ETAP Unified Digital Twins for E.A. region

Digital Twin (DT) models and workflows have evolved to become increasingly important in power systems short-term asset and network-wide optimization applications. However, DT characteristics must go beyond the connectivity platform between data collection, digital workflows, and visualization systems.

The orchestration between an automated rule-based design tool, model-driven predictive analysis, co-simulation platform, training simulation hub, combined with real-time analytics, and intelligent controls provides the necessary foundation that transforms information into actionable decisions.

Harnessing the power of ETAP’s ecosystem throughout the digital transformation process will help Kenyan and East Africa engineers, operators, and managers increase their awareness and understanding of systems, in a cost-effective and repeatable environment.This will be achieved by offering:

• Early decision support
• Increased productivity
• Shortened design time
• Improved safety
• Asset performance optimisation
• Reduced cost of operations

​ETAP Unified Digital Twins are important building blocks in all stages of an electrical system’s life cycle.

Design Twin

• Network Modelling & Management
• System Analysis & Planning
• Rule-Based Design
• Smart Visualisation & Result Analysers

Operation Twin

• Model-Driven Monitoring
• Operational Awareness
• Predictive Simulation
• Real-Time Analytics

Smart Twin

• Situational Intelligence
• Advanced Optimization
• Proactive Action
• Intelligent Control

Compiled by:Samwel Kariuki

22nd April 2020

HOW DIGITAL RADIO NETWORKS WILL BENEFIT E.A. HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

Motorola Solutions provides the situational awareness first responders need following a catastrophe. In EA region, we do this via connecting such operations to seamless communication networks, applications and services by providing them with real-time information, and by arming them with intuitive, almost indestructible radios and devices. The UN/NGO team at Motorola Solutions has its presence in East Africa, and oversees the delivery of business critical communication solutions to peacekeeping, emergency response like COVID19 and development agencies worldwide.

As the global leader in push to talk two-way radio, Motorola Solutions products and services help to keep the information flowing between citizens, responders, and agencies. The EA Moto Team focus on access, data collection, actionable decision making and secure communications across mission-critical devices and easy-to-manage network. We are also a strong proponent of the establishment of regulatory standards, to help build entrepreneurial ecosystems, to make innovation happen more quickly and to act as a catalyst for growth. Ever since the adoption of the DMR Digital Radio standard over a decade ago, the capabilities of mission critical communications have expanded tremendously. Here are just some examples of how digital radio networks benefit humanitarian operations:

Safety: For personnel guarding conflict-stricken or sensitive areas, the centralised lone worker application provides reassurance and enhanced protection by requiring radio users to check in at pre-determined intervals. If an individual fails to respond to a request, an emergency alarm can be raised and automatically sent to response teams.

Tracking: Check on the progress of food distribution convoys and monitor personnel entering potentially dangerous locations with real-time GPS and indoor tracking that pinpoints their position on mapping platforms such as Google Earth. These apps can also help you to identify the person or vehicle closest to a site if a breakdown occurs and summon medical assistance when needed, speeding up response times.

Control Room: manage resources and assign tasks to the most relevant people, while at the same time improve safety and response times. Emergency calls can be broadcast to multiple groups simultaneously and direct communication can be achieved between dispatchers and remote radios for private one-to-one calls.

Telemetry: Monitor or control access to refugee camps and safeguard high-security perimeters remotely, via your two-way radio. Telemetry allows you to check on the status of machinery, power supplies, sensors and alarms, making it easier and quicker to respond to alerts.

Am super elated to be part of the team that help people be their best in the moments that matter. As a company, this is our purpose. While Motorola Solutions’ pioneering heritage and experience in public safety has enabled us to develop a wide range of mission-critical communication solutions that span infrastructure, devices, software and services, the true potential of all this technology risks remaining untapped without shared knowledge and local resources. We are proud to be part of global initiatives and humanitarian operations that link innovation in mobile technologies with concrete local priorities such as security, transparency, workplace efficiency, and economic development. In Kenya and a few other countries across our EA region, we have deployable LTE critical communications infrastructure that enables quick set up in remote locations; Interoperability solutions that enable critical group communication across broadband and radio platforms; and lastly our LTE and other radio handsets, full of functional features and built to withstand harsh environments. Our solutions are designed to deploy fast and enable reliable data-rich communications that help the development and aid sector be their best when it matters most. The ‘biggest’ challenge I see as a system engineer is the current digitisation of aid programmes and operations. The technology and expertise exists to turn noise into information, information into intelligence, and intelligence into impact, in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. And it’s how to do the absolute most with less — to build safer cities within our region and communities that thrive throughout the continent and world at large. I strongly believe this is attainable by working together on technology standards, keeping network security in mind, and addressing the organisational impact of “big data.”

