The Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as a pivotal technology in the ongoing energy transition within the power industry. This important breakthrough is key to unlocking the potential of renewable generation such as solar and wind. It makes our current electrical grids work better by integrating intermittent energy. Connected technologies and IoT are accelerating a once-in-a-century transformation of traditional energy systems. It’s enabling its decentralized network for better DER integration.
As these renewable energy sources have become more widely adopted, the need to balance their variability has become even greater. Here IoT comes to the rescue by allowing for smarter operations and maintenance of renewable assets. With the help of IoT-enabled devices, grid operators can optimize energy dispatch and better manage reserves, ultimately enhancing the stability and reliability of power supply.
Enhancing Grid Integration
IoT technologies thus can be immensely helpful in seamlessly integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into current grids. This ranges from rooftop solar panels and home batteries to electric vehicles (EVs). As traditional grids evolve into two-way networks, IoT provides the capability for energy to flow in both directions, improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This is an important change, particularly as more distributed energy sources have been increasingly added to the grid.
Additionally, IoT increases the precision of renewable generation forecasting. By processing both real-time and past data gathered from IoT sensors, operators gain the insight they need to execute better energy management and optimization strategies. This new capability helps grids accommodate the rapid changes in supply and demand that are characteristic of renewable sources like solar and wind, helping drive more reliable grid performance.
Supporting Operations and Maintenance
The operation and maintenance of renewable assets is another area that IoT technologies have made a considerable impact. Drones and bots, both outfitted with IoT technologies, can conduct regular maintenance with greater swiftness and scope. This advancement cuts down labor expenses in half. As a bonus, it reduces downtime for renewable installations, helping ensure they’re operating at peak efficiency.
Beyond this, IoT helps broaden electric vehicles’ roles as mobile energy storage units. As electric vehicles (EVs) play an increasingly integral role in the energy ecosystem, they catalytically enable…
Vehicle-to-grid — V2G — services. These services allow EVs to return electricity stored in their batteries back to the grid when needed. This capability reduces strain on the grid during peak demand hours, all while providing EV owners the potential to save money.
Optimizing Energy Management
For instance, IoT is key to effectively coordinating bidirectional energy flows and smartly optimizing charging schedules for electric vehicles. With access to real-time data grid operators can efficiently coordinate the timing and method of charging EVs. This approach decreases strain on the grid when demand is highest. This optimization is critical to developing sustainable energy utilization, advancing improved efficiency throughout the power infrastructure.
IoT technology, which makes EV charging easier to manage, strengthens overall grid resilience. More importantly, it allows for rapid adjustments to changing energy needs. Processing this data in real-time allows grid operators to make changes as supply and demand are constantly changing. This long-standing capability helps protect consumers by keeping consumers connected, no matter what.