news and insights - agile digital

Home » news and insights

Announcing the Launch of ProcessTherm

Introducing ProcessTherm: Your Next-Generation Thermal Monitoring Solution

Agile Digital is excited to announce the launch of ProcessTherm, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize the way you monitor and maintain your electrical infrastructure.

The Future of Thermal Monitoring is Here

As industries continue to evolve, so do the challenges of maintaining safe and efficient electrical systems. At Agile Digital, we understand the critical importance of reliable thermal monitoring in preventing equipment failure, reducing downtime, and ensuring operational safety. That’s why we’ve developed ProcessTherm—a state-of-the-art solution tailored to meet the demands of modern industrial environments.

What is ProcessTherm?

ProcessTherm is an advanced thermal monitoring system specifically designed to oversee the health of switchgear, busbar trunking, and other critical electrical assets. Whether you’re operating in petrochemical plants, mining, data centers, or any other industrial sector, ProcessTherm provides a comprehensive, real-time view of your electrical infrastructure, enabling you to identify potential issues before they lead to costly interruptions.

Key Features:

Real-Time Thermal Imaging: Continuous monitoring of temperature variations across your electrical network, identifying hotspots and potential failure points.
Customizable Alerts: Set specific parameters for notifications, ensuring you’re only alerted when necessary, reducing unnecessary distractions.
Scalable Design: ProcessTherm is built to grow with your needs, from small facilities to large-scale industrial complexes.
User-Friendly Interface: Our intuitive dashboard makes it easy for both engineers and non-technical personnel to understand and act on critical data.
Data-Driven Insights: Leverage comprehensive analytics to make informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades.

Why Choose ProcessTherm?

ProcessTherm isn’t just another monitoring tool—it’s a comprehensive solution that puts you in control of your electrical infrastructure. With its ability to provide a single pane of glass view of your systems, ProcessTherm helps you proactively manage the health of your equipment, mitigating risks and ensuring continuous operation.

Applications Across Industries:

Petrochemical: Safeguard your facility from electrical faults in volatile environments.
Mining: Prevent unplanned shutdowns in remote and hazardous areas.
Data Centers: Maintain uptime by monitoring dense electrical systems prone to overheating.
Manufacturing: Ensure smooth operations by closely monitoring your power distribution systems.

Looking Ahead: Innovation at the Core

At Agile Digital, innovation never stops. While ProcessTherm already offers unparalleled monitoring capabilities, our team is actively exploring future enhancements. We’re particularly excited about the potential to integrate machine learning algorithms that will provide even deeper insights into current versus temperature profiles of conductors. This forward-thinking approach ensures that ProcessTherm will continue to meet your needs as your operations evolve.

Get Started with ProcessTherm Today

If you’re ready to take your thermal monitoring to the next level, we invite you to learn more about ProcessTherm and how it can be customized to fit your specific requirements. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from initial consultation to ongoing support.

Contact us today to schedule a demo or to discuss how ProcessTherm can enhance the safety and efficiency of your operations.

About Agile Digital

Agile Digital is a leader in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, dedicated to helping industries reduce their carbon footprints, improve efficiency, and manage energy demand. Our suite of products is designed to address the most pressing challenges facing today’s industrial environments, with a focus on innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Demand Side Management

Load limiting as a solution to reduce Load Shedding

In our ongoing exploration of strategies to combat load shedding, we turn our attention to a practical yet powerful tool: load limiting. As part of our series aimed at unraveling the complexities of load shedding and offering tangible solutions, we delve into how load limiting can mitigate the impact of electricity shortages on both consumers and the grid itself.

Understanding Load Limiting:

Load limiting, in essence, is a controlled restriction imposed by utilities on electricity consumption during periods of strained generation capacity. If you were to take electricity as being analogous to water, while load shedding involves shutting off the tap entirely, load limiting is akin to allowing a restricted flow of water. So, the utility is able to reduce your supply parameters while still giving you some supply. It’s an inconvenience, yes, but far preferable to a complete outage. Importantly, load limiting allows for selective preservation of essential infrastructure, such as traffic lights and streetlights, ensuring vital services remain operational even during challenging times.

