CONNECTED ENERGY
“ Running fibre everywhere is way too slow and expensive . This is where mission-critical broadband wireless connectivity becomes essential and is a major reason why forwardthinking utilities are looking to LTE / 5G for robust connectivity ,” says Ken Budka , Senior Partner at Bell Labs Consulting .
“ Once you have wireless connectivity , you can connect to renewable energy sources and storage , and put additional monitoring and control devices wherever needed in a matter of hours , rather than years . This is a gamechanger in grid operations ,” he adds .
Expanding the digital technology scope Currently , many wind farms are fitted with fibre , which supports Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions ( SCADA ) connectivity for remote monitoring and control .
For a cost-effective solution with a broader scope , private LTE ( 4.9G ) networks can enhance offshore connectivity and meet the needs of secluded locations more efficiently , integrating with a network of sensors , cameras , cloud storage and analytics technology for remote maintenance and control .
Private LTE can enable a comprehensive IoT system that will connect both onshore and offshore personnel . It enables the installation of sensors at wind turbines to monitor temperature , vibrations , humidity and air current . Such data is critical to track the integrity of the turbine and prevent damage .
In situations where further visual inspection is needed , Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ( UAVs ) can be pressed into service . A drone networks solution will be able to connect and control a fleet of UAVs using private LTE . The machines would then provide high-definition video footage in real time .
SP Energy Networks starts work on £ 5.5mn Scotland electricity substation
SP Energy Networks has started construction of a new £ 5.5mn substation in Dunfermline – Scotland ’ s newest city – which will support its new , all-electric Learning Campus as well as new housing developments .
The investment comes from Ofgem ’ s Green Recovery Fund . It supports green projects that are driving the nation towards net zero emissions targets by enabling investments in major infrastructure to strengthen the network for an all-electric future .
The substation , located near Halbeath Retail Park , will be the first of this scale in Fife for more than 20 years and will support the new Dunfermline Learning Campus being developed by Fife Council and Fife College . The campus will provide state-of-the-art facilities for St Columba ’ s RC High School , Woodmill High School and Fife College . energydigital . com 41