Advanced distributed power is the future

Continued smart grid investments are forcing utilities to evolve, changing how their perceive power delivery and distribution. These changes are expected to benefit both provider and consumer, while enabling key reliability and sustainability trends for businesses. However, in order to leverage this evolution, it is critical for firms to understand how energy grid infrastructure is going to change, and how to facilitate those improvements through advanced serial to Ethernet converters and other substation and transmission line upgrades. In many instances, that future rests along side distributed energy systems, and how they are "invading" current power infrastructure, changing the way providers look at how power generation occurs.

Where is distributed energy today?
The current state of distributed energy architectures is in flux. Consumer adoption of roof-top solar panels, increased focus on self-run power wind farms for major corporations and other, community based energy projects are already influencing change in power grids across the nation. Furthermore, changes in Germany have demonstrated exactly how powerful a successfully integrated distributed energy system can be - increasing demand in other nations. In the U.S., the challenges for such improvements are different, but the end results could be much the same.

It is possible for utilities to better leverage newly available resources to reduce reliance on traditional power sources and turn to more sustainable, renewable resources. However, this will require firms to focus on smart grids to enhance their grid infrastructure and network functionality.

Enabling success with smart grids
The optimization of power generation and streamlined deployment of enhanced distribution and delivery solutions relies on improving communication across power grids. Increased smart grid investments will help utilities accomplish this, as long as firms are deploying the right hardware to facilitate smooth data transmission in both directions. Advanced serial to Ethernet converter and Remote I/O solutions will be essential for facilitating these changes. Ultimately, this growth will depend on utilities' commitment to success in this regard.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.