With a proposed target, by 2030, of an influx of 450 GW of renewables, grid stability will be majorly challenged. Micro grids and integration of storage solutions to balance fluctuating levels is expected to help with this, ensuring the availability of different energy sources, notes Robert HK Demann.
In the last few years, there is a rise in demand for reliable power due to growing requirements from several sectors. With this in mind, the Government of India has introduced measures to modernize the power distribution infrastructure. This will enable capacity-building and allow for quality power output. This includes measures such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with a strong focus on reducing AT&C losses and heightening power supply quality and affordability. Technologies like Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Smart Metering and Asset Management Systems will provide distribution utilities with benefits of lower outage times, enhanced grid resiliency and higher revenue collection, ensuring full support towards the provision of round-the-clock power.
With a proposed target, by 2030, of an influx of 450 GW of renewables, grid stability will be majorly challenged. Micro grids and integration of storage solutions to balance fluctuating levels is expected to help with this, ensuring the availability of different energy sources.
Power sector potential in India
India is anticipated to have one of the largest urban transformations in the 21st century. The scale of this transformation can be best visualized as adding an equivalent of 1 Mumbai city to India every 12-18 months for the next 10 years. This will require building of new infrastructure and also modernization of existing infrastructure, including power utilities. This also needs to be balanced with the need to develop sustainable infrastructure, given the potential climactic change impact well as the switch to an all-electric world based on renewable energy sources, form the existing fossil-based economy. Hence, it is now becoming even more important as we make distribution smarter and more intelligent.
Key upcoming technologies in the power sector
Traditionally, power systems functioned as highly centralized top-down systems, connecting big power stations to a more passive demand side. Today though, the Grid Edge is growing to be active, with consumers turning prosumers by supplying power into the grid, thereby increasing complexity. The term ‘Grid Edge’ itself has a wider connotation. It refers to the many connected technologies between the energy supply side (grid) and the energy demand side. These include energy storage systems like battery storage systems (BESS), virtual power plants (VPP), distributed energy systems (DES) or distribution energy resources (DER) and e-Mobility Systems. Due to the increasing level of complexity this brings in, a comprehensive and secured network of information & communication technologies, such as sensors, smart meters, other intelligent edge devices and applications, is required to safeguard the resilience, security, and optimization of the energy grid.
We can visualize these concepts taking eMobility as an example to. A rising number of EVs can cause considerable load peaks when charging takes place simultaneously, posing a serious challenge to the grid. However, eMobility also presents immense opportunities for the power grid. Electric cars turn into flexible consumers, if charged intelligently, becoming ideal for load management. This in turn can reduce grid infrastructure expansion costs. In the future, electric vehicle batteries could infuse electricity into the grid, in times of scarcity, playing an important role in stabilizing the electrical grid. Innovation goes beyond technology alone. Today, we see many business models, like e-Mobility as a Service (eMaaS), that are making the shift towards clean and green transportation a lot more viable and impactful.
However, the development of relevant technologies, be it eCharging infrastructure (e.g., to enable fast charging) or ‘vehicle to grid.’ are still in a nascent stage. Blockchain is an example of emerging technology that could be used to enable interaction between the EV and the grid\. With so-called smart contracts, this system allows EVs to market their storage capacity directly with other grid players.
With the surge in digital technology use, diligent implementation of Cybersecurity solutions is critical. Cyberattacks have become a serious risk, as the risk of outages in energy networks due to malware attacks will not remain one-off incidents but rather increase in future. Protecting critical data and infrastructure from cyber threat is an ever-evolving task, that necessitates awareness, heightened and constant vigilance, and a united response.
Digital technologies encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) will be vital elements for designing future energy systems, strengthening the evolution of smart grids and developing the efficiency of the power landscape, together with interaction among customers and utilities.
Let’s examine some instances of how AI & ML can help utilities improve reliability and optimize operations with regard to asset management. In switchgear panels, these technologies can be used to observe and evaluate historical and real-time values of various switchgear parameters like current, voltage, energy, etc. to forecast abnormalities, switchgear health and maintenance needs. Likewise, in transformers with sensors, such evaluations assist in continuously monitoring oil levels and other parameters and predicting maintenance requirements without disrupting transformer operations. These applications can also connect to many other sensors and intelligent edge devices that may be used to monitor overhead lines as well as numerical relays in substations and generate recommendations.
The use of AI and ML technologies on the data subsets collected over a necessary period from the above-mentioned sensors, smart meters and other intelligent edge devices can help make a “digital twin of the grid” – to model, estimate and predict the possibility of potential incidents over the long term. This can reduce AT&C losses by identifying sequential anomalies. Ultimately, it will help enhance grid efficiency.
Beyond asset management, such digital twins can also support load forecasting helping in the automatic ramp up &down of power plants or the implementation of demand response programs. The potential of these benefits has already resulted in growing adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other solutions. The benefits that accumulate from the prospective savings (due to a decrease in losses and improved revenue collection) far outweigh the costs of implementing a solution.
In tandem with new technologies, innovative business models are also emerging to help reduce the upfront capital expenditure. This is an area that could be further explored by utilities, that traditionally suffer from challenges of facilitating large investments.
What lies ahead for the power sector?
Digital technologies are transforming Indian cities. The scale of the previously mentioned transformation will present various opportunities for businesses in India. By using the power of the virtual world, we can optimize the use of resources in the real world. Innovative electrical products will help to make sure that all technologies are resilient and flexible, allowing high quality, functional and reliable solutions for the power sector.
Looking ahead, smart buildings and electrification products, systems, solutions and services will improve energy and resource efficiency, facilitate the transition towards renewables, while ensuring resilient and reliable power supply for customers. With innovative technologies and solutions, the power industry will be empowered to master their digital transformation and sustainability challenges, making it a win-win for all.
(About the author: Robert HK Demann is Head – Smart Infrastructure, Siemens Ltd)
