RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY
CAN IOT, SOLAR AND WIND POWER WORK IN HARMONY?
IoT-enabled and related technologies will become the tools of choice in delivering a more sustainable energy future, as Phil Beecher, CEO and President, Wi-SUN Alliance, explains
F
or utilities, energy providers and grid operators, there are some serious considerations when it comes to renewable energy generation, particularly the intermittent nature of distributed energy sources. Integrating many varied sources of energy presents both technical and operational challenges, not least
in ensuring power grids are stable and can deliver the right voltage and frequency for customers when and where they need it. IoT-enabled smart grids can boost grid stability and reliability. Balancing supply with demand is fundamental
for any grid operations and, for those dominated by renewable energy, this balance becomes more challenging. But as well as enhanced grid stability, IoT devices and sensors can provide real time monitoring of renewable
assets like wind turbines and solar panels – many of which are in remote or hostile locations. Solar and wind farms are the main renewable energy sources right now, and these rely heavily on the
right weather conditions for maximum efficiency. Sometimes demand exceeds supply, but at times supply might exceed demand – if there is too much sunshine or too much wind, for example. Energy storage technologies like batteries play an important role in helping to control the fluctuating nature of renewable energy, storing it for future demand. But is there a role for IoT at the source of the power?
WHERE THE WIND BLOWS With wind power expected to grow – estimates suggesting that it will supply 24% of the world’s electricity demand by 2030 – IoT is set to play an important role. In fact the technology is already enabling wind farm operators to manage the health and structural integrity of turbines and other complex equipment in challenging and often hard to reach locations like offshore wind farms. Wind turbines are large and complex, subject to lots of wear and tear – in particular, the component
parts like bearings. A typical wind turbine consists of more than a dozen bearings that are expected to work simultaneously and continuously for up to 20 years. But bearings and gearboxes can be susceptible to failure well before their end of life. Failures in equipment are not just costly to repair or replace, but also are major causes of unplanned downtime. With IoT sensors fitted to turbines, operators can continuously monitor the health of the structure, as well as
wind speed, direction, and other environmental factors, sending information back via wireless connections on each individual turbine, which can then connect to a border router at the point of aggregation. Communication via a wireless connection is actually more reliable as there is always the risk of damage to underwater cabling.
WHEN THE SUN SHINES Solar is another interesting use case for IoT, especially for real-time remote monitoring. With IoT-enabled sensors embedded in each solar panel, solar farm operators can measure energy output and tilt angle, remotely controlling the panels to follow the sun, ensuring they are at the optimum angle for maximum power generation. If they are over-generating and there is nowhere to store the additional power, they can simply be rotated away from the sun. Sensors can also be used to spot malfunctions or if panels have been damaged or compromised. Like wind farms, solar technology requires constant monitoring and maintenance, and wireless
communications can play a key role here with the strategic placement of IoT sensors and devices in locations where other technologies cannot reach. Some the biggest solar farm developments in the world are in vast areas like California, Nevada and
Texas in the US. These environments are extremely hot and very challenging to work in, and the extremes in temperatures can cause expansion and contraction of the solar panels. Sand and dust, meanwhile, affects the structural integrity of equipment and can cause mechanical stress. Many of these large-scale structures run autonomously with no maintenance crew on-site, so having real time data about damage, whether that’s from natural disasters or deliberate sabotage, is critical.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES CAN OFFER SOLUTIONS TO OLD PROBLEMS Imagine the use of drones to inspect solar panels from above, giving a complete view of the site – with artificial intelligence for visual inspection, but also coupled with sensors mounted on the solar panels to detect incident light energy and power generated. We know one Japanese research organisation is already testing our own Wi-SUN FAN (Field Area Networks) on drones. Energy companies and service providers around the world are recognising the huge potential of open
standards based wireless communications as an enabler for large-scale IoT applications as they focus on providing clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for communities, businesses and consumers. As wind and solar energy become the default, they open up exciting new opportunities.
WI-Sun Alliance
www.essmag.co.uk https://wi-sun.org/ ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 2023 21
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