By Mike Rosenberg CEO of Circadian. 

To achieve better energy resilience and meet decarbonization goals, Telco networks are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources that not only perform more sustainably but also provide substantial cost savings. However, managing energy from multiple sources presents a significant challenge, as bridging data into a centralized computer such as the Cloud requires considerable bandwidth.

Edge computing offers a solution by enabling efficient data processing and real-time decision-making at the network’s periphery. Instead of transmitting vast amounts of data generated across energy networks to centralized infrastructures, edge computing processes it locally. This approach supports rapid control decisions, which are essential in the energy sector where delays can disrupt operations. Edge computing allows for batch data processing, leading to quicker identification and restoration of outages, and enhances grid reliability.

Current grid-edge devices typically offer closed-loop computing, restricted to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The reliance on cloud computing for real-time algorithms adds latency, limiting responsiveness to grid needs that change in microseconds. Edge computing enables technologies to react promptly to grid requirements, avoiding operational issues.

Circadian Technologies’ advancements in grid-edge computing allow control over devices, expanding applications to include load management, generation control, self-healing networks, transactive energy, and microgrid control. Edge computing supports the complex management of decentralized grids, enabling responsive local control decisions and integration with central data centers for overall grid management.

Edge computing facilitates instant data processing and response to fluctuations and demands within the grid. This leads to reduced outages, efficient energy distribution, and enhanced grid reliability. By deploying edge devices at renewable energy sites, operators can gather critical data to predict and manage energy surpluses and deficits, ensuring a stable grid. Edge computing enables rapid, efficient decision-making, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy and managing modern energy infrastructures effectively.