A big thanks to Endeavour Energy for having us out at the Glendenning Field Service Centre to conduct audio frequency injection control (AFIC) training lead by our reliable partner Swistec Systems AG, who specialise in ripple control (AFIC) systems. The day consisted of a theory portion on fault and diagnostic training followed by a practical workshop where we did physical training on the transmitter and its software interface.
AFIC systems are used to inject an additional audio frequency signal into the powerlines delivering power to homes. This audio frequency signal is used to trigger electrical relays installed in customer meter boxes. The customer’s appliances connected to these relays can then be turned on or off by the network operator using of the AFIC system to help manage demand for electricity from all customers across its network. While participating customers benefit through access to lower tariffs, the use of this system allows electricity network operators to keep downward pressure on the network portion of everyone’s electricity bill by better managing load, and retailers to better manage wholesale supply costs. Endeavour Energy has approximately 350,000 customers, or roughly 35 percent of the customer base, currently taking advantage of the benefits of controlled load pricing to meet their hot water needs in a low-cost way, while also helping to reduce the impact of peak demand on all customers.
This training will improve the ability of Endeavour Energy crews to diagnose AFIC faults and provide a better service to its customers by restoring hot water supply as quickly as possible in the event of an outage.
