Journey to smart power grid
The energy utilities sector helps to power the world. To meet changing patterns in power grid management, such as bi-directional power flow, increased share of renewable energy sources and highly distributed generation in the grid, utilities companies are now employing 3GPP 4G and 5G network solutions to strengthen the security and resilience of power grids, as well as boost operational efficiency across the board.
Keeping the lights on - Power grid modernization
Most of the modern world’s infrastructure depends on reliable electrical power sources to sufficiently power homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and more on a daily basis. In order for energy providers to increase efficiency and continue offering consistently reliable services, many are implementing the structural changes needed for a more flexible, secure and reliable communications network.
By employing mission-critical broadband at every grid segment, utilities receive a range of benefits that increase the reliability, safety and operational efficiency of their electrical grids while lowering operational expenses. Mission-critical 4G and 5G will enable reliable transmission and distribution of power grid-related information. Fast response for fault isolation and service restoration through automation and remote monitoring & control are other major benefits.
Crucially, it also strengthens the safety and security measures needed to keep electrical systems free from unpredictable faults and unwanted interference.
Ericsson’s cellular technology enables power grid operators to:
Adopt future-proof technologies
by consolidating dozens of legacy technologies into one ubiquitous network, and enabling advanced use cases
Advance operations
by granting systems the ability to self-monitor, self-diagnose and self-heal.
Unlock intelligence
by making data-driven insights a priority for efficiency and security.
In the spotlight
Adopt future-proof technologies
Charging up efficiency and flexibility
With a powerful communications network established as a foundation for power grid management, regular upkeep and monitoring can be achieved with much greater flexibility.
To ensure there is a continuous pathway for system and service upgrades, enabled by increased availability of spectrum, utilities are deploying mission-critical 4G networks with a smooth evolution journey to 5G. Mission-critical fixed and mobile broadband communications give utilities far more flexibility for network roll-outs and the use of network-ready devices, opening up new possibilities for long-term expansion and application.
This is especially the case as substations and line monitoring become increasingly sensor-driven edge networks – cellular technology therefore offers cost-effective implementation enabled by 5G and edge cloud.
Advance operations
Ahead of the power curve
The financial cost of the power grid service interruption can be very high. Conventional power grids are generally ineffective at self-monitoring and self-assessment, resulting in poor preventative measures for countering service interruption.
By contrast, mission-critical broadband communications networks enable operations to be performed swiftly via automated forecasting, monitoring and control of different electrical sources along a power grid — right down to how often a transformer sends and receives data to and from a utilities’ control center.
Unlock intelligence
Intelligent insights, intelligent benefits
The wealth of data and analytics that a highly connected communications network brings to power grid operations is essential for meeting modern service-level standards. It bolsters distributed intelligence within the grid for better situational awareness and improved decision-making processes, while enabling necessary security measures that protect electrical systems from unwanted intrusion.
Use cases
