iHost: Intelligent data platform for a secure power supply
iHost enables simple and centralized network monitoring based on the proven Horstmann short-circuit indicators
Grid operators must ensure an uninterrupted power supply. To prevent outages and resolve faults as quickly as possible, they rely on data from the power grid. Overhead line indicators such as the Smart Navigator 2.0 reliably collect this data. But how can information on voltage drops and short circuits as well as current, voltage and load current direction be quickly and reliably analysed?
Our iHost software is a solution for connecting our short-circuit indicators to the control room and clearly displaying information and alarms. In this article, you can find out how this server platform works and which Horstmann short-circuit indicators it is compatible with.
What exactly is the iHost software?
iHost is a software for displaying and analysing the data collected by our short-circuit indicators. It offers a number of practical advantages:
- Fault messages are transmitted directly – the control room can react to network problems without losing any time.
- Monitoring data is continuously collected and clearly visualised – network operators can analyse problems and develop long-term solutions.
- Network components are managed centrally – maintenance and configuration can be carried out remotely.
- Highest IT security – data encryption, regular updates, ISO27001:2022 certification, on-premise installation (iHost Solo/Pro)
- User-specific solutions – individual visualization of data and automatic notifications
Which short-circuit indicators is iHost compatible with?
iHost can be combined with almost all Horstmann short-circuit indicators for overhead lines and underground cables. There are two options: With the Smart Navigator 2.0 overhead line indicator, the use of iHost is mandatory; a built-in modem ensures data transmission. The application report from Westnetz GmbH shows how they use 400 Smart Navigator 2.0 in their overhead line network. An external modem is required for the connection to iHost for earth fault and short-circuit indicators with relay contacts or Modbus RTU. For indicators with relay contacts, such as the Sigma series, this is the Reporter 3.0. Indicators with Modbus RTU, such as our ComPass 2.0 series, are connected to iHost via the Reporter 4.0. These iHost solutions are particularly interesting if older local network stations without telecontrol technology are to be modernised and the short-circuit indicators installed there are to be digitally connected to the control room.
What functions does the iHost software offer?
Depending on the short-circuit indicator used, iHost offers different functions. The table provides an overview of the most important functions, which are briefly presented below.
How does iHost help to localize short circuits?
Rapid localisation of earth faults and short circuits is one of iHost’s core applications. Alarms are clearly displayed in diagrams, event lists, maps or single-line diagrams and forwarded to a control room in the iHost Solo/Pro version.
What options does iHost offer for analyzing monitoring data?
Among other things, the iHost software can visualise the following current and historical monitoring data in the form of event lists and diagrams:
- Conductor cable temperature
- Current
- Voltage
- Load current direction
- Battery voltage
- Mobile network signalstrength
With this information, grid operators can evaluate grid utilisation on the one hand and develop strategies for grid optimisation on the other.
How does iHost support device management?
With iHost, technicians are no longer required in the field to change the settings and update the overhead line indicators. Firmware updates and configurations can be carried out conveniently from the computer at the click of a button using the iHost software.
What are the differences between iHost Cloud and iHost Solo/Pro?
iHost users have two options for accessing error messages and measured values from their short-circuit indicators.
iHost Cloud is ideal for pilot tests and smaller applications. Users can log into our server platform via any internet-enabled end device and retrieve the data. It goes without saying that the highest standards of IT security and data protection are met. A direct connection to the control room is not provided for security reasons. It is possible to import the data into your network via a web API.
For larger projects, we recommend iHost Solo/Pro. The iHost software is installed on the customer’s own servers, and the data is forwarded from there to a control room. This means that the data always remains completely in the user’s network – an important prerequisite for protecting the critical infrastructure. To further increase reliability, redundant servers are also used in the Pro version
Are you interested in iHost?
Regardless of whether you want to use our Smart Navigator 2.0 overhead line indicators or are considering modernising local network stations with other Horstmann earth and short-circuit indicators: Our experts will be happy to advise you in detail and work with you to develop a customised solution for your network and IT infrastructure.
Do you want full data transparency for your network?
Just get in touch with us: Contact form or e-mail to info@horstmanngmbh.com