Key features of Tixon Energy ARGO Technology
Among the key features of the ARGO technology
are its flexibility and modularity. The core element of the
architecture is the patented, magnetic induction-based power
supply. Within the limits of the generated power
(depending on the amount of current flowing in the power line
cables) it can be used to supply power to different electronic
devices, therefore paving the way to the design and implementation
of numerous potential applications. The applications target markets
are
-
Needed by the DSO/TSO national or private company to manage the problems of own electrical grid.
-
Offered by DSO/TSO to populations living near the electrical national grid.
-
Offered by DSO/TSO to government - police - civil protection - military authorities.
- Offered by DSO/TSO to thirdy party company customers.
(Distribution System Operator / Trasmission System
Operator)
Geographical data backbone to connect the electrical grid nodes by partially-mesh network
Each ARGO plant contains a pair
of wifi/wimax radio repeaters with directional antennas that send
the signal to the plants adjacent in both directions.
Each tower containing ARGO is from the next over 5 km
therefore only part of the towers will contain the ARGO
plant.
The signal then is repeated from system to
system for the entire length of the power
line. This generates a backbone of data
from the first station to the last station that the electrical
power line connects. In stations (plants of production
or transformation of the electric power) the signal carried by the
ARGO data backbone flows into the main optical fiber data backbone
of the company owner of the electrical grid.
The figure
on the right is
represented
this type of
mesh
network
where
each
pylon
contains
a
generic
hub
of
data
communication with
the two
adjacent
hubs,
to form
the
data backbone
along the
power line.
This figure
is taken from the study by (courtesy
of) Elettrical
Power
Research
Institute,
Charlotte,
NC USA
in
his treatise
Future Inspection of Overhead Transmission Lines
which provides that
in the future
the power lines
will be used for
the purpose
of which
ARGO
already
provides the
solution.
Hotspots to broadcast internet
band over rural areas to reduce digital divide for the populations
there living
Electric
network towers offer a unique advantage by being relatively close
to each other and each one being in line of sight with the
following one.
This creates an ideal context for
the creation of point to point radio links, which can bring data
connectivity over long distances when connected in
chain.
ARGO systems are capable of providing enough
power for two or three wireless routers, therefore allowing for the
creation of partly meshed network topologies. Considering that
often power lines extend even along sparsely populated areas, this
application represents a possible solution to connect rural areas
currently in digital
divide.
Security Surveillance
Optical and thermo cameras to visualize the areas near power lines to prevent for example forests fire or terroristic or vandalic attachs.
Power lines towers are very
convenient places to install surveillance cameras: their height and
the presence of high voltage cables make it almost impossible for
thieves or vandals to damage or steal them.
By
coupling cameras with wireless Internet connectivity devices (see
below) a distributed surveillance system can be easily deployed in
territories crossed by the electric network.
