In the remote hamlet of Tangsijaya, nestled in the hills of Gunung Halu, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that could ripple through the micro-hydro power sector and beyond. Researchers, led by Tiara Verita Yastica from Telkom University, have implemented an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system at the local micro hydro power plant (PLTMH), transforming the way operators manage and distribute electricity.
The challenge was clear: the micro hydro power plant, established in 2007, lacked a real-time monitoring system. Operators had to trek to the plant’s remote location to manually record data on power output and electric current, a process that was time-consuming and prone to human error. “The absence of a monitoring system made it difficult for us to control the usage and distribution of the generated electricity,” said a local operator, who wished to remain anonymous.
Enter Yastica and her team. Their IoT-based system, detailed in a recent article published in ‘Warta LPM’ (translated as ‘LPM News’), brings real-time data visualization to the fingertips of operators. This innovation allows for efficient monitoring and decision-making, crucial for the sustainable management of micro-hydro power plants.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. As Yastica explains, “With a monitoring system, operators can obtain records of daily electricity usage data. This information is invaluable for assessing current and potential electricity usage, aiding in decisions related to electricity production.”
The impact on the local community has been immediate. Operators now save time and resources, no longer needing to make the arduous journey to the plant. The efficiency gained in the recording process is a testament to the power of IoT technology in the energy sector.
This research could shape future developments in the field, particularly in remote and rural areas where access to consistent power is a challenge. The success of this project in Tangsijaya could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives, driving the adoption of IoT technology in the management of micro-hydro power plants worldwide.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of IoT technology in monitoring systems could become a standard practice. The work of Yastica and her team is a stepping stone towards a future where data-driven decisions optimize energy production and distribution, benefiting communities and the environment alike.