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Revolutionizing Renewable Energy Systems: The Powerful Impact of IoT
Renewable energy systems and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) have emerged as a transformative force in addressing the global energy challenge. IoT, representing a network of interconnected devices and sensors, brings a new level of efficiency and control to renewable energy generation, distribution, and consumption. The IoT adds an upper hand toward a low-carbon emission future. Using IoT in renewable energy systems can be maintained, monitored, and operated where the conditions are too harsh for o proper operation and maintenance.
OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY IN POWER PLANTS
We have taken an example of IoT optimization on solar power plants,
Sources :
MNRE Roots for Robots To Reduce Water Usage at Solar Plants (saurenergy.com)
Tilt Sensors – Key to the Maximum Solar Power Generation - OnElectronTech
Like, an IoT system allows to control and tracking of the solar panel’s axis remotely so that it can be adjusted to an angle that maximizes the radiation intake, and it also increases the power output. It is done by a temperature sensor called LM-35 and an LDR sensor that measures the intensity of incident light. Smart grids equipped with advanced sensors enable us to collect precise information on energy generation from solar panels, sensors can take energy consumption data and take into account the fluctuations and demand. The management and analysis of the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices. Solar power plants equipped with IoT technologies produce a significant volume of data, which needs to be processed and analyzed in real time. This requires robust data management systems and advanced analytics tools to derive meaningful insights from the data.
OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY ON THE CONSUMER LEVEL
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https://www.landisgyr.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/DER_Sensor_Graphic.jpg
The data we get from it empowers us to decide to maximize efficiency and decrease the fluctuations in demand. Real-time monitoring facilitates predictive maintenance, enhancing system reliability while reducing operational costs.
IoT-enabled renewable energy systems also promote energy efficiency at the consumer level. Smart devices and appliances, equipped with sensors and connectivity, enable intelligent energy usage within homes and buildings. Using IoT, we can evaluate energy usage based on environmental conditions, how much you are occupied in each product or pattern of usage, and the availability of energy. As a result, energy waste can be minimized and overall consumption is optimized, leading to cost savings and reduced carbon footprints. Consumers can also save money by optimizing the energy subscription they get by watching over energy consumption.
OPTIMIZATION OF IOT IN POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
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Furthermore, the Integration of IoT in the power distribution sector can help in the proper distribution of power according to the data of consumption collected in real-time using IoT sensors on the cloud to further optimize the connection. The data collected can be used to predict the flaws and treat them flaw before it already occurred or prepare for them. So that the grid can serve fluent operation without any delay for maintenance. Energy storage technologies, such as batteries, can be intelligently controlled and coordinated to balance intermittent renewable energy generation.
However, with too many opportunities it gets us, it also comes with challenges that also need proper attention one is cybersecurity, as the devices are connected to websites it is prone to cyber crimes which can further amplify to a large extent due to their impact on smart grid and control. It needs to be safeguarded with robust firewalls, security measures, and protocols.
In conclusion, we can say that the introduction of IoT offers a big upgrade in energy management and sustainability at the production, distribution, and consumer levels. But, the IoT also makes us more dependent on them and prone to cyber-attacks. But it can also be prevented with the planned approach towards IoT and the use of various security protocols and firewalls on it.
And, management of huge data in real-time needs a huge infrastructure that is impossible to integrate into low-budget infrastructure.
With the help of the power of IoT, we can establish a more efficient and flexible interface that also responds to changing conditions and demands. IoT optimization holds a promising remark on sustainable development in the future.
REFERENCE
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4416866
- https://www.hitachienergy.com/in/en/news/perspectives/2021/08/power-electronics-revolutionizing-the-world-s-future-energy-systems
- https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/engineering-research/revolutionizing-energy-systems
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652621000548