There are many types of wireless technology, including broadcast communications like radio and television, radar communication, cellular communication, global positioning systems (GPS), WiFi, Bluetooth and wireless Internet service.
The electrical industry uses various types of wireless technology to support plant automation strategies and operations. The following 7 benefits of wireless technology in the electrical industry are important for any electric power company looking to increase productivity, improve safety and reduce downtime.
1. Improved Safety
Wireless technology is used across the world to communicate data. It’s found in radios, cell phones and remote-controlled drones. It is safe, but you should always be aware of how much radiation you are exposed to.
In the electrical industry, wireless technology is used to monitor steam traps, settling ponds and other areas that are difficult or impossible to access with wire. This allows plant operators to glean information that improves safety, reliability and efficiency.
The ability to access these areas from a distance can save money by eliminating the need for installation, wiring and battery replacement. It also eliminates the need for workers to climb ladders to change or charge batteries and can help protect them from a fall.
While the benefits of wireless technology are great, it is important to remember that you should always follow government guidelines for your health and safety. This is because the radiation from wireless devices can be hazardous if you are not careful.
The good news is that wireless technology is becoming safer by the day. The FCC sets standards that limit the amount of radiation you can receive from wireless devices. In fact, the FCC states that there is no evidence of a link between long-term exposure to wireless devices and cancer or other illnesses.
2. Increased Efficiency
Wireless technology is used in a variety of applications to transmit data and power from one device to another. It can also be used to connect devices to a wired network.
A number of wireless solutions are now available, from point-to-point microwave links to Bluetooth wireless networking. These technologies replace cables and allow devices to communicate with each other and with humans, making it easier for workers to monitor equipment and machines on the plant floor.
* Enhanced Efficiency
The electrical industry is always on the lookout for new ways to improve productivity and efficiency, and wireless technology is an excellent choice. It enables workers to access equipment from any location and can help to reduce downtime by giving them the ability to check up on operations.
* Improved Data Availability
Wireless systems are designed to deliver more data to plant managers than conventional wired communication systems. This translates into better diagnostics, which can prevent manufacturing issues from occurring and ensure plant processes remain efficient and effective.
Wireless systems can be used in a variety of remote applications, such as monitoring power plants from remote wind farms and solar energy facilities. Battery-powered wireless transmitters transmit data over long distances back to a powered node that can then process the information. This can save millions of dollars in wiring costs, and helps to ensure accurate kilowatt hour production calculations.
3. Improved Productivity
Productivity gains are a result of any aspect of the production process becoming more efficient. In the electrical industry, wireless technology has made it possible to boost output without increasing labor input.
This is an important development in the electrical industry, as it allows more employees to focus on their primary jobs instead of spending more time performing tasks that are less relevant to the business. This also means that power plants can hire fewer people for more positions, thereby improving overall efficiency and employee morale.
Another benefit of wireless technology is improved worker safety. Using a wireless network can help plant workers monitor their equipment and prevent injuries from accidents. This is especially useful in situations where a machine isn’t working properly, which can be a huge safety risk for an employee.
For example, power plant operators can use wireless acoustic transmitters to monitor steam traps within the plant. This will help them avoid costly downtime and save money.
Using wireless technology in the electrical industry can also reduce wiring costs and installation times. This is especially helpful for power plants that have trouble laying wires in certain areas. Using wireless technology can allow companies to cut their wiring costs by 50% or more.
4. Improved Communication
One of the most valuable benefits of wireless technology is its ability to improve communication. By allowing employees to access information wherever they are, companies can get work done faster and more efficiently.
For example, if a machine isn’t working properly, a technician can send a sensor to check the problem. This can help identify the problem before sending someone in to fix it.
Another benefit of wireless technology is its ability to help power plants become more sustainable. This can allow power companies to convert their facilities to renewable energy sources, which can save them money in the long run and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, wireless systems can enable workers to monitor their own equipment to make sure it’s operating properly without putting themselves in danger. This can improve safety and overall efficiency at a plant.
While wireless systems have been around for a while, they are evolving rapidly. New technologies such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6 can improve data throughput, reliability and latency. However, these new solutions are more complex than past technologies, so experts must be involved in implementing and operating them.
5. Easier Installation
In the electrical industry, wireless technology is used to transfer power in different ways. For example, it can be used to connect transmission lines, or to decrease the voltage that is transmitted.
Another important use for wireless technology is to send data signals between different types of devices. This can include computers, printers, cameras and even cell phones.
This type of technology can also be used in the power plant to transfer analog data “control signals” between variable frequency drive (VFD) units and a centralized control system. This can help reduce project capital expense and start-up time, Dolenic said.
Aside from its ease of installation, wireless also makes it possible to monitor and track equipment without putting employees at risk, such as when testing turbines or measuring water levels in settling ponds.
Although there are many benefits to wireless technology, utility operators must choose the right technology to suit their needs and budget. The right technology can help improve safety, efficiency, communication and other key factors that are crucial for a safe and productive workplace.
6. Reduced Costs
Wireless technology offers a range of benefits to the electrical industry. These include increased safety, improved efficiency, and better communication.
In addition to these benefits, the implementation of wireless technology can also help reduce costs. It can allow power plants to cut down on their wiring expenses, for instance.
Another benefit of wireless technology is that it can help power plants use renewable energy sources more effectively. This will decrease carbon emissions and improve the environment around the plant.
It can also improve the efficiency of a power plant by providing data about what is going on with equipment. This information can be useful to managers when making decisions about production.
It can also be used to track the locations of assets. This can save money on storage and transportation costs, and can help a retailer manage inventory more efficiently.
7. Increased Flexibility
Wireless technology allows plant workers, inspectors and engineers to be more mobile on the manufacturing floor, eliminating the need for them to be rooted to a specific location. Using their tablets or smartphones, they can access open work orders, inspection checklists and other critical information to speed up diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair tasks.
As a result, they can spend less time moving and more time working productively. This can lead to increased efficiency on the plant floor, which can ultimately reduce operating costs.
Another benefit of wireless is that it eliminates the need for wires, which can cause clutter and make maintenance more difficult. Additionally, wires are often damaged by vibration or weather conditions.
This is especially important in an industry like the electrical one, where a lot of machinery and equipment needs to be moved around. By removing the need for wires, manufacturers can save time and money on replacements and repair, as well as improve their sustainability by not creating e-waste.
In addition, wireless power is helping the electrical industry evolve into a more technological future. Battery-operated devices, for instance, are becoming a regular feature at wind farms and solar energy facilities. They allow plant managers to monitor production remotely and to determine kilowatt hour output.
