Network operator FairNetz opts for KISTERS ControlStar control system

High-performance control system for critical infrastructure

Aachen / Reutlingen, 10 July 2023. 
Further increasing demands on grid and supply security as well as the increase of system performance to enable fast response times, e.g. for redispatch, are probably the biggest challenges for grid operators today and in the future. This includes, among other things, the highest possible protection of critical infrastructures against external threats as well as meeting the legal requirements for security through the BSIG (Federal Office for Information Security Act). High-availability and high-performance network control technology is system-critical here.

This is why the Reutlingen-based network operator FairNetz GmbH decided to replace the existing control system with the modern and future-proof control system software from the Aachen-based IT provider KISTERS AG. “ControlStar provides us with a fully redundant and fully graphical network control system for monitoring and controlling the electricity, gas, water and district heating supply, which fully meets our high technical, functional and operational requirements,” explains Bernd Oraschewski, Team Leader Network Control Centre at FairNetz. “In particular, high security and reliability of network control and network stability were a primary selection criterion.”

The redundantly designed KISTERS control system will ensure optimal network operation at FairNetz. “During the selection process, we placed great emphasis on the remote controllability of the supply networks, fast fault clearance, increasing the observability of the networks as well as the coupling of the existing and future network structure,” Oraschewski continues. Thanks to good expandability and open and scalable system architecture, the new control system is also ready for future tasks.

User-friendliness and efficient troubleshooting

All operational control tasks are realised with a uniform user interface, which enables staff to quickly familiarise themselves with the system due to its intuitive design. Process control and monitoring is supported by a cross-divisional alarming concept, which enables simple and efficient fault detection/location and rectification. The FairNetz team can react to process status changes as required through the fast information acquisition and transmission of process variables and carry out the necessary switching and control command actions.

Everything from one source

KISTERS supplies the Reutlingen network operator with the complete package, which, in addition to the control system, also includes hardware components incl. installation, the connection of the existing control technology devices, systems and equipment as well as a customised user-oriented training programme for the Fairnetz team.