Siemens is committed to support digital transformation of the Thai industrial sector toward low-carbon practices and sustainability, showcasing IoT solutions and latest power distribution technologies from Siemens Xcelerator portfolio at ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week 2023

Under the theme “Accelerate Transformation Towards Decarbonization and Sustainable Industry”, Siemens aims to boost the potential and facilitate efficient management of electricity within Thailand’s industrial ecosystem while also addressing CO2 reduction in operational processes involving electrical assets.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the industrial sector accounted for the highest share of energy consumption in 2022, amounting to 37%. The industry is confronted with challenges in its pursuit of achieving Net Zero, prompting a major transformation of operations, particularly in electric power.

In addition, the power distribution system has become more complex with the integration of additional renewable energy sources, industrial operators must accelerate the adoption of innovation and automation technologies to optimize processes, enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to minimizing CO2 emission, all in alignment with sustainability goals.

Suwannee Singluedej, President & CEO of Siemens Thailand said “Siemens is committed to introducing innovative solutions and technologies that facilitate the digitalization of industries while efficiently managing energy costs. This can be achieved through three core pillars: Decrease CAPEX & OPEX, Enhance Efficiency, and Replace with Technology which means using technologies to optimize operations. These efforts will help advance the industries toward low-carbon practices and sustainability.”

Today, the success of industrial operators’ lies largely in the optimization of operations. This leads to the significance of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and Digital Transformation as essential components in elevating competitive capabilities. According to the Association of the Industrial Energy and Power Industry, the industrial sector is grappling with significant challenges in effectively managing electricity. This includes 60% of industrial companies experience one power outage at least once a year, while 80% contend with unplanned power shutdowns that result in extensive losses. Furthermore, 53% of power producers frequently require preventive maintenance for electrical assets due to a lack of real-time asset-transparency. Additionally, 50% rely on equipment from diverse suppliers, resulting in inefficient data connectivity that hampers the effective control and management of electricity. Collectively, these challenges present persistent hurdles in contemporary essential electrical power management, thus necessitating innovative, technology-driven solutions.

Siemens’ Smart Power Distribution and IoT Solutions offer an enhanced capacity and a comprehensive approach to tackling these challenges. Highlighted solutions and technologies at ASEW 2023 include:

• Power IoT Solutions: for power plants, power stations, substations in factories, and other infrastructures in industrial estates
  • Microgrids for Sustainability: Microgrid application effectively monitors and manages power distribution from various renewable energy sources including traditional power stations, hydroelectric power, photovoltaic arrays, and more. It enables the highly cost-effective and efficient utilization of these diverse renewable energy sources while ensuring the stability of the power system.
  • IoT Applications and Cybersecurity: IoT applications designed to facilitate the control and real-time monitoring of electrical asset status, they provide data and generate digital document, accessible via on-premises servers or the cloud. This helps reduce unplanned power outages and unnecessary preventive maintenance of electrical equipment. As a result, it boosts production continuity and efficiency. Moreover, data security is assured through an energy automation portfolio that is certified for Cybersecurity as per the world’s first IEC 62443-4-1 standard.
  • Smart Power Monitoring and Management: Applications that assists in monitoring and managing electric power for the main distribution board, enabling the tracking of electrical equipment and low-voltage systems status within the facility. This capability facilitates the optimization of electricity utilization in the production process. It also aids in energy-saving planning, rapid detection of electrical faults, and subsequent loss reduction.
  • Scale Up E-Mobility and Manage Loads: The application that monitors the operational status of electric vehicle charging stations, providing real-time updates on the charging point’s condition and remote-control capabilities. This functionality aids in the reduction of management and maintenance expenses while optimizing the charging point’s efficiency to its maximum potential.
• Innovative and Eco-Friendly Switchgear (Medium-Voltage blue GIS) utilizes Clean Air without fluorine gas (100% F-gas free) to help reduce global warming. It is maintenance-free, making the power distribution system more sustainable.
• The Innovative and Intelligent Motor Management System (SIMOCODE pro), installed within the main distribution board (SIVACON S8 Low-Voltage Switchboard) enables real-time monitoring of operational status of low-voltage motors. It facilitates real-time monitoring of the operational status of low-voltage motors, thereby reducing motor maintenance costs and enhancing uninterrupted production operations.
• E-House is a prefabricated substation supporting industrial sectors seeking rapid and sustainable project expansions. The E-House can be deployed swiftly, therefore substantially shortens project timelines. It is versatile, allowing for easy relocation, modifications, or reuse in new projects.

Furthermore, Siemens also exhibits SICHARGE D, marking its debut in Thailand. This high-performance DC charger for electric vehicles has earned the prestigious iF Design Award 2023 in the Automotive category.

“As industries transition towards a carbon-neutral society, it is important to be well-prepared and technologically equipped for the energy transformation. In the midst of the expected complexities of future electric networks, there are additional challenges in seamlessly integrating renewable energy into current setups. These difficulties involve the complex tasks of the power grid system that needs to serve both Consumer and Prosumer. Therefore, the future power system technology must be ready to handle energy shifts, ensuring top-notch effectiveness, stability, and resilience across various applications, all while prioritizing sustainability,” Suwannee concluded.