How smart meters can help your energy management

In today's ever-changing energy market, managing energy usage through accurate data is crucial for businesses to reduce consumption and keep costs down. With Carbon Footprint targets influencing governmental policies and supplier mandates, the ability to view and act on this data is a significant financial benefit. At Direct Business Group, we take pride in offering a service that provides valuable insights through Pan Power. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve your targets, we're here to help. For more information or to schedule an energy account audit for tailored solutions, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or 07359601890. Let's work together towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy strategy. #EnergyManagement #CarbonFootprint #Sustainability #DirectBusinessGroup #PanPower

This is the oxygen source enablers of our solution. Nice and elegant! #EnergyIntelligence #CarbonMonitoring #EnergyMonitoring #EnergyManagement #OperationalExcellence #Manufacturing #NetZero #Decarbonization #EnergyEfficiency #PredictiveMaintenance Centrica Business Solutions

So, what was the very first unique selling point of smart meters? Automated readings, right? No need for someone to physically visit the site to collect data for monthly billing. Hmmmmmm. So, in essence, smart meters were meant to take on the role of the meter inspector or reader. But what exactly was that role? Just reading the meter? No—it also involved physically inspecting the meter, checking for any tampering evidence, and making sure it was working properly. That’s why we don’t just want readings from the smart meters; we want them to tell us if something goes wrong. Whether it's a technical fault or an attempted theft—at least if it is through smart meter itself. Smart meters have the capability of recording multiple events, including theft ones, but that’s not enough. We want our AMI to notify us if action needs to be taken, just like a meter reader or inspector would have made those decisions. And this is where the role of MDMS (Meter Data Management System) comes in. Generally, all MDMS platforms offer basic configurations to handle validation rules, for consumption related analysis, and respond to individual events and alarms. But that’s still not enough. We need to go beyond that to create more complex combinations, like these: •      Individual Events •      Multiple Events •      Multiple Events + Time Duration •      Events + Validation Failures •      Validation Failures+ Time Duration •      Events + Validation Failure + Time Duration Creating these combinations requires a deep understanding of the definitions of events and alarms. We have to go beyond technical manuals, grouping similar types of events into unified categories, and really analyzing what each event is indicating. This involves building a data dictionary, defining business logic, and then designing the system around that. This designing leads to significant customization in the system. Some of these logics might require halting billing until a discrepancy is checked and resolved, while others might prompt proactive measures to prevent smart meter failure. Ultimately, this approach leads us to event-driven architecture, which is the real beauty of AMI. It’s not just about readings; it’s about having a system that actively tells you what action to take. Click the link below, if you are interested in learning more about event-driven architecture. Happy learning 🙂 https://lnkd.in/dbMqf3qU #smartmeters #systemdesign #energymanagement #innovation #sustainability #alternativeenergy #smartgrid #digitalgrid #engineering #powersystems #powerandenergy #utilities #energy #smartcities #electricutilities #electricity #advancemeteringinfrastructure #bigdata #ai #artificialintelligence #digitaltransformation #machinelearning

Data, data, data! A few years back, I was working in a smart meter test lab when someone (not me, surprisingly!) blurted out the unforgettable words: "Data! It’s always f**ing data”! At the time, we were trying to track down the root cause of a test defect, but since then, that phrase has stuck with me - and I’ve taken a little creative liberty in using it ever since! These days, I find it perfectly sums up the core of smart metering: it all comes down to the value of data. In the world of smart metering, the real value for suppliers is in the data the meters provide. Although obvious now, historically, disproportionate value was attached to the sales opportunity of visiting customers. In reality, the focus on the value of visit activity has likely pushed unnecessary complexity and cost onto suppliers. Imagine if we knew then what we know now - would the strategy have been different? The water industry has a unique opportunity to learn from the energy sector's evolution. One key takeaway - focus on the data, avoid unnecessary costs. It’s exciting to see innovative “data as a service” propositions entering the market. It’s exactly these types of solutions that will allow water companies to benefit from data and insight without the headaches that come with the physical delivery and maintenance of a smart estate. This model should also enable a more appropriate allocation of roles without the need to contractualise or back off maintenance requirements. Meter owners could play a larger part in the upkeep of their assets ensuring longevity, while alongside this, expertise can be developed in close proximity to asset manufacturers ensuring water companies receive accurate, clear insights to deliver against their AMP8 targets. It’s a win-win. Water companies get the reliable data they need to operate effectively while meter owners can safeguard their investment and prevent unnecessary removal. #smart #metering #smartwater #smartmeter #AMP8 #data #DaaS #maintenance

