Industrial Smart Grids: Optimize Energy and Performance

Industrial Smart Grids: Towards a More Efficient and Connected Energy Distribution

Industrial smart grids are redefining the way energy is produced, distributed and consumed in the industrial world.
Through the integration of digital technologies, automation and data analytics, these smart grids offer more efficient, reliable and sustainable electricity management.
For companies, they represent a strategic lever for reducing energy costs, improving service continuity and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon model.

This article explores the definition, operation, key components and concrete applications of smart grids in industry, as well as their benefits and challenges.

Definition and operation of industrial smart grids

Smart grid definition: a new generation of electricity grid

A smart grid is an electrical network that integrates measurement, communication and automation technologies to supervise, control and optimize energy distribution in real time.
Unlike a traditional grid, it allows a bidirectional flow of electricity and information between producers and consumers.

In an industrial context, this architecture facilitates:

• Optimization of energy consumption.

• The integration of renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.).

• Reduced service losses and interruptions.

Differences from a traditional power grid

• Bidirectional flow : the company can also inject its surplus production into the grid.

• Decentralized architecture : local production, flexible resource management.

• Adaptation to renewable energies : better consideration of their intermittency.

• Responsiveness in the event of a breakdown : faster detection and intervention.

Key components of smart grids

• Sensors and advanced instrumentation

IoT sensors, smart meters and network analyzers are at the heart of the smart grid.
At Radper, we offer reliable measurement and analysis equipment for industrial environments that enables accurate monitoring of power consumption and quality.

• Two-way communication infrastructure

Real-time communication between the different players in the network is essential. It is based on:

• A physical layer (electrical infrastructure).

• A layer of communication (protocols and connectivity).

• A computer layer (data processing and analysis).

• Energy Management Systems (EMS)

EMS makes it possible to monitor, control and optimize the energy performance of a site.
It identifies overconsumption, adjusts energy flows and improves overall efficiency.
Radper provides the essential components that can be integrated into this type of system.

• Energy Storage

Industrial batteries and storage systems help manage gaps between supply and demand.
This ensures a stable power supply even during consumption peaks.

• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Includes photovoltaic, wind or other local production facilities connected to the grid.

Industrial applications of smart grids to optimize energy performance

Managing consumption peaks

In an industrial context, consumption peaks can represent a significant cost.
Smart grids make it possible to:

• Detect increases in demand in real time .

• Automatically adjust certain non-priority loads (heating, lighting, secondary processes) to avoid exceeding the subscribed power.

• Prepare targeted load shedding scenarios to maintain critical production without interruption.

💡 Case in point : a factory equipped with power meters and connected to a storage system can smooth out its consumption by using its batteries during peaks. This reduces penalties on the bill and preserves the stability of the network.

Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance in an industrial smart grid is based on three pillars:

1. IoT sensors : measure temperature, vibration, voltage, etc.

2. Big Data : massive data collection and storage.

3. AI and machine learning : Analyze this data to anticipate failures.

Benefits:

• Reduction of unplanned downtime that can cost several thousand euros per hour in industry.

• Extending the life of equipment.

• Optimization of interventions (fewer emergencies, more planned maintenance).

💡 A typical case is to detect abnormal heating on a transformer before it fails and cause a complete shutdown of production.

Integration of renewable energies

Smart grids facilitate the integration of energies such as solar or wind power by managing:

• Intermittency (production varies according to the weather).

• Temporary storage (batteries, hydrogen, etc.).

• Synchronization with actual demand.

💡 In practice : an industrial site with photovoltaic panels can store the surplus produced at noon for use at the end of the day, thus reducing its use of the public grid and its CO₂ emissions.

Benefits of smart grids for companies and the energy transition

1. Reduced energy losses

By quickly detecting losses or imbalances in the network, smart grids make it possible to optimize distribution and limit energy waste.
Radper’s sensors can provide accurate measurements that facilitate this optimization.

2. Improved resilience

Resilience is the ability of the network to maintain continuous service even in the event of disruptions (outage, overload, extreme weather).
Smart grids:

• Immediately identify the origin of an anomaly.

• Can redirect the flow of energy to unaffected areas.

• Enable faster disaster recovery.

3. Reduced CO₂ emissions

By optimizing the use of renewable energy and reducing losses, smart grids contribute directly to carbon neutrality goals.
This allows industries to improve their carbon footprint and meet regulatory requirements more easily.

4. Cost optimization

Optimization is not limited to reducing energy bills:

• Adjustment of consumption according to hourly rates.

• Sale of surplus energy on the market.

• Reduced costs related to unplanned production stoppages.

Challenges and prospects for the future

1. Interoperability

One of the main challenges remains compatibility between equipment from different origins.
Standards such as IEC 61850 (communication in electrical substations) or IEC 62056 (telemetry) facilitate this integration, but their adoption is still incomplete.

2. Cybersecurity

With more connected equipment, the risk of cyberattack increases.
Manufacturers must set up:

• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

• Regular firmware updates.

• Secure protocols for data transmission.

3. Investments

Setting up an industrial smart grid requires:

• Upfront costs for sensors, storage, control systems.

• A budget for team training and maintenance.
  However, the return on investment can be achieved in 3 to 5 years through energy savings and reduced downtime.

4. Towards smart factories

The convergence of the smart grid + industry 4.0 will give rise to factories capable of:

• Automatically adjust their consumption according to market prices and the availability of renewable energy.

• Prioritise certain productions according to the energy capacity available.

Conclusion

Industrial smart grids are a concrete response to the energy challenges of companies: cost optimization, increased reliability and easier integration of renewable energies.
By equipping themselves today, manufacturers are giving themselves a sustainable competitive advantage.

💡At Radper, we support companies in modernizing their electrical infrastructure with reliable, high-performance components adapted to connected environments. Contact our experts to find out how to integrate these solutions into your industrial site.