Top 5 Mobile Tech Features for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Workers

Top 5 Mobile Tech Features for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Workers

Jim Dempsey

The era of massively centralized energy sources is giving way to highly distributed renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and even hydrogen cells. Centralized energy production from the likes of coal, gas and nuclear sources are managed as large single entities that distribute electricity. However, distributed energy resources (DERs) need to be managed in new ways that have the capability to control thousands of individual energy generation units and coordinate their output, maintenance, and reporting with more agility than traditional power generation systems. Overall, this means an increase in operational efficiency on the part of energy companies.

The Smart Grid

Electric power grids have gained intelligence through the addition of control points that monitor performance of the distribution system. The addition of DERs has brought new types of intelligence that puts computerized components at every generation point. This population explosion of data means more robust reporting and control but brings with it more responsibility to support and manage the grid and its components.

Smart components that incorporate communication technology allow them to be managed remotely for routine functions. However, they also require hands-on maintenance - meaning workers need to be able to get to them, identify which parts need attention, and perform diagnostics and repair procedures in the field. This requires solutions that can manage increased data workflows with reliable performance in a variety of different environments and conditions.

Key features for managing DERs using mobile computing

Field technicians need to be equipped with durable and robust mobile computing devices that can perform reliably under demanding conditions whether indoors or outdoors. Here are the five most important features every field technician’s mobile computing device must have to assure their ability to manage DERs.

Built-in durability - Protective cases add bulk and don’t adequately protect tablet screens and the electronics inside. Look for laptops and tablets that are built to be tough and withstand not just drops, but extreme temperatures.

Screen visibility in both darkness and bright sunlight - Most tablets deliver great visibility indoors and in shaded areas, but DERs and the smart grid are built around outdoor components. Field technicians need to be be able to see what is on their screens even if they are working outdoors in bright sunlight. Look for mobile computing units that deliver screen visibility at all levels of brightness.

Water and dirt immunity - Rain, snow, and dirt are part of working on smart grid components and technicians are tasked with getting components working regardless of weather conditions. Look for tablets and laptops that can withstand rain, and whose keyboards and screens can be washed when they get dirty.

Long battery life - Mobile computing batteries need to continue to perform for an entire shift and beyond. When emergency repairs are needed technicians don’t have time to recharge their batteries. Look for units that perform for full days and have swappable batteries for those extra long days away from charging ports.

Communicate under adverse radio conditions - Smart grid devices may be located in remote areas with poor cellular coverage, but technicians rely on having full time robust connections to their offices to access documentation and management systems. Look for mobile devices that include specially designed antennae that can maintain communication even under poor reception conditions.

For more information on Panasonic rugged device offerings in the utilities industry click here.

Earth Day 2018: decarbonized and in demand

Earth Day innovation

Earth Day 2018: decarbonized and in demand

4 minutes

Three recent developments could help to spur investment in sustainable power and accelerate the move to a new energy system. First, one of the world’s most powerful investors called on some of the largest companies to do more to “respond to broader societal challenges.” In his 2018 letter to corporate heads, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned companies to understand the ways broad, structural trends, including climate change, would affect company growth potential.   

At about the same time, New York City announced its goal of divesting its $5 billion holdings in oil companies from its pension funds. The announcement follows other states and municipalities in California, Texas and New England that have either divested in fossil fuel makers, written policy that promotes renewable energy or done both.

Turning point for renewables

The third development is the rise of megastorms such as Hurricane Irma and Harvey. The storms helped to make 2017 a record year for insurance payouts—about $135 billion--linked to natural disasters and other catastrophes, according to global reinsurer Munich RE. 

As thousands are expected to gather to celebrate Earth Day later this week, we ask, can there be a better time to invest in renewable energy? 

We are at a turning point as the devastation wrought by natural disasters and the dramatic cost reductions of renewable power, batteries and electric vehicle fleets are accelerating a move to a new system for energy. 
Promising innovations point to a path forward. In “The Sunny Optimism of Clean Energy Shines Through Tech’s Gloom,” Wired Magazine highlights innovations such as microgrids, solar + storage tech and renewable energy calling clean power “the new Silicon Valley—filled with giddy, breathtaking ingenuity and good news.”

Panasonic plays a technology and manufacturing leadership role in the falling prices and improving performance of developments in this energy future: solar power generation, batteries used in both vehicles and for power storage and electrified driving. We may be best known for its lithium-ion batteries powering the world’s best known electric vehicle brands. In EVs, we are playing a leadership role applying manufacturing scale and technology improvements to the dramatic cost reduction in cylindrical battery cells. We’re making similar progress with prismatic batteries. 

Manufacturing solar roof tiles with Tesla

Solar technology and manufacturing developments show similar promise in their ability to power the new energy future as battery tech. For instance, in Buffalo, New York Panasonic is collaborating with Tesla in the production of solar cells for building roof tiles—a product that integrates high-efficiency photovoltaics with roofing materials. 

We’re also working with Toyota Motors on solar tiles for autos. Last year the global vehicle maker began using our HIT Photovoltaic for autos on Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid vehicles. These auto roof panels have a high output (approx.180 Watts) enabling them to charge the car’s lithium-ion batteries and 12 V batteries, resulting in a possible extension in travel distance and increased fuel economy

Building energy diversity

Diversification of sources is critical to the sustainability and security of a new energy system. Hydrogen is drawing attention as an alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power. It is the most abundant element in the universe and reacts with oxygen to generate electricity. And because the only substance created during this process is water, it is very clean. For over 20 years, Panasonic has conducted R&D on hydrogen energy. It has commercial projects in Japan and Europe and sees promise in North America.  

