TVA is installing a new land mobile radio network to ensure employees can depend on the performance and reliability of uncompromising communication during critical situations as well as in their day-to-day operation and maintenance work.
“We are building a system that will have the capacity to serve all organizations with TVA instead of using the seven different ones we have today,” said Marie Ubiles, Microwave and Radio Specialist.
Thirty years ago, TVA installed a low band frequency radio system to help with response and restoration during power outages. It was designed to support the old Power System Operations organization and had limited capabilities. It was also complicated to use and aging parts were difficult to find to make repairs.
A communication solution
Transmission began looking for new solutions. A team of experts and end users including radio and network specialists, telecommunication planners, Transmission Field Operations, Central Operations, Instrumentation and TVA Police (TVAP) representatives was assembled to work with Motorola engineers to design a system that would meet the long-term needs of TVA.
The result is Valley Link, the new P25 Phase II system that will supply secure and instant daily communications. It will initially serve Transmission Operations, TVAP, Facilities Maintenance, Health Physics, Nuclear Emergency Preparedness, Aviation, Surveying and the new Systems Operations Center (SOC). In addition, the system will allow TVAP to talk to law enforcement agencies outside TVA.
“The Valley Link system is scalable so once it goes online, organizations such as Hydro or Power Ops could join. Due to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing requirements, Nuclear will not be an end user. However, the team will help them integrate with Valley Link to better support off-site communications, when they are ready to upgrade,” said Rachel C. Smith, Radio Program Manager.
A key advantage
A key advantage to the new system is its ability to serve remote areas that have poor cell phone reception.
According to Christopher Siv, Senior Telecom Planner, “Some people have asked why we can’t just use cell phones. Frequently, cell service becomes unavailable during or after natural disasters such as ice storms or fire, a time when it is the most critical to be able to communicate. The new system is less likely to be impacted by disasters ensuring TVA personnel have the ability to work during emergencies.”
“Land mobile radios operate with a simple push to talk mechanism that provides instant communication. They allow multiple users at one time and make efficient use of National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) licensed frequencies. They’re also easy to maintain,” said Jeremy Woosley, Telecom Maintenance Specialist.
The new trunking system uses a control channel to automatically assign frequency channels to groups of users, known as talk groups. While conventional radio systems use a dedicated channel for each talk group, trunk systems use a pool of numerous channels available to multiple talk groups who can communicate simultaneously while maintaining privacy.
Transmission Operations is in the process of installing the new system. Eight out of 47 repeater sites have been completed. These stations, installed on microwave repeater and substation sites, will receive and transmit radio signals helping achieve better coverage and longer range.
An eye on cost
“To ensure cost effectiveness, we have leveraged existing TVA infrastructure such as telecom towers, microwave and fiber backhaul and telecommunications shelters and generators,” Marie said. “TVA has a big investment in this equipment, so we were excited to be able to build the system without bringing in all new equipment.”
Costs were further reduced by retiring about thirty old PSO repeater sites, using TVA Telecom Engineering staff to design at least half of the sites, and eliminating all existing TVAP P25 radio sites.
According to Aaron Melda, Senior Vice President Transmission and Power Supply, “The team effort on this project encompasses the spirit of one TVA. It is the culmination of years of planning by many dedicated TVA employees to benefit the entire organization.”
The project is estimated to be completed by 2027.
