This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
In my last PowerTalks blog, we covered the common industry terms that paved the way for power digitalization and the value power digitalization is bringing to the world today. In this post, we will focus on uncovering the three stages of power digitalization: connect, analyze, and automate.
Stage 1: Connect
The first stage of power digitalization starts with connection: establishing an energy and power management system (EPMS). This is accomplished by connecting sensors, power meters, protection relays, circuit breakers, and other smart power equipment such as uninterruptible power supplies and variable speed drives to EPMS software.
- Energy sensors and power meters
- Other smart communicating devices
- EPMS software
Stage 2: Automate
Next is the analysis stage, when EPMS software is used to automate monitoring, reporting, and alarming functions and conduct energy usage and power event analysis. EPMS software is explicitly designed to use detailed analysis for optimizing energy usage and cost and continually monitoring the reliability of the electrical distribution system, as well as the quality of power it delivers to its equipment and critical loads.
Consider the following example: if you’re tracking electricity costs for an automotive painting facility, you may find that installing high-efficiency drying lamps is a sensible cost-cutting measure. However, those lamps may generate excessive harmonic currents on the neutral conductor of your power distribution system – risking equipment failure, fire, and a plant-wide shutdown. It’s not enough to track and analyze energy consumption and costs. Impacts on power quality and reliability also need to be considered to determine the full operational and financial implications of major upgrades or other changes to infrastructure or processes.
Simply put, Stage 2 is about turning data into actionable information. EPMS software is intended to serve both operational and facility management teams and those responsible for energy reduction and energy accountability. It functions as a real-time monitoring system, as well as historical analysis and reporting engine.
- Energy usage
- Power events
- Electrical asset performance
Stage 3: Extend
The specialized web applications and data from the EPMS can be integrated into other systems such as process automation, building management, billing, and enterprise energy management systems. When implemented to its full potential, power digitalization can also transform power management by unlocking new capabilities such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and digital services.
- Energy performance tracking
- Energy cost management and billing
- Power source management
- Electrical system and asset monitoring
- Power quality monitoring & correction
How to take power digitalization further
Learn more about the benefits and opportunities of power digitalization by visiting our EcoStruxure Power landing page or download our white paper, “Power Digitalization: Understand and Achieve Active Energy Management in Buildings” and take action by:
- Partnering with experts through digital services
- Integrating EPMS with other systems
- Using Software-as-a-Service
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Schneider Electric has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable corporation in 2021 by Corporate Knights Global 100 Index. |
