CASE STUDY:
Networking Solution for Solar Plants Worldwide
inAccess, Worldwide
Transition Networks’ Industrial Ethernet
Switches Provide Accurate and Robust
Networking Solution for Solar Plants
Worldwide
InAccess is a leader in providing turnkey solutions for remote site
management in the enterprise sector with special applications
for renewable energy plants and telecom operators. In response
to the growth and unique requirements of photovoltaic (PV)
power stations and solar parks around the world, the company
developed the inSolar photovoltaic (PV) plant management
solution. The inSolar monitoring solution provides centralized
management for multiple geographically distributed solar plants
and, since 2008 has been deployed and is in operation in solar
plants with a combined capacity of several hundred megawatts
(MWp) throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.
SISTM101x-1xx-LRT
PoE/PoE+ to
Cameras/WiFi
Router
PV plant
Transition Networks Switch
Inverters, String monitors
Metering & Protection devices
Sensors Irradiance, Wind, Temperature
“
Transition Networks Switch
Inverters, String monitors
Fiber Ring
inAccess datalogger
inAccess datalogger
Surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras
Substation 1
Substation 2
While ring redundancy and SNMP
management features positioned
the SISTM101x-1xx-LRT in front of
alternatives, reliability was our main
concern and contributing factor
leading to the selection of Transition
Networks for the inSolar solution.
”
Vassilis Nellas - inAccess’ Director of Product Management
YOUR NETWORK. OUR CONNECTION.
Metering & Protection devices
Sensors Irradiance, Wind, Temperature
The inSolar Solution
InSolar is an integrated, vendor-independent solution
for managing multiple medium to large scale PV parks.
The inSolar solution allows for real-time management of
geographically distributed solar parks through a common
control center and internet portal in accordance with the
IEC61724 standard. Features include production monitoring
to minimize downtime and maximize performance and
profit, grid interconnection to identify output power quality
characteristics, physical security and safety detection of the
solar park and shelters, and operational failure diagnosis and instant notification.
The feature-rich inSolar monitoring system relies on an accurate and robust local networking solution
to interconnect the control center with peripheral substation monitoring equipment in the field. To
ensure durability and precision, InAccess selected the SISTM101x-1xx-LRT industrial Ethernet
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CASE STUDY:
Networking Solution for Solar Plants Worldwide
inAccess, Worldwide
SISTM101x-1xx-LRT
Benefits
• IEEE 802.1p, 4-level priority queuing
• Auto-Negotiation (802.3u): Allows devices to
perform automatic configuration to achieve
the best possible mode of operation over a
link.
• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN capability
• Redundant Ring Switching Technology
(recovery time <300ms)
• SNMP trap and SMTP email trap support
• SNTP Clock Synchronization
• Bandwidth Allocation
• Ingress Packet Filtering
• DHCP Client Support
• Spanning Tree/Rapid Spanning Tree
• TFTP Firmware Update
• Dual Homing Application Support
• Auto-Sensing Redundant DC Power Inputs
• System Configuration Restore/Backup
• Standard (0°C to 60°C) or extended (-40°C to
75°C) operating temperature
inAccess
Corporate HQ:
88 Wood Street, 10th Floor,
London, EC2V 7RS, UK
Tel: +44 20351 90998
Email: info@inaccess.com
http://www.inaccess.com
Transition Networks, Inc.
Worldwide Headquarters:
10900 Red Circle Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55343 USA
tel: +1 952.941.7600 / 800.526.9267
fax: +1 952.941.2322
info@transition.com
http://www.transition.com
switches from Transition Networks. The more than 350 utility scale solar plants currently utilizing the
inSolar solution have been built and operate on fiber-optic networks and industrial Ethernet switches
from Transition Networks.
Transition Networks’ SISTM101x-1xx-LRT 8-port managed industrial Ethernet switch protects the
critical communication needs of the PV plant management system by incorporating redundant copper
or fiber links with switching recovery times of less than 300ms for increased reliability and system
uptime. The SISTM101x-1xx-LRT can also be SNMP managed via a web browser to configure all of the
latest advanced industrial networking capabilities required to support the inSolar monitoring solution.
Additionally, Transition Networks’ industrial switches are hardened devices designed to reliably operate
in harsh environments and are suitable for use in extreme temperatures like those faced in outdoor
equipment cabinets. Backed by an unsurpassed Lifetime Warranty, Transition Networks industrial
switches provide assurance that safe and reliable operation of your industrial network lasts as long as
your plant.
About inAccess
Established in 2000, inAccess specializes in the design, development and
supply of monitoring and control solutions for the telecommunications
and renewable energy markets. inAccess’ solutions range from specialized controllers to software
platforms designed with high availability standards, optimized for the operation of multiple connected
systems. Customers and partners of inAccess include telecom operators, power producers and
integrated solution providers.
inAccess has European offices in
London, UK and Athens, Greece, in
addition to a San Jose, CA office
located in the United States. For more
information, visit www.inaccess.com
About Transition Networks Inc.
Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better,
faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. With
over 25 years of growth and expertise in hardware manufacturing, Transition Networks offers the ability
to affordably integrate the benefits of fiber optics into any data network – in any application – in any
environment. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms,
Transition’s portfolio gives the power to deliver and manage network traffic reliably over fiber.
Transition Networks is unique among its peers in offering distribution partners and customers access to
Ethernet access devices for both office and hardened environments. Transition Networks’ industrial media
converters and switches are designed with multiple port configurations, redundant DC power inputs,
Redundant Fiber Ring Technology, extended operating temps (-40°C to +75°C) and required industrial
certifications. These devices are built to withstand the harshest environments and protected by the
industry’s only hassle-free, lifetime warranty.
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity
solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in over 50 countries. Transition Networks is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM:
JCS). For more information visit www.transition.com
YOUR NETWORK. OUR CONNECTION.
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