Author: Ing. Mayuly Rodríguez, September 7, 2023.
Introduction
Electrical networks are the backbone of modern society, supplying the electrical energy essential for the activities of daily life. However, in a world increasingly dependent on this energy system, the efficient management of electrical networks is increasingly critical.
The growing demand for energy, the need for greater energy efficiency and the rapid transition towards sustainable energy sources are continuous challenges for the energy sector, where it is increasingly difficult to manage electrical systems effectively using traditional methods.
In the last decade, there have been important advances in the field of electrical network management, where one of the most notable is data analysis, an effective tool that transforms the management of electrical resources, into what we call ” smart management .” Today, the analysis of massive and real-time data is essential to optimize the management of these systems, evaluate opportunities for improvement in efficiency and overcome challenges such as data privacy and security .
Electrical networks: A look at the present
To understand the importance of intelligent management in electrical networks, it is necessary to know their basic configuration. These networks are complex and extensive systems consisting of countless interconnections between electricity providers and consumers; However, there are three main mechanisms that make it up: generation , transmission and distribution of electricity.
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In the past, networks were primarily designed for unidirectional energy flow, from source to user. The traditional electrical distribution scheme has for years presented a clearly hierarchical structure, in which an energy production center supplies many consumption points unidirectionally. Furthermore, and often, these production centers are located very far from the points of consumption (Figure 1), so the energy must cover great distances and to do so it is necessary to have a complex and expensive infrastructure, which guarantees the delivery of energy to the consumer in optimal conditions for consumption1
However, the growing incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal, has changed this paradigm. Energy now flows in multiple directions, posing challenges in terms of stability and efficiency.
In this sense, as electrical systems become more complex, network operators are increasingly looking for analysis and automation solutions that help them make the most of network assets, in order to improve quality and sustainability. from service.
Energy efficiency: The imperative of intelligent management
Energy efficiency is a main objective in the management of electrical networks. The less energy is lost during the generation, transmission and distribution processes, the more sustainable and profitable the system as a whole will be. At this point, data analysis becomes a main factor to promote intelligent and efficient management in electrical networks worldwide, generating benefits for both energy producers and consumers in any of their forms of production.
Through continuous monitoring of the network, inefficiencies and areas for improvement are identified. Advanced analytics solutions enable businesses to detect accurate energy consumption patterns, predict demand peaks, and optimize energy distribution in real time. This not only reduces energy losses, but also increases the reliability of the electricity supply, which is essential in a world increasingly dependent on electricity.
Future opportunities: Towards smarter electrical management
The path towards smarter electrical management is seen with multiple impressive and effective opportunities. With the continued evolution of technology, modern analytical solutions will become more effective. Below are some areas where we expect to see significant growth and development in the medium term:
Decentralized electrical grids: The adoption of distributed generation systems, such as current renewable energy systems in homes and businesses, will create more decentralized and independent electrical grids. The analysis of this new data will allow efficient management of the networks, maximizing the systems with the use of locally generated energy.
Integration of emerging technologies: The Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are fundamental for the management of electrical networks. These technologies allow supervision and control of network mechanisms. The collected data is analyzed by AI and machine learning systems that have the ability to forecast demand fluctuations, optimize energy distribution, detect and prevent problems or failures before they occur.
Intelligent Grids (Smart Grid): These systems arise from the integration of electrical engineering with information and communication technologies. Grids now have the ability to integrate with sensors, data analysis tools, energy storage systems and energy management platforms, among other related technologies, converting traditional grids into smart grids.
Smart grid deployment allows energy companies to collect detailed data on the energy consumption of each point connected to the grid. This data is used to develop personalized energy efficiency plans for your customers, and gives them the ability to monitor energy flow and usage in near real-time.
The vision of smart grids is one of interconnection, adaptability and efficiency. They are based on a perspective of a world where energy is not only consumed, but understood, respected and managed with the intelligence it deserves. We are on the cusp of an energy revolution, not only in how we produce our energy, but in how we transmit and manage it.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (‘ National Institute of Standards and Technology ‘, NIST) 2 of the United States has promoted a conceptual scheme for Smart Grids (REI) that serves as a basis for their characterization, use, behavior, requirements and standards (figure 2). It is a high-level conceptual scheme that defines these networks as a set of systems (called “domains”) related by bidirectional flows of energy and information. It is not a design diagram that defines a solution and its implementation, but rather it defines actors and means of communication to identify potential inter- and intra-domain relationships, as well as the applications and capabilities of those interactions.
