IoT for Green Energy
The green transition is driven by data. Optimizing wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, and hybrid facilities requires the constant collection of measurement data. We need to be able to adjust the angle of the rotor blades in real time and control water flows with precision. But there is one challenge common to nearly all green energy production: location.
The best locations for wind and water are rarely found in city centers. They are located in the mountains, in the forest, or along rivers. There, communication infrastructure is often limited. Running fiber to every wind turbine is not economically viable. The solution is wireless, robust IoT connectivity.
The challenge of sparsely populated areas and coverage
If you operate a wind turbine in inland Norrland, you can't take chances with which operator has coverage. It can vary from hill to hill. Purchasing different subscriptions for different sites creates an administrative nightmare.
Advisera solves this with our roaming SIM cards. Our cards are not tied to a single operator. They constantly scan the airwaves and lock onto the mast offering the best signal strength at that moment. This ensures that your production data reaches the control room, regardless of whether it is Telia, Telenor, or someone else who has built the mast nearby.
Bring all energy types together in one view
Energy companies often have a mixed portfolio. You may have hydroelectric power plants with old control systems, modern wind turbines, and environmental sensors that measure water levels in tributaries. Managing this in different portals is inefficient.
With Cisco IoT Control Center, you can manage all your connections in one place. Whether it's a 4G router in a wind turbine or a battery-powered NB-IoT sensor at a dam gate, you can see the status in the same interface. We give you the tools to scale up your portfolio without increasing the administrative burden.
Security for socially important activities
Energy production is classified as a socially important activity. Threats to the sector are increasing. Leaving control systems open to the internet is a risk that cannot be taken. We offer infrastructure that enables private networks (APN) and fixed IP addresses.
This creates a closed tunnel between your power plants and your monitoring system. No unauthorized person can "see" your equipment on the network, which drastically reduces the risk of cyber attacks and intrusions.
Frequently asked questions about energy connections (FAQ)
What is the difference between NB-IoT and 4G for energy?
4G (LTE) is used when you need to send large amounts of data quickly, for example for real-time control of a turbine. NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) is used for battery-powered sensors that only send small data packets infrequently, such as a level meter in a watercourse. We support both technologies.
Can your cards withstand cold and harsh environments?
Yes, we offer industrial SIM cards that are ruggedized. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and moisture, which are standard requirements in wind turbines and hydroelectric power stations.
How do we ensure access for maintenance personnel?
Our fixed IP and VPN solutions enable your operations staff to securely connect to the facility remotely for troubleshooting, without having to open firewalls to the entire internet.