The Unlikely Marriage of Sustainability and IIoT
When I think about technology’s impact on sustainability, I think about home. I live in California, and earlier this year there was a fire in my area which, unfortunately, destroyed a lot of houses and affected many families. Luckily, because my city deployed industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions for fire protection services, they were able to detect this fire early on and prevent further damage in the area. In this scenario, IIoT solutions provided timely insights which allowed the appropriate resources to respond faster, creating a better and safer future for my community. The unlikely pair Sustainability is a widespread conversation these days, and for good reason – a more environmentally conscious world equals better quality of life for us all. As such, electric cars are on the rise, paper straws are everywhere and many companies are doing their part to minimize their carbon footprint. As a collective, we are making great strides in our attempt to create more eco-friendly communities. Amidst our best efforts, however, many may not realize the positive and profound role modern technology, specifically IIoT, can have on our journey towards a greener society. This may come as a surprise, but now more than ever, IIoT is playing a key role in realizing our sustainability goals. Real-world change Today, IIoT technology is completely enhancing our approach to transformative environmental practices by providing the power of response. By implementing IIoT into our data, we can do much more than just monitor data; we can actually respond to data by pulling trends, sending out alerts, leveraging artificial intelligence and so much more. IIoT allows us to take data-driven action, and this is ultimately having a significant impact on the environment and entire industries across the globe. Industry-wide impact In 2015, The United Nations Member States all adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This global partnership calls countries into action to create a stronger planet by implementing eco-friendly strategic practices to achieve 17 different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Technology plays a significant role in realizing these SDGs. In fact, there are a variety of industries becoming more sustainable because of IIoT. Let’s look at energy, for example. Recently, the energy space began implementing environmental and social governance (ESG) criteria. Now, different organizations can receive access to various federal funds depending on their ability to meet ESG standards. Without the use of IIoT practices, procedures and functions, these organizations could not make the improvements needed to contribute to their environmental goals. With the use of IIoT, these same companies can effectively monitor and manage environmental assets through automated procedures that contribute to more efficient industries and remote work environments across the board. Ultimately, IIoT technology offers the insight and practical solutions needed for these companies to create positive structural changes. The benefits don’t stop there. We’ve all heard or read that our water supply is endangered, and this is not just a California issue, like many assume; it’s a widespread problem that needs immediate attention. The rapid rate of water decrease is not just a byproduct of human consumption, it is also a direct result of everyday processes, industrialization and the ever-changing climate. Today, IIoT products are providing simple solutions to monitor timely data metrics like rainfall rate and water consumption. These solutions respond to water shortages and water waste in innovative ways. Through IIoT, we now have the ability to adjust and adapt our behaviors based on data visualizations, and throughout the process, greater sustainability is achieved worldwide. The IIoT difference on finite resources With sustainability, the goal is really to manage the lifespan of an existing asset, be it drinking water, livestock, oil and gas, the list goes on, and with IIoT technology, we can better control our ability to manage these assets. While the desire to be more sustainable is not new, there have always been technical and cost limitations, but now, IIoT provides practical and cost-effective opportunities for change. At FreeWave Technologies, we’re committed to improving life’s essentials through Industrial IoT solutions. Our full line of connected IIoT network solutions bring most needed data to operations teams wherever they are and our ready-to-deploy solutions play a significant role in environmental monitoring ultimately leading to safer and more sustainable communities. When it comes to Environmental IoT™ we are spearheading a new way forward, offering solution-based products that empower industrial leaders to manage their assets simply and intentionally. Our single pane of glass dashboard creates a singular view for our customer, allowing them to track, control and respond to timely data metrics in one place instead of multiple dashboards across applications. Products that solve problems are important, and that’s exactly what we’re providing at FreeWave. We’re shifting the culture of sustainability from altruism to action, and it’s making a substantial difference. At the end of the day, I care about the world that I’m leaving for the next generation. Every day I think about my two children and the world they’ll grow up in; I want to do my best to create a place where they can thrive, and I’m excited to be a part of an organization that is achieving just that.
