As we approached the tip of the AVEVA 2025 occasion, I had the pleasure of interviewing Phanney Kim Brevard, the Chief Technique Officer of ETAP, a expertise chief specializing in software program options for the design, development, upkeep, and operation {of electrical} energy methods.
By way of digital twin expertise, ETAP empowers operators and power stakeholders to handle power methods confidently by simulating varied eventualities. Phanney mentioned the crucial position of ETAP’s software program within the nuclear power sector, emphasizing its significance for the protected operation and administration of energy crops:
“We assist a variety of industries, with most U.S. nuclear energy crops counting on our expertise to mannequin, design, and simulate their electrical networks earlier than operation. By way of digital twin expertise, we allow operators to confidently handle energy methods by simulating completely different eventualities and variables, even testing adjustments with out impacting precise operations,” defined Phanney.
Specializing in energy reasonably than simply processes, ETAP’s digital twin software program can successfully simulate and map power consumption throughout crops or refineries, demonstrating how particular adjustments could have an effect on energy masses, power flows, and consumption—finally guaranteeing optimum effectivity and security. Based on Phanney, there may be growing demand from power operators to know the security of their operations and the necessity for software program coaching, comparable to digital twins, for danger mitigation:
“Operations groups could not all the time have electrical engineers, however they should perceive how one can run their crops and react safely to power adjustments. The bottom line is situational consciousness—recognizing when one thing is improper and understanding the context. Our partnership with Aveva performs an important position in bridging the hole and coaching groups to deal with these eventualities.”
These challenges have gotten extra widespread as utilities face rising calls for and new power sources introduce further obstacles for power suppliers. Nonetheless, one factor is obvious: modernization should happen with out disrupting present processes and workflows to totally reap the rewards of additional digitization:
“Modernization should occur with out disrupting what already works. There’s little room for error in energy administration, however present challenges additionally open doorways for co-opetition and new partnerships. The longer term lies in constructing mutual belief and collaboration between utilities and power suppliers to make sure a steady, adaptable grid,” Phanney remarked.
In March 2024, ETAP unveiled the world’s first digital twin that simulates manufacturing facility energy necessities from grid to chip in partnership with NVIDIA, using its Omniverse platform as a part of a broader effort to modernize present methods. Phanney shared his pleasure about this growth and its potential influence on the facility utilization of huge AI-driven factories:
“NVIDIA’s Omniverse is making vital strides in modeling {the electrical} calls for of huge AI information factories, not simply information facilities. These amenities, that are essentially primarily based on AI expertise, change power masses and necessities, affecting what utility firms can present. We’re witnessing thrilling progress on this space.”
As we wrapped up our dialog, we touched on using industrial AI inside ETAP’s providers. Phanney emphasised that the corporate goals to proceed coaching operators on how one can use its AI-driven instruments, such because the newly launched ETAP AI studying module, enabling them to navigate the decision-support mannequin extra successfully and perceive the implications of their selections from an influence perspective.
As I left the dialog, I used to be energized by Phanney’s enthusiasm and fervour for ETAP as a catalyst for digitization throughout the energy business. By collaborating with companions like NVIDIA, ETAP goals to boost manufacturing facility security, effectivity, and sustainability in alignment with emission discount targets within the combat in opposition to local weather change. ETAP’s options will play an important position in realizing this mission with a large scope of influence.
