TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGY
accommodate additional renewable energy sources. For example, when used by Empact Engineering in a fast- growing region in Texas, the Neara platform found that 94.5% of the lines could reliably operate at double its existing capacity.
THE BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL TWIN According to Engelaar, digital twin technology “makes it easier for utility companies to remotely inspect their networks in great detail with high accuracy, leaving error-prone guesstimation behind, and ensuring that field resources are allocated to the most pressing risks at any given time.” Modelling technology also helps utilities “navigate today’s pressures [weather and climate change] by facilitating simulations that pinpoint equipment weaknesses and prioritise optimisation opportunities.” Engelaar says digital twins can
also help reduce risk and guide safe, effective recovery efforts across a network. He uses an example of a once- in-50-years flooding event in Australia whereby utilities company Endeavour Energy used the Neara platform to predict and monitor clearance risks and switch off sections of the network where floodwater presented a particular danger. Post-flood, it enabled them to restore power to those most in need more quickly, and ultimately eliminated 300 hours of manual inspection time. “As we race towards Net Zero
deadlines, digital twins can also help utilities identify pockets of latent network capacity in existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly new transmission,” Engelaar adds.
THE POWER OF AI AND MACHINE LEARNING As mentioned previously, Neara’s platform utilises AI and machine learning to create the digital twin of the existing grid – Engelaar believes that AI has a huge role to play in climate-proofing the energy grid and arming utility companies with the tools to weather future challenges. “When coupled with digital modelling technology, AI can provide an unparalleled level of visibility and accuracy, empowering utilities, and engineers to repair, protect and
The technology can help utility companies remotely inspect their networks
enhance existing infrastructure more safely and efficiently,” Engelaar explains. “This can reduce the need for costly new builds and grid expansion to cope with rising climate pressures and energy demand – and when new infrastructure is needed, AI can help make sure grid expansion is executed flawlessly, removing risk and minimising costs.”
MITIGATING EXTREME WEATHER AI and digital modelling can help us mitigate the impact of extreme weather, uncover latent capacity to connect more renewable energy, and bolster ageing infrastructure to meet evolving energy needs, Engelaar adds. He uses the example of Scottish
Power leveraging Neara’s technology to recreate Storm Arwen (November 2021) in their digital network model. Simulating the storm’s exact conditions equipped the power distribution company with a thorough, detailed understanding of how to best prepare for and respond to future storms of similar magnitude to minimise negative impacts across the network. Indeed, Neara’s platform can be used by utilities to create an entire lifecycle solution of weather impact, disaster response, and network-wide optimisation in order to build resiliency and manage risk to the existing grid. ●
For more information visit
www.neara.com
www.engineerlive.com 13
The technology can facilititate simulations that pinpoint equipment weaknesses
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