The Distribution of Energy and Role of Automation
Originally published in Automation &Distribution Journal, June/July 2021 https://www.industr.com/en/_storage/asset/2614823/storage/master/file/21676648/A&D%20Jun-Jul%202021.pdf Energy distribution systems, an inter-networked and intricately balanced collection of sources and load, are experiencing a time of unprecedented change. Following decades of underinvestment, energy systems have become a priority area to address local issues of critical infrastructure rebuilding and resiliency as well as customer empowerment while also supporting the wider goals of climate change, energy sustainability and economic development. Automation, which is an inherently data driven effort, has become an integral part of the energy industry. Evolving from pneumatically driven components designed to mimic manual human actions, initially automation was implemented through relay logic or a series of standalone controllers, depending on the industry sector. Today, programmable control