Technology Simplified: Leveraging Data in the New Digital Era
Excited by tomorrow, we face a new world filled with endless possibilities each day. Thanks to modern technology, simple sensors open the doors to our favorite restaurant, edge computing allows manufacturers to spot and correct production glitches before they happen, and high-tech traffic cameras analyze and record thousands of license plates daily to spot stolen and unregistered vehicles while also identifying suspected criminals. It’s no secret that the world is evolving before our eyes, and through the technological advancements of this digital era, we are creating a more efficient world. The power of data Data is a powerful tool of knowledge, and lucky for us, it’s everywhere! Every one of our actions is driven by a manual process of data – like the simple act of putting on a jacket when it gets cold, or an automated process of data – like a valve instinctively shutting off when a water tank gets full. Today we have the technology to effectively process, analyze and distribute data metrics in tremendously impactful ways. What does greater simplification look like for industrial leaders? Remote operations simplified When leveraged effectively, industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions take remote operations to the next level, simplifying the work process for teams and industries across the globe. Think about some of the most popular high-value remote assets today, like drones, video surveillance, or even center pivot irrigation systems – these entities perform so well because they do what humans can’t. In mere seconds, IIoT technology can process, distribute and respond to data that would otherwise take an entire team hours, days or even weeks to achieve. In the not so distant past, industrial operations relied solely on data consumption (i.e., how much water is in the tank; what temperature is the water), but today, advancements give us the ability to respond nearly instantaneously to that collected data with actionable execution. Today we can view and control the management of an entire operation remotely on our cell phone. We can see how much water is in a tank or what temperature that water is at and automatically change and adjust the water levels and temperatures from near or far. As a result, the amount of time, resources and energy needed to run businesses has transformed entirely, and this evolution allows us to create an enhanced world and standard of work. Simple deployment Remote operations are oftentimes in rugged terrain, making them difficult or even impossible to access. At FreeWave, we solve this complex issue by providing pre-configured ready-to-deploy solutions, complete with everything needed to achieve the mission at hand. For example, through FreeWaves’s joint venture with ModuSense, we’re simplifying connectivity to cloud with a variety of pre-configured and ready to deploy monitoring and sensing solutions by supplying the entire solution with a 12-month data plan, dashboard, 12W rapid recharge solar panel, satellite connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity. You can use your mobile phone to validate the data directly from the gateway without having to wait for satellite transmission. We all know the “gotchas” when it comes to buying technology. Simple deployment means you’re ready from day one, without needing to buy additional components. Real-world impact As Chief Operating Officer and SVP of Global Sales and Marketing at FreeWave, I get a front-row seat to the real-life impact modern-day technology is having on lives, businesses and entire industries. The essentials of life have become simplified, and in the process, more people and businesses receive greater access to the things that matter most like critical information, metrics and potential outcomes. Creating a more sustainable world and preserving natural resources like food, air, energy and water have been at the forefront of IIoT since FreeWave began almost three decades ago when we brought long range, low power consumption, C1D2, 900 MHz connectivity and radio technology products to our customers. Since then, our connectivity options have greatly expanded by adding EDGE Compute, Software, Industry Protocol Conversions, Data Broker & Cloud, a complete end to end solution and with it comes the responsibility for greater environmental stewardship. We’ve all seen the devastating impact an environmental catastrophe, like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, can have on the globe. Simple mistakes can and do cause enormous repercussions that affect us all. The truth is, with human interaction there will always be the cost of time and possible room for error. Technology, however, is different, as it allows us to not rely solely on human capacity and depend more on interconnected and advanced systems. Now, we don’t have to wait for someone to run into a situation or crisis and manually pull a lever or travel to turn off a valve. Instead, preprogrammed automation or a simple click of a button or flip of a switch from virtually anywhere in the world can control your high value remote assets. FreeWave is a technological pioneer in the 21st century. We have connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. Through our single IIoT platform, we provide expanded capabilities for data capture, analysis, control and automation. Our single pane of glass approach provides a simple, single vendor, one-stop-shop solution for remote operations worldwide. At the end of the day, when we take the power of data monitoring and funnel it through modern technology, we open ourselves up to a new world of endless possibilities and opportunities. It’s one thing to have data; it’s an entirely different thing to know how to leverage that data. At FreeWave, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of data monitoring and modern technology through our IIoT solutions and creating a better, safer and faster world of work for industries around the globe.
