Ameren Illinois, an electricity and natural gas utility that serves about three quarters of the state of Illinois, has chosen ABB to deliver predictive maintenance solutions as part of its multi-million dollar initiative to modernize its energy delivery infrastructure.
“We are investing significant resources to modernize the grid, improve reliability and deliver value for our customers,” said Ron Pate, Ameren Illinois’ Senior Vice President, Operations and Technical Services.
ABB’s Ability Ellipse Asset Performance Management (APM) software will help the energy company to more accurately predict and prevent equipment and infrastructure failures across a power delivery system that features 4,500 miles of transmission lines and 46,000 miles of distribution lines—and 1.2 million customers.
Power utility companies traditionally perform regularly scheduled check-ups to maintain their grid infrastructure. But while these check-ups can detect obvious problems or assets on the verge of failure, they may not predict the conditions that could lead to possible future failures.
That’s where ABB’s technology comes in. Using AI and machine learning, the Ability Ellipse APM uses sensors, data and advanced analytics to constantly assess the real-time condition of assets, identifying when they might need repair or replacement well ahead of potential failure. With this information, Ameren Illinois can prioritize repairs and maintenance work—increasing worker safety and productivity, safety and return on investment from its assets.
"Utilities rely heavily on their power networks to deliver electricity to their customers safely, reliably and economically," said Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s Grid Automation business. "ABB continues to strengthen its position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid."
In addition to implementing ABB’s software, Ameren Illinois has installed storm-resistant utility poles, automated switches and sensors, stronger power lines, and outage detection technology in communities throughout central and southern Illinois. The utility has also installed new smart meters for its customers as part of its modernization efforts.
Ameren Illinois already has a close relationship with ABB: its power grid already features ABB power transformers, and its APM software will integrate with existing ABB software that performs network management, data acquisition and distributed control systems among other services.
The energy and utilities sector as a whole is increasingly relying on advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning and advanced neural networks to manage fluctuating supply and demand. These technologies are also useful in incorporating power from traditional and renewable sources into its grid—which Ameren is investing heavily in. Technology leaders like ABB will continue to be in high demand as power grids across the world modernize.
Read more about ABB’s other cutting-edge projects at ABB to Build Advanced Robotics Factory in Shanghai.