We’ll have more on decarbonized and in demand innovation in upcoming blogs. 

Happy Earth Day!
 

Authors
Jeff Howell - President of Panasonic Industrial Devices Sales Company of America

How renewable energy will power 5G mobile service

green tower

How renewable energy will power 5G mobile service

5 minutes

In early 2018, news headlines lit up with AT&T’s announcement that it would roll out next-generation 5G mobile internet in a dozen markets by the end of the year, expecting to be the first company in the U.S. to do so. Industry analysts called it a bellwether for the future of high-speed Internet capabilities as mobile network operators around the globe begin to evolve their infrastructure to accommodate the increase in power consumption–and energy & operational costs–that are anticipated to accompany the move to 5G technology.

To address these challenges, communications companies are looking to greener, more efficient energy grid and tower technology as a crucial path to staying competitive. Ericsson, in collaboration with Panasonic Corp. of North America, has already begun trial deployment of a new, sustainable energy-as-a-service solution at hundreds of sites across North America, with plans to rapidly expand in 2018. 

Smart, sustainable grid and tower technology 

The advanced energy solution, called Green Tower, combines Panasonic lithium-ion batteries and solar modules with site-management software and big-data analytics, providing an efficient way for mobile operators and tower companies to measure, monitor and maintain energy infrastructure. The partnership between Panasonic and Ericsson, a leader in communications technology and services, promises to provide a smoother transition to 5G for mobile network operators, arming them with the capability to more cost-effectively generate and manage the energy needed to power a faster network while still maintaining compatibility for their legacy systems and users.

One recent EU study projects dramatic growth in energy use by the telecommunications industry, forecasting that this sector could be responsible for over 50 percent of global power usage by 2030. Energy is the largest controllable expense at a cell tower site, after fixed rent, which is why, for carriers to be competitive, they will need a smart energy solution that slashes usage levels and provides energy management capabilities as 5G moves forward.
 
A new industry standard

Lithium-ion batteries came into significant use in the 1990s and the technology is being embraced because the cells are non-toxic, lighter than lead-acid batteries, and can also perform useful work, providing cost and energy efficiencies. In addition, the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is 10+ years—at least double that of a lead-acid battery. A longer shelf life greatly reduces the cost and maintenance burdens of performing battery replacements at wireless towers, and in fact has a lower 10-year total cost of ownership than lead, making it a smart choice for deployment today that will continue to provide advantages as the industry evolves. 

These types of advanced energy solutions offer network operators the ability to select energy providers and sources from a centralized location as circumstances dictate. For example, Panasonic’s lithium-ion battery backup systems can be charged during low-cost nighttime hours and used as primary energy sources during the day in markets with suitable tariffs.

When coupled with smart site management controls, energy storage not only improves site resiliency but can cut operating expenses, offering a crucial advantage that will possibly become the industry standard as energy and operating costs continue to rise. In addition to smart, sustainable energy storage, the Green Tower platform also has the capacity to generate energy through solar panels and generate revenue through provision of grid services. 

Economic value from disruptive technology

A few years ago, global consulting firm McKinsey identified renewable energy, such as what’s being used to power the Green Tower platform, among two dozen disruptive technologies that would account for trillions of dollars in economic value in the decade ahead. Panasonic is deeply engaged in almost half of these technologies. That’s important because when industry leaders are creating new experiences, like the move to 5G, chances are, they’re going to need to stitch together different disruptive technologies into an integrated solution. Panasonic is uniquely skilled at bringing together these technologies.

“Panasonic Green tower will reduce the total cost of ownership for energy equipment by up to 40%, primarily driven by longer battery life and fewer maintenance site visits. This advanced technology is a good example of how circular economy reduces environmental impacts through longer product life, replacement of lead in batteries and reduced need for transport,” says Bradley Mead, Head of Network Managed Services at Ericsson.

In addition to Ericsson’s work, other communications companies around the world are exploring advanced energy solutions as a viable option for expanding their network capacity. Wireless carriers are already commencing deployment and trials of Panasonic Green Tower in Latin America, Australia and the European continent. Motorola will upgrade 80 of its sites in Norway with this advanced energy technology in March.

“Panasonic field trials of Green Tower have shown impressive results, including the highest level of network availability for our customers,” says Bob Buethe, MSSSI Vice President, Managed and Support Services, Motorola Solutions, Inc. “We are excited for the potential of renewable energy to power the next generation of high speed wireless service.” 

It was also recently announced that Crnogorski Telekom, Montenegro’s leading telecommunications service provider, has signed a ten-year Battery as a Service managed services agreement with Ericsson. As part of the deal, Panasonic will be responsible for dimensioning, manufacturing, supply, performance guarantees and support for battery and power infrastructure.

Learn more about Green Tower.  

Authors
Philip Herman, PE - Vice President – Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company
Herman leads Panasonic Corp. of North America’s Green Tower Solutions, which provides comprehensive energy innovations for the Information and Communications Technology sector.