The Role of Digitalisation: Modelling and Monitoring for a Greener Future

The journey to a more sustainable future comes with many challenges, particularly as electricity demand surges and the need for new grid connections accelerates. With ageing infrastructure, the UK’s ambitious housing targets, the increase in uptake of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs), and the general increase in our reliance on the electrical grid, owners and operators of the networks will have to face a multitude of unprecedented challenges as we aim to decarbonise and future – proof the grid.   

At VisNet®, from EA Technology, we develop innovative hardware and software solutions to support the transition to Net Zero.  

Through leveraging our digital solutions and hardware products, network operators can stay ahead of the curve, taking a proactive approach to their maintenance, and streamlining workflows to deal with new and existing network connection requests. The energy landscape is quickly evolving, meaning comprehensive and efficient modelling and monitoring of electrical assets is essential in the journey to net zero. 

VisNet Modelling  

Did you know that only 20% of connection requests will progress to a new connection? 

VisNet® Modelling offers industry-leading software to model, design, and evaluate new and existing network connections.  

In the UK, the increase in uptake of LCTs calls for fast and efficient assessments of existing connections to process these new additions onto the existing network. There is also an increase in new grid connection requests, which places strain on internal connection and design teams to process all of the requests. VisNet Modelling software streamlines workflows and eases the pressure on these teams, so they can focus on requests that will advance to connections. 

• VisNet® Design: Model and assess tomorrow’s electrical networks.  
• VisNet® Connect: Automate workflows and reduce operating costs.
• VisNet® ConnectLite: Generate instant connection cost estimates. 

VisNet Monitoring 

Did you know that using insights from our Proactive Reliability App to target the location of ALVIN Reclose² devices reduces customer outages and duration by 50% compared to fitting after the first non-damage fault? Saving a further 3% CMLs in a typical year if applied to the worst 10% of LV circuits. 

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, network reliability is more critical than ever. Unexpected faults can lead to costly downtime, disrupted services, and frustrated customers. That’s why self-healing networks are transforming the industry—offering automated fault detection, isolation, and recovery without human intervention. 

At VisNet, we’re at the forefront of this revolution with over 10,000 ALVIN Reclose² units in the field. This advanced thyristor technology is designed to detect and resolve faults in real-time, significantly reducing outages and maintenance costs. By leveraging intelligent automation, ALVIN Reclose² ensures seamless network operation, swiftly restoring services and minimising downtime.   

Key benefits: 

• Automatic Supply Restoration: Resolves up to 80% of intermittent faults on the first attempt, reducing downtime and operational costs. 

• Patented SafeON® Technology: Assesses network conditions post-fault to ensure safe reclosing, protecting system integrity and personnel. 

• Arc-Free Switching: Prevents arcing, extending asset lifespan and minimising maintenance. 

• Seamless Retrofit Installation: Quick, tool-free integration with standard LV boards by trained field operators. 

• Multi-Shot Functionality: Guaranteed 1,000 activations for reliable performance. 

• Maintenance & Fuse-Free Operation: ALVIN Reclose² requires no refurbishment, calibration, or fuse replacements, reducing operational costs and eliminating unnecessary substation visits. 

• Designed for optimal substation fit.  

Want to learn how self-healing technology is reshaping the future of fault management? Read our latest blog to discover the story behind ALVIN Reclose² and how it is paving the way for a more resilient, efficient, and cost-effective network infrastructure.

Future-Proofing the Grid in a Net Zero World

The journey to net zero is complex and filled with challenges, but fundamental to the future of our planet. With the changes to electrical landscape, our energy reliance and technology advancement, owners and operators of the network must stay ahead of the curve. The need for a resilient and reliant network is essential. VisNet® Modelling and Monitoring software solutions and hardware harness the power of digitalisation and work to help remove barriers to decarbonisation.