Automation is an inevitable part of many industries, and the logical next step is automated systems that essentially communicate with one another. It is commonly known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and it is transforming how businesses operate.
The electric utility industry’s use of IIoT applications has closely followed the arc of technology availability. While seldom on the bleeding edge, utilities have always leveraged available technology to optimize and control assets, increase safety, control the grid, and keep the lights on. Two examples of IoT usage in the electric power industry are supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).
The need to shift towards an intelligent electrical infrastructure.
For decades now, customary building installations have simply been oriented around the distribution and switching of electrical energy. This technique is long outdated.
The demands on modern building installations have changed and increased with regard to
- Comfort
- Possibilities of flexible room usage
- Centralised and decentralised controls
- Security
- Intelligent linking of the building disciplines
- Communication possibilities
- Environmental considerations
- Energy and operating cost reductions
At the same time however, electrical installations have become more complex and the systems more extensive. Therefore, tangled wires, a vast number of devices and components that cannot communicate with one another, immense planning needs and costly installation.
Automation offers a future-safe solution to building systems engineering. The use of a separate, independent control cable (also known as bus cable) as the transmission medium offers high reliability.
Key benefits of the IIoT for the electrical infrastructures.
The electrical industry is one that is ideal for adopting new technologies that increase efficiency. At virtually every level, processes can be improved with the help of intercommunicating systems and devices.
Automation
IIOT is, at its heart, about automating information flow— and in the electrical industry, automation reduces the risk of human error, and it ensures that all processes are carried out consistently. In the electrical industry, the trend is to harness IIOT to better monitor electrical grids and respond much more quickly to power outages.
Efficiency
Electrical processes that use the IIOT are streamlined. By eliminating unnecessary “middle men” who likely operate more slowly and are more prone to mistakes, the IIOT has unlocked a new world of efficiency for the electrical industries. The efficiency and increased productivity alone are huge benefits.
Access and Visibility
With the IIOT, virtually every process can be logged and more closely monitored. This level of transparency means that an electrical company can have much greater visibility and access to inner workings.
Cohesion
The IIOT is also being employed in ways that improve how electrical companies work with customers’ systems. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems are a smart way to meter and manage energy use. In short, these two-way communication systems help to transfer data between the electrical companies and customers, helping both sides be more efficient.
Better Maintenance
The IIOT gives electrical companies a key tool in getting ahead of maintenance issues by more easily spotting the warning signs early.
The Anglo African team is fully committed to helping you in achieving your electrical new vision to drive operations to the fullest potential. For specific queries, get in touch with Navin by calling on: 2331636 or via e-mail at navin.mautbar@infosystems.mu .
