The energy transition is taking place at the edge

The energy transition is profoundly changing our electricity grid. The increasing use of photovoltaic and wind power plants is making it more and more decentralized and volatile. Without digitalization, this power grid would no longer be manageable. Edge intelligence plays a key role here: the analysis of measuring device, control unit and sensor data using artificial intelligence directly at the point of origin. Dell Technologies shows how this edge intelligence supports the energy transition in many ways. 

1. Decentralized control in real time. As artificial intelligence analyzes the data at the edge, it does not need to be transferred to a central data center or cloud for processing. This makes it possible to control the local power supply from photovoltaics and wind power in real time. If there are fluctuations in supply and demand, the AI can react without delay: by regulating the feed-in, storing electricity or shifting loads.
2. Support for e-mobility. The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles can also be controlled in real time. Artificial intelligence analyses data directly at charging points and in the local grid and can forecast charging requirements, react immediately to external conditions such as grid load, electricity prices or vehicle condition and dynamically optimize charging performance. These fast and context-related decisions are particularly essential in larger charging parks and for bidirectional charging.
3. Stabilization of the overall network. By controlling local grids and charging infrastructures, edge intelligence not only ensures local grid stability. It also keeps the higher-level electricity system more stable because it dampens load peaks and avoids frequency fluctuations. Its fast, autonomous reactions relieve the burden on central grid control centers and prevent local problems from escalating into large-scale instabilities. The more edge intelligence is active in local systems, the more flexible and robust the overall grid becomes. 
4. Strengthening data protection. Edge Intelligence also strengthens data protection. Sensitive personal information such as consumption data, attendance patterns or the energy consumption of individual households remains local and does not have to be transferred anywhere. This significantly reduces the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access.
5. Increasing resilience. Last but not least, edge intelligence makes the power grid more resilient. By processing data on site, it is not dependent on a functioning internet connection. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas, where technical faults or internet outages occur more frequently. The power supply in microgrids, isolated solutions or battery systems is not affected by such cases. 

"Edge intelligence is a key tool in the energy transition because it reacts to local fluctuations in real time, thereby ensuring stable and efficient grid operation," says Chris Kramar, Director & General Manager OEM DACH at Dell Technologies. "It is supported by robust and powerful IT systems on site and central platforms that allow these systems to be supplied with the necessary software and secured."

Source: Dell Technologies

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/die-energiewende-vollzieht-sich-am-edge/