There is a rising awareness globally of the need to move towards sustainable energy sources. Consequently, there is a need to innovate and create customized energy solutions that improve access to renewable energy. The solutions created will play an important role in improving efficiency and profitability in the sector.
Smart Grids
One of the key components of customized energy solutions is smart grids, a technology used to control appliances via two-way communication. A smart grid transmits real-time information, which enables users and grid operators to respond quickly to changes.
Smart grids ensure that the grid is connected to energy management software, which makes it possible to estimate energy consumption and associated costs. In general, electricity prices rise with increased demand. Consumers can access information about energy prices. At the same time, grid operators can conduct more effective load handling while making decentralized power generation more feasible.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Analytics
IoT devices gather massive amounts of data from decentralized energy systems such as solar panels. By using data analytics, the information can help to optimize energy production by these systems. IoT relies on sensors and communication equipment to send real-time data for optimal decision-making.
IoT is crucial for integrating local energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. Additionally, it can help turn many small-scale producers and consumers into an integral part of energy grids. Large data gathering, integrated with efficient algorithms for real-time data analysis, create patterns for different devices in varying timescales to create efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML will undoubtedly have a transformational impact on the blossoming renewable energy space. They can be important tools in grid management by providing better forecasts for load management. Additionally, they can help ensure better grid management via better-scheduled maintenance of grid components.
With the increased adoption of electric vehicles and the electrification of heating systems, the complexity of the grid will increase. Reliance on centralized grid systems to produce and distribute power is also expected to reduce as alternative energy sources grow in use. As millions more people adopt these new energy systems, it could place immense pressure on the grid.
The use of ML and AI to manage decentralized energy sources can ensure stable energy grids, with power being accurately directly to where it is needed. In short, AI and ML could act as the conductor in an orchestra to ensure everything works in harmony at all times.
AI and ML will be one of the most important customized energy solutions of the future. They will enable a shift from an infrastructure-reliant legacy model to more resilient and flexible grids. At the same time, they will ensure better handling of consumer privacy and data. As grids become more resilient, policymakers will more readily focus on increasing renewable energy generation and distribution.
Private-Public Sector Participation
Another important component of customized energy solutions is the private sector. Actors in the private sector are motivated to innovate and compete. The result is increased benefits for everyone. A good example of this is the PC and smartphone industry. Due to competition from various brands, the past few years have seen innovation in charging technology, storage capacity, and various capabilities of smartphones. Modern smartphones are orders of magnitudes more power and have more utility than any computers produced in the 80s.
The private sector will drive future energy solutions. The sector is driven to offer the best innovation since there is an incentive to survive. Private firms are the best judge of what solutions solve existing problems.
However, the public sector also has an important role to play. Unlike the public sector, private companies have no incentive to scale innovation. By working together with private actors, the public sector can help to ensure innovations in the energy sector are scaled.
Now that we understand the components that facilitate customized energy solutions, here is a closer look at specific solutions that help to make it a reality.
Mobile Energy Storage Solutions
Mobile energy storage is one of the market’s most recent customized energy solutions. It eliminates fossil fuels from commercial vehicles for the use of LiFePO4 battery systems. These systems have optional solar panels to collect energy while on the road.
One of the major benefits of these systems is the elimination of noise and pollution. Additionally, these systems lead to lower costs. For commercial vehicles, lots of energy is wasted in the idling state. A commercial mobile energy storage solution can better manage energy in the idling state. It also eliminates other costs, such as costly engine maintenance, which includes oil and filter changes.
Motive Power System Solutions
Most of the non-road vehicle sector is powered by lead acid batteries, which are slow to charge, and require spare batteries. These batteries are also high maintenance and have a high risk of acid corrosion and blow-offs. Additionally, lead-acid batteries present a major environmental challenge in how they are disposed of.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries can help eliminate these challenges. They have greater storage, are safer, and weigh less. Additionally, they have a greater lifespan, which can lead to improved revenues for their owners.
Residential Energy Storage Solutions
Residential energy storage is another important customized energy solution. Battery banks allow consumers to store power generated by their solar systems and use it during off-peak hours. Additionally, they can be used to store energy from the grid during off-peak hours for use during peak hours.
With modern power management software, home energy storage can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Another major benefit is that they can ensure your home is always powered on. The Grid system sometimes goes down, leaving homes without power for hours. With a home energy storage solution, you can always ensure your appliances are powered. For instance, it will ensure your HVAC is always running to provide a comfortable experience.
In general, home energy solutions help to make green energy more feasible. It makes it a more enticing option for the masses, who can enjoy the benefits at all times of the day—for instance, opponents of solar energy point out that it is intermittent. With scalable home energy solutions, any home can enjoy the benefits of solar energy. With LiFePO4 batteries, a great amount of energy can be stored in a limited space without any risk to the home. Thanks to the long life of these batteries, you can expect to fully recoup your investment. Combined with a battery management system, these batteries can be expected to maintain high storage capacity throughout their lifespan.
Summary
The future of the energy grid will rely on numerous customized solutions to ensure a resilient and efficient grid. While there is no single solution, all of these can work harmoniously to ensure a great experience for everyone. Many governments recognize this, which is why they offer numerous incentives. These incentives can take the form of grants or tax breaks.
If you opt to utilize customized solutions for improved access to energy, you could qualify for one of these incentives. The best way to do this is to speak to a qualified installer. They will offer information, including upgrades you could make to the home to make it more efficient. These upgrades could include purchasing new appliances, which lead to massive energy savings in the long run.