IIoT News Round Up: 2018-Focused Headlines
As the year winds down, industry thought leaders and publications are beginning to release their top trends and predictions for IIoT in 2018. From what we’ve seen circulating around the top news sources, there looks to be a lot in store for Smart Cities and utilities in particular. Reports have shown time and again that IoT devices are being deployed and disrupting industries at an incredible rate. While this has brought a lot of new opportunities to the forefront of many industries – we’re all aware of the lurking giant that needs to be dealt with – security. Security has been a concern and topic of debate since the beginning of IIoT, but perhaps in 2018, we’ll see the challenge addressed in new ways. The good news is that we’re not shying away from the topic and we’ve encountered it as a common theme in recent headlines – especially in relation to Smart Cities. Here are a few top news stories that stood out to us: The Security Tipping Point An article recently featured in InfoSecurity Magazine (@InfosecurityMag) by @philmuncaster examines the ongoing security challenges when it comes to IIoT projects for Smart Cities. The article reveals that an international poll by the Wi-SUN Alliance found security as the biggest barrier around the world: “The global, standards-based non-profit polled IT leaders in the UK, US, Denmark and Sweden who are investing in these kinds of IoT projects. It found that although half have a fully implemented strategy already in place, 90% said they struggled to implement a plan and 36% said they found it ‘extremely difficult.’ “ An eWeek (@eWEEKNews) article by @editingwhiz, featuring predictions by leaders in IoT for 2018, echoes the same sentiments, but predicts that service providers might take the issue into their own hands: “Paul Martini, CEO and Co-Founder, iboss: Better IoT network security will come to the fore: ‘The industry will continue to be plagued by IoT botnets and malware. 2018 will be the year that enterprises and service providers finally realize that waiting for device manufacturers to improve hardware security is a losing proposition and take it upon themselves to secure their networks against compromised devices. An increasing number of enterprises will deploy network security solutions that are designed specifically to protect large numbers of connected devices.’” Additionally, a Sys-Con post recently published by @S_Allen_IIoT , also emphasized the importance of security in 2018 and offered insight into solutions: “However, even with a secure communication link, if the individual devices that are connected on the OT side become compromised and an intruder gains access to that communication link, they can push malicious data, cause denial of service (DoS), or introduce malware or viruses to the entire network, IT side included.” Allen recommends the following: “Companies need to prioritize security in their quest to create endpoints for all of their field assets. Some industries, like the smart grid, are already experiencing mandates that ensure a more cyber-secure network. With others, however, it is still up to the organization to make security a top priority. There are technology providers available that are security focused and will provide those extra layers of security to the OT network.” Investment Will Grow in Utilities The Future of things (@Future0fThings)article by @morakhiya2711 looked at IIoT investments and the industries in the near future, and it looks to be an exciting time for utilities, among with manufacturing and transportation. “In addition to the funding of start-ups, overall investment in IIoT technologies and services is growing rapidly with few signs of slowing down. Through 2020, the industries that are expected to invest the most in this area are manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. Last year alone, spending reached $178 billion, $78 billion in transportation and $69 billion in utilities, as these industrial sectors leveraged the deployment of intelligent, networked devices to operate smarter and offset risks.” As investments in IIoT go up, so do the security risks. Based on the buzz in leading IIoT publications, perhaps we will begin to see new efforts to create secure end-to-end IIoT networks, as companies battle both disruption and the need to protect data and assets in 2018.
