Honeywell announced the launch of Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities, an advanced AI-enabled platform designed to enhance the operations and performance of utility grid assets. This innovative solution aims to modernise the utility sector by leveraging the latest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin technologies, aligning with the broader trends of automation and energy transition.
The new platform is part of the Honeywell Forge suite and is specifically tailored to help utilities monitor their assets, identify root causes of issues, and employ predictive analytics for more proactive grid management. Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities facilitates automation processes such as demand response and distributed energy resource management, which are crucial for increasing grid reliability and stability.
“Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities is designed to enhance existing systems, providing greater value to utility companies’ investments and supporting a seamless combination of capabilities from various tools into a single, reliable platform,” said Hamed Heyhat, President of Honeywell Smart Energy and Thermal Solutions (SETS). “Through the power of digitalisation, utilities will now have access to more quality data to better serve their customers and assets.”
Traditional utility grids, built over a century ago, were designed for predictable, top-down energy distribution. However, today’s utilities are grappling with the challenges of interpreting vast amounts of data from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and managing the integration of diverse and less predictable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles.
Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities addresses these challenges by delivering near real-time insights that help utilities improve grid operation and manage the variability associated with new energy sources. The platform provides a bottom-up forecast of energy demand, available distributed power generating assets, and controllable loads, offering heightened operational visibility. This enables utilities to better balance energy supply and demand, contributing to overall grid reliability and resiliency.
“The industry needs an innovative solution to help store and digitalise the multiple data streams from complex utility infrastructures around the world,” said Ben Dawson of SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Central Florida. “Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities’ ability to receive real-time actionable insights on one connected platform helps utilities better connect with their customers worldwide.”
The platform integrates, organises, and visualises data from various sources to accelerate analytics processes and convert utility grid data into actionable, real-time business and operational insights. It supports a range of applications from Honeywell and third-party partners like SparkMeter, facilitating a comprehensive approach to utility management.
