How Acrel Helps Improve Visibility Across Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
Project Overview
As power distribution networks continue to expand, utilities are looking for more efficient ways to monitor feeder pillars, improve operational visibility, and support digital distribution management.
To meet these requirements, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s national electricity utility, adopted the Acrel Feeder Pillar Monitoring Solution for its low-voltage distribution network. The solution combines multi-circuit energy metering, local visualization, industrial communication, and remote data transmission to provide centralized monitoring of distributed feeder pillars.
According to the project, approximately 1,200 sets of the Acrel solution are deployed each year, demonstrating its suitability for large-scale utility applications.
Customer Challenges
Utilities managing thousands of outdoor feeder pillars often face several operational challenges:
- Limited visibility into incoming and outgoing feeder circuits
- Manual inspection of distributed electrical cabinets
- Difficulty collecting real-time operational data
- Limited historical records for trend analysis
- Increasing demand for digital utility management and remote monitoring
These challenges make it more difficult to efficiently manage geographically distributed assets while maintaining reliable power distribution.
Acrel Solution
To support remote monitoring and intelligent management of feeder pillars, Acrel supplied a complete monitoring solution consisting of:
- ADF400L Multi-circuit Energy Meter
- ATP04 Touch Screen HMI
- ANet Industrial IoT Gateway
Together, these devices provide circuit-level electrical measurement, local visualization, data collection, and communication with upper-level management platforms.
System Architecture
The solution is built around three functional layers:
Measurement Layer
ADF400L collects electrical parameters from both incoming and outgoing feeder circuits, enabling multi-circuit monitoring within a compact installation space.
ADF400L collects electrical parameters from both incoming and outgoing feeder circuits, enabling multi-circuit monitoring within a compact installation space.
Local Visualization Layer
ATP04 HMI displays real-time electrical data locally, allowing maintenance personnel to view operating conditions directly from the feeder pillar.
Communication Layer
ANet Gateway gathers field data and transmits it through Ethernet or 4G communication networks to SCADA or other centralized monitoring systems using standard industrial communication protocols.
This modular architecture supports flexible deployment in distributed utility networks.
Solution Highlights
The Acrel Feeder Pillar Monitoring Solution provides several practical advantages for utility operators:
Multi-circuit Monitoring
Monitor multiple incoming and outgoing feeders within a single cabinet.
Remote Power Monitoring
Access operational data remotely through centralized management platforms.
Open Communication
Support integration with SCADA systems through standard industrial communication protocols.
Local and Remote Visibility
Combine local HMI visualization with remote monitoring for easier operation and maintenance.
Flexible Deployment
Suitable for new installations as well as feeder pillar retrofit projects.
Project Benefits
By implementing the Acrel solution, the utility is able to improve the visibility of distributed feeder pillars and establish a centralized monitoring approach.
Key operational benefits include:
- Improved visibility of low-voltage distribution assets
- Centralized collection of electrical data
- Faster access to feeder operating information
- Support for preventive maintenance planning through historical data
- Scalable architecture for future distribution network expansion
The solution also provides an open platform for integration into existing utility monitoring systems, supporting long-term digitalization initiatives.
Note: Actual operational performance depends on the customer’s network configuration, communication infrastructure, and maintenance practices.
Typical Applications
Although this project was implemented for a utility distribution network in Malaysia, the solution is also suitable for:
Smart City Electrical Networks
Utility Distribution Networks
Distribution Automation Projects
Smart Infrastructure Developments
Industrial Parks
Municipal Power Distribution
Looking for a Feeder Pillar Monitoring Solution?
Whether you are planning a new distribution project or upgrading existing feeder pillars, Acrel can provide a flexible monitoring solution tailored to your communication architecture and operational requirements.
Contact our team to discuss your project and discover how Acrel can support smarter distribution network management.
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