Digital solutions that will be the most crucial in the energy transition

May 25, 2021

Digital solutions that will be the most crucial in the energy transition

The ABB Virtual Roundtable, “Critical Digital Solutions to Support a Sustainable Energy Transition,” addressed how technologies are evolving and what digital solutions will be the most crucial in this transition. These are some of the questions that weren’t addressed during the session due to time limitations.

Grid/Energy Efficiency

Q: What are the solutions to ensure where the weak point is when a breakdown is about to take place & the system self-corrects before failure happens, in a Distribution system available with Smart Grid implementation?

A: Solutions for grid stability include storage and energy systems that can react quickly to grid instability autonomously. An example of this may be a local or regionally based battery storage system that operates without input from a grid operator.

Q: How far did you integrate energy efficiency with social and/or societal benefits like independent living?

A: If the question is referring to grid independence (e.g. living off grid), then many of our energy solution are not suitable for this environment. ABB is focused on providing solutions to maintain and build energy infrastructure.

Q: Will Digital Twins play major role in the Sustainable Energy Transition?

A: Digital twins are another way to run simulations and make predictions. Can they help? Of course, if the digital twin fidelity is enough to satisfy those using the output to make decisions.

Q: I am an energy professional working for clients mainly in the Pharmaceutical industry. Many of them are already aware of the importance of energy saving and the benefits. However, energy saving measures are not at the top of their priority list as driven with GDP standards, and it is quite hard to cut energy cost there…in opposite, lots of energy waste is out there. What is the right way to communicate with those clients and help them reduce energy and maintenance costs while maintaining a high level of operation and production?

A: At ABB we work to show clients the opportunity for savings and build a business case to support it. Without this, there is no incentive to invest in energy savings.

Find out more about What Blockchain can do for Power Grids

Data Management/Hardware/Software

Q: How can key data be captured from the factory site?

A:If data is available, it can be captured by an automation system or streaming service assuming there is a software or hardware link to the data source.

Q: Is there a limitation of bandwidth for some solutions today that a fiber optic would enable these solutions?

A: Data transmission limitations can be overcome with currently available wireless transfer protocols (e.g. 5G, WiFi 6).

Q: What is ABB doing to address the “open DCS architecture” push from end users aimed to further commoditize the DCS?

A: ABB is developing their DCS system further to support open architecture, which is also driven by OPA, NOA, APL and MTP. These enhancements will be applicable for brown field as for green field projects.

Watch the full Critical Digital Solutions to Support a Sustainable Energy Transition Virtual Roundtable from ABB on-demand to learn more.