smart living
How digital technology is transforming our cities
There are already real-world examples of this, with entrepreneurs across the US applying digital tools to manage physical environments.
And Siemens is at the forefront.
“Siemens is innovating next-generation digital technologies to help cities and companies across the country realize measurable value from data,” says Lisa Davis, member of the managing board of Siemens USA. “These include everything from digital twins and digital services to the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.”
The proof is in major energy and water projects rolling out in urban centers across the US. Here’s how Siemens is using digital technology to reshape life in two big American cities.
The first industrial revolution saw water- and steam-powered machines transform the way things were made. The second used electric energy to power mass production. And the third brought about electronics that automated manufacturing.
Now, we’re entering a fourth revolution that some experts predict will be more transformative than any before it: the digital revolution of industry. This is where the physical and digital worlds join forces.
Commonwealth
Edison
Siemens is partnering with ComEd to construct a microgrid in Bronzeville, Chicago.
8MW
of energy will be generated
with over 1 MW coming from renewable technologies.
Commonwealth
Edison
Siemens is partnering with ComEd to construct a microgrid in Bronzeville, Chicago.
Grid will power critical services including the City of Chicago Public Safety Headquarters for the police and fire departments.
Commonwealth
Edison
Siemens is partnering with ComEd to construct a microgrid in Bronzeville, Chicago.
Increased grid security will keep power flowing during extreme weather or a catastrophic event.
Commonwealth
Edison
Siemens is partnering with ComEd to construct a microgrid in Bronzeville, Chicago.
Customers will be serviced once the system is operational in 2019
1,060
chicago
Energy is one industry being transformed by digital technology, and microgrids are one of the major new developments.
A microgrid is a local power grid that can operate on its own or connect to existing grid infrastructure. The ability to operate outside of the traditional grid infrastructure means that if there is a disruption in power, consumers who rely on the microgrid aren’t affected.
This is particularly important for places like hospitals, emergency services, and water facilities.
In Chicago, utility company Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is partnering with Siemens to build and test software that will allow the utility to manage clusters of microgrids simultaneously.
“Our goal is to successfully exhibit the first utility-operated microgrid cluster in the world, an approach we believe will bring energy customers an unprecedented level of power security and resilience,” says Terence R. Donnelly, president and chief operating officer at ComEd.
ComEd is constructing a microgrid in the Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, which is home to several facilities providing critical public services. The software will manage and optimize the use of distributed energy sources.
The same technology will be applied to manage multiple microgrids, increasing energy efficiency and resiliency, and lowering the environmental impact of each.
The Pittsburgh Energy Innovation Center
The renovated center uses the newest energy-efficient building solutions developed by Siemens.
It contributes to Pittsburgh’s goal of cutting energy use, water use, and emissions
in half by 2030.
The Pittsburgh Energy Innovation Center
The renovated center uses the newest energy-efficient building solutions developed by Siemens.
Projected to use 50% less energy than equally sized buildings.
The Pittsburgh Energy Innovation Center
The renovated center uses the newest energy-efficient building solutions developed by Siemens.
System monitors energy usage and adjusts to ensure maximum efficiency.
The Pittsburgh Energy Innovation Center
The renovated center uses the newest energy-efficient building solutions developed by Siemens.
Siemens' system brings together HVAC, fire, energy metering, lighting, video surveillance, and mass notification.
pittsburgh
The next revolution of industry is also changing the buildings we live and work in.
Digital tools for building management – part of what’s known as “intelligent infrastructure” – use a series of sensors, controls, and software to operate buildings in the most efficient way.
This provides better management of heating, cooling, water, lighting, and ventilation to reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.
In Pittsburgh, the Energy Innovation Center (EIC) is working with Siemens to expand its use of these smart-building technologies.
In 2014, the EIC began a massive renovation to help its entire facility run more efficiently. To achieve this, it installed an integrated building management system that allows energy usage to be continually monitored and adjusted.
“We are constantly striving to lead by example,” says Bill Miller, chief operations officer and vice president of the EIC. “This objective translates into a continuing effort to enhance our sustainability and performance initiatives.”
“Siemens’ smart-building technologies allow us to do this in an effective, comprehensive manner for operations, while also creating a better, productive environment for building occupants.”
Both of these projects have been made possible by Siemens’ digital-services hubs and centers of knowledge across the US (see map below). Each hub or center is dedicated to developing innovations for data analysis and machine learning and the development of the 21st century workforce.
“With the arrival of the Internet of Things in industry and infrastructure, many organizations are still trying to understand how to incorporate digital strategies into their business models,” says Roland Busch, chief technology officer of Siemens.
With a history of partnering with Siemens, Georgia Tech produces one of the most diverse future workforces trained for the needs of industry and manufacturing, allowing Siemens to collaborate with and recruit tomorrow’s technical workers. Siemens Corporate Technology manages the firm’s university program globally, partnering with leading universities to develop cutting-edge technologies and services for Siemens.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology – Center of Knowledge Interchange
Siemens’ central research and development arm acts as a strategic partner to the company’s businesses, focusing on electrification and automation while helping Siemens fully tap into the growth field of digitalization.
Princeton, NJ
Siemens Corporate Technology, Princeton
A key part of Siemens’ effort to develop new building technologies supporting autonomous buildings, the center develops cloud- and IoT-related applications for building management and automation platforms.
Chicago, Il
Digital Service Center, Chicago
Devoted to transforming the building technologies industry, the center helps customers collect and convert data into real-time knowledge and drives additional value of buildings through operational and energy efficiencies.
Austin, TX
Digital Service Center, Austin
A window into Bay Area innovation and a hub for global collaboration, this west coast center is where Siemens shares manufacturing expertise with UC Berkeley researchers, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Siemens Corporate Technology manages the firm’s university program globally, partnering with leading universities to develop cutting-edge technologies and services for Siemens.
Berkeley, CA
University of California, Berkeley – Center of Knowledge Interchange
Siemens bringing solutions nationwide
Princeton, NJ
Chicago, IL
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Berkeley, CA
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Find out more about how Siemens is bringing the digital and physical worlds together.
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