How do you extend reliable SCADA connectivity to remote rural communities scattered across mountains and semi-arid plains – where long distances, challenging geography and minimal infrastructure make communication difficult? For Edesa in Argentina, the answer was RipEX.
https//www.racom.eu/eng/case/rural-power-networks-for-edesa-in-argentina
Challenge: Bringing Power and SCADA Visibility to Remote Rural Areas
Empresa Distribuidora de Electricidad de Salta S.A. (Edesa) is responsible for electricity distribution across the province of Salta in northwest Argentina. The company is deeply committed to:
- delivering high-quality service
- ensuring safety in power operations
- enabling economic development for rural and agricultural sectors
But Salta Province is geographically complex:
- large rural zones with low population density
- long distances between substations and reclosers
- mountainous and semi-arid regions with minimal infrastructure
To fulfil its promise of providing electricity to every community that requests it, Edesa needed a reliable communication system capable of supporting reclosers and SCADA functions over long distances.
Solution: RipEX 400 MHz Bridge-Mode Network for Recloser Management
For a newly built rural distribution network, Edesa deployed RipEX radio modems to connect reclosers directly to the SCADA system.
Key solution characteristics:
- operation in Bridge mode for simple, transparent integration
- mounted in rugged cabinets installed on poles in both towns and remote mountain areas
- average link distances between 20 and 30 km
- use of the 400 MHz band for long-range, interference-resistant propagation
Why RipEX:
- built from heavy-duty industrial components
- robust die-cast aluminium housing
- excellent resistance to multipath propagation and radio interference
- proven 24/7 availability for mission-critical SCADA
- strong security functions
- simple configuration and remote management
Results: Reliable Rural Power Distribution and a Foundation for Future Expansion
RipEX now enables:
- secure, stable SCADA connectivity across long rural distances
- reliable recloser control in mountainous and semi-arid environments
- improved operational awareness for Edesa
- uninterrupted service for communities newly connected to the power grid
Edesa has been highly satisfied with the performance of the radio network and plans to continue using RipEX as it expands service to additional rural regions of Salta Province.