Connect Field Assets Together with Node-RED App Dev
Until recently, modern solutions for remote process-control and automation applications were limited to expensive retrofits, recurring subscription fees, and costly internal software development. Small- to medium-sized businesses often struggle with the balance of enabling these critical monitoring and control functions, while also focusing on the bottom line. Fortunately, the rise of open source software development has introduced new solutions that finally offer a more affordable option, with rapid ROI and measurably reduced OPEX and CAPEX. These solutions combine process-driven industrial app and edge intelligent platforms that can be implemented easily and affordably. These platforms achieve enterprise-level process control, monitoring and automation by combining 900 MHz wireless telemetry with the ability to program and host third party apps for intelligent control and automation of remote sensors and devices. Picture a Linux-based Raspberry Pi embedded in a robust industrial Ethernet radio. The beauty of these solutions is that they are designed for both experts and novices in the app dev space. Developers can program with any language that is compatible with a Linux kernel. Node-RED, in particular, has proven to be especially successful with the novice developer crowd, enabling fully functioning and visible small SCADA solutions that solve a variety of issues for small- to medium-businesses, namely the cost reduction of installation, maintenance and upkeep of more expensive hardware solutions. With Node-RED, Industrial IoT (IIoT) apps are easily designed and hosted on the radio at the edge of the network – offering local intelligence, analytics and process control to cloud-based systems. These apps have even raised the possibility of eventually serving as SCADA replacement. The programming possibilities are endless and the needs are vast, opening a significant opportunity for IoT developers to create apps that can be executed at the edge. This impacts many industries, but especially those with remote or geographically dispersed networks, such as those in oil and gas, precision agriculture, utilities, water/wastewater, and government/defense. In water/wastewater, for example, we’re already seeing the implementation of a Node-RED, complex water utility app. Node-RED Complex Water Application When a water utility has dispersed assets, such as tanks that are a large distance apart, there is a Node-RED SCADA app available that allows orchestration of both manual and automatic control of the system directly from the app dashboard without using expensive logic hardware. The Node-RED SCADA app also enables real-time alerts to potentially dangerous or damaging events via text or email – directly to their mobile devices. This is easily executed under Nod-RED programming and here’s a demonstration of how it works: With the edge intelligence and process automation delivered in a programmable platform we’re already seeing increased uptime and lower on-site maintenance costs because of the enhanced ability to monitor and troubleshoot remotely. Because data is acted upon at the sensor, these edge intelligent and process automation platforms solve problems, remotely, that are not easily solved with traditional hardware solutions. As we look towards the next generation of SCADA, it’s looking a lot more affordable and flexible. What types of apps would you like to see for water/wastewater?
Transforming SCADA As We Know It Through App Dev
Small- and mid-sized industrial organizations that are reliant upon Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems — like those in oil and gas, energy, utilities, and agriculture — are facing new pressures to meet market demands. In these environments, agility and operational efficiency are no longer “nice to have” but are now essential to survival. Operations managers at these smaller businesses constantly face demands to incorporate modern technology that requires increased connectivity across networks in order to automate, monitor and control the processes that optimize operational success (and limit risk/downtime). The challenge for many of these small- and mid-sized businesses is that they need to find solutions rugged enough to operate in harsh and remote field locations, while reliably monitoring data, executing logic locally and enabling visibility globally – all with limited resources. In many instances, a traditional SCADA system is hard on the pocket books and ROI is something that might only be achieved in the distant future. The good news is that technology providers have been listening and working to craft solutions for these businesses to ease the cost burden on the front end and expedite the ROI process. App Server Software Available Today Freshly available (as of today), App Server Software technology combines proven, industrially hardened 900 MHz wireless telemetry with the ability to program and host third-party applications, similar to a Linux-based Raspberry Pi embedded in an industrial Ethernet radio. Within the app server software solution, Industrial IoT (IIoT) developers have the ability to program with any language that is compatible with a Linux kernel, including: Python, Java, C++, Node-RED and Node.js development environments. The App Server software that FreeWave now offers comes pre-loaded with Node-RED, Python and MQTT for easy industrial IoT app development on multiple ZumLink 900 Series radio models. App-Based SCADA Systems With the app server software came the opportunity to transform SCADA. In order to support the small- and mid-sized businesses that face the costs