Advancing Energy Resource Management

The Challenge

A leading renewable energy company contacted Keyfive, seeking an advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management system (DERMS) for their onsite power generation and Energy Storage System (ESS). The client's primary challenge was the complexity of managing distributed energy resources, such as solar and gas generators, batteries, utility power, optimal energy source utilization, and predictive energy awareness. They required a solution that would provide real-time insights, interoperability across multiple vendors, predictive signals, and advanced data analytics to ensure a resilient service. 

The Solution

Keyfive took a holistic approach toward developing an advanced DERMS solution, combining the sophistication of digital twin technology with the practicalities of energy management. The crafted solution ensured energy resiliency, optimal system uptime, end-to-end observability, and round-the-clock energy delivery with state-of-the-art protocols.

By integrating key components into a cohesive, custom solution, Keyfive addressed the client's immediate challenges in managing distributed energy resources and equipped them with an adaptable, efficient and secure system to deliver reliable and optimized energy services to their customers for years to come. 

Key Solution Components

Digital Twin-Based Energy Resource Management: 

  • Materialized digital twins of solar panels, gas generators, batteries, and upstream power resources provided a deep understanding of performance and facilitated optimized utilization. 

  • Real-time monitoring and AI and ML-powered analytics unlocked insights into system performance and predictive energy management techniques to efficiently anticipate and respond to energy demands. 

  • Integrating digital twins into a highly secure cloud environment, enhancing data sovereignty and system reliability, and protecting against cyber threats. 

Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Predictive Maintenance: 

  • The solution emphasized continuous observation and predictive maintenance of critical field assets. It reduced unexpected downtime by forecasting potential equipment failures and maintaining optimal energy production and storage. 

  • The system identified and rectified inefficiencies in energy processes, improving overall operational efficiency. This process optimization was vital in maintaining the balance between energy supply and demand. 

Customizable Interface and Data Analytics: 

  • Keyfive's solution offered customizable dashboards and reporting tools, tailored to provide the client with relevant and actionable insights and to aid decision-making. 

Scalable and Interoperable Technology Framework: 

  • Embracing open standards in IoT and digital twin technology, the solution ensured flexible integration with various systems – crucial for harmonizing the diverse components of the energy ecosystem.

  • The system was built to scale and adapt to changing industrial requirements and future energy needs, instilling long-term value in the client's investment.

Rapid Deployment and Continuous Support: 

  • Rapid implementation guaranteed minimal disruption to existing operations while fast-tracking the integration of advanced technologies. 

  • Keyfive continues to provide ongoing support and iterative improvements based on feedback and evolving industry trends to maintain client’s leadership within renewable energy management. 

Results

The adaptation of Keyfiive’s digital twin platform and custom development services for DERMS transformation yielded significant benefits, including: 

  1. Enhanced Reliability and Availability: The solution ensured optimal asset utilization, minimized downtime, and maximized the availability of generators and batteries. 

  2. Predictive Maintenance: Machine Learning enabled predictive maintenance, preemptively identifying and resolving potential issues before they resulted in significant operational disruptions. 

  3. Optimized Power Utilization: Real-time data analysis allowed the client to respond dynamically to changes in energy demand, optimizing power utilization and efficiency. 

  4. Informed Decision-Making: The analytical dashboards provided powerful performance insights into the client's energy resources, aiding strategic decision-making.

Conclusion

Keyfive successfully adapted its IoT platform and provided custom development services to transform the client’s distributed energy resource management. The company now enjoys improved reliability, availability, and optimized power utilization of their generators and batteries. Keyfive continues collaborating with the client, fine-tuning the system based on insights gleaned from the data analytics.