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐃𝐔𝐬   In today’s mission-critical environments, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. That’s why our 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐃𝐔𝐬 are the ultimate solution for data center power management. These PDUs go beyond basic power distribution, offering advanced energy metering, remote control, and unmatched flexibility to optimize efficiency and uptime.   𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▪️𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Monitor voltage (V), current (A), active power (kW), energy (kWh), and more with 0.5% metering accuracy. View metrics at every level, including input lines, branch circuit breakers, and individual outlets. ▪️𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Keep an eye on critical factors like harmonic distortion, voltage dips/swells, neutral currents, and crest factors for superior power quality management. ▪️𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Hot-swappable controllers and replaceable components mean minimal downtime and easy scalability. ▪️𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Manage power remotely with support for Ethernet, optional WiFi, Redfish API, MODBUS-TCP, and SNMP v3. Control outlets and monitor metrics from anywhere. ▪️𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Integrate temperature, humidity, airflow, differential pressure, water leak, and other sensors for real-time monitoring of your facility’s environment. ▪️𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐃𝐔 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Link up to 8 PDUs for synchronized operation, or cascade up to 32 PDUs under one Ethernet port to save IP addresses and streamline management.   Visit our webshop to improve the efficiency of your data center, guarantee uptime and future-proof your infrastructure. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dSeKJ2MK   #DataCenterSolutions #PDU #IntelligentPDUs #PowerManagement #EnergyEfficiency #MissionCritical #DataCenterUptime #AdvancedMetering #RemoteMonitoring #SustainableIT

*What is the importance of integrating digital platforms into electrical networks for digitization projects? The integration of digital platforms into electrical networks is crucial for the success of digitization projects. Here’s why such platforms are important: 1. Enhanced Data Management and Analysis 2. Improved Operational Efficiency 3. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources 4. Enhanced Cybersecurity 5. Interoperability and Scalability 6. Improved Customer Engagement 7. Support for Smart Grids 8. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting 9. Cost Savings 10. Future-Proofing the Network **In summary, platforms connected to digitization projects are foundational for transforming electrical networks into smarter, more efficient, and resilient systems. They enable utilities to meet modern energy challenges while improving service delivery and sustainability. ⚡ 🙂 #smartgrid #Digitalization #DigitalTransformation #SmartTechnology  #SmartGrid #EnergyEfficiency

𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗬𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗔𝗦? More energy knowledge bombs being dropped on this amazing Data Center Revolution podcast. You don't want to miss it! 0:00 Introduction to the Energy Revolution 3:34 Bridging Energy and Data Center Needs 8:31 The Future of Power Generation 12:23 The Energy Market Landscape 16:57 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 21:25 National Security and Energy 25:54 Understanding Power Market Dynamics 29:15 The Role of Data Centers as Utilities 33:55 Building Resiliency and Redundancy 38:58 Managing Infrastructure Risks 42:06 The Evolution of Energy Markets 47:40 The Intersection of Technology and National Security 54:01 Preparing for Future Challenges 1:00:30 The Future of Energy 1:02:45 Navigating Power and Infrastructure 1:04:42 The Data Center Revolution 1:08:06 The Herd Mentality in Industry 1:11:35 Understanding Energy Markets 1:16:48 The Challenges of Load Management 1:18:20 National Security and Energy 1:31:18 The Dynamics of Workforce 1:45:38 Recruiting the Next Generation 1:49:34 The Role of Technology in Transformation 1:57:36 Higher Education and Career Paths 1:59:40 Solving Problems Through Collaboration 🎧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/e_JxZU_W * * * * * * * * * * 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿!™ For energy insights, follow: #EnergyNinjaChronicles ⚡ Subscribe to the newsletter: 📩 https://lnkd.in/dGpq2-dC #EnergyMarkets #NaturalGas #Power #UtilityInfrastructure #DataCenters

