Heimdall Power digitises and upgrades the power grid

Around the world, the electrical grid is facing pressing challenges such as growing electrification, a huge increase in variable renewable energy production and more decentralised energy production. Meanwhile, more extreme weather events also threaten the grid’s stability and capacity.

Without direct, real-time data from physical infrastructure such as power lines, it is difficult to achieve adequate grid flexibility, efficiency and reliability, and avoid electricity loss and power outages.

Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, Heimdall Power has developed unique sensors that they call “Neurons,” which are installed on power lines. The sensors send a data stream of information to the Heimdall cloud, which then digitises, analyses and regulates the flow of power.

The applications can detect and locate faults instantly, and even predict faults in progress or fluctuations in capacity due to vibrations, changes in weather or build-up of ice. Grid operators receive real-time alerts about power surges and failures, enabling them to initiate maintenance procedures quickly.

The solution enables thermal management of power lines, which increases and optimises the capacity of the lines, preventing the build-up of “stranded” energy from wind farms and other renewable sources.

An efficient electrical grid is vital to conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By collecting and analysing digital data, Heimdall Power’s Neuron sensors and software help to increase power line capacity, improve planning of energy flow, make grid operations more cost-effective, reduce downtime and electricity loss, and extend the lifetime of grid infrastructure.

The solution is simple to install, does not require an external power source, and can be used globally with minimal maintenance and adjustments.

Heimdall Power estimates that its solution can help to increase the capacity of today’s grid by 30 per cent.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that USD 7.2 trillion will be invested in transmission and distribution grids during the period 2012–2035.

Heimdall Power’s target market is all power lines above 7 kV. These lines are standardised globally, and Germany alone has 685 000 km of them.

In 2019 Heimdall Power began installation for 12 customers in Scandinavia, Germany, India and France. Mass production and installation are scheduled to begin in 2020.

The company has been named a “Top 3 Game Changing Cleantech Nordic Startup” by Cleantech Nordic, and a “Top 100 Global Cleantech Company” by the Cleantech Group. The company’s solution is patent pending.