The power industry remains a hub when it comes to patent innovation. The activity is driven by the rising demand for energy and the need for greater energy efficiency. Furthermore, the growing significance of technologies like artificial intelligence as well as the Internet of Things has also contributed to this trend.
According to GlobalData’s report pertaining to Artificial Intelligence in Power: Power Grid Digital Twins, the power industry has witnessed over 656,000 patents filed and granted in the last 3 years alone.
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which utilises a database containing more than 70,000 patents to assess the level of innovation in the power industry, there are more than 40 areas of innovation that will significantly impact the sector’s future.
Digital twins of power grids are a crucial area for advancement within the field of artificial intelligence
Digital twins of power grids happen to be virtual replicas of physical power grid systems. Utilising real-time data from sensors and other sources, these digital copies can be continually updated in order to offer precise insights into the functioning of the power grid system.
GlobalData’s analysis not only uncovers the companies leading in each innovation area but also evaluates the possible reach and effect of their patenting actions across various applications and geographies. GlobalData reports that there are more than 80 companies involved in the development and use of power grid digital twins. These companies include technology vendors, established power companies, along with emerging start-ups.
Major players in power grid digital twins: – Innovative disruption in the power industry
“Application diversity” refers to the quantification of the amount of applications associated with each patent. Companies can generally be categorised as either “niche” or “diversified” innovators.
“Geographic reach” pertains to the count of countries in which a patent is registered. It encompasses a wide range of geographic applications, from global to local.
The State Grid Corporation of China- SGCC happens to be a prominent entity in the field of power grid digital twins, known for its extensive patent filings. The company concentrates mainly on constructing and operating power grids as its core business. The main focus of work is on conducting research and development in the areas of ultra-high voltage- UHV transmission and smart grid technologies. SGCC is the owner of proprietary intellectual property rights and actively encourages the export of technology and associated equipment. Moreover, it is involved in the operation of large-scale commercial UHV projects. SGCC is responsible for supplying power to provinces, municipalities, as well as autonomous regions, covering a significant portion of China’s territory. China Southern Power Grid, Siemens, and ABB are also among the notable patent filers.
Leia is the leader in terms of application diversity, followed by Toshiba in second place and Schneider Electric in third place. Sunverge Energy held the top position in terms of geographic reach, being followed by Sun Electric and Ember Technologies.