of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) type hardware and monthly recurring fees, the engineers at FreeWave have successfully built a prototype ZumDash Small SCADA app in Node-RED that is enabled by a ZumLink programmable radio. The prototype app is available at a fraction of the cost of traditional SCADA. The Small SCADA app enables reliable data collection; monitoring, and remote command and control functionality through triggers, alarms and actions. It supports analog, digital and HART data through a Modbus interface. It also provides a “dashboard” with user-defined status updates and data trend visualization from any web-based device. Essentially, the new app serves as a small SCADA replacement. A Sample ZumDash Dashboard App Development Opportunities The Small SCADA app is only the beginning. Developers have a big opportunity to help transform operations across many industries through app dev at the edge. FreeWave wants to enable these developers through its pilot program. Participants will receive a complimentary hardware/software dev kit to write their own industrial IoT applications with easy-to-use developer tools. Learn more about the app-based SCADA system here: FreeWave Unveils ZumIQ App Server Software to Power IoT Programmability at the Edge
IIoT News Roundup: How IoT is Saving Lives
In the past several weeks, there have been two massive natural disasters in the U.S., as Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, bringing historic flooding to Houston and surrounding areas, and Hurricane Irma devastated parts of the Caribbean and Florida. Sadly, thousands of people find themselves without power, food and shelter. It is indeed a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to those affected. In this devastation, however, there is a story emerging about the role the Internet of Things (IoT) has played in disaster preparedness. Indeed this technology has matured to the point that it is making a real and measurable impact in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster. In today’s IIoT news roundup, we will take a look at several stories emerging around disaster preparedness, smart cities and the IoT. Disaster Response in the 21st Century: Big Data and IoT Saves Lives In this story from Forbes, author Chris Wilder describes some of the ways the IoT and other technologies have changed the way disasters are predicted and responded to. Specifically, Wilder cites the ways crowd sourced emergency applications have made post-disaster communication and emergency dispatch easier and more streamlined. Further, Wilder speaks to the ways Big Data generated from sensors and meters throughout the region helped give more advanced notice to impacted areas and helped predict the path of these hurricanes with greater accuracy. IoT’s Role in Natural Disasters like Harvey In this article from IoT for All, author Hannah White discusses how the advent of the IoT has fundamentally changed the way hurricanes are predicted and responded to. Specifically, White discusses how open data was used to list Red Cross shelters with space availability, as well as evacuation routes that remained passable. White also describes the way organizations are leveraging drone technology in their response. Oil and gas companies are using drones to inspect their facilities, while insurance companies have been able to use the tech to capture high-resolution 3D images of damage to help expedite claim response and enable those affected to rebuild and recover more quickly. Finally, White discusses the way different organizations are leveraging IoT sensor arrays to measure and predict natural disasters in advance, helping to provide critical time to those in harm’s way. Where Will Hurricane Jose Go Next? How Drones and Lightbulbs Help Predict Dangerous Weather Unfortunately, Irma and Harvey are being quickly followed by another potentially dangerous storm (at the time of writing, Tropical Storm Jose) looming east of the United States. In this article from Newsweek author Kevin Maney describes the ways technology is helping us predict storms with greater accuracy. In the article, Maney notes the one of the key components for more accurate weather modeling and prediction is vast amounts of data. Indeed, the IoT is the most prolific and advanced data engine in technology history, and scientists are able to leverage the IoT to make incredible breakthroughs in their weather modeling algorithms. Department of Energy Investing in Power Resiliency In this recent blog post from the Department of Energy, it was announced that the DOE is invested some $50 million to help improve the resilience and security of the United State’s energy grid. This is a particularly timely announcement in the wake of Harvey and Irma, whose impacts on area electrical grids were profound. One of the technologies in discussion as part of the investment are micro grids, smaller, more “agile” energy structures that make the impact of localized storms less widespread. In a traditional grid system, one transformer can impact wide swaths of residents, while a micro grid limits damage and makes repairs simpler, less costly, and faster. Final Thoughts While the devastation caused by these two natural disasters cannot be overstated, IIoT played a significant role in saving lives both before the storms made landfall and after the storms had passed. When it comes to these sorts of disasters, even minutes of additional notice can mean the difference between life and death. As IoT solutions grow more robust and continue to become more ubiquitous in cities across the globe, we expect prediction and response capabilities to continue to advance at an incredible pace.
