By Thabang Byl, buildings segment lead at Schneider Electric.
The Energy Internet presents a futuristic evolution of electricity systems, and is conceptualised as an energy sharing network. The research paper Energy Internet – the future of electricity theorises that the sharing of network resources will include integration of small-scale renewable energy systems, electric loads, storage devices, and other emerging technologies.
Thabang Byl.
This is an exciting, futuristic idea that is already taking shape is various forms, such as Schneider Electric’s Electricity 4.0, which stresses that a more electric and digital world is the key to addressing climate change. Electricity 4.0 provides smart energy everywhere, whether in our homes, buildings, industries, or the grid.
However, as with all exciting journeys, we must start at the very beginning to establish a smarter, greener world. And the beginning is embedded communication, or rather enabling our electrical systems to provide information that allows us to make informed, productive decisions.
Preparing for the road ahead
Despite some tremendous strides in realising smarter, greener buildings, a significant percentage of electrical systems in buildings are still not connected to the internet and remotely monitored.
If embedded communication is the beginning of our journey, then the distribution board (DB) or switchboard is preparing for the road ahead. Buildings have what is colloquially referred to as the ‘mains’, a DB in our home or in larger buildings, or a switchboard that is located in the basement or in some unsightly corner. A switchboard is a repository of information that must be connected and analysed in order to optimise energy usage and gather valuable insight into how the building’s electricity provision is performing.
Once a switchboard is connected, it can provide a stream of information on voltage, temperature, current and other vital information to a server which can then be accessed remotely. The good news is that often switchboards don’t have to undergo an entire overhaul. At Schneider Electric we recommend replacing the board’s breaker with a sensor that provides precise, real-time data on energy, currents, power, voltage, and power factor of a specific circuit. These sensors accurately monitor energy consumption and wirelessly communicate this data to your mobile device in real time via the newly installed server.
Furthermore, to improve equipment safety, heat sensors can also be installed to monitor temperature and volatile gases, and provide personnel with alerts on when cabling is overheating, for example.
The first steps
Once a switchboard is connected, it can then integrate with a building management system (BMS) that will allow managers and owners to get some truly incredible visibility into the daily workings of their facilities.
A well-known fast-food chain can now remotely access and measure key systems such as HVAC at one of its premises, thanks to the implementation of a smart power distribution switchboard system with embedded connectivity.
Schneider Electric’s PrismaSeT P system features low-voltage switchboards that include built-in cloud connectivity, providing instant access to smart alarming, energy usage analysis, trends and preventive maintenance plans. Importantly, it maximises efficiency and power availability, while creating the basis for future innovations.
How smart signalling can transform Africa’s manufacturing future Schneider Electric South Africa
Industrial Wireless
Imagine a factory floor where humans and machines communicate in real time with issues flagged instantly, workflows adjusted seamlessly and downtime reduced to near zero. This is the reality unfolding across Africa as manufacturers embrace the next generation of intelligent signalling technologies.
Read more...Unpacking the technoeconomic case for cleaner power in wastewater plants Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators.Together, they steadily drive up maintenance demands and elevate the risk of failure.
Read more...Rethinking power for Africa’s data centres Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is scaling faster than its power systems. If it wants resilient, competitive and sustainable data centres, the starting point must be a grid-to-chip architecture rather than a genset-first mentality.
Read more...Siemens ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities. These enable a seamless integration of IT and OT environments, optimise processes and reduce operational disruptions.
Read more...Unifying building information into a sea of insight Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Facility managers realise that in order to gain the most from building automation, they can longer deploy and operate technologies in isolation. Modern, integrated building management solutions address this challenge by bringing data from multiple sources and dispersed locations like HVAC, lighting, access control, lifts, generators, field devices, energy and
Read more...Why digital LV switchboards matter Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s buildings account for up to 40% of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, buildings are also expected to deliver higher availability and stronger safety performance while also being sustainable. Digital swirchboards make a difference in the way buildings are developed, upgraded and managed.
Read more...Siemens manages shipbuilding process for HD Hyundai Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has been selected by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as a preferred partner to establish an integrated platform to manage the entire shipbuilding process as a single data flow to help ensure consistency across all its global shipyard facilities.
Read more...The new energy landscape for buildings will be enabled by e-mobility Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The adoption of the electric vehicle continues to proliferate, and buildings are becoming a vital part of the e-mobility movement, which requires a whole new approach to energy management.
Read more...Transforming the process industry through digitalisation Endress+Hauser South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
By connecting field devices, systems and people, digitalisation creates new opportunities to optimise operations, enhance maintenance strategies and support continuous improvement. As a leading instrumentation provider and major source of process data, Endress+Hauser plays a key role in enabling this transformation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version