In conversation with Sairam Prasad, CEO of Suzlon Global Services Limited

Like any other technology, we need to be very careful while adopting AI and be aware of possible risks and mitigate them well, states Sairam Prasad, CEO of Suzlon Global Services Limited. 

Is the company using artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations? If so, how is it increasing efficiency?

We have identified several AI and ML-based use cases that apply to our operations. These use cases include Digital Twin, Drone Inspections, fault detection, and Contract Management, among others. We are currently at different stages of adopting these solutions, leveraging generative AI and ML-based systems.

The implementation of these solutions offers numerous benefits such as enhanced Visibility, Predictive analytics, improved diagnostics, and early indicators of potential failures. This proactive approach enables us to prevent breakdowns and errors, ultimately leading to improved machine performance and operational efficiency.

What are the major hurdles that come in the execution of any project on ground? How Suzlon is dealing with them?

Sites are generally built in high wind areas and sometimes access to sites is one of the issues like on top of hills etc. Similarly, we have wind turbines sometimes installed in harsh environments like saline environments where corrosion, dust, temperature etc, play a major role in machine performance. The same is the case with theft issues. 

Over the years of experience, we developed methods to take preventive and corrective measures that help mitigate these issues and maintain machine performance in all seasons. 

How is the integration of AI and drones in equipment maintenance contributing to increased efficiency and effectiveness in manpower utilisation within the renewable energy sector?

Drones have multiple use cases for the renewable energy sector. They are very helpful for site surveys, site inspections, checking the physical condition of assets, machine cleaning and patrolling. In future even delivering spare parts from the site warehouse to the tower top is possible with drones.

All these actions today are done using trained manpower with survey tools which means you need skilled manpower available in remote areas, proper roads and vehicles to access sites and hence resource heavy.

Major benefits of using drones integrated with advanced AI and modelling tools include real-time visibility of data and historical trends of these assets at various points of time in the past and present. This is also helpful in predicting future state to an extent. 

In the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, and with the increased use of AI, are there any specific cybersecurity threats that Suzlon is actively addressing and mitigating?

 Like any other technology, we need to be very careful while adopting AI and be aware of possible risks and mitigate them well.

On the other hand, AI has some good use cases for cybersecurity enhancement as it can well automate routine tasks like config settings etc and helps in quick detection, quick alert and hence prevention of security threats.

How is AI being utilized to enhance the process of site selection and resource assessment for renewable energy projects, considering that selecting suitable land is a critical aspect of project development?

Site selection is a very important step for any renewable energy project. Renewable energy output generation greatly depends on site conditions for a given set of equipment and assets. For example, access to the site, clear ROW, nearby grid connectivity, environmental aspects and wind resource potential are some of the important things to be taken care of while selecting a site.

If we have historical wind data for example for a given location then AI tools can predict future trends of wind speeds, direction, duration etc and hence energy output over the life cycle of assets in the specific site can be modelled well with more accuracy. The same is the case with grid availability. This helps to have the conviction to set up large capacity projects at such locations with confidence in ROI. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are personal and may not reflect the views of DSIJ.