Luceo Energy is using its SaaS solution, Luceo Platform, to speed up its efforts towards a clean energy future.
Luceo Energy says the Luceo Platform gives network operators access to real-time data and analytics to manage their low voltage networks, which is now more complicated to work with due to demand for rooftop solar.
Luceo Energy adds that the modular software platform gives operators real-time visibility and critical insights from data it collects across the energy network to control distributed loads and manage fleets of distributed renewable resources. such as rooftop solar.
Luceo Energy CEO Patrick Matweew says network operators in the low voltage segment of their networks have little visibility or real-time data available to transition to a clean energy future.
“The move from a centralised, fossil-fuel electricity system to a smart decentralised, renewable energy ecosystem redefines the role of energy distribution networks,” he notes.
“Distributed and diverse renewable energy resources require different network capabilities. Safety and cost-effective management of the consequences of an increasing penetration of rooftop PV systems in Australia is at the forefront of most network executives’ minds.”
“These PV systems, as well as other renewable energy sources, are often very variable in their generation and managing that has emerged as one of the key challenges that must be addressed,” Matweew says.
He suggests that to overcome the variability challenge in a secure, reliable and affordable way, network operators need access to real-time data and advanced analytics to react quickly and effectively.
“To successfully transition to this new dynamic operational model, it requires data from every feeder in the network to enable data driven decision-making to predict and manage changing network conditions,” he says.
Matweew claims that the capabilities of the Luceo Platform have already been realised following a large-scale pilot with a major Queensland energy provider.
“Unfortunately, too many network operators are struggling with network management and clarity on where to invest their resources to manage key operational KPIs, such as quality and cost of supply more effectively,” Matweew notes.
Aside from the operational benefits, Luceo Energy says the Platform can provide vital network safety information. Two-level detection for Broken Neutral faults brings a significant improvement to safety for consumers. The continuous feed of data enables operators to see where and when problems are emerging with high accuracy, and take action to protect the health and safety of consumers.
The modular features of the Luceo Platform allow network operators to choose the right mix of features for their specific situation. This ranges from analytics for network data assets, machine learning to predict future constraints, dynamic control of loads and distributed energy resources (DER), alerts and notifications, and a customisable dashboard that ties information and insight in one platform. Additionally, Luceo Energy can provide accuracy and secure data acquisition solution hardware.
Matweew claims the platform is designed to process data from different types of sensors installed on the network and pinpoints problems so that network operators can take action to mitigate risks to the network, property, and even life.
Matweew illustrates how the platform works. “We give network operators all of these things out of a single platform. Once you have this kind of visibility, you can see how your network breathes and act on demand response and dynamic load control, such as giving commands to solar inverters, pool pumps or hot water tanks to turn on or off, to manage distributed loads.”
“There are many ways for network operators to collect data from the field, and with the broad spectrum of the Luceo Platform, they get monitoring, visibility, analyses and control, ensuring better outcomes can be achieved as we move towards a clean energy future,” he says.
“The new world of energy networks requires flexibility and more dynamic solutions to manage intermittent sources like renewables. We believe it is important to start now, collecting real time data and learning how to use it to ensure safe and secure operation of distribution networks and to better plan for the benefit of all customers and our planet,” Matweew says.
“The diverse data that the Luceo Platform can collect has huge implications for both consumers and network operators, and ultimately the cost of electricity. Access to data and analytics allows better decisions with regards to investment. Having visibility allows networks to make targeted investments that deliver tangible benefits to consumers. This will ultimately lead to lower costs for consumers without sacrificing safety of quality of supply,” he concludes.
Luceo Energy received $2.6 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop a proof-of-concept data platform that will integrate data from various sources to overcome challenges for distribution network service providers in managing DER within low voltage networks.
To do this, data will be acquired from networks, project partners, and third parties including network infrastructure, network connected devices such NBN hubs, smart meter data, smart DER data such as batteries and inverters.
