Switchgear integration with AI and ML for predictive maintenance

Advanced switchgear enhances cybersecurity and predictive maintenance, facilitating seamless integration with renewable energy sources. This paves the way towards a sustainable energy future, ensuring reliability and efficiency in evolving power grids.

Spokespersons

Piyush Garg, Director- Balaji Switchgears

Prince Sharma, General Manager- Sales & Marketing, Power Switching and Monitoring Business Application- Socomec

Yogesh Verma, Vice President and Business Unit Head of Switchgear- Panasonic Life Solutions India

Ganesh Kothawade, President- Distribution Solutions Division, Electrification Business- ABB India

Fast-paced advancements in the switchgear industry lead to obsolete technology as inventories become non-moving articles or dead stock. Manufacturers should be mindful when introducing new technology, as this can result in extensive product waste and an increased carbon footprint for the planet. According to a report by IMARC, the global transfer switch market size has reached US$ 1.7 billion in 2023. IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 2.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate of 5.6 per cent during 2024-2032. Experts in the industry share details of the various aspects of the switchgear innovations with the EPR Magazine. 

Technological innovations and evolution

The Indian government focuses on advanced power grids and improved data systems, which opens opportunities for R&D and advanced products in the switchgear industry. Switchgear systems have IoT integration, communicable solutions, compact designs, versatile connectivity, and enhanced features. Such innovations have improved the scope for every industry to advance its electrical systems and machines. These switchgear components reduce power loss, are eco-friendly, can help the planet in the long run, and have an improved product life cycle.

The transfer switches are predominantly used in data centres, commercial buildings, hospitals, and residential settings. Transfer switches link power sources and the equipment they serve, minimising downtime and ensuring continuous power supply. These switches are segmented into automatic transfer switches and manual transfer switches. 

Gradually yet consistently, there is a transition towards automated systems, encompassing communication compatibility, seamless integration with Battery Monitoring Systems (BMS), and simplified setup through easy configuration systems alongside off/on load testing. As demands evolve, Automatic Transfer Switch Equipment (ATSE) equipped with integrated and specialised controllers featuring fire inputs, DC power supply, self-powered setups, and higher IP protection become the cornerstone of advanced, future-proof system architectures.

Looking ahead, several key trends are set to drive the future of the TSE market. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into switchgear systems is also on the rise, enabling more sophisticated predictive maintenance, fault detection, and energy optimisation strategies. Moreover, as the energy landscape continues to evolve with a greater emphasis on decentralised energy resources and microgrids, switchgear systems must become more adaptable and resilient to manage these complex networks effectively.

Prince Sharma from Socomec says that in India, Socomec has firmly established itself as a leader in switching technology, built on providing safe and reliable load break and changeover switches. “Meeting the ongoing technology innovation, Socomec’s TSE range adheres to the non-negotiable standard of IEC 60947-6-1, and our systems provide personalised dashboards and intuitive layout offering access to crucial data, empowering users to make informed decisions and prioritise what truly matters for them. With seamless compatibility and open protocols, we can guide the users effortlessly through the digital transformation journey,” he said.  

Modern data control methods, IoT integration, and advanced monitoring systems provide better control, real-time data analytics, and enhanced reliability. Compact, cost-effective products are popular for their space-saving benefits in switchgear panels. Intelligent switchgear compatible with smart grids efficiently manages fluctuating renewable energy. Advanced materials research has also improved efficiency and sustainability.

With increasing demand for reliable electricity and a push towards green energy, the switchgear market is poised for significant growth. Several upcoming segment domains will witness significant investment, starting with renewables, semiconductors, green hydrogen, etc. In addition, investment in infrastructure will surely push for growth in metals, mining and cement. All the above segments are witnessing double-digit growth. The digitalisation of power systems and the adoption of advanced technologies like eco-friendly switchgear and sensor-based protection systems will result in further opportunities soon.

Renewable energy creating new trends

Switching to renewable energy alternatives for power, an array of requirements opened up for the industry. Switchgear today has to be adaptable to renewable energy grid systems. These switchgear components ensure stability by managing power fluctuations and ensuring a reliable power supply. There is a surge in battery storage solutions, an essential component for RE systems. Piyush Garg from Balaji Switchgears shares that India is progressing towards smart grids, whose basic demand is IoT-enabled, communication- and control-capable switchgear. He says, “From a sustainability perspective, we have already established the need for environment-friendly raw materials for such components.” 

Everyone understands the urgent need to comprehensively address energy security, grid stability, and operational efficiency. The rapid growth of data centres and infrastructure is helping to promote advanced switchgear technologies. Policymakers and stakeholders should deliberate on the way forward for India’s energy sector, stressing the vital role of renewables and the necessity for innovation and investment to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future.  

