Saving energy with fiber optics?
1. June 2023
4 Min read
For sustainability
The aim is to replace fossil fuels with sustainable and renewable energy production. This is a key objective of global initiatives that aim to protect the climate. At the same time, we are all aware that we need to use electrical energy more efficiently. And that we should reduce energy consumption in general. All of this can only be achieved if the power supply infrastructure is expanded, adapted, and equipped with intelligence.
Why should power grids become more intelligent?
In the future, they will connect more decentralized energy producers such as hydro and wind power plants, solar fields, and local photovoltaic systems. The municipal utilities need to know in real-time how much these energy sources can feed into their grid. They must be able to measure and regulate the flow and consumption of electricity over long distances just as quickly so the supply network remains stable.
This generates a significant amount of data traffic. Many measuring devices, sensors, controllers, IT systems, and electricity exchanges have to communicate with each other on a permanent basis. This makes it possible to manage the supply network and use it efficiently. However, this also requires a certain amount of processing power and digitalization, i.e. intelligence.
The smart grid is being created
High-performance, secure data transmission between power plants, control rooms, data centers, and consumers must also be guaranteed. Extensive 5G and fiber optic networks will take on this task. They offer high transmission rates and bandwidth.
The smart grid is created from the connection of power grids, broadband networks, and digitalization. It is the «Internet of Energy», which ranges from wind power plants to washing machines and electric cars. In this way, energy-saving potential can be exploited, a stable power supply ensured, and price advantages put to good use.
That’s the assessment from today’s perspective. The road to a complete smart grid is still a long way off. Network infrastructures still need to be established and expanded, particularly with regard to customers.
Expanding fiber optic networks
How can the necessary, expanded broadband or fiber optic infrastructure be established? There is every reason to cultivate Fiber to the Home (FTTH). In addition, the convergence of broadband technologies such as 5G and fiber optics should be pursued. We call it the holistic fiber model that I presented in our specialist magazine CONNECTIONS 63 (pages 32+33).
The utilities themselves could become active. They have masts, shafts, pipes, distribution stations, and other equipment everywhere. They have rights of way and access to buildings and land. These are ideal conditions for installing fiber optic cabling. At the same time, they could offer consumers other useful Internet services or rent out their fiber optic cables.
With fiber optic cabling, utilities also contribute to sustainability. Optical fibers are more environmentally friendly than copper cables. They consist of quartz sand, the mining of which consumes fewer resources than copper. Further advantages: Fiber optics are more durable and fiber optic data transmission requires less electrical energy.
R&M solutions for smart grids
R&M provides utilities with all the support they need for the construction of fiber optic networks and smart grids. The product portfolio offers:
- Complete cabling solutions for harsh ambient conditions
- Outdoor connectivity for power plants, buildings, WiFi, 5G, and edge data centers
- Heavy-duty fiber optic cables
- Services: Consulting, pre-termination, measurements, quality assurance
Discover the R&M solutions for municipal utilities and operators of broadband networks.