Analytics in Power & Utilities (P&U)

The role of analytics in Power & Ulitilies

Industry 4.0 is transforming industries significantly, giving them a quantum leap in reliability and efficiency. It comes as no surprise since the past three industrial waves have done the same.

Moving into an era of OT/IT, advanced robotics, Big Data, autonomous machine learning, IOT, and AI among others, for analytics to be a success in the Industry 4.0 timeline, it’s important to have a strong underlying information gathering system.
 

Value chain analysis and the role of analytics in Power & Utilities

The value chain of the power sector is spilt into different levels based on maturity.

Transmission & Distribution (T&D)

• Network management: Information gathering systems such as MDAS (Meter Data Acquisition System), AMRs (automatic meter reading), GIS mapping, SCADA systems, etc., are still under installation in most state-run DISCOMs. To that extent, the sector is a step or two away from realizing full benefits from analytics and related systems. But in the near future, analytics can play a significant role in CBM (Condition Based Monitoring) and predictive asset maintenance. The right mix of sensors and associated analytics can give network managers a good view of the AHI (Asset Health Index), which can be used not only for maintenance but also for replacement of poor assets. 
• Customer management: Information systems on the customer management aspects are already fairly robust (barring, of course, true IoT of electrical equipment at a household level, industries are already using EMS (Energy Management Systems)), which can provide a strong base for DISCOMs in detecting fraud, better DSM (Demand Side Management), and better customer service.
• While these systems are globally very mature, the adoption in India is relatively in early stages.

Generation

• As compared to T&D, the information systems in generation are more evolved in India. Most modern power plants in India have access to 5-6000 real-time sensor information per unit in the DCS (Distributed Control System), which is capable of capturing up to 15000 data points. These data points give real-time performance indicators on key equipment—such as temperature, pressure, vibration, noise levels, etc. Traditionally, however, inputs from the DCS are used by the control room engineers only to monitor performance of various equipment, and not for analytics. In the recent past, there have been innovations on predictive analytical tools that gather the DCS data (OT), and also the ERP data—IT (such as maintenance logs, asset logs, operating histories, etc.) to pick patterns of machine performance under various operating conditions, which in turn is used to predict potential failures and improve efficiency and reliability.
• Unlike T&D, the analytics solutions in generation, globally, are still nascent, but these tools offer promise in transforming the sector in the coming years, especially in India.

How Deloitte can help in the digital transformation of the P&U ecosystem

• Program manage digital transformation.
• Work with clients in identifying challenges, defining the transformation roadmap, and customizing the solution.
• Serve as implementation partners of analytical tools.
• Work with all the stakeholders within the P&U ecosystem, becoming an active contributor to the design of these innovative new-age solutions.