Out of the total installed capacity of 429 GW in India, renewable sources contribute to 200 GW. It is vital to modernise the power grid to meet the escalating demand for electricity, enhance the reliability and resilience of the power system and reduce the environmental impact associated with power generation.

Yogesh Verma from Panasonic Life Solutions India opines that generating electricity from renewable resources is crucial today. In India, wind and solar power are widely used. He says, “To maintain a stable grid, switchgear systems must manage the variable nature of these energy sources. This need drives switchgear design, materials, and functionality innovation, promoting eco-friendly designs and recycling. Advanced switchgear with smart grid capabilities is essential for real-time monitoring and control of renewable energy integration.”

Growing concerns about climate change have led to industry players committing to sustainable goals. Ganesh Kothawade from ABB India states that there is a dedicated effort to build environmentally friendly equipment and components that reduce the carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. He says, “ABB has always been committed to its sustainability goals. A recent example has been the launch of one of the first eco-ready GIS for 11kV, a significant technological breakthrough. The digital initiative would positively impact switchgear sustainability in terms of developing sensors and M&D devices, which would result in potential savings in CO2 emissions.” 

Growth of the switchgear market

The Indian government has introduced initiatives such as Make in India, NEMMP, PM Kusum, The Smart City Mission, and others to promote the switchgear industry and aid the electrical equipment manufacturing sector. The commendable efforts to provide electricity in remote parts of the country are incredible and impacted the agriculture industry. Conventional agricultural yield methods are transitioning to playhouse greenhouse cultivation. There is increased emphasis on advancing reliable energy storage solutions to address grid stability and intermittency challenges, leading to a projected rise in demand for the switchgear industry.

The growth of the Transfer Switch Equipment (TSE) market in India is driven by several key factors. Rapid expansion in the power distribution sector, spurred by increasing electricity demand and the need for reliable infrastructure. As India embraces renewable energy, replacing outdated switchgear becomes imperative, further stimulating market growth. The country’s robust industrial infrastructure and substantial power generation capacities increase the high demand for TSE solutions. Urbanisation accelerates this trend, fostering a diverse industrial landscape and extending into Tier 2 and 3 markets.

The TSE market is poised for continued expansion, driven by increasing emphasis on cybersecurity, energy efficiency initiatives, and government support. Projections indicate substantial market growth in TSE will increase by USD 4.14 billion at a CAGR of 7.42 percent between 2023 and 2028, with opportunities emerging from integrating advanced monitoring, control, and maintenance systems. As regulatory pressures mount, manufacturers also focus on developing environmentally friendly solutions, albeit facing challenges such as counterfeit products and refurbished switchgear products. Overall, the market’s evolution is forecasted to be robust, with expected growth in size and sophistication driven by these dynamics. 

The switchgear market in India is growing due to rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects like smart cities, metros, and expressways. Future opportunities lie in providing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for renewable energy. The adoption of IoT and smart grids will enhance power control capabilities. The rise of EVs and smart homes will also require advanced switchgear systems.

Seeing new segments emerging and backed by a strong fundamental base is exciting. Segments like renewables, data centres, e-mobility, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and battery manufacturing are the prominent ones that would be in the delta growth in switchgear in the market. Centre’s capacities are expected to double in two years and are further pushed by an increased focus on digital assets, 5G & AI. Focusing on sustainable or green energy adds opportunities for green hydrogen and e-mobility. Investment in local manufacturing of semiconductors and batteries is expected to contribute positively to switchgear growth. 

Piyush Garg

Director,  Balaji Switchgears

“India is progressing towards smart grids, whose basic demand is IoT-enabled, communication- and control-capable switchgear. From a sustainability perspective, we have already established the need for environment-friendly raw materials for such components.”

Prince Sharma

GM- Sales & Marketing, Power Switching & Monitoring Business Application, Socomec

“Meeting the ongoing technology innovation, Socomec’s TSE range adheres to the non-negotiable standard of IEC 60947-6-1, and our systems provide personalised dashboards and intuitive layout offering access to crucial data.”

Yogesh Verma

Vice President and Business Unit Head of Switchgear, Panasonic Life Solutions India

“To maintain a stable grid, switchgear systems must manage the variable nature of these energy sources. This need drives switchgear design, materials, and functionality innovation, promoting eco-friendly designs and recycling.”

Ganesh Kothawade

President- Distribution Solutions Division, Electrification Business, ABB India

“The digital initiative would positively impact the switchgear sustainability in terms of the development of sensors and M&D devices, which would result in potential savings of CO2 emissions.”