The future of digital substations A new KEMA Labs podcast dives deep into the topic of the evolving world of electric substations, with digital transformation leading the charge and promising significant advancements in efficiency, reliability and safety. Industry veterans Antonio Boccuni, Marketing and Strategic Tools Manager, and Alessandro Bertani, Director of the Global Business Unit for Services & Smart Technologies at KEMA Labs, reflect on what defines a digital substation, the critical importance of interoperability and data protection and looking ahead, the rise of digital twins. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dkVk_pHX #substations #interoperability #data #digitaltwins

🔌 Smart Grids in Action: When the Theory Falls Short ⚡ While Smart Grids are often heralded as the future of energy, real-world implementations sometimes reveal the challenges behind the promises. Let's explore an example that highlights why even the most innovative solutions can fall short when faced with practical complexities. 💡 The Case: A mid-sized utility company implemented a Smart Grid system aimed at optimizing energy distribution and reducing outages. The system featured advanced metering, real-time analytics, and automated fault detection. 🌍 The Reality: 1️⃣ Integration Challenges: Integrating renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, proved far more complex than anticipated. Variability in energy generation disrupted grid stability, requiring expensive manual interventions. 2️⃣ Cybersecurity Risks: Increased digitalization opened the door to new vulnerabilities. The system faced several cyberattacks that, while contained, highlighted the urgent need for more robust security protocols. 3️⃣ High Costs: Initial cost savings were offset by unforeseen expenses, including software updates, additional hardware, and continuous staff training. The ROI on the system remains uncertain. 4️⃣ User Resistance: Advanced metering infrastructure provided real-time data, but many consumers resisted behavioral changes, undermining the expected efficiency gains. ⚙️ The Lesson Smart Grids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Their success depends on meticulous planning, robust cybersecurity, and ongoing consumer education. While the technology has immense potential, real-world applications require addressing practical challenges that often go overlooked. 📉 The Takeaway Smart Grids are a step toward a smarter energy future, but they are not without pitfalls. As we continue to innovate, we must balance ambition with a realistic understanding of what it takes to make these systems work effectively in practice. #SmartGrids #ChallengesInEnergy #ElectricalEngineering #EnergyInnovation #LessonsLearned

The water industry has long lagged behind sectors like energy when it comes to adopting cutting-edge technology. While energy systems have rapidly embraced modern innovations, water management has often relied on traditional SCADA methods—until now. I’m thrilled to share how my team and I at #LADWP are driving this transformation by integrating advanced technologies into reservoir monitoring. Over the past summer, I’ve had the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of modern sensors—tiltmeters, field cameras, piezometers—and implement cutting-edge communication methods to redefine how we manage our water infrastructure. Here are some key breakthroughs we've made: 1. Unified Sensor Integration 📷: Combining various sensors into one platform has simplified setup and data management, providing real-time insights for quicker decision-making. 2. Enhanced Connectivity 📶: Using wireless data loggers with solar and cellular tech has improved flexibility and efficiency, making data transmission faster and more reliable. 3. Boosted Efficiency ⏩: Real-time monitoring allows us to resolve issues within hours instead of days, greatly improving operational reliability and responsiveness. 4. Scalable and Secure 🔒: Cloud solutions offer scalable growth and enhanced security, protecting our data while avoiding extensive infrastructure costs. 5. Simplified Maintenance 🛠: Fewer hardware systems mean our teams can focus on optimizing operations rather than managing complex setups. In this video, I demonstrate how I set up a broadband sensor connectivity device and a field camera in just a few minutes. During our fieldwork in the Mojave Desert, we used these tools to monitor a critical pipeline from a hillside vantage point. With our new system, I can access the footage directly from my phone—here’s a timelapse of the setup and monitoring process.