As demand and complexity increase, modern facilities can’t rely on outdated electrical systems. Smarter infrastructure is now a necessity, not a luxury. The growing challenge to address is an increased energy demand, automation, and sustainability goals. This calls for smarter electrical infrastructure offering integration of monitoring, automation, energy efficiency, and flexibility.
Monitoring and managing the distribution of power and electrical load are essential in industries. Not only does this optimize energy usage, but it also helps establish safe and efficient electrical systems. As the requirements of industries grow, it is important to provide technology that helps drive and support them. One such solution is Smart Electrical Infrastructure, aka Smart Grids.
Let’s take a look at what smart electrical infrastructure is and how advanced electrical systems support facility growth and operational resilience in industries.
What Constitutes Smart Electrical Infrastructure?
Alternatively called “smart grids”, Smart Electrical Infrastructure refers to advanced power distribution systems that use sensors and communication networks to improve the efficiency, reliability, safety, and sustainability of an industrial system. Going beyond simple metering of electrical systems, they offer real-time monitoring, control, and management of power flow.
The key components that make up smart electrical infrastructure include:
Smart Panels and Advanced Metering Infrastructure
To monitor energy usage in real-time, these enable two-way communication between the system and the client.
Real-time Energy Monitoring Systems
Using strategically placed sensors, these detect all parameters (such as voltage, current, and temperature) and provide real-time data.
Load Balancing Controllers
By dynamically managing power distribution to the system, they optimize resource utilization and prevent incidents of accidental overloads.
Power Backup and Storage (UPS, Batteries)
UPS and batteries, especially ones connected to renewable energy sources, and restore service quickly and reduce downtime.
IoT-Enabled Switches and Sensors
These help connect the system (for example, Schneider Electric PLC) to a centralized monitoring platform (HMI) and control systems for efficient monitoring and automation.
Challenges Faced by Growing Facilities
As industries grow and scale up their operations, they come face to face with the following challenges:
- Sudden energy spikes from equipment.
- Manual oversight limitations in large or multi-site setups.
- Reactive maintenance instead of preventive maintenance.
- Risk of unplanned downtime owing to outdated systems.
- Energy inefficiency and sustainability compliance pressure.
- Interoperability issues as a result of outdated systems.
- Lack of process standardization and uncertain ROI.
- Lack of process visibility and control.
- Inability to meet changes in compliance norms.
Benefits of Upgrading to Smarter Systems
When industries step up their infrastructure to smart systems with products from the top low-voltage distribution product suppliers, they enjoy the following benefits:
Increased Operational Efficiency
Smart electrical systems, such as the Schneider Electric PLC, offer real-time load management. Through automated processes, they help reduce human error. Further, they offer an option for early fault detection to preemptively check the system for any issues and take up preventive maintenance.
Better Energy Optimization
Smart infrastructure enables efficient demand-side management, including tracking energy consumption per zone or machine. They also integrate with renewable energy systems for better optimization, switching between renewable and grid energy.
Scalable and Future-Proof Systems
Certain smart systems, such as the Schneider Electric PLC, come with modular designs that allow quick upgrades. Further, they offer cloud-based control and analytics along with remote diagnostics and control.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance
Using devices, such as Schneider Electric PLC, to implement smart electrical infrastructure helps act on safety and compliance in the following ways:
- Equipped with smart sensors, they monitor voltage fluctuations, overheating, and power surges.
- They send out real-time alerts for system anomalies and potential problems.
- They record and generate digital logs for audits and inspections.
- Smart electrical infrastructure helps maintain compliance with ISO, IEC, OSHA, and local safety codes.
- By offering predictive analytics and checks, they reduce system downtime and disruption.
- Using SCADA systems or HMI, they enable real-time monitoring.
Thus, having smart electrical infrastructure isn’t just about saving power; it’s also about protecting the workers and the assets.
Industry-Specific Applications
Based on the industries that see widespread use of smart electrical infrastructure, the industry-specific applications and benefits are as follows:
|
Industry |
Application of Smart Infrastructure |
| Manufacturing | Load balancing for high-consumption machines |
| Food and Beverage | Stable power for refrigeration and automation |
| Warehousing | Automated lighting and HVAC control |
| Pharmaceuticals | Real-time temperature and power monitoring |
| Energy | Real-time tracking of energy generation and consumption enabled by IoT sensors |
| Building and Infrastructure | Building automation, HVAC, and centralized control |
| Waste Management | Process optimization and resource recovery |
Table 1: Industries and how they use smart infrastructure.
Trends and Innovations to Watch
With top-of-the-line products to enable smart electric solutions offered by the low-voltage distribution product suppliers, the following trends will be observed in the industry in the near future:
- AI-enabled smart electric systems that involve predictive energy use models.
- Microgrid integration for self-sufficient power supply and balanced power distribution.
- Highly efficient energy storage solutions to balance supply and use.
- Smart metering for billing transparency with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
- Use of Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor, control, and optimize the system.
- Grid edge digitization to ensure energy-efficient systems in industries.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to manage distributed energy resources (grid and renewable energy).
Wrapping Up: The Need For Smart Electrical Infrastructure
To keep up with growth, industries require smart, efficient, and scalable electrical systems. These will also enable the shift from reactive to proactive energy management, a critical task for every industry. Further, it will reduce downtime, boost safety, ensure cost savings, and make the infrastructure future-ready.
Wish to upgrade your facility’s electrical system? Check out products like the Schneider Electric PLC to install smart electrical systems.