Modern utility companies have an urgent need to transform their operations as they grapple with increasing energy demands, environmental concerns, and evolving consumer technological expectations. There are also numerous laws that need to be complied with, and the need to modernize infrastructure is omnipresent. Finally, geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and economic uncertainty create unpredictability in energy supply chains.
Leverage data, analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve operational efficiency and provide more sustainable and responsive services to your customers. When utilities implement these technologies, they can improve safety, improve employee experience, and potentially find new revenue streams.
Prioritization is important in this situation. After all, funds are not infinite. But utilities also potentially collect large amounts of data from their plants and infrastructure, delivery methods, consumers, end users, business operations, and more.
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In some cases, utilities need to think differently about the information they collect and use. Engineering Division recently spoke to Wipro, which has multiple partnerships with UK power companies, about the challenges and approaches that its consultants and architects face on a daily basis.
Sanpaskumaran Hariharan, director of digital transformation at the company, said: “Data collected from the field is influenced by the types of equipment and sensors deployed over time. Many utilities have not updated their data collection mechanisms from the field. However, from an operational perspective Information about customers is maintained in multiple systems.”
Sampaskumaran Hariharan. Source: LinkedIn
“Customers have not been at the center of data collection for a long time. Utilities are traditionally asset-centric organizations. Being a customer-centric organization is highly emphasized by regulators and the frameworks they have. So there’s a transition happening within the industry.”
Across the UK, water companies are becoming more sensitive to customer demands to reduce water waste from existing pipe infrastructure. The use of Wipro’s advanced machine learning algorithms will help a UK water utility company monitor its 600 DMAs (digital metered areas) and identify zones where water leakage is a significant problem. IoT devices monitor flow and pressure and use data about the network geometry (route, pipe diameter, existing gate valves, etc.) to predict pipe rupture events in software and at pilot facility sites. can detect serious water leakage abnormalities.
Preventive maintenance and infrastructure replacement reduces water loss through leaks and, importantly, ensures a more reliable water supply to residential and business customers.
Further up, a combination of OT (operational technology) and IT translates and transforms the collated data for use by distribution network operators. This convergence of new technology and traditional infrastructure combines local DCS (distributed control systems) and geographically dispersed SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) data to create next-generation ADMS (advanced distributed management systems). System) solution is created. These solutions are better suited to the flexible approach to power distribution required for future generations.
Technology also improves the experience for both customers and employees. Utility personnel benefit from streamlined workflows and data-driven insights, while customers receive more personalized service and access real-time information through their smart home utility meters. Additionally, integrating cutting-edge technology creates the potential for new revenue streams such as energy efficiency consulting and water quality certification services, extending the longevity of these critical areas.
Data is the lifeblood of transformation in the utilities, transportation and distribution (T&D), and water sectors. It enhances informed decision-making, tailored services for customers, and efficient resource allocation, to name a few benefits. However, this data is of little use if companies do not have the ability to turn it into actionable insights, facilitated by a robust data platform.
A data-driven approach enables companies to embrace “Industry 4.0” – the integration of IT systems and business processes. For example, a power company may have installed advanced sensors throughout its power grid infrastructure. You can then apply predictive maintenance models that identify potential equipment failures before they occur. These insights are integrated into IT systems to enable automatic alerting and maintenance scheduling.
Traditional operational threat (OT) practices in the utility industry primarily focus on monitoring and managing industrial processes and equipment. However, recent advances in technology are providing new benefits, especially regarding real-time remote sensor data. These sensors provide authorities with detailed and reliable information about damage locations and malfunctioning equipment. This is especially important in emergencies where quick action is a matter of life or death.
The introduction of hydrogen into the UK’s power infrastructure is an area that some companies are pioneering in collaboration with Wipro. This is a hugely important part of this type of research, which has the ability to change the way electricity and heat is delivered to UK homes and businesses.
Ankit Sharma. Source: LinkedIn
Ankit Sharma, Account Executive, Wipro, said: “Recently we brought together a number of industry bodies, Ofgem, many network players, retailers and others to talk about hydrogen and how we can help support it. [its] How do we use it, how are we going to integrate it, how does it work, how do we harness that heat in all forms of industry. ”
“But it’s really important to consider how to integrate.” [hydrogen] Leverage other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive power generation currently required to support net-zero initiatives. ”
As IT methods are applied to the management of enterprise OT environments, including the utility sector, further possibilities are opening up, thanks to data collection and digitization in general.
“I think what utilities need to think about now is how do they effectively manage their workforce,” Sharma said. “That means how are they preparing for this challenge in terms of grid maintenance, and how are they looking at new skills that are coming up within the market? How can I improve it?”
For utility T&D and water companies in particular, the power of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and data lakes has enabled the power of industrial IoT (IIoT) and data lakes to transform critical assets and processes such as transformers, pipelines, water treatment facilities, and hosts from regular or manual analysis. Enables transition to real-time monitoring. Other operational elements such as finance, accounting, human resources, and logistics. These are just a few examples of how carefully selected IT implementations can enable more efficient and cost-effective work practices.
The future of utility companies relies on data, analytics, and IIoT. As the situation becomes more challenging due to increased energy demand and environmental concerns, it is essential to embrace digital innovation. By integrating IT and OT and the business objectives that drive technology choices, utilities can adapt, grow, and remain competitive in an evolving and challenging landscape.
You can listen to the entire podcast here and check out the show notes for links and details about Wipro’s work in this space in the UK and overseas.
In the meantime, visit Wipro’s website to learn more about Wipro’s work in the utilities industry.
