How data analytics and predictive maintenance are boosting efficiency in smart grids

Data analytics and predictive maintenance are revolutionizing the way utilities, power companies, energy services providers, and transmission companies manage their smart grids. By analysing data from sensors, meters, and other smart grid devices, these companies can identify potential issues before they become major problems, improve asset utilization, and reduce maintenance costs.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of data analytics and predictive maintenance for smart grids and highlight some real-world examples of how these technologies are being used in the energy industry.

What are the benefits of data analytics and predictive maintenance for smart grids?

Data analytics and predictive maintenance offer numerous benefits for smart grids, for example:

Improved asset utilization

By analysing data from smart grid devices, companies can identify underutilized assets and optimize their use. For example, they can identify transformers that are operating at less than full capacity and re-distribute the load to other transformers, reducing the need for expensive equipment upgrades.

Reduced maintenance costs

Predictive maintenance enables companies to identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the need for costly repairs and downtime. By optimizing maintenance schedules, companies can also reduce the number of scheduled maintenance visits, saving time and money.

Increased system reliability

By analysing data from smart grid devices, companies can identify potential issues and take corrective action before they result in system failures. This improves overall system reliability, reduces downtime, and ensures that customers have access to reliable power.

Enhanced safety

By identifying potential safety hazards, companies can take corrective action to prevent accidents and ensure that their workers and customers are safe.

Real-world examples of data analytics and predictive maintenance in the energy industry

Data analytics and predictive maintenance are already being used in the energy industry to improve the performance of smart grids. Here are some examples:

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E, US)

PG&E uses data analytics to identify potential equipment failures before they occur. The company uses machine learning algorithms to analyse data from smart meters, transformers, and other smart grid devices to predict when equipment will fail and take corrective action before it causes a disruption.

Duke Energy (US)

Duke Energy uses predictive maintenance to optimize its maintenance schedule for transformers. By analysing data from smart grid devices, the company can identify transformers that are at risk of failure and schedule maintenance visits to prevent issues before they occur.

E.ON

E.ON is an energy company headquartered in Essen, Germany, providing electricity and gas to millions of customers, as well as developing and investing in renewable energy solutions.
The company has developed an AI-powered technology that can detect potential faults or issues in the electricity grid before they occur. Schleswig-Holstein Netz AG, a German utility service provider operating throughout Germany, has implemented this solution on its medium voltage (MV) grids, with impressive results. The technology’s predictive capabilities have significantly reduced the occurrence of faults in the electricity grid.

Électricité de France (EDF)

EDF is using predictive maintenance to improve the reliability and efficiency of its power grids. The company is using a variety of technologies to monitor its assets and identify potential problems before they occur.

Ente nazionale per l’energia elettrica (Enel)

Enel S.p.A. is an Italian multinational manufacturer and distributor of electricity and gas. In 2019, Enel launched a project to use predictive maintenance to improve the reliability of its power lines. The project involved installing sensors on the power lines to monitor their vibration levels. The data collected by the sensors was then analysed using machine learning algorithms to identify potential problems before they occurred. As a result of the project, Enel was able to reduce the number of power outages by 15%.
Other predictive programs are for power plants and renewable energy generation.

State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC)

SGCC is the world’s largest power grid operator, with over 1.1 billion customers. Predictive maintenance is used in a variety of ways, including:

• Monitoring the vibration of power lines to identify potential problems before they cause outages.
• Tracking the temperature of transformers to identify potential overheating problems.
• Monitoring wind power generation to avoid overheating at wind turbines
• Analysing data from smart meters to identify potential problems with customer equipment.

SGCC is investing heavily in sensors, data analytics, and machine learning technologies. These technologies are helping the company to identify potential problems before they occur, which is preventing outages and saving the company money.

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Takeaway

Data analytics and predictive maintenance are transforming the energy industry, enabling utilities, power companies, energy services providers, and transmission companies to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve reliability.

By analysing data from smart grid devices, companies can identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing downtime and ensuring that customers have access to reliable power. Smart grid evolving rapidly, so data analytics and predictive maintenance will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that it operates at peak performance.

We have been working with SGCC for over two decades and have developed a deep understanding of their needs. We are now expanding our reach to other countries and are rapidly gaining international acceptance with our innovative energy storage solutions.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced partner in smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and distribution solutions, then CLOU is the right choice for you. We have the experience, the expertise, and the solutions to help you meet your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services. We would be happy to answer any questions you have.