IoT enables flexibility in power generation

While digital maturity in power sector had its own challenges such as high cost, storage and high volume of data, they dealt with consistent effort by adopting principles of IoT.
Alok Kishore, CEO, WAGO Private Limited

KIn discussion, Alok Kishore, CEO, WAGO Private Limited, explains how by adopting IoT in power sector most of its challenges were curbed and also how WAGO introduced new technologies to tackle the challenges in the power sector.

What is going to be your focus in this edition of ELECRAMA?
ELECRAMA is an important platform for us to showcase our products and solutions serving a bouquet of industries. Our pioneering connection technology CAGE CLAMP® has been in the forefront of all our offerings, making our products easier to use, safe and reliable even in extreme conditions.

We are very well known in the industry for our range of multipurpose terminal blocks. On the other hand, we have an innovative and versatile range of interface electronics products including Switch-Mode Power Supplies, Electronic Circuit Breakers, Uninterrupted Power Supply Modules, Relays, Interface Modules, Current Transformers and Signal Conditioners among others.

We also have smart automation products for various industries including software solutions, HMI devices and control technology featuring fieldbus-independent I/O systems — all the way to switches and sensor/actuator boxes.

We would like to apprise our customers and visitors of our complete range of products and its relevance to their industry during ELECRAMA 2020.

How do you view the rise of IoT and Industry 4.0 in transforming the sector?
The first step towards IoT were taken primarily in the decade of 90s that saw companies giving attention towards acquiring and controlling their business and machine data that led to automation of industrial sector in India. Gradually, it led to real-time data collection, analysis and feeding it back to processes remotely through Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and smart devices.

While digital maturity in power sector had its own challenges such as high cost of devices, storing and analysing high volume of data among others, these were dealt with consistent efforts to adopt principles of IoT. Power and energy sector has benefitted from it by creating flexible generation process to support efficient operation at various capacity factors. Connected devices can now accurately forecast renewable energy generation that will enable sufficient time to ramp up or down conventional generators reducing carbon footprint.

Adopting convergence of IT and OT has provided significant opportunities for optimisation in this sector. With growing pace of technological innovations and an intensively competitive technology providers’ marketplace, power and energy sector is set to scale new heights.

What kind of opportunities do you see in smart electricity for India?
India is progressing well on the roads of smart cities and smart grids. The grids automation and tele-metrics technology are due for modernisation in India. Implementing modern controllers can provide important grid data, allowing grid operators to intervene with automated control as needed. In the field of gas and heat supply as well, automation technology grants control and access to all real-time data within the systems connected to the grids from any connected location securely.

In the first step, grid operators can use automation technology to precisely identify where their infrastructure must be modernised. Controllers can then be used later to automate processes and support load management. In this way, grid capacities can be better utilised — and can reduce the need for new lines.

Modern Substationsconnecting the medium- and low-voltage grids should also record measurement data and allow this data to be read remotely. Faults in the switchgear in the distribution grid can be quickly localised by connecting the short circuit and ground-fault direction indicators and transmitting the information, while automated systems can be remotely controlled. In this way, parts of the power grid can be quickly restored and the damage radius be minimised.

Like these, there are a number of other areas where technology can play a pivotal role to increase efficiency and minimise electricity loss.

Can you brief about the latest innovations and additions for your range of solutions?
WAGO constantly strives to find better and simpler solutions to customer challenges. We have a long history of listening to our customer’s demands, acting upon them and creating solutions that fit their requirements.

This year during ELECRAMA, we will be highlighting our breakthrough products and solutions, including our new easy and safe wiring connectors 221, telemetrics solutions for power and energy industry and industry’s most efficient Pro2 Power Supply.

What are your plans and projections for next two years?
WAGO products are designed for complex application requirements and we will carry on with our focus on developing and delivering the quality our customer can rely on.

We are looking forward to strengthen our position in the market for automation controls products with our state-of-the-art line of automation control systems suitable for connected customer applications enabling IoT. Watch out for our new products lined up for launch in India in coming years that will enhance our product portfolio.

Apart from this, we are executing on our plans for expansion with setting up our new production facility in Vadodara and the same will be operational in 2020. We will produce products to cater to domestic demand and global exports as well. The new plant will allow us to enhance our product portfolio for Indian market and become more competitive.

While a lot depends on the global and Indian economy outlook, with the support of our esteemed customers, channel partners and solution integrators, we are optimistic towards continuing the growth momentum.