MONITORING & METERING


EXTRACTING THE VALUE OF DX IN POWER GENERATION


Data holds the key to a successful, modern power facility. Here, Kevin Worster, head of Power and Renewables at Yokogawa, explains why now is the time to analyse current approaches to Digital Transformation (DX)


D


igital transformation (DX) holds great potential for businesses, not


least for those in power generation that provide critical infrastructure to the wider economy. Like many others, this sector is becoming increasingly aware of the profound improvements tech-enabled initiatives can deliver, offering deeper insight, more informed decision-making, and better ways of working. However, it’s fair to say that even the most


technically advanced organisations have only just begun their transformation journey, and few complete use cases exist. In fact one industry study from 2018 found only 28% of power utilities had engaged in some form of DX strategy, while a further 46% said it was a growing area of focus. The remaining 26%


thought it was only just gaining traction or still in the early stages of development. While these figures have likely increased


in the intervening years, they still remain some way off where analysts believe they should be. Indeed, the need to accelerate digitisation across power generation is noted in forecasts issued via the World Economic Forum, which found that cloud- based asset management, real-time platforms data and condition monitoring, could deliver at least $100 billion of value each year over a ten-year period. Given this opportunity, now seems an


important time to analyse current approaches to DX and the common challenges faced by those working in power generation. In doing so, these


By using AI and ML to consolidate disparate information into a single database, end users can access an integrated view of asset information, supporting better decision making, increased hands-on tool time, and a safer working environment


businesses will be able to determine their readiness for change and create a roadmap that addresses their specific needs.


DRIVING THE CHANGE Even before the outbreak of Covid-19, fossil-fuelled power plants faced significant disruption from the increased uptake of renewable energy sources and ambitious decarbonisation targets. The UK, for instance, is scheduled to phase out all coal-fired power production by 2024 as wind, solar and energy storage begins to account for a larger share of the nation’s energy mix. While good news for the climate, this energy transition has issued an expiry date for a large amount of existing infrastructure. Businesses no longer want to invest in new plant upgrades, so they are turning to DX to sweat their assets before eventually shutting them down. Many companies started their DX journey


by introducing basic hardware, such as sensors and edge devices, to generate data models that can support better dispatch and maintenance decisions. Those further along have also begun using visualisation tools to manage real-time generation and relay predictive data to control rooms. These approaches, however, are still rooted in operational outcomes and overlook the power of analytics and machine learning (ML) to create data-driven cultures – arguably the most desirable outcome of any DX programme. Ageing workforces are another key driver, particularly at plants using fossil fuels. These


18 ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Winter 2021 www.energymanagementmag.co.uk


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