Tuesday 25 April 2017

Tech firms partner to optimise smart grids

A new partnership between technology firms aims to optimise the performance of smart grids.

The strategic collaboration between ABB and IBM aims to use Internet of Things technology to predict supply patterns in electricity generation and demand from historical and weather data.

The companies hope this will help utilities optimise the operation and maintenance of smart grids, which can often prove complex due to the new balance of conventional as well as renewable power sources.

Forecasts of temperature, sunshine and wind speed will be used to predict consumption demand, which will help utilities determine optimal load management as well as change prices in real-time.

ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer said: "ABB is a trusted leader in the industrial space and has a four-decade long history of creating digital solutions for customers. IBM is a leader in artificial intelligence and cognitive computing.

"Together, IBM and ABB will create powerful solutions for customers to benefit from the fourth industrial revolution."

The EU has approved the creation of a joint venture focused on smart grid expansion.