 

Compiled by : Samwel Kariuki……. 15th April 2020 #StaySafe

 

 

RADIO COMMS GUIDE DURING COVID19

Short-range radios are usually Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. They can communicate a few kilometres directly (line-of-sight), but using a repeater station (on a hilltop or a high building) can increase their capacity to several tens of kilometres. Typical ranges for VHF radios are: ? ?Handheld to handheld: 2 – 5 km; ?Vehicle unit to vehicle unit: up to 20 km; ?Base unit to handheld: up to 15 km; ?Base unit to vehicle unit: up to 30 km; and Base unit to base unit: up to 50 km. The new communication and information technologies that have emerged over the last two decades lend themselves to greater possibilities of integration of different communication systems.

The interoperability of various communication systems including Internet, mobile phones, fax, and e-mail, is increasingly becoming functional. As a result, the possibilities for application of communication technologies in mitigation, prevention, and response to disasters or pandemics like COVID19, are also increasing.

The secret to working quickly and efficiently in an emergency net, is to use standard procedures. The techniques I write to you here are the most common. Many people with radios have a tendency to talk and/or repeat too much. Say what you need to say without unnecessary repeats. Keep in mind that you must strive to get your message through the first time. The more serious or complex the situation, the more important these procedures become. The information contained herein must be practised until it is second nature. Practising proper day-to-day radio procedures makes emergency radio procedures automatic and reduces confusion. The secret to working quickly and efficiently in an emergency is to use common approved radio communication procedures and guidelines, and practice, practice, practice. Guiding Principles of Good Communication ?Use plain language and common terminology ?pro words-Do not use slang; Avoid use of technical jargon unless it is operationally ?necessary; Keep your radio transmissions short and simple. Remember that somebody on the other end needs to write down the essential elements. Sensitive Message Traffic Because radio systems can be monitored, care should be taken to ensure that sensitive information, such as security concerns, financial transfers, and personal information, is not transmitted on radio conversations. Radio Checks and Signal Reports Radio checks are essential before departing a depot or base, and when first using a radio after deployment in the field. These checks are particularly important because they enable faulty equipment to be detected, and replaced before operations are commenced. When testing a radio or establishing a communication link or network, it may be necessary to exchange signal strength reports with the other station/s. ?Signal strength reports are as follows: ?Loud and clear (100% readability); ?Readable (good readability 90–100%); ?Weak readable (fair readability 50–90%); ?Unreadable (readability of less than 10%); and Nothing heard (no signal heard, check for faults).

Field Flash Report -Its purpose is to notify or confirm that the disaster has occurred and gives a first indication of extent of damage, and any preliminary emergency response gaps identified for external relief or support requirements. Initial Report Should follow the flash report as soon as possible (within a matter of hours). It’s purpose is to inform the National, Regional, and International response systems of the severity of the disaster and, provides the information needed to identify additional resources as needed. The report should therefore briefly summarise: The severity of the disaster (without necessarily providing precise figures); be more clear here providing a scale of storm violence and damaged caused; ?Actions being taken locally; Local coping capacities (including locally available ?resources); The immediate priorities for external relief and if there are alternatives, suggest the best logistical means of delivering that relief.Interim Report Build on earlier report providing more precise early information, the emphasis of interim report will shift from the needs for relief to the needs for rehabilitation and reconstruction (e.g. repairs to damaged structures, restoration of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and industrial production) as the emergency phase transitions from emergency relief to early and longer term recovery and rehabilitation. It is not necessary to repeat what has already been said in earlier report unless the earlier details require updating. Interim report should provide forecasts (with inputs from specialist and people who have experience of previous disasters) and highlight information that may not otherwise be obvious to the recipient, e.g.: Potential problems; Change, patterns, trends and indicators; and Particulars of especially vulnerable groups, and any other special concerns. Specialist or Technical Report will or should provide supplementary technical details (e.g. civil engineers, expanded emergency health care and livelihood operations) and will be done by specialist according to the needs presented in the Flash and or the Initial reports usually within 5-7 days post event.

Interactive radio instruction (IRI) focuses on a relatively modest, low-cost use of technology, it can have broad coverage and impact.It’s my hope that EA region will now start to embrace IRI programs as effective means of supporting the current COVID19 pandemic.

 

HAPPY EASTER ALL.

Compiled by : Samwel Kariuki

13^th April 2020