Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Utilities Tech Outlook
Utilities can track data from equipment with the applications of Edge and IoT solutions to enhance predictive maintenance, prevent disruptive outages, and minimize expensive consumer and regulatory penalties.
FREMONT, CA: The need for grid modernization has become urgent, considering the complexity of the challenges facing the utility industry. Utilities must modernize the grid to draw on new and evolving technologies to achieve their objectives for efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in these changing times. Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT) applications that convert operational data into actionable information are included in these technologies.
With a modernized grid, electric utilities can integrate Edge computing technologies to process, analyze and gain insights from a continuous flow of connected device data. At a much higher level of accuracy than in the past, these insights allow utilities to control and track the wide range of their operations, clearing a path to new data-driven use cases.
Here are five use cases of edge innovations:
Remote Inspections
The reality of today's aging infrastructure raises the need for more regular remote inspection technologies that utilize built-in artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities from computer vision cameras.
Electric suppliers can remotely inspect structures, facilities, and the grid via fixed, drone, and aerial cameras with computer vision solutions. Also, utilities will simultaneously run algorithms to evaluate and rate the condition of inspected properties with intelligent Edge solutions, assessing areas that require urgent attention.
Modern Grid Platforms
Grid modernization includes the use of rugged, industry-grade Edge servers and standard core data center platforms. Having a single, standard software-defined framework that streamlines and removes complexities is crucial to this OT/IT convergence.
Supply And Demand Prediction
Between 2019 and 2024, the total power capacity of renewables is expected to rise by 50 percent. This surge of energy from intermittent power sources creates the need for Edge and IoT solutions that provide operators with the real-time insights they need to manage supply and demand. Streaming analysis at the Edge lets utilities track the production and use of electricity, more efficiently control peak demand, and take decisive action when required.
Predictive Maintenance
Utilities can track data from equipment with the applications of Edge and IoT solutions to enhance predictive maintenance, prevent disruptive outages, and minimize expensive consumer and regulatory penalties. The payback is considerable for this predictive maintenance.
Safety and Security
Connected devices allow quicker decisions to cause hazard warnings with analytics at the Edge, alerting grid operators to detect hazards during mandatory fire watch protocols at nuclear power plants or recognizing hot spots of equipment at power generation facilities.
Similarly, Edge cybersecurity will defend against more frequent and severe malicious cyberattacks. In reducing the risk of unauthorized network operation, Edge protection is essential.