On the Edge of Transformation: IIoT for Water/Wastewater
Innovation is everywhere. Even the most industrial of industries are being disrupted by technology that has the power to transform entire market landscapes. The water/wastewater industry certainly falls into this bucket as we see automation and Industrial IoT (IIoT) driving new processes and uncovering data that enables intelligent decision making. Robust wireless, FHSS-based solutions are available today to ensure consistent and reliable delivery of that important data. As we seek more connectivity as a means to understand the network from the business office to the furthest endpoint, all in real-time, we see the potential impact on operations. As a result, utilities are beginning to adopt new methods of monitoring and control that offer more visibility over operations and connectivity at every network endpoint. As a new generation of tech savvy workers rises, further driving innovation and technology as a means for success, we see automation take over many monitoring and control processes – especially in remote networks. The potential benefits water/wastewater impact the utility and the customer, from more efficient operations to safer water. Things like predictive analytics are now available to serve as a problem solving tool for common monitoring issues, such as predicting the likelihood of pump failure. The ability to add programmable radios at the network’s edge opens up new possibilities for streamlined data, enhanced cybersecurity and precise control. The potential cost savings alone are catching the attention of decision makers in the utility business. Here are a few examples of how IIoT is driving major innovation in the water/wastewater industry, and how wireless solutions can help utilities create a network that enables new technology: Treatment Plant Automation – Automation at water treatment plants optimizes operations. With automated monitoring and control, water utilities can further ensure that the water offered to customers is safe for consumption and can help identify issues in real tie. High-speed wireless solutions can help drive real-time automation to ensure uptime, flexibility, safety and long equipment life. Remote Tank Level Automation– Tank level monitoring and control, a critical operation, for water/wastewater is even more challenging when the tanks are remotely located. With automation solutions in place, this can be done in real time. New wireless technologies for remote tank level automation can take this a step further by enabling programmability by hosting third party applications specific to the needs of the individual tank monitoring network. Chemical Injection Water/Wastewater – With the ability to deliver data directly to the cloud, chemical processes can be closely monitored to ensure the utmost in safety and performance. The access to data in real-time is essential in monitoring the chemical process and it ultimately leads to fewer mistakes the chemical injection process. Wireless solutions can enable seamless delivery of this critically important data to the cloud. IIoT is changing the way water/wastewater organizations approach many of their processes, and so far we are seeing streamlined operations and endless potential industry transformation. As the water industry evolves, it will be interesting to see what changes take shape.
