Utilidata and Sense are joining forces to create the first-ever digital twin of the electric grid that maps power flow, voltage, and infrastructure from the substation to the home
The virtual grid model will enable unprecedented levels of grid visibility, allowing for improved efficiency, reliability, and utilisation of distributed assets.
Working together Utilidata and Sense are combining their areas of expertise with innovative machine learning, to create a real-time, responsive view of the secondary electric grid. This methodology is being piloted in collaboration with National Grid, a long-time partner to both Utilidata and Sense.
Carlos Nouel, vice president of smart solutions at National Grid, said: “Sense and Utilidata have developed technologies that are intrinsic to our ability to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our customers.
“The integration of these two technologies can demonstrate the value of real-time data and enable us to optimise how we operate the system. Having this information will allow us to be even more customer-centric, responsive, and reliable.”
Utilidata’s software will analyse Sense’s high-resolution data to produce a digital twin of the secondary electric grid. Because the model draws on real-time, high-resolution data and machine learning, it responds to changing conditions and will also detect and forecast grid performance, including the variable activity of distributed energy resources (DERs).
For this reason, the digital twin enables unprecedented levels of grid visibility while offering a path toward the seamless integration of DERs, the successful accommodation of growing numbers of electric vehicles (EVs), and scenario modelling.
Marissa Hummon, chief technology officer of Utilidata, commented: “We are currently at an inflection point, where the increasing, rapid customer adoption of electric vehicles and onsite storage are outpacing the ability of the grid to adapt.
“Utilities need grid analysis and operation tools that are responsive, precise, and quickly deployed to ensure that electricity delivery remains accessible and reliable while becoming more sustainable. We are excited to work with Sense’s high-resolution data and customer insights to introduce meaningful technological advancement to the grid.”
