Posted on Monday, September 17, 2018 by Steen Schelle Jensen
Introducing SCADA for district heating distribution
The value embedded in smart meter data is undeniable, but unlocking that value requires the right tools. Kamstrup’s new analytics platform, Heat Intelligence, is a direct result of our continuous investment in maximising the value our customers get from their data.
Analytics you can act on
Analytics you can act on
Heat Intelligence enables utilities to go beyond merely observing meter data to refining and analysing them in order to uncover what caused them. The tool is based on a model created by Kamstrup’s own data scientists and combines meter data with facts about the network pipes to calculate and visualise how heat travels in your infrastructure – because when you know what happens underground, you are able to better target your efforts and resources.
For example, if a building’s forward temperature is lower than expected according to the Heat Intelligence model, the issue could be a defect service pipe or poor pipe insulation. If higher, it could be caused by a leakage or bypass. Whatever the reason, knowing the actual state of the network is the prerequisite for being able to act on it and reduce your heat loss.
Heat Intelligence also gives utilities a precise picture of the load throughout their distribution network. This transparency shows how well their theoretic planning matches reality, so that they are able to validate their design rules. In this way, you can maximise utilisation of your capacity and target investments in network maintenance by e.g. estimating pipe lifetimes based on load and conditions rather than just their age. It also provides important knowledge for dimensioning new pipes and planning future expansion of your supply area.
Heat Intelligence allows you to replace theory and gut feelings with data directly from your network.
Data-driven disruption
Heat Intelligence is a unique and disruptive approach to smart data analytics first of all because it does not require utilities to invest in any additional field equipment – in or above the ground. Instead, the tool uses what is already out there: heat meters with temperature and flow sensors in all connected buildings.
Secondly, it provides a very high accuracy and statistical significance because the calculation model behind it is based on thousands upon thousands of measurements from smart meters – every single day. This adds the seasonal and historical perspective to reveal developments and trends over time, which is lacking with e.g. airborne thermography.
Finally, because the tool analyses measurements from all end points in the distribution network based on specific knowledge about its pipes, utilities can create virtual meters that can calculate temperature and flow anywhere in their network – even where there is no heat meter installed. This provides full transparency down to individual pipe sections.
Real-time decisions require real-time data
Ultimately, Heat Intelligence allows you to replace theory and gut feelings with data directly from your network. With the increasing number and complexity of the decisions utility professionals must make every day, this provides the data-based decision support you need to optimise your distribution network.
Do you want to know more about data analytics?
Learn more about our analytics tool, Heat Intelligence, right here.