Microgrids Gaining Mainstream Traction
While “going off the grid” is not a new term, microgrids are finding new footholds in a changing utilities industry. Recently, more and more cities and states are turning to microgrids not only as highly effective ways of increasing energy resiliency, but also as pragmatic and cost effective strategies for shifting population densities and energy consumption behaviors. Below, we’ve gather some of the top recent headlines on the changing microgrid landscape. Microgrids In New Applications Microgrids have long been viewed as an excellent tactic for supplying power to rural areas and island communities. However, recent data shows that microgrids may be expanding. This article from the Motley Fool, notes that governments and correctional facilities are turning to micrograms as viable options for emergency backup power. Another area where microgrids are seeing growth is in use for growing suburbs and rural areas. In the past, power companies has to build costly new transmission lines to service growing population areas, lines which may only be used during peak demand for a few hours a year. By leveraging microgrids, energy companies can build cost effective solutions for dealing with rare power consumption spikes. Communities Turn to Microgrids for Energy A recent article from Electric Light & Power notes that there are developing plans to build 13 microgrids across the state of New Jersey to increase the areas energy resiliency and better prepare the state for emergency situations. The effort, spearheaded by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Richard S. Mroz, has been prioritized in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, during which many areas were left without electricity and running water for weeks on end. One of the proposed microgrids in downtown Trenton would connect several important government buildings, helping keep the cities most essential resources up and running even during emergency situations. Building a Carbon Free City In the stretch of land between the city of Denver and its airport, a new town is being built that will rely solely on a microgrid for power — and it will be completely carbon free. The city, called Peña Station Next, will rely primarily on solar energy and is receiving large financial support from the city of Denver. As reported in this article from The Scientific American, the city will rely “mainly on solar energy, a king-sized lithium-ion battery and various energy efficiency schemes” for its power. Will Battery Tech Change Microgrid Strategies? Batteries are getting bigger — so what does that mean for microgrids? As noted in this article from Teslarati.com, Neoen and Tesla recently announced the creation of a 100MW/129MWh battery adjacent to the Hornsdale wind-farm in South Australia. One of the claims Tesla had in building the battery is that the company could make money by providing off-the-grid backup power. According to the article, however, this might not be so simple. Bruce Miller, a principal consultant for Advisian, says the 80-minute discharge time for Tesla’s system isn’t in line with 10-megawatt- and 20-megawatt-hour systems that could produce $2.1 million a year from supplying backup energy. Brooklyn is On-Board with Microgrids Brooklyn, the dense suburb of New York City, is one of a growing list of major population centers to explore microgrids. As noted in this article from Green Biz, Brooklyn is exploring a strategy where a virtual web of buildings whose owners can buy and sell power to each other using blockchain technology to manage the transactions. Currently, the program has hundreds of participants signed up, and users will ultimately be able to control their participation through the use of an app. With more governments and power companies exploring the promise of microgrids, it may only be a matter of time before a microgrid is a viable primary or emergency energy option for many. Where do you see microgrids growing next?
International IIoT Perspectives: Smart Cities
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is, at times, hard to pin down. The stronger the technology has gotten, the broader the applications have become, affecting everything from energy, to smart cities to manufacturing, and in the process, blurring the line between traditional consumer and industrial markets. Interestingly, in the United States, much of the Industrial IoT advancements have come from the private sector – oil and gas, utilities, precision agriculture, etc. International IIoT, however, has seen real advancements coming from cities – smart cities, that is. Smartest Cities in the World A 2015 article from Forbes provided a list of the top five smartest cities in the world based on a number of factors, including environmental monitoring, smart traffic management, data usage and creative tech applications. Barcelona topped the list, with New York City, London, Nice (France), and Singapore rounding out the top five. In each instance, the use of smart technology improved quality of life, efficiency, and better overall functionality. Of course, there are myriad factors to consider when evaluating a city’s “smartness,” but considering how many moving parts – literally and figuratively – that it takes to create a smart infrastructure, the breadth of application is impressive. Barcelona’s comprehensive wired network drives an infrastructure that is constantly aggregating, transmitting and analyzing data for all kinds of things: The boxes are no regular electricity meters. They are fine-tuned computer systems, capable of measuring noise, traffic, pollution, crowds, even the number of selfies posted from the street. They are the future of Barcelona, and in