Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution, which combines cyber of things (IoT), cloud computing, and data analytics and Industry 4.0 principles in renewable energy. physical systems, the internet The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology y is revolutionizing the way we consume and produce energy. From connecting wind turbines to smart grids to intelligent solar panels, IoT is transforming the renewable energy sector, making it more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. By leveraging Industry 4.0 in renewable energy, businesses and households can tap into the latest technologies to optimize their energy production and consumption. One of the main aspects of Industry 4.0 is the use of smart power grids. They use advanced sensors, communication, networks, and predictive analytics to identify inefficiencies and adapt quickly to changes in demand or supply. Smart power grids can also be used to monitor the usage of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, allowing for better m efficient use of these resources
Let us see in what ways IoT can be served,
Solar Energy
IoT sensors are used to monitor the performance of solar panels, including the amount of sunlight received, temperature, and other environmental factors that can affect their performance. This data is used to optimize the orientation of solar panels, maximize their efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. IoT technology can also be used to control the energy flow between solar panels, batteries, and the power grid, ensuring that energy is available when needed and minimizing the risk of power outages.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines are a major contributor to renewable energy. For windmills to be effective, they need to be connected to smart power grids that can efficiently distribute energy. IoT technology is helping to transform the way windmills operate by connecting them with smart power grids. The use of IoT in windmills allows for real-time monitoring of their performance and makes it possible to adjust turbine speed or adjust the angle of the blades to optimize their efficiency. This also enables predictive maintenance to identify potential issues before they occur. Additionally, IoT devices in windmills provide data analytics capabilities to analyse the performance of the turbines over time.
Hydro Energy
Hydroelectric power has always been an attractive source of renewable energy. Smart power grids and Internet of Things (IoT) technology has opened the implementation of new ways of managing th source. With the introduction of IoT in hydro energy, utilities have been able to e energy monitor and manage their hydropower resources. For example, hydroelectric generators can now be fitted with smart sensors that monitor water levels, pressure levels, turbine performance, and other operational metrics. This data can then be used to adjust the generator's output or even divert power to other parts of the grid when needed. Additionally, these systems can be programmed to automatically shut down if dangerous conditions arise, such as flooding or drought. In addition to monitoring and managing hydroelectric power generation, IoT is also being used to enhance the distribution of energy from hydro sources. By using wireless communication protocols, electricity generated from a hydro plant can be remotely transmitted to substations or other locations as needed. This allows utilities to better manage their electric grids by reducing transmission losses and improving efficiency.
Tidal Energy
IoT sensors are used to monitor tidal currents, including their speed, direction, and depth. This data is used to optimize the positioning of tidal energy turbines, maximize their efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. IoT technology can also be used to predict changes in tidal patterns and adjust the orientation of tidal turbines accordingly, maximizing energy output and reducing the risk of damage due to strong currents. Overall, IoT technology is helping to make tidal energy more efficient and reliable. By integrating IoT technology into tidal energy systems, we can help to unlock the full potential of this renewable energy source and create a more sustainable future for our planet.
Smart Grids
Smart power grids are an integral part of the industry 4.0 revolution and the future of renewable energy. A smart grid is an interconnected system of digital communication networks, devices, and applications that allow for efficient and reliable delivery of energy from power plants to consumers. Smart grids allow energy providers to monitor and control energy distribution in real-time, allowing for better management of energy resources. Furthermore, with the introduction of IoT devices and sensors, smart grids enable utilities to gain a better understanding of energy consumption patterns. This can be used to optimize energy consumption and reduce wastage. Smart grids also allow for the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal into the overall energy mix. With this, consumers can easily access clean, renewable energy in real time. Finally, smart power grids enable users to keep track of their carbon footprint by monitoring their own usage over time.
D4C offers Industry 4.0 solutions such as
IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cloud Computing, Data Analysis, Digital Twin, etc., with which one can,
• Wirelessly monitor the operations in the field,
• Monitor the assets in real-time,
• Take timely maintenance activity.
• Visualize the analytics of performance and power generation
• Calculate the Efficiency of power transmission.
• Remote actuation and monitoring of power grids and more.
References
[1] "The Headwins hitting the Renewable energy industry," The One Brief, [Online]. Available: https://theonebrief.com/asia/post/the-headwinds-hitting-the-renewable-energyindustry/.
[2] Naveen Joshi, "The use of IoT in Renewable energy generation," Allerin, October 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.allerin.com/blog/the-use-of-iot-in-renewable-energygeneration.
[3] A. Al-Ali, "Internet of things Role in Renewable Energy Resources," Elsevier, 2016. [4] "The IoT, a key technology in promoting renewable energy," Telefonica, [Online]. Available: https://www.telefonica.com/en/communication-room/blog/the-internet-of-things-akey-technology-in-promoting-renewable-energy/.