Energy conservation and eco-friendliness has taken center stage in the world around, even as the energy resources are depleting day by day. Add to that the environmental concerns of global warming and increasing greenhouse gases, the problem seems ever increasing in nature. Nations and corporations across the globe have energy conservation high on their social and economic agendas. They are trying out various ways and means to conserve energy and produce clean energy.
While clean energy seems to be a natural option, it will take many years before they become mainstream and find unequivocal adoption. But the fact is that there is too much ambiguity and far too much cost involved to economically sustain alternative energy sources as the prime source of energy. However, even with alternative energy coming into play, the key to energy security and a cleaner environment is conservation of energy. But most importantly, it is about the most efficient and optimal usage of energy which surpasses every other concern that we may have.
Besides that, the government also has decided to dole out tariff subsidies for consumers reducing the burden on utilities and making alternative power affordable for consumption. However, inspite of these efforts, one of the key concerns that the government has in mind is the issue of optimal energy usage without any wastage or unaudited usage of energy. One of the key aspects that will make the government's plan to provide power grid based areas and off-grid areas with non-conventional sources of energy is proper accounting/auditing of the power being consumed.
Among the primary reasons are pilferage and wastage of energy due to theft and technical power losses. Even if the government provides power to off-grid areas with non-conventional sources of energy, the key concern of the government would be to ensure that power usage is fairly balanced between power generation costs and revenues. If it is unable to check this aspect, most of the projects envisaged by the government may start to seem untenable.
The alternative energy today is considered to be a costlier alternative to conventional energy sources albeit with significant long-term economic and environmental benefits. Hence if the power generated by alternative sources is not consumed in an accounted manner, the cost of funding such projects will grow manifold making alternative sources of power a distance reality.
One of the key technologies that is helping drive this conservation initiatives across the globe is adoption of smart metering concepts that are being powered by machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies.
M2M technologies, which combine sensors and applications that leverage the power of the available wireless (GSM/ CDMA/Zigbee) networks to help machines communicate with each other are driving the evolution of smart metering concepts across the world. M2M technologies are not only helping utilities become economically more viable but are also making consumers aware of conservation techniques that could help bring down their energy costs.
While consumers also benefit from the adoption of such technologies, the utilities benefit the most by getting access to data and information that was otherwise not possible. Adoption of smart metering technologies powered by M2M technologies not only provides them with almost real-time data and information but also provides significant visibility into their energy auditing process, helping them account for almost every ounce of energy consumed.
Normally standalone metering (which is largely the standard right now) is highly person dependant which can result in a great deal of human errors that make accurate measurement of power consumption almost impossible. Besides that there are many related issues that come into play when we have archaic metering systems. Energy audits which are performed based on bill collection are highly inaccurate as billing is done on an estimated monthly average consumption basis.
But introduction of innovative concepts like smart metering or wireless AMRs (Automated Meter Reading) technologies will help alleviate such issues. This is because wireless AMRs and smart metering concepts will help utilities move towards a more centralized operational control model wherein data communication starts to play a more pivotal role in the overall operation of utilities' electric distribution systems.
Everyday more and more utilities across the world are turning to wireless technologies to improve operations and decision-making in the delivery of various customer services including electric, gas, water, etc. As this reliance on wireless connectivity grows and technology improves, wireless networks start taking an increasingly significant role as the backbone over which utilities are connected to their assets, employees, and customers. Emmanuel Macon Dauxerre
For instance, in India, the government has launched an ambitious program under the National Solar Mission wherein it intends to establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country as quickly as possible. The first phase (up to 2013) will focus on capturing of the low-hanging options in solar thermal; on promoting off-grid systems to serve populations without access to commercial energy and modest capacity addition in grid-based systems. In the second phase, after taking into account the experience of the initial years, capacity will be aggressively ramped up to create conditions for upscaled and competitive solar energy penetration in the country.
Wastage and Losses
Though Transmission & Distribution (T&D) losses are not unique to India, it has global precedence as well, the key aspect besides creating awareness among consumers on efficient usage of power is that technological interventions need to be put in place to alleviate these issues to a great extent.
M2M to the Rescue
Challenges
The author is global energy segment sales
director, Telit Wireless Solutions
vadmail@cybermedia.co.in