The Role of Smart Technology:

Load limiting is typically facilitated by smart meters or smart end points specifically designed for this purpose. These intelligent devices not only enable utilities to manage consumption efficiently but also offer a range of added benefits for both the utility and end users. From providing real-time energy usage data to facilitating dynamic pricing models, smart technology transforms the way we interact with electricity, promoting conservation and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits Beyond Convenience:

For those involved in the supply side of the equation, load limiting presents a boon. By curbing consumption without completely shutting down, utilities can still sell energy, albeit at reduced rates, during peak demand periods. This demand response mechanism not only stabilizes the grid but also offers financial incentives for generators.

Moreover, load limiting strategically targets low voltage networks, sparing medium voltage infrastructure from excessive strain. This preservation effort is critical, as aging medium voltage infrastructure is already stretched beyond its design limits due to frequent load shedding.

Conclusion:

As we continue our journey to demystify load shedding and explore viable solutions, load limiting emerges as a pragmatic response to electricity shortages. It balances the need to avoid a total grid collapse as explained in our introductory article with the imperative of maintaining essential services and infrastructure. Through load limiting, we not only alleviate the burden on the national grid but also pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future, empowered by smart technology and forward-thinking approaches to energy management.

Talk to us to find out more and let’s make a difference to our future ourselves.

25 May 2023: Sithembiso Mhlongo, 24, assisting to ease the traffic during a loashedding outage on Sandile Thusi Road in Durban. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU

Demand Side Management

From Turbines to Truckers:

How a chance encounter may redefine the battle against load shedding:

In the heart of Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, the recent National Electricity Crisis Committee (NECOM) Indaba on Demand Side Management served as a crucible for the brightest minds in electrical engineering, drawing together professionals from ESKOM, various municipalities, Metros, Large Industrial Power Users, Measurement and Verification professionals and Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). Amidst the exchange of ideas and insights, one topic emerged as a beacon of hope in the battle against load shedding – Demand Side Management (DSM). As electrical engineers delved into the merits of DSM as a potent tool to alleviate the burden of load shedding, a realization unfolded on the flight back home. Seated next to a young entrepreneur named Philani, the urgency of disseminating information about practical solutions for curbing load shedding became glaringly evident.

This article, born from the collective wisdom shared at the Indaba and fueled by a conversation with Philani, embarks on a mission to demystify the intricacies of load shedding. It seeks to bridge the gap between technical jargon and public understanding, shedding light on why load shedding occurs and, more importantly, how each one of us can contribute to mitigating this challenge. Through a series of discussions and insights, we aim to empower the public with knowledge about Demand Side Management – a dynamic approach that holds the potential to transform how we consume electricity and, in turn, reduce the stages of load shedding in our country. Join us on this journey as we explore the practical tools and strategies that can make a tangible difference in the battle against load shedding in the near term.

In the intricate dance of electricity generation, distribution, and consumption, load shedding emerges as a crucial yet often misunderstood tool in maintaining the delicate balance of our national power grid. To grasp why load shedding is a necessary intervention, we must first navigate through the fundamental principles of frequency control and the potential catastrophic consequences of an unmanaged energy crisis.

The Frequency Conundrum:

At the heart of our electrical infrastructure lies the imperative of maintaining a consistent frequency across the national grid. Imagine this frequency as the rhythm of a well-orchestrated symphony, each generator playing its part to sustain the harmonious flow of power. However, when the demand for electricity surpasses our generation capacity, the frequency takes a perilous dip. Now that most people have spent some time near petrol and diesel generators, they may observe this by the sound of a generator as one increases the load its required to carry. Similar to a car the revs drop as the clutch is released to take up the load of moving the car forward. One can hear the strain on the engine as the load increases and it is similar at a power station. What is not so evident is that as the burden or the load increases the number of revolutions per minute that the engine is able to sustain also drops. Which naturally causes the generator to which the engine is coupled to lose revolutions at the same rate, which in turn drops the frequency of the generated sine-wave electricity output.

In layman’s terms, consider the frequency as the heartbeat of the power grid. If the load becomes too burdensome, our grid experiences a palpable drop in this heartbeat, jeopardizing the stability of the entire system. This is where the danger arises, triggering a potential domino effect that could lead to the catastrophic collapse of our national grid.

The Domino Effect Unveiled:

A drop in frequency serves as an ominous signal, warning of an impending crisis. If the demand isn’t swiftly curtailed, the risk of a generating unit trip looms large. Picture this as a domino falling – the trip of one unit triggers a cascade, increasing the likelihood of subsequent trips. Left unaddressed, this chain reaction could plunge us into the abyss of a national grid collapse, resulting in a complete blackout across the country.

