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How power grid digitalization is unlocking new possibilities

How power grid digitalization is unlocking new possibilities

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From plant to plug, and across demand applications, the digital transformation heralds multiple benefits for all players in the power ecosystem

lectricity runs the world. Without it, quality of life is reduced, the wheels of industry stop, and overall development, economic progress and social evolution slows down. This mission-criticality of power is the reason why the digitalization of the power grid is rightly referred to as a revolution – it impacts everyone, from individual families and communities to large companies, nations and even the cross-border economy.From plant to plug, and across demand applications, the digital transformation heralds multiple benefits for all players in the power ecosystem. In addition to enhanced grid reliability through access to real time information and remote management, utilities stand to increase savings through operational efficiency and earn income through new revenue streams. Digitalization also transforms the grid from uni-directional to multi-directional, enabling distributed generation and encouraging the integration and consumption of renewable energy. And, across the power value chain, one of the most important developments that digital technology has facilitated, is transparency across the value chain, and through this, access to actionable intelligence. More information is now available on assets, behavior, and demand, and it can be leveraged to create value for everyone.

Prosumers and engaged consumers

Everything behind the electricity meter in an average consumer’s house has so far been mysterious to them. But the consumer profile is now changing. Many consumers are now ‘prosumers,’ meaning they have invested in solar, wind and other independent systems and want to sell power back to the grid. There are also large housing complexes that want more control over their power sources to reduce maintenance cost. Consumers are also more knowledgeable and want to be more engaged in the process, rather than simply pay the electric bill. With the grid getting “smarter,” utilities are now looking to deepen their relationship with customers, and this change is a win-win for both. Through mobile apps, consumers have control and choice over how they consume power and can exert environment-friendly decisions by choosing renewable power. They can also take advantage of lower tariffs by planning activities that consume more power during off-peak hours.

Utilities benefit from active partnership with their customers

As a result of this transparency, the everyday act of scheduling the home’s washing machine cycle can mean savings for the consumer, but it also allows the utility to shave peak consumption. Why is a simple action like this important? From a larger perspective of power management, if a utility has to balance the generation and supply of power and achieve cost efficiency, peak shaving is critical. Peak shaving is a technique that is used to reduce electrical power consumption during periods of maximum demand on the power utility. One way to do it is to invest in battery energy storage, so that when demand is high, the utility can tap into the stored energy. The other, perhaps more economical, way is to engage consumers in the process instead, so that peak consumption is planned and managed collaboratively. In this new interactive customer dynamic, by playing an active role, consumers can rest assured of uninterrupted power supply and don’t have to invest in invertors and UPS systems.

Transmission assets become ‘smarter’ and offer new possibilities

On the transmission side, digitalization of the power grid will revolutionize operations, improving productivity and efficiency. Transparency here implies the ability to ‘see’ into the grid’s vast field installations and infrastructure from remote locations. Edge devices are currently being deployed across various points in the power grid, and alongside this is the fact that greenfield projects are now choosing digitally enabled technologies such as digital substations. In a short while, almost all equipment will have some level of intelligence and the ability to communicate and transmit data. This increased transparency on the health of field assets enables utilities to better monitor, control and maintain their assets and infrastructure. As an example, latst technology is today providing actionable intelligence to monitor a transformer’s health and optimize its operations.

With power generation sources and recently introduced substations and transmission lines often located in remote areas, it is critical for data on the health of the plant or equipment to be available in real time. This allows remote maintenance in many instances and helps employees, such as linemen and field engineers, work faster and more safely. The wealth of data available offers untold benefits to power utilities that could help manage their assets and create new business models.

Intelligence and meaningful data availability have historically been key factors in bringing about paradigm shifts, and there is vast promise in what digitalization can bring to the power ecosystem. Relationships will change between everyone in the value chain; a new interactive dynamic will emerge that will redefine the experience of transmitting, distributing and consuming electricity. A whole new world of power awaits.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETEnergyworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETEnergyworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.

About Venu Nuguri

Venu Nuguri is the President of ABBs Power Grids Division, responsible for South Asia, Middle East and Africa. He has over 30 years’ experience and has held several leadership roles at ABB, in diverse aspects of the business. In the past he has been a part of the country management team for India, where he served as President of Sales and Marketing.

Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes

Anand Gupta Editor - EQ Int'l Media Network

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