Honeywell launches Forge Performance+ for Utilities 

The product enhances utility operations using AI, machine learning and digital twin technology for proactive grid management. The solution also offers a ‘bottom-up’ forecast of energy demand.

Honeywell launched Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities, a pioneering platform designed to enhance utility operations and boost performance of existing grid assets and IT investments. This integration of automation software aligns with Honeywell’s focus on automation and energy transition megatrends.

The new solution is built on Honeywell Forge, which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and digital twin capabilities intended to help utilities monitor assets, effectively identify root-cause and introduce predictive analytics to become more proactive with grid asset management. Forge Performance+ for Utilities also enables automation processes like demand response and distributed energy resource management to increase 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.”

Most traditional utility distribution grids were designed over a century ago to support highly predictable, top-down generation and distribution of energy, water, or gas to consumers, resulting in a lack of data or soiled data. Today, utilities face new challenges, such as interpreting massive amounts of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and grid asset data, while managing the adoption of less predictable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). These renewable energy sources include solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles.

Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities provides near real-time insights to help utilities improve grid operations and address the variability associated with new energy sources. The solution also offers a ‘bottom-up’ forecast of energy demand, available distributed power generating assets and controllable loads, enhancing operational visibility. This visibility allows utilities to better balance energy supply and demand, contributing to grid reliability and resiliency.

“The industry needs an innovative solution to help store and digitalise multiple data streams from complex utility infrastructures around the world,” said Ben Dawson, SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Central Florida, USA. “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 innovative platform integrates, organises, and visualises data from various sources to accelerate analytics processes and digitalise utility grid data into actionable, real-time business and operational insights. It can run a variety of applications, including those from both Honeywell and third-party partners such as SparkMeter.