The Catastrophic Consequences of a National Grid Collapse:

Understanding the gravity of a national grid collapse is paramount. Without a functioning grid, our power stations are rendered inert, incapable of generating electricity. Even if a generating unit is online, the absence of auxiliary power during a blackout makes restarting these units an arduous task. The consequences are not just momentary; the recovery time is extensive, exacerbating the impact on our daily lives and critical infrastructure.

Load Shedding: A Vital Intervention

In the face of this looming peril, the System Operator, represented by ESKOM, employs load shedding as a strategic tool. It’s a preemptive measure, a deliberate decision to reduce the demand side of the equation when supply falters. The alternative – attempting to make real-time adjustments – is a perilous gamble that could tip the scales toward a total grid collapse.

Therefore, when ESKOM calls upon Electricity Distributors, Metros, Municipalities, and its own Distribution Operation to implement planned load shedding, it is a carefully orchestrated effort to prevent a catastrophic scenario. In essence, load shedding becomes a lifeline, a measured response to keep the symphony of our national power grid in tune, sparing us from the chaos that an uncontrolled energy crisis could unleash.

What’s next in our series

In this unique journey, we’ve begun by defining the need for load shedding or planned outages as a means of protecting the national grid. We will continue by offering some tangible solutions. There is no “one-shoe fits all approach” and each of the measures is intended to play a part in the collective reduction in load. By reducing load, we provide huge benefits not only to a country whose economy is being stunted by regular power cuts but to the planet overall. Subscribe to our social media channels to get notified when we drop the next article in this series.

Control

Exciting product launch for residential and commercial shared spaces

agile digital is proud to announce the launch of the Energy Share Unit.

Proudly developed in South Africa out of a need identified by leading Solar EPC’s and Specialists who found that in high density residential, commercial and industrial spaces it becomes a major challenge to equitably share industrial-sized energy storage solutions.

They found that there are serious risks when constructing and specifying a shared energy storage solution for multiple users. The major risks identified are potential abuse by some tenants and the inability for the solar inverter and battery system to control and reduce loads to a granular level across multiple distinct distribution boards.

Out of this challenge the ESU was born. It provides a novel approach to the distribution network and marries traditional smart metering with powerful control algorithms to ensure a robust solution that is reliable and repeatable. The system was developed to be flexible and can be user-configured to ensure that in a commercial environment anchor tenants who contribute the most towards the shared energy storage system are granted the lion’s share of the resource while still providing smaller users a fair share of the overall capacity.

This process is seamless, and the same algorithms developed for commercial and industrial installations lend themselves extremely well to residential applications.

Please click here and submit your details and we will be glad to help ensure your solar and battery system benefits your users for many years providing reliable and equitable use to all.

Control

Why hasn’t your apartment installed solar yet?

Managing a body corporate in South Africa is no trivial task and trustees are constantly being challenged by owners of a section in scheme.

One of the common demands over the last few years is the deployment of renewable energy generation to assist with immunity from load shedding. However solar panels and inverters alone are insufficient to deal with the issue. Grid-tied inverters, by design, are not able to generate without the presence of the grid and therefore during load shedding all the impressive panels on the shared roof space are unfortunately rendered useless.

Of course, this is where hybrid inverters come into their own which, when paired with batteries are able to see the grid disconnection and continue to supply essential loads through their UPS load functionality.
This is great but what happens when we need to have this UPS function deal with hundreds of individual apartments. Essentially two scenarios are possible with many solar installers and consulting engineers following the first route of having individual inverters and batteries per apartment. While this is logical it loses out in three main areas:

Economies of scale, ie a large inverter (and similarly battery) is always going to be more cost effective than multiple smaller inverters (and batteries in a similar way)
Extremely difficult, if not, impossible to install solar to such multiple numbers of inverters in a practical and neat fashion
Backup support will always be less effective for multiple small inverters and batteries versus large industrial-sized inverters and batteries. Suppliers employ higher skilled technicians and support for their industrial units by their nature.

The other more effective, of the two scenarios is having this large-scale industrial inverter and containerized battery solution which benefits from the points above. However, two distinct disadvantages arise when you have a centralized system such as this:

Potential abuse from one or more tenants with large loads draining batteries while other tenants never get to benefit from their investment in the shared battery.
Complex distribution wiring since the multiple sub-distribution boards in the apartment block need to have their large loads reduced when running on batteries.

