Smart geothermal energy management in Iceland

In Iceland, where 90% of homes are heated by geothermal energy, ensuring a reliable hot water supply is crucial. A vast network of pipes distributes this geothermal heat to households nationwide.

To ensure this infrastructure is operating efficiently, our local partner Rafal, an Icelandic electrical services provider, is working with Veitur Utilities, Iceland’s largest utility company. In collaboration with akenza, they are transforming the way geothermal energy systems are monitored and managed. In this article, we will explore two similar cases where IoT solutions are driving greater efficiency in geothermal management.

Monitoring water pressure at the Nesjavellir hot water pipeline

The Nesjavellir geothermal steam plant was built to meet the increased need of the growing city of Reykjavik and the annexing communities both with hot water for space heating and electricity. A 27-kilometer-long hot water pipeline connects the Nesjavellir plant to Reykjavik. The pipeline consists of steel pipes situated above and under ground and is specifically built to support movement due to thermal expansion in winter. The goal of the initiative is to apply remote monitoring capabilities along the pipeline.

The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station.

To manage this infrastructure, Rafal oversees the integration of IoT technology, allowing Veitur to monitor pressure at three critical valve points along the pipeline. Typically, data is collected at regular intervals every few hours. However, when more detailed analysis is required, the transmission rate is accelerated to provide real-time insights.

Overcoming the challenges of remote locations

Monitoring the Nesjavellir pipeline presents unique challenges. Two of the valve houses are located in remote locations, which lack access to electricity and reliable telecommunications. The use of LoRaWAN connectivity technology, known for its low power consumption and long transmission distances, can help overcome these challenges. In this case, an Enginko MCF-LW06424 interface is used to transmit data from 4-20 mA sensors to the akenza IoT platform. This data is then seamlessly integrated into Veitur’s system for continuous monitoring. 

To maintain uninterrupted data collection, the sensors are battery-powered and recharged by on-site solar panels. This self-sustaining setup reduces the need for manual inspections, lowering operational costs and environmental impact. The availability of real-time data enhances decision-making and supports more effective predictive maintenance strategies. 

The Nesjavellir pipeline.

The benefit of IoT integration

By utilizing the akenza IoT platform, Rafal ensures that Veitur can enhance the reliability of its hot water distribution and optimize the management of its geothermal energy infrastructure. This approach simplifies the monitoring process, which previously required manual checks and frequent trips to remote sites.

The akenza platform allows for quick and easy sensor registration without programming, enabling rapid deployment within just an afternoon. Seamless integration with various LoRaWAN network providers (in this case, Everynet) further simplifies the deployment of LoRaWAN sensors, making it easier to implement remote monitoring solutions. The collected data supports preventive maintenance, reduces operational costs, and minimizes the environmental footprint by decreasing the need for on-site visits.

Veitur is expanding its IoT initiatives, launching new projects to monitor water pressure throughout the capital region.

Monitoring water pressure across the capital 

Beyond the Nesjavellir pipeline, Rafal is leading the technical implementation for Veitur to monitor water pressure throughout the city of Reykjavik. Remote sensors have been deployed across the capital to ensure Veitur’s predictions about water conditions are precise, helping to maintain an uninterrupted water supply.

Pressure sensors distributed throughout Reykjavik.

Improving data collection with IoT

Remote monitoring plays a central role in Veitur’s strategy to leverage data and business intelligence for smarter operations. With accurate, real-time data, Veitur can enhance preventative maintenance, improve service reliability, and reduce system disruptions. This approach allows for informed decision-making, ensuring a stable delivery of hot water to households. 

Veitur is utilizing hydraulic models of the system to maximize investments. By integrating remote monitoring, Veitur can now verify the reliability of these models. This gives Veitur the possibility to use live hydraulic models running in near real-time, which are quality-checked by actual measurements in the field.

Veitur integrates IoT technology to reduce the need for frequent manual inspections and add more visibility outside of traditional SCADA information. As in the use case above, the project uses 4-20 mA sensors for water pressure and the Enginko MCF-LW06424 interface to send data to the akenza platform via LoRaWAN. 

The valve builds on the Nesjavellir pipeline. Solar power (left), device housing in gray box (right).

Future project expansion

Rafal is also collaborating with Veitur to further expand its monitoring capabilities, focusing on users with controllable water consumption. This next phase includes the installation of remotely controllable valves, allowing Veitur to shut off water supplies during shortages and monitor usage more effectively. This will create a more responsive and adaptive water management system, capable of quickly reacting to demand changes.

A sustainable future for geothermal energy

This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to the efficient and sustainable management of Iceland’s geothermal resources. Through innovative IoT technology and forward-thinking solutions, we are ensuring that these valuable resources are used responsibly while optimizing operations for the future.