Edge computing platform in a digitalized IoT environment
A newly developed edge computing platform in a digitalized IoT environment enables the digitalization of grids and the transition to advanced energy services. It builds on the smart energy meter, which in this case acts as a data source and as an accelerator for advanced energy services. It incorporates powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. It enables external partners to develop applications on an open development and technology platform, fostering the development of an innovation ecosystem within and outside the power engineering domain.
During the development of the platform, we used technology solutions that are already known from other contexts, such as smartphones, but have never been used in the context of smart metering. Existing meter and back-end system functionalities can coexist on the platform with new functionalities and back-end systems.
The new edge computing platform was awarded the Silver Award of the Gorenjska Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the supporters of INOvativnost, MGT, and SPIRIT Slovenia. Photo above shows the Iskraemeco’s innovation team.
We create game-changing innovations on a global scale
The green transition requires smarter and more complex power management. Because of the widespread use and the huge amount of data smart meters generate, they are proving to be an ideal management tool. However, they have been developed primarily to measure energy consumption and are intended for use in electricity distribution systems, which requires them to be metrologically certified, cost-effective, highly reliable and have a long service life. As a result, they are functionally limited and cannot be upgraded for other purposes in the long term (they become obsolete). They are also subject to a highly regulated development cycle that significantly increases the time required to build a new application. In addition, they limit the integration of third-party applications that can add value outside the current scope of the company.
These limitations restrict the applicability of smart meters for smart energy networks and services, which is problematic from a financial perspective given the significant investment in the smart metering system.
The Edge computing platform completely eliminates this problem, allowing meters to be upgraded with an additional EDGE Compute module that enables complex data processing, is easily scalable, and is open to the integration of external partners.
The open development and technology platform facilitates the creation of an innovation ecosystem that enables startups, small and medium-sized businesses, to integrate our solutions and internationalize their businesses.
The new edge computing platform was awarded the Silver Award of the Gorenjska Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the supporters of INOvativnost, MGT, and SPIRIT Slovenia.
eIoT EDGE Compute module for the digitalization of the grid and transition to advanced energy services
Currently, electricity meters are designed for execution of a single application – smart metering, which includes electricity measurement and some additional functions (profile storage, limited monitoring of the power grid, and limited control of external devices). They are also primarily designed for a single end user – the electricity distribution network manager. In the future, meters will have additional applications, they will be used in environments that cannot be predicted today, and most importantly, they will need to be more flexible and have a faster development cycle than is possible today.
The EDGE Compute platform is a functional upgrade/extension of electricity meters that enables the execution of distributed services between the Cloud and the Edge and the integration of partners into the offering.
It surpasses all existing limitations of meters:
- Enables the execution of complex algorithms for data processing, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Enables the simultaneous and mutually independent and isolated execution of many applications.
- The open development and technology platform enables involvement of external collaborators and implementation of their applications.
- It enables the implementation of services in conjunction with cloud computing.
- Significantly reduces development time and introduces a DevOps methodology.
The development of a specific eIoT EDGE compute module (type code AC360-A6) that is intended to replace the existing communication module provides these features. This principle allows for a functionally limited but cost-effective initial implementation of the meters, and when the need to expand functionality arises, the communication module is replaced with an EDGE module (without disconnecting and interrupting meter operation). This allows for a variety of investment scenarios, ranging from a simple initial installation that can be upgraded as needed, to a mixed or full EDGE compute installation. In addition, the EDGE compute functionality can be integrated into an existing meter infrastructure.
A newly developed edge computing platform in a digitalized IoT environment enables the digitalization of grids and the transition to advanced energy services.
An innovative solution for a sustainable energy transition
The green transition requires smarter and more complex energy management. Smart meters are proving to be an ideal tool in this regard, as they are universally applicable and provide extensive data. By integrating energy services into our product using the EDGE Compute platform, we have enabled the circular economy. In doing so, we are providing a fundamental component to the concept of smart cities and communities. As the population and infrastructure density increases in urban areas, so does the potential for connected infrastructure such as smart grids. When we combine all of this with the platform, we can achieve a wide range of sustainability objectives. The platform also creates a new market share for services, as it offers the opportunity to create new jobs. These will be of higher quality and have greater added value. They will enable the continuous development of competencies, collaboration with external partners and thus the dissemination of knowledge.
The newly developed platform is a technology that facilitates the green transition and an innovation developed by a multidisciplinary group. Collaboration within the company and with external experts has had a positive impact on motivation and has significantly increased the level of knowledge and expertise in the field of these solutions at the company level. By developing such innovations, employees have a stronger sense of connection and collective belonging. By pursuing a sustainable development strategy and implementing initiatives such as this platform, we are creating a better future for future generations and for our company.
The innovation enables advanced energy services and the transformation of a traditional smart electricity meter into a device that enables smart and environmentally friendly energy consumption. This is achieved by improving the functionality and connectivity of the smart meter so that we do not have to throw it away and buy a new one. This reduces the amount of materials and resources needed to make new devices. The development enables data analysis and integrated calculations. As for the hardware, the development of the new platform is in line with the company’s strategy, which means that all the principles of the circular economy have been implemented.
The newly developed platform addresses current issues and has the following implications:
- Integration of services that contribute to the development of networks in a sustainable manner: Data enables the empowerment of end users in the context of energy efficiency and energy efficiency at the network level.
- Energy consumption forecasts: Better forecasts and predictions of consumption and production allow us to identify the gaps that need to be addressed, leading to higher energy efficiency, lower losses and better information for system stakeholders.
- New business models: service and solution orientation, offering a comprehensive solution to the customer and advising on the design of a spectrum of functionalities to help the customer address its particular challenges.
The new platform is being created in line with the company’s “Innovating for life” strategy. Innovation is a component of a digital platform that transforms data into actionable ideas and solutions. Our applications enable businesses and cities to make smart decisions that enable businesses and consumers to live better, create a better future and promote sustainable living. Above all, innovation has the primary effect of enabling the company to enter entirely new market segments. Innovation enables the introduction of high value-added services and the transition from a product-oriented to a service-oriented society.