At agile digital we have developed a novel solution that integrates smart metering, automation philosophy and real-time analytics to deal with both of these issues. Our Energy Share Unit ensures an equitable share of the battery per apartment so no tenant may abuse the capacity to the detriment of another tenant.

We also ensure real-time load management to reduce the large appliances such as geysers, stoves and air-conditioning which nobody can afford to drain the battery during extended load shedding outages. This is done seamlessly across the entire building. To create visibility for tenants we also provide a mobile friendly chatbot to always update the tenant on how their virtual slice of the large battery is being used and provide some outlook on when they may run out of the battery.

When partnered with a long-term power purchase agreement and installed as part of the initial solar and battery system this provides users with effectively lower costs than their municipal energy tariff whilst having all the benefits of a hybrid solar inverter with storage.

With our solution more tenants will be asking their body corporates why they haven’t moved to solar yet.

August 2, 2023

Control

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for Renewable Energy

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, and the solar and building management industries are no exception. The integration of IoT technology can bring numerous benefits to companies in these fields, including improved efficiency, cost savings, and increased customer satisfaction.

Improved Energy Efficiency: One of the most significant benefits of IoT in the solar and building management industries is the ability to monitor and control energy usage in real-time. IoT-connected devices can gather data on energy consumption, weather patterns, and occupancy levels, allowing building managers to optimize energy usage and reduce waste. In a solar energy system, the IoT can monitor and control the performance of solar panels and batteries to ensure they are functioning at their maximum potential. This leads to a more efficient use of energy and significant cost savings.

Cost Savings: By using IoT devices to monitor energy consumption and manage building systems, businesses can reduce their energy costs significantly. IoT devices can also detect and prevent energy waste, helping companies to save money on their energy bills. In addition, IoT technology can help companies reduce maintenance costs by providing real-time monitoring and early warning systems for potential problems. This enables companies to address issues before they become major problems, saving time and money on repairs.

Improved Customer Satisfaction: In the building management industry, IoT technology can help companies provide a better living and working environment for their tenants. IoT-connected devices can be used to control lighting, temperature, and security systems, providing tenants with a comfortable and secure living or working space. In the solar industry, IoT technology can help companies monitor and control the performance of solar panels and batteries, ensuring that customers receive reliable and efficient solar energy.

In conclusion, the Internet of Things can bring numerous benefits to businesses in the solar and building management industries. From improved energy efficiency and cost savings to increased customer satisfaction, IoT technology has the potential to revolutionize the way these industries operate. As IoT technology continues to evolve, companies in the solar and building management industries should consider incorporating it into their operations to stay competitive and provide the best possible service to their customers.

Monitoring

Environmental and energy loggers

Solar energy has become an increasingly popular source of renewable energy in recent years, and for good reason. Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere, and they are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to generate electricity. However, in order to maximize the efficiency of a solar system, it’s important to understand the environmental parameters that impact its performance. That’s where data loggers come in.

A data logger is a device that records environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. By collecting this data over time, installers can gain a better understanding of the environmental conditions at a particular site, and use that information to optimize the performance of the solar system.

agile digital, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, has developed custom data loggers that are specifically designed for use by solar installers. These loggers are preconfigured to collect the specific data points that are relevant for sizing a solar system, such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and wind speed. They are also easy to install and use, with a simple user interface that allows installers to quickly and easily access the data they need.

One of the key benefits of using a data logger for solar and environmental parameters is the ability to size the solar system correctly. By collecting data on environmental conditions over time, installers can determine the optimal size of the solar system for a particular site. This helps to ensure that the system is cost-effective and will provide maximum energy output.

Another benefit of using a data logger is that it can help to identify potential issues or problems with a solar system. For example, if a data logger shows that a particular site experiences high winds or extreme temperatures, installers can take steps to ensure that the solar system is designed and installed to withstand those conditions.

At agile digital, we understand the importance of accurate data when it comes to renewable energy solutions. That’s why we have developed custom data loggers that are designed specifically for solar installers. Our loggers are reliable, accurate, and easy to use, and they provide the data that installers need to ensure that solar systems are optimized for maximum efficiency and performance.

