Page 2 of 3
The Role of Smart Grids in Enhancing Electrical Safety
Here are some example scenarios on how predictive analytics in smart grids works to enhance safety at work:
• A utility company can implement a smart grid solution with IoT devices for real-time monitoring of its electrical infrastructure. This modified system can predict a fault in its transformer that may be caused by unusual heating patterns. By proactively addressing this issue, the company can avoid potential safety incidents in the workplace and outages for consumers as well.
• A solar energy plant can use smart sensors with its smart grid system to monitor the health of photovoltaic cells. The predictive maintenance system can then identify which cells may have faults or issues. When serviced proactively during scheduled downtimes, then the plant can maintain good operations and prevent any electrical failures. This then can effectively avoid any safety risk.
• A large manufacturing facility can integrate smart grid technology to maximize the use of energy consumption and improve overall safety. With the use of smart sensors and IoT devices, the facility can monitor real-time energy use within its different departments. The advanced analytics software can also predict peak load times and then adjust the schedules of machinery operations automatically so they can save energy and costs.
• A data center that implements smart grid technology for its cooling systems can adjust the cooling levels based on real-time information and predictive algorithms. Considering that data centers consume a large amount of energy, this technology can help prevent potential electrical incidents caused by overheating and also reduce energy consumption.
These are some practical examples that show how smart grids’ predictive analytics can significantly reduce downtime, save costs, and improve workplace safety.
Specific Technologies
For predictive analytics to work, smart grids and IoT systems are using different technologies that help improve electrical safety. Some of these are listed below.
• Smart Sensors: These are usually installed throughout the electrical system and can quickly detect unusual conditions like overloads, overheating, and short circuits. Once these sensors detect an issue, the safety personnel can act quickly to solve the issue before it gets worse.
• Automated Shut-offs: Circuit breakers with IoT technology can automatically disconnect power once there’s a detected electrical fault. These automated shut-offs make sure that potential accidents are prevented by fully cutting off energy.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.