Transforming electricity access through smart sensors & grid efficiency algorithms

Electricity distribution network operators (DNOs) in developing countries are facing significant challenges to address the energy trilemma- offering clean, affordable and secure energy. Increased demand for electricity coupled with the rapid shifting of supply to distributed generation requires DNOs to increase monitoring, analytics and optimisation to continue to provide a cost-effective service. Instead of installing expensive, cumbersome SCADA systems and making costly grid expansions, OrxaGrid provides a smarter, lower cost alternative through retrofitting IoT enabled devices on critical grid nodes and monitoring them for efficiency improvements. In this project, OrxaGrid will collaborate with SCOPE, an established Indian electrical sector company and University of Reading’s energy systems team to take the system to the next level. We will develop a unique interoperable gateway and add advanced algorithms that improve grid efficiency by forecasting demand and renewable generation, predicting theft and technical outage locations and identifying spare capacities in the grid. Grid operators can use OrxaGrid’s web/mobile dashboard to take active steps at mitigating the energy trilemma.