As utilities increase their reliance on ubiquitous data to monitor and operate complex smart grids, advanced connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) is an important facet of the overall system plan.
Benefits such as improved grid reliability and operational efficiencies are driving the adoption of IoT. In order to create a communication structure that realizes these benefits, system automation, communication network and data visibility are important considerations.
United States utility companies are looking to bolster energy infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population while taking into account new regulations and resource scarcity. These will have a dramatic affect on utility companies that must make the appropriate transition while maintaining a high quality of service. Additionally, the implementation of green initiatives, including electric vehicles and solar panels, are impacting the electric grid in ways the system was not originally planned to handle. Therefore, automation is integral to performance. The advantage for utility companies is that an IoT-enabled system will collect and store a high volume of data from multiple sources. Analyzing the data will offer insightful information that will also improve performance, enhance operations and reduce costs.
For instance, in a rural area stretching hundreds or thousands of square miles, IoT devices can help measure and manage what is happening throughout the utility grid in near real-time. Sensors can be configured to send status and condition data and send immediate alarm notifications - depending on how frequently the utility provider needs the information. This results in the most cost-effective and error-free approach to capturing data from devices on the grid.
An IoT-enabled grid allows for real-time communication, which is critical in an emergency. Reliable electricity and public safety are paramount concerns to the industry. With pervasive connectivity to meters and other sensors, utilities can know immediately if power is out, reduce the time to restore service and analyze data to improve efficiencies to prevent or reduce outages. For example, many cities and utilities are rolling out energy efficient street lighting. Two-way communications to existing and new street lights enables cities and utilities to monitor illumination levels, receive notifications of light outages and schedule timely maintenance to improve public safety. Previously, if a street light went out, companies were only notified once a customer called.
Utility providers want a single wide-area network to support smart meters, grid automation and demand response. Having total visibility into the smart grid enables near real-time monitoring and remote management capabilities.
In severe weather conditions, these smart grid applications allow utility providers to allocate power where it is needed most, and proactively locate faults that could result in an outage.
With a reliable communication network structure in place, having full visibility into the network or devices is possible. As a result, captured data can feed into constantly improving models for supply and demand and creates a more efficient system for delivery of power and services.
Advancements in IoT technology are completely shifting the landscape for the smart grid. With IoT-enabled devices and networks, utilities can better monitor their assets, provide more accurate data and reporting and fully optimize the delivery of energy to the consumer while remaining competitive.
About the Author
Jason Wilson holds an M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. He has extensive experience in product and program management in the telecommunications, defense, electronics and wireless industries. Jason currently serves as Senior Vice President, Business Development at On-Ramp Wireless, where he manages the global sales organization and drives adoption of the company's innovative RPMA® network, a low-power, wide-area network communications technology. Prior to On-Ramp, he served in various product and program management roles at large companies and start-ups, and early in his career, he served as an officer in the United States Air Force as program manager for the Delta IV and Atlas V launch vehicle systems.
