Incorporating new technology into the utilities industry can be difficult. Because the industry is so heavily regulated, there are more approvals needed than just a company’s decision-makers.
There are some unique instances, though, where advanced technology has already made an impact in the industry. The collection and analysis of data has played an important role in that work. Here are three examples of how data can impact utilities in three very different ways.
Bringing more power home
One of the potential roadblocks to electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States is the availability of chargers. At the very least, even if someone lives in an area where there are not enough chargers on the roads, people should feel confident that they can charge their vehicles at home. Some older homes, though, can’t handle the amount of power needed for an EV charger, at least when other household appliances are running.
To rewire a home could present too much of an expense to make it worth buying a new electric vehicle. There are companies, though, that have figured out how to power multiple devices despite low-capacity power panels. Instead of a new panel, a smart device can be installed that can measure the total amps flowing through to the EV charger. The power monitor can keep the charger from exceeding the panel’s limits, either switching it off or charging the car at a lower level until the household demand, which can include appliances like washers and dryers, drops to a lower level. Another device can be set up to toggle which items in the house are receiving power at different times of the day.
Remote maintenance
Routine maintenance when it comes to utilities are hardly routine. There are many potential obstacles that could cause some kind of outage, and it is impossible to check on every one every day. With increasing use of alternate energy sources, like solar farms, there can be more expansive areas that maintenance workers might need to cover.
This is where the technology comes in. Remote sensors and drones are increasingly being used to make sure areas that are harder to reach are being checked regularly. This can apply to properties that are too far to reach in the same day, where sensors can be checked entirely remotely, or it can apply to hard-to-access sites, whether they are above ground or below ground. Additionally, the technology can provide more data points to workers more quickly than humans can.
Predictive abilities
Another area where this same kind of technology can make a difference is preventing a disaster. Some of the same technology that can tell whether a solar panel needs repair, such as a drone or a remote camera for example, can be used to tell if vegetation is becoming dangerous. In areas where there is a high risk of wildfires, the right conditions can turn an untrimmed tree limb into tinder if it comes into contact with a live power line.
Once again, data plays a role in the solution. In this case, it’s visual data, where crews can see images of the areas of concern to come up with action plans to make sure precise areas are as safe as possible. Artificial intelligence can help crews identify different growth patterns for different trees so that they can figure out which ones might pose a threat later on and need to be addressed before others. Similarly, more precise weather forecasting can help prepare utility companies for any possible disruptions.
One important consideration for utility companies when it comes to a data analytics solution is cloud technology. If the power is out, they still need access to all of the data they are working with for their decision-making, and the cloud can make that seamless. The cloud can help crews that are out working in the field, whether it is to restore power or to do preventative work, get the same real-time data that others in the company elsewhere are working with, keeping everyone on the same page.
Utilities play a major role in public safety. Companies are aware of that, and they want to take advantage of any kind of technology that can help them fulfill that responsibility. In many ways, the technology provides data that can be life-saving. It also can make a difference when it comes to meeting the environmental goals so many of the industry’s regulations call for. The right analytics solution can help utility companies be sure they are taking the right actions when it comes to decisions that affect so many people.
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