Norwegian grid optimisation specialist Heimdall Power has adopted Iridium connectivity for its grid monitoring.

By integrating the Iridium Certus 9704 module, Heimdall’s Neuron sensors can reliably send critical electric power line data, such as temperature, ground clearance and electric fault localisation, over the Iridium network from any environment to the Heimdall Cloud.

The Neuron (heimdallpower.com/technologies/heimdall-neuron), colloquially known as the Magic Ball, is an intelligent and versatile sensor that helps electric utilities make power transmission safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable. On average, the products from Heimdall increase transmission capacity of existing infrastructure by 40%, while providing complete grid awareness.

The small and powerful Certus 9704 IoT module was integrated into the existing lightweight Neuron sensor to implement reliable connectivity, especially in areas where cellular networks cannot reach. Now using the Iridium satellite network, the Neuron sensor has turbocharged its capabilities by enabling essential real-time data transmission to and from anywhere in the world, making it a cost effective for utilities worldwide.

“Ninety-nine per cent of high voltage powerlines do not have any sensors, making the power grid one of the most underutilised assets in the world,” said Jørgen Festervoll, CEO of Heimdall Power (heimdallpower.com). “The work we’re doing with Iridium is going to change the world because, for the first time ever, we can send actionable insights from every part of the grid.”

Iridium CEO Matt Desch added: “The Iridium Certus 9704 module is uniquely suited for the Neuron sensor, allowing Heimdall Power to change the way powerlines and grids are managed on a global basis, in real time. With unmatched reliability and innovation, Iridium remains the top choice and industry leader for satellite IoT.”

The Certus 9704 module, featuring Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT, www.iridium.com/services/iridium-messaging-transport) technology, is for supporting satellite IoT applications that require real-time data analysis, analytics and automated decision-making. It delivers data, picture and audio messages for industrial IoT, M2M and remote personnel use cases.

Using Iridium’s global satellite network, the module (www.iridium.com/products/certus-9704-module) can provide two-way, weather-resilient IoT services anywhere in the world, making fast and reliable connections to a broad array of applications.

Iridium Communications (www.iridium.com) is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, USA.