Digital inspection of the electrical grid: To ensure optimal operation of devices on the electrical grid, more agile and autonomous monitoring is needed that not only prolongs their useful life, but also diagnoses possible future problems. The use of high-tech drones, radars and sensors, powered by advanced computer systems and artificial intelligence, ensures a thorough and precise inspection.
Transportation electrification: The transition to electric vehicles is a growing trend. The analysis of this data will be essential to manage the charging of electric vehicles efficiently and avoid demand peaks that could overload the network and cause unforeseen failures.
Optimization of electrical networks through smart networks
Optimizing electrical grids through smart grids has several significant benefits for both electrical service providers and consumers.
Let’s idealize an energy delivery system that, like a living organism, has the ability to perceive, learn, adapt, and restore itself at any time. This system not only transports energy from one point to another, but also understands and manages energy flows efficiently, safely and sustainably, giving greater participation to the consumer.
Electrical networks provided with new technologies are not limited to being passive systems in energy management. They become active agents that manage to integrate traditional networks with smart networks, managing their variability and guaranteeing their maximum use. Furthermore, they contribute to transforming homes and businesses into prosumers (energy producers and consumers), allowing them to not only consume energy, but also generate it and sell the surplus back to the grid.
Current challenges in the intelligent management of electrical systems
Power grids around the world face serious tests; For example, the integration of renewable energies into the conventional electrical grid is easier to mention than to execute. The differences in the characteristics of electricity generation from conventional and renewable sources is a challenge, and it is necessary to carry out important restructurings in the operation, control and protection practices of the electrical grid to integrate both in a transparent and efficient manner. .
On the other hand, paradigm changes are required in the continuous adoption of technologies and methodologies, for the collection and analysis of data in real time, in order to optimize the management of electrical networks, and evaluate improvement opportunities for prosumers, always maintaining the objective of privacy and data security.
Likewise, it is necessary to continue working on optimizing processes, how energy is generated, stored and distributed, in a production chain that provides and guarantees the greatest energy volume with available resources.
Mention should also be made of the need for greater resilience against low-frequency, high-impact events, such as hurricanes, storms, and cyberattacks. These events require a major paradigm shift in network design, management, optimization and operation.
Another crucial issue to take into account is the need to update and modernize the regulations for the energy distribution concession, along with requiring, promoting and controlling digitalization throughout the energy business chain. To do this, the status of operations and operating conditions of energy distributors must be evaluated, which more accurately understands the conditions of the networks, to offer better management of energy supply services.
Conclusions
The energy sector, traditionally resistant to change, but is currently immersed in a dynamic transformation, driven by a technological world that proposes the innovation of electrical networks as a contribution to the net zero emissions objectives.
Applying various emerging technologies to manage and improve power grid operations, including resilience, is making the world a better place. Each improvement that is applied to the network within its internal processes to create efficiency, security and reliability, will contribute to a better quality of life for everyone.
Intelligent management in electrical networks offers a path towards a more efficient and sustainable future in the supply of electrical energy. The analysis of massive and real-time data is established as a fundamental tool to achieve this objective, providing the organizations involved and consumers in the electricity sector with the necessary tools to optimize energy management.
However, we should not underestimate the challenges in terms of privacy and data security that accompany this revolution. Investment in data protection and cybersecurity is required to ensure the reliability and integrity of the electricity networks of the future.
As we move towards a more connected and electrified world, intelligent power grid management will continue to be central to the electric energy agenda, offering exciting opportunities for more efficient and sustainable management of the electricity that powers our lives.
Bibliographic references
- Fdez J, “The future of electrical distribution: Smart networks” May 16, 2011, consulted September 5, 2023. http://cimadelglaciar.blogspot.com/2011/05/el-futuro-de-la-distribucion-electrica. html .
- Patricio Donato – CONICET Associate Researcher, Instrumentation and Control Laboratory, Fac. Engineering – National University of Mar del Plata. “Smart networks | The evolution of smart electrical grids: present and future”, Rev. Electrical Engineering, Number: 311, July 2016. https://www.editores-srl.com.ar/revistas/ie/311/donato_redes_electricas_inteligentes
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