Vicomtech applies artificial intelligence models in the digitization of the energy sector

The energy sector plays a key role in achieving the objectives in the fight against climate change

Thanks to the digital transformation, opportunities arise to increase energy efficiency, to integrate renewable energies, to improve distributed generation, to promote the circular economy and to develop a more sustainable transport. Artificial intelligence will be a differential vector due to its advantages in analytical capacity.

Machine Learning technology is already used in some companies for customer segmentation, price forecasting, or fraud detection. In addition, artificial intelligence algorithms improve the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures and the confidentiality of data.

Smart management of generation assets

The application of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques allows the creation of a digital twin that reproduces the behavior of an infrastructure, allowing the evaluation and analysis of all its operating parameters. In this way it is possible to plan operations safely and much more economically. Digitization allows the Integrated Operation Centers to evolve from traditional operating models (located “in situ” at the facilities) to remote control and external support models. Technologies such as Big Data, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and IoT, facilitate the tasks of predictive and prescriptive maintenance of assets. These technological enablers play a very important role in prolonging its useful life.

Efficient integration of renewable energies

With regard to the integration of renewable energies in the electricity production system, its digitization transforms the consumer into a "prosumer": a consumer with the capacity to produce, store and even sell energy to the grid. In addition, the creation of microgrids, such as local production centers that operate as a digitalized intelligent distribution network, favor the development of demand response systems (Demand Response) that will provide the energy complex with greater flexibility and security.

Smart grids

The digital transformation in electricity transmission and distribution networks comes hand in hand with demand treatment, analysis and management tools (Demand Response), detection of technical and non-technical losses, or semi-autonomous operation of the network thanks to technologies of self-learning. The digitization of low voltage networks allows for better integration into the distributed generation or electric vehicle network. The existing advances in artificial intelligence systems also allow the implementation of computer vision solutions on current surveillance camera circuits of electrical substations for their remote maintenance or to reinforce and optimize security.

Smart mobility

The new models of sustainable mobility, such as carsharing, autonomous driving, or the advent of electric vehicles and charging infrastructures, will evolve the sale of energy and the use of the electrical network. Smart charging will help manage it optimally, allowing vehicles, thanks to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, to transfer the electricity stored in car batteries to the grid.

Vicomtech, with 20 years of experience in the development of artificial intelligence and wide international recognition, makes its applied research capabilities and multisectoral technological background available to all organizations and companies in the energy value chain in the process of digitalization of the sector. energetic.