In conclusion, data loggers are an essential tool for solar installers who want to maximize the efficiency and performance of their solar systems. At Agile Digital, we have developed custom data loggers that are designed specifically for this purpose, providing installers with the data they need to size solar systems correctly and optimize their performance. With our data loggers, solar installers can be confident that they are delivering the best possible renewable energy solutions to their customers.

Download a brochure

Monitoring

Field personnel database and job card tracking

The modern world has seen an explosion in the use of technology to increase efficiency and productivity in various industries. One such industry is the field workforce industry, which involves a large number of workers who operate outside of the traditional office environment. Managing and tracking such a workforce can be a daunting task, but with the help of online systems, this task has become much easier.

An online system for tracking field workers is a software application that is designed to track and monitor the activities of field workers in real-time. These systems typically use GPS technology to track the location of field workers and provide valuable data on their movements and activities.

One of the biggest advantages of using an online system for tracking field workers is that it provides real-time information about the location and status of each worker. This allows managers to keep track of their workers’ progress and make adjustments to their schedules or tasks as needed. It also allows managers to quickly respond to any issues or emergencies that may arise.

Another benefit of using an online system for tracking field workers is that it can improve communication between workers and managers. With the use of mobile devices and the internet, workers can quickly and easily communicate with their managers about any issues or concerns they may have. This can help to prevent problems from escalating and can lead to a more productive and efficient workforce.

Online systems for tracking field workers also provide valuable data that can be used to analyze and optimize the performance of the workforce. By collecting data on worker movements and activities, managers can identify areas for improvement and make changes to their operations to increase efficiency and productivity. This data can also be used to create reports and visualizations that can be used to communicate the performance of the workforce to stakeholders and decision-makers.

In conclusion, the use of an online system for tracking field workers is an essential tool for modern businesses that employ a large number of workers who operate outside of the traditional office environment. These systems provide real-time information about the location and status of workers, improve communication between workers and managers, and provide valuable data that can be used to optimize the performance of the workforce. By using these systems, businesses can increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability while also ensuring the safety and well-being of their workers.

Monitoring

Remote monitoring of Generators

Generators are an essential component of many businesses and industries, providing backup power during outages and ensuring that critical operations can continue uninterrupted. However, monitoring and maintaining these generators can be a challenge, especially when they are located in remote or hard-to-reach areas. That’s where remote monitoring comes in, providing a number of advantages for businesses and organizations.

One of the key advantages of remotely monitoring a generator is increased reliability. By monitoring the generator remotely, managers and technicians can identify issues before they become major problems, allowing them to take action to prevent downtime and ensure that the generator is always ready to go when it’s needed.

Another advantage of remote monitoring is increased efficiency. Rather than sending technicians out to physically check on the generator, remote monitoring allows them to quickly and easily access data on the generator’s performance from anywhere, saving time and reducing costs.

Remote monitoring can also help to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By monitoring key performance indicators such as emissions and fuel consumption, businesses can ensure that they are meeting environmental standards and avoiding penalties for non-compliance.

Finally, remote monitoring can help to extend the lifespan of the generator by allowing technicians to identify and address issues early on. By monitoring factors such as temperature, oil pressure, and fuel consumption, technicians can detect problems before they cause major damage, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

At agile digital, we offer a comprehensive remote monitoring solution for generators that addresses all of these advantages and more. Our system allows managers and technicians to access real-time data on the generator’s performance from anywhere, using a simple and intuitive interface. We also offer customizable alerts that can notify managers and technicians of issues or potential problems, allowing them to take action before downtime occurs.

In addition, our system includes advanced analytics and reporting tools that can help businesses optimize the performance of their generator and reduce costs over the long term. And with our 24/7 support and maintenance services, businesses can be confident that their generator is always in good hands.

In conclusion, remotely monitoring a generator offers a number of advantages for businesses and organizations, including increased reliability, efficiency, compliance, and lifespan. At agile digital, we offer a comprehensive solution that addresses all of these advantages and more, providing businesses with the peace of mind and confidence they need to ensure that their generator is always ready when it’s needed.

The Future of Thermal Monitoring is Here

What is ProcessTherm?

Why Choose ProcessTherm?

Looking Ahead: Innovation at the Core

Get Started with ProcessTherm Today

About Agile Digital

How a chance encounter may redefine the battle against load shedding:

The Frequency Conundrum:

The Domino Effect Unveiled:

The Catastrophic Consequences of a National Grid Collapse:

Load Shedding: A Vital Intervention

What’s next in our series

Send us your enquiry