some sense they are the future for all of us too. The hard drives are just one piece of what is “unusual” on this street, in fact. Cast your eyes down, and you might spot the digital chips plugged into garbage containers, or the soda-can-size sensors rammed into the asphalt under the parking spaces. The paragraph above not only highlights the often hidden aspects of smart cities – sensors, hard drives, boxes – but also the sheer magnitude of the data being collected from wherever possible. The technology that powers that data collection lies in the actual communication networks, which are powered by an array of RF, cellular and WiFi connections. Today, many of the devices that are responsible for collecting the data from the source – the access layer – are capable of hosting third-party, proprietary applications that can filter and transmit data in specific packages, turning Big Data into Smart Data. Lately, London has focused on green energy and environmental progress. The city launched an initiative to become a zero-emission city by 2050 with a combination of electric vehicles and public transportation. Sounds familiar, right? The actual mechanisms driving that initiative are not necessarily ground breaking: reduce combustion engines on the road, encourage people to use public transport. However, the technology has finally started to catch up. With smart traffic monitoring capabilities, public transportation can run more efficiently, keeping to strict schedules. Additionally, driverless vehicles can perhaps help lead a transportation infrastructure devoid of human-caused accidents, opening the road systems and, again, leading to greater efficiency. Smart Cities, Smart World Of course, the two examples above come at a high level. There are significant technologies driving the actual implementation of smart city devices, but the key factor is that the leaders of the respective cities understand the need for a stronger, smarter infrastructure. Many other cities are catching up – India often pops up with smart city initiatives, which is a fascinating case study based on the economic disparity of the country. Still, the drivers of the international IIoT goals often point to the development of smart cities as an ideal outcome based on the continued growth of connected technology.
Utilities & IIoT: The ‘Perfect Storm’ Meets the Revolution
In early 2017, John Kennedy at SiliconRepublic declared the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) the ‘perfect storm’ – a convergence of technologies with the capacity to create new economic benefits based on operational efficiency. On these blog pages, we’ve covered many different facets of industries adopting intelligent communication technologies likes sensors, programmable radios, and powerful analytics tools, but one industry in particular seems poised for the greatest upheaval: utilities. Many industry experts are pointing at utility markets as poised for revolution. So, what happens when the ‘perfect storm’ meets the revolution? Critical Infrastructure Transformation Given the way the human population is dispersed in the United States (and abroad), cities play a huge role in driving the growth of IIoT technologies in utilities. Water and wastewater treatment plants are perhaps one of the most important (and overlooked) pieces to modern infrastructure. Without these plants, after 1-2 uses, most of the water in North America would be unusable. Instead, companies are using sensors and other connected monitoring devices to create smart data that informs decision making, eliminates variables, and improves effective responsiveness. Similarly, the electric grid has seen significant transformation as well. In the era of the smart grid, we now have the ability to monitor grid activity more closely, deploy electricity more efficiently based on usage spikes, and allow consumers to track their own energy usage. The residual effect of this tracking is, perhaps, an increased awareness of how we use energy on a daily basis and could lead to better individual conservation efforts. Alternative Energy On The Rise And speaking of conservation efforts, with the ability to use energy more efficiently, alternative energy has exploded as viable alternatives to our traditional resources. Wind power has grown into a consistent source of energy, but for years, operators needed a better way to monitor the energy systems. Today, IIoT technology not only allows better monitoring, but provides real-time management capabilities for operators. The name of the game is efficiency, and if the operations are efficient, then the usage can be efficient as well. Business Convergence Since utility companies are now better equipped to understand when and how resources are being used or deployed, they can streamline some of the day-to-day operations by building a network of smaller solutions that are specifically designed to meet niche needs, creating more business opportunities for both traditional and alternative utility providers. Although many doomsday scenarios point to increased automation as the death of the worker, with a greater diversity of solutions, the economic impact might actually provide more jobs instead of fewer. Relying on the traditional model of the last half-century, however, does not. Ultimately, we are still looking at an industry that is right on the cusp of revolution. Utilities have, historically, been slightly slower to respond to technology overhauls at a high level, but with the added efficiency and financial benefits that accompany IIoT adoption, companies are rethinking old strategies and pushing into a new frontier – confronting the ‘perfect storm’ head-on to ensure the best possible landscape once the dust settles.