Digital Transformation 3t.Cable

Challenges
3t.Cable, a company specializing in the design and construction of photovoltaic (PV) systems, has faced the challenge of optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of its solar operations. The main challenge was the implementation of remote monitoring systems for solar power plants in order to simplify maintenance, ensure compliance with guarantees and anticipate potential failures.

Despite the successful realization of about sixty projects of PV systems, from small household to large industrial, 3t.Cable did not possess an advanced digital tracking solution that would effectively manage the growing complexity and scope of business. This challenge has become increasingly important for the company to maintain high operating standards and expand its market reach. The need for real-time data collection, analysis and optimization of the performance of PV systems has led 3t.Cable to the engagement of the services of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Adria. Specifically, 3t.Cable needed a digital transformation to integrate the Internet of Things (IoT) platforms into existing PV systems. This transformation was key to achieving the company's sustainability, efficiency and innovation goals, and was aligned with their commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions.

Solutions
To solve the challenge, EDIH Adria, in collaboration with Ericsson Nikola Tesla and the University of Rijeka, has helped 3t.Cable in researching and testing digital solutions to improve the monitoring capabilities of solar power plants. The approach involved the use of IoT platforms to collect, analyse and optimise data in real time. Two key technologies have been identified and tested:

• Insulae platform (Paid solution)
• Node-RED, an open-source tool for the development of flow-based solutions.

The Insulae platform provided a user interface for real-time monitoring and energy management, while Node-RED provided flexibility and scalability to customize the solution without license fees. Testing showed that the Insulae platform provided a more comprehensive energy management system, while Node-RED provided easy integration and customization. The investment strategy was focused on ensuring the scalability of solutions and improving 3t.Cable's ability to monitor, maintain and optimize its PV systems.

Results and Benefits
When the digital transformation project is fully implemented, 3t.Cable is expected to deliver significant benefits:

• Real-time monitoring: Integration of IoT platforms will enable continuous monitoring of power generation and system performance data, which will enable 3t.Cable early detection of anomalies, prediction of potential failures and quick reaction, thus reducing downtime and increasing reliability.
• Maintenance efficiency: Proactive maintenance with the help of predictive analysis will help plan timely interventions, reduce maintenance costs and extend the service life of PV installations.
• Comprehensive energy management: The Insulae platform will provide advanced tools for data visualization, analysis and reporting, enabling optimization of energy production and making informed decisions based on historical data and trends.
• Scalability and flexibility: Node-RED as an open-source platform will allow flexibility in adapting solutions and easy integration of new systems and technologies.
• Cost-effectiveness and ROI: Costs are expected to be significantly reduced through automation and reduced manual interventions, while improved efficiency will reduce operating costs. Increasing system performance should also increase energy production and thus revenues or savings for customers.
• Customer satisfaction: Higher system reliability and faster maintenance will improve customer satisfaction, resulting in a lower customer abandonment rate and an expansion of the customer base.
• Technological Leadership and Competitiveness: The implementation of digital solutions will position 3t.Cable as a technological leader in the renewable energy sector, which will strengthen the company's competitiveness and attract new customers and enable the insurance of larger projects.
• Sustainability: The digital transformation is in line with the sustainability goals of 3t.Cable, as it optimizes the efficiency of PV systems, reduces carbon dioxide emissions and promotes renewable energy sources.

Measurable data
For 3t.Cable, when IoT solar monitoring systems are fully implemented, measurable results include:

• Reducing system downtime by 20-30%
• Increase energy efficiency by 5-10%
• Reducing maintenance costs by 15-20%
• Increase in customer satisfaction rate and decrease in customer abandonment rate by 5-10%

Lessons learned
The test phase of digital transformation has provided several key lessons. The most important is the need to choose the right technology that is aligned with the specific needs of the company. Also, it was pointed out that it is necessary to ensure robust Internet connectivity and compatibility of hardware components, in order to integrate IoT platforms as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the 3t.Cable digital transformation project brings significant benefits in terms of improving operational efficiency, savings, customer satisfaction, and strengthening market position. These benefits will enable the company to grow sustainably, compete and continue to contribute to global sustainability goals.