AT&T and GE are jointly developing the next generation smart energy solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things, aiming to modernize the energy industry.
Both companies are working together on proof of concepts at the AT&T IoT Foundry in Plano, Texas.
Through this joint effort, AT&T and GE will streamline asset connectivity for the grid.
Most of the machines and assets including locomotives, fleet, aircraft engines and smart grid infrastructure owned by GE are linked through the AT&T global network.
This association was according to a global alliance agreement entered by both companies in 2013.
The recent integration of advanced solutions from GE with the AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure and utilities can connect grid assets with critical software applications such as GE’s Grid IQ Connect or GE’s Predix analytics engine.
The achievement can be considered as a key effort towards connecting machines with wireless technology.
With almost 20 million devices connected to the AT&T network, the facility provides dependable solutions that manage energy efficiently.
By combining both technologies, improvement can be envisaged on reliability and drive energy efficiency with reduced costs and emissions.
GE and AT&T have jointly materialized an advanced meter solution that merges GE’s innovative smart meters and wireless solutions, including jointly developed communications hardware, with AT&T’s secure cellular technology.
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The Smart grid solutions will use GE’s Grid IQ SaaS platform to deliver system intelligence, GE Wireless solutions for asset connectivity, and the AT&T network for seamless data transport, each functioning in tandem to enable easy integration of advanced applications, the company said.
The solution is being piloted with two North American renewable energy customers.
Further, intelligent lighting solutions that combine GE Lighting control systems and advanced GE Wireless solutions are also being developed. They will enable cities to remotely monitor and control lighting on public roadways.
A web-based interface linked to the lighting controls helps municipalities to identify usage and performance of street lights in any location.
GE and AT&T plans to sell these solutions to customers in 2015.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com