Trends in electrical automation in AI applied to the sector.

Grupo Edmar
Oct 7
4 min read

Updated: Oct 8

October 7, 2025 - Transformers for Renewable Energy.

Automation in the Edmar Sector — Automation in the Sector.

Electrical Automation Trends in AI applied to the sector.

If you thought electricity was all about wires and transformers , think again. The energy industry is undergoing a radical transformation, moving from a rigid grid to a dynamic and, most importantly, intelligent ecosystem.

The key to this change is the combination of Electrical Automation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) . It's no longer just about remotely turning switches on and off; it's now about equipment thinking, learning, and making decisions on its own. Want to know how AI is revolutionizing everything from the substation to your consumption? Read on.

The Evolution: From Traditional Automation to AI.

Automation isn't new. We've used SCADA systems, PLCs, and protection relays for decades. Their function was simple: follow predefined rules and perform repetitive control actions.

Artificial Intelligence takes this to the next level:

Comparison: Traditional Automation vs. Intelligent Automation

Feature	Classic Automation	Automation with AI (Intelligent)
Decision making	Strict (if A, do B).	Adaptive (analyzes A, B and C to find the best solution Z).
Learning	Null.	Continuous (learn from each failure and optimize future operation).
Data Sources	Local sensors.	Local sensors, weather forecasts, market data, and social media.
Aim	Control processes.	Optimize performance and prevent failures.

Smart Grids

The Smart Grid concept is the perfect scenario where automation and AI meet. A smart grid is one that can manage the flow of energy and information in a bidirectional manner.

AI plays a crucial role here, achieving what no traditional control system can:

Dynamic Load Balancing: AI predicts peak consumption with astonishing accuracy (using historical data and even social events) and automatically adjusts generation and distribution, avoiding overloads or energy waste.
Renewable Energy Integration: With AI, the grid can handle the intermittency of the sun and wind. An algorithm can predict how much solar energy will be generated in the next two hours and prepare the grid to receive it, activating storage systems if necessary.
Self-Healing : In the event of a fault (lightning on a medium voltage line), the AI detects, isolates the affected section and reconfigures the network so that energy continues to reach the rest of the users in milliseconds.

Predictive Maintenance in Critical Equipment.

Maintenance of transformers and other substation equipment used to be reactive or preventative (scheduled). With AI, the key word is predictive .

Edmar Group 's equipment is ready for this new era. By incorporating IoT sensors that measure temperature, vibration, and oil quality in real time, AI can analyze this data to predict when a component will fail.

How does this benefit your assets?

Longer-lasting transformers: AI detects subtle trends (e.g., a gradual increase in dissolved gases in the oil) that indicate incipient degradation. This allows for minor intervention before catastrophic failure occurs.
Uptime Optimization : Instead of shutting down your operation for scheduled maintenance that may not be necessary, AI tells you exactly when, where, and why you need to intervene, maximizing your plant's uptime.

The Transformer Becomes a "Smart" Asset.

A transformer is no longer just copper and steel; it's a data node. The new generation of power transformers is designed to integrate with these intelligent systems.

Key Trends in Transformer Design:

Constant Dielectric Monitoring: Advanced sensors and AI algorithms analyze oil or insulation information to assess its health, enabling safe operation under extreme conditions.
Autonomous Tap Control: On-load tap changers (LTCs) are controlled by AI, which not only adjusts the voltage, but also optimizes grid efficiency in real time.
Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of the transformer are created. AI runs simulations on this "digital twin" to predict the impact of new loads or extreme weather conditions without putting the real equipment at risk. They reduce high voltage and current values to safe levels so they can be measured and interpreted by protection relays and meters.

The Challenge of Cybersecurity.

As more electrical equipment connects to the internet and 5G networks to send data (IoT), the risk of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure increases exponentially.

Intelligent automation requires intelligent cybersecurity . AI systems not only protect against physical failures, but also monitor network traffic to detect anomalies or attack patterns. It's a double shield: physical and digital protection.

Vertical Integration: Automation Across the Entire Supply Chain.

The application of AI is not limited to large power plants; it extends to the entire value chain:

Generation (Renewables): AI optimizes the tilt of solar panels or the orientation of wind turbines to maximize production based on real-time weather data.
Transmission and Distribution: AI-guided drones and robots inspect miles of transmission lines and substations without exposing human personnel, improving safety and reducing response time.
Consumption (Smart Buildings): AI learns a building's usage patterns and automatically adjusts air conditioning and lighting to reduce consumption, maximizing energy efficiency.

The Total Transformation of the Sector.

The convergence of advanced automation and Artificial Intelligence is not just a fad; it's the driving force redefining the entire global electricity industry. This transformation is not simply about greater efficiency or lower operating costs; its ultimate goal is decarbonization and the creation of a more resilient energy system.

We are moving away from the centralized model of large plants to a distributed, flexible, and dynamic model. AI is what gives coherence to this new ecosystem, where each transformer and each distribution cell is an intelligent point that contributes to the overall stability of the grid. In the coming years, we will see transformers that self-diagnose, substations that self-repair, and grids that manage energy with optimization that today seems like science fiction. It is an irreversible and necessary change.

Embracing these trends is a giant step for any industry. It requires that its key components, such as the electrical transformer , not only be robust but also compatible with new monitoring and automation technologies.

If you're planning to modernize your substation or design a new one, count on Grupo Edmar 's expertise to ensure a smooth and cost-effective transition to intelligent automation.