cemig undertook comprehensive evaluations and research on global uses of technology. Ultimately, they selected Huawei as a strategic partner to deploy the state-of-the-art private wireless network.

Benefits of the New Private Network

As a result of field trials, Cemig experienced firsthand the advantages of the newly established private wireless network:

1. Enhanced Reliability of Power Supply: The new network significantly boosted terminal connectivity to 99% and communication reliability to an impressive 99.99%, thereby greatly improving Cemig’s electricity distribution levels.

2. Mitigation of Business Risks: This private network effectively reduces line losses and enhances metrics such as SAIDI and SAIFI, aiding Cemig in avoiding regulatory penalties.

3. Assured Return on Investment: By enhancing energy services, the network ensures Cemig adheres to regulatory standards set by ANEEL while providing favorable investment returns.

4. Extended Applications: The private wireless network serves as a vital communication backbone for energy production operations, delivering reliable connectivity for today’s distribution automation. Moreover, it supports future crucial applications, including the integration of smart meters, rapid adoption of distributed photovoltaic systems, and sophisticated microgrid management. This facilitates the transition from traditional energy production based on load to a dynamic interaction among source, grid, load, and storage systems.

Future Aspirations

The collaboration between Cemig and Huawei is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a crucial step towards the company's future growth. With Huawei’s extensive experience in the energy sector, this partnership promises not only immediate improvements but also scalability for future renewable energy integration.

For further information and insights, visit the Huawei case studies.