In recent years, electricity distribution networks have been facing the challenge of delivering increasing amounts of energy through infrastructures that are often already in place, while at the same time accommodating a growing presence of non-linear electronic loads, new and demanding industrial processes, generation connected to distribution networks, the electrification of demand, and the emergence of new energy vectors. In this context, simply adding “more copper” or increasing conductor cross-section is no longer enough; it has become essential to manage the current flowing through the networks more intelligently.
When an industrial installation or a distribution network operates with highly distorted currents, characterized by elevated harmonic content, a significant portion of the current does not contribute to useful power. This “unnecessary” current increases the effective or RMS value, raises Joule losses, leads to heating in cables and transformers, reduces overall efficiency, and limits the real capacity of the infrastructure. In other words, the network reaches its limits sooner, but without delivering more useful energy.
Comparisons between waveforms with high harmonic distortion, such as real cases with 30% THD, and nearly sinusoidal waveforms with 1% THD, clearly illustrate this effect. For the same amount of useful power delivered, a cleaner current significantly reduces losses and, for the same thermal limit of the cable, allows more useful energy to be transported. This directly translates into higher efficiency, lower heating, and increased available capacity, without the need to replace kilometers of existing cabling.
It is precisely at this point that Energy in the Cloud’s technology provides a clear differentiating value. Through its advanced power-electronics solutions, and in particular with technologies such as the IDPR (Intelligent Distribution Power Router), it becomes possible to actively manage current and power quality in real time. The IDPR does not merely “correct problems”; it intelligently acts on the current waveform itself, reducing distortion, stabilizing voltage, and optimizing the use of existing infrastructure.
This approach represents a paradigm shift in the way distribution networks are managed. Instead of passive networks that simply tolerate what is connected to them, we move toward active, adaptive, and more resilient grids, capable of better absorbing the growing complexity of the electrical system. This is especially relevant in a scenario with greater electrification, higher penetration of renewable energy, and increasing amounts of power electronics connected at all levels.
The positive impact on the industrial sector is particularly evident. Improved current quality results in lower energy losses, reduced operational costs, and greater voltage stability, which protects sensitive equipment, reduces failures, and improves continuity of industrial processes. Furthermore, by unlocking the “hidden” capacity of cables and transformers, companies can grow or increase production without immediately facing large investments in electrical infrastructure.
In summary, Energy in the Cloud’s technology and solutions such as the IDPR address a real and growing need: doing more with what we already have, but doing it intelligently. Optimizing power quality is not just a technical matter; it is a key enabler for improving efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness, both in electricity distribution networks and in the industrial sector. In an increasingly demanding electrical system, managing current properly is just as important as generating energy itself.
