AI gains bigger role in reliable and cost-effective power industry

The technology helps improve the predictability of equipment.

Predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining a more important role in a more reliable and cost-effective power sector.

“It has the potential to decrease maintenance expenses by as much as 30% and boost equipment availability by 20%,” GlobalData said in its new report “Predictive Maintenance in Power: Strategic Intelligence.”

By combining data analytics, machine learning, and real-time monitoring, utilities can now predict the future condition of their equipment, such as wind turbines and solar panels, more accurately.

For instance, some companies have equipped their turbines with sensors to monitor variables, such as temperature, vibration, wind speed, and output. This allows for precise data collection, facilitating improved performance and maintenance of the turbines.

Meanwhile, energy storage systems use predictive maintenance to help in maintaining the stability, reliability, and efficiency of power grids.

“The recent technological trends, including digital twin technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing, are increasingly being leveraged in predictive maintenance. These advancements are proving instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of maintenance strategies across the power industry,” said Rehaan Shiledar, power analyst at GlobalData.