What if utilities were run with cloud-like efficiency?
Ericsson is seeking a way to distribute power as efficiently as the cloud distributes computing resources with the opening of a new Global Utilities Innovation Center in Plano, Texas. The new fully functional facility, built within an existing complex, has a purpose-built operating lab and demo environment locations. The first objective is to help utilities companies solve their connectivity challenges, it said, but the ultimate aim is to give power distribution some of the liquidity and market efficiencies that the cloud brought to the IT and telecoms sectors. Ericsson North America’s Head of Utilities, Energy & Industrials, Koustuv Ghoshal, said his department would be partnering with utilities around the world on their “grid modernization journey.”
Power cloud
Power and water companies can use the Ericsson centres to experiment with different 4G and 5G use cases, collaborate and build prototypes with Ericsson’s partners. The facility is integrated with Ericsson’s device testing lab nearby, so where utilities and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) partners can safely test the interoperability of their field and IoT devices over critical networks. Ericsson’s Texan estate includes an Experience Center in Plano and Ericsson Labs in Richardson, Texas. As a fully functional end-to-end operational lab, the centre contains a physical representation of a utility smart grid, so they can simulate a realistic demonstrations of end-to-end private networks operations across the power grid, examining every step of the way from generation and transmission to distribution to end users. A reality twin, rather than a digital twin.
The Ericsson experience
Ericsson promises an interactive, engaging experience to showcase Ericsson and partner solutions for utilities. “At each point, you can see the benefits of the latest generations of cellular wireless networks in enhancing security, resilience and efficiency of the power infrastructure,” said Per Wahlen, Head of Business Development at Ericsson North America. In the same week, Nokia opened its ASTaR security labs in Dallas. European comms vendors are attracted to the Dallas area by its operating costs low, cheap cost of living and low taxes, according to business site 7T. It’s also the best way to demonstrate leadership in telecoms, according to Nokia.