Jon DeSouza, President & CEO, HARTING Americas.
The global appetite for electricity continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. By 2050, the International Energy Agency describes how global energy demand in 2050 will likely have to contend with “an economy more than twice as big and a population with 2 billion more people.”
As someone who heads a company specializing in industrial connection technology for energy-related applications, I understand more than most how everyone needs power. With technology rapidly evolving, it’s important for those in related sectors within infrastructure, manufacturing and technology to not only keep pace but also be forward-thinking when it comes to upgrading the existing grid to handle higher power loads.
Product development isn’t just about making the next cool thing—it’s also about building grid reliability and resilience, which is critical to power a world people want to live in.
Redesigning Connectors For A More Resilient Grid
I believe part of the solution lies in redesigning connectors—essential power system components that enable quick disconnects, much like charging cables for personal devices.
While wireless power generally suffices for our daily electronic needs, industrial settings rely on physical connectors for reliable power, fast data and signal transmission. For instance, in train control systems, connectors provide the critical signal to ensure a train stops, while in manufacturing, they deliver the high-power large equipment demands.
Four Trends Driving Change
The need for higher-capacity connector systems is fueled by four significant trends reshaping the power grid:
1. Renewable energy: The integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which fluctuate in availability, requires advanced transmission systems to maintain balance.
2. Rapid electrification of transportation: Electric vehicles and other forms of transportation have created a need for high-capacity charging infrastructure.
3. Reshoring manufacturing: As manufacturing increasingly returns to the United States, more power will be required to support a resilient supply chain. This is particularly relevant in segments like the semiconductor industry.
4. Advancements in super computing and AI: This has led to the expansion of large-scale data centers. These technologies consume vast amounts of electricity, necessitating ways to handle substantial loads efficiently and reliably.
Connector Innovation: More Than Just Amperage
Modern connectors need to evolve in multiple ways to meet changing grid demands. For example, incorporating advanced materials like high-conductivity alloys can improve heat dissipation and reduce energy loss.
Optimized design also plays a key role in this arena; new connectors can be engineered to reduce contact resistance and increase efficiency, minimizing energy waste, reducing material usage and helping companies meet their sustainability goals. This includes innovations in contact geometries designed for better overall performance.
Next-generation smart connectors are also being equipped with electronics to enable real-time monitoring: These sensors for predictive maintenance and integrated diagnostics can help enhance reliability and allow utility companies to efficiently maintain the grid and predict potential failures.
The Economic And Operational Advantages
To take full advantage of the benefits of high-capacity connectors, I think it is important to prioritize energy efficiency and choose connectors with low contact resistance to reduce power loss and heat generation. This can lower energy consumption and lead to long-term cost savings by minimizing wasted energy.
It’s also important to invest in reliable, durable connectors: Opt for connectors known for their reliability and resistance to wear and tear. This can significantly reduce the frequency of maintenance and extend the lifespan of your systems, helping to minimize operational downtime and associated costs.
As a part of this, you want to future-proof your designs to handle increasing power demands. Lastly, make sure to periodically assess your connector systems. This helps avoid obsolescence and ensures your infrastructure remains efficient and capable of meeting future needs.
Especially in rapidly growing disruptive markets like data centers, where data haul refreshes happen regularly, connector systems can help future-proof designs, preparing them for increasing system demand.
Examining Implementation Challenges
One significant hurdle involves integrating new connectors with legacy systems. Existing power infrastructure, much of which was not designed to accommodate modern, high-capacity components, requires careful consideration during upgrades and retrofits.
Another challenge is regulatory compliance. While crucial for grid reliability and safety, regulations can delay the development and implementation of new technologies. High-capacity connectors must meet stringent safety, performance and compatibility standards, and navigating these regulations effectively requires collaboration between utilities, manufacturers and regulatory bodies to ensure that upgrades proceed without unnecessary delays.
Finally, the installation and maintenance of advanced components demand a skilled workforce with technical proficiency, which may not be widely available. This shortage highlights the importance of developing training programs and ongoing education initiatives to equip workers with the necessary skills.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts between utilities, manufacturers, regulators, and educational institutions. Additionally, allowing locations to test connectors helps reduce the number of workers deployed in the field.
Path To A Future-Ready Grid
Utilities must prioritize in-depth assessments of their current infrastructure, pinpointing key areas for upgrades to ensure the grid can handle future demands. Here are what I think various sectors should focus on:
Manufacturers: Continue innovating, particularly focusing on connectors that combine higher capacity with efficiency, smart features and reliability.
Regulatory bodies: Look to establish forward-thinking standards that encourage the adoption of advanced technologies like real-time monitoring systems and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Policymakers: Incentivize grid modernization through targeted subsidies, grants and policies that prioritize innovation and technological upgrades.
While challenges exist, the potential economic and operational rewards make this investment not only necessary but urgent. As we look to the future, the question isn’t if we should upgrade the grid, but how quickly we can upgrade to secure reliable, efficient electricity for decades to come.
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