California-based Lantronix has unveiled an AI-enabled IoT edge compute cellular gateway, powered by Qualcomm for transforming low-voltage substations in smart grids and industrial applications with real-time control, visibility and automation.

The SmartLV, powered by the Qualcomm IQ-615 processor, is an AI-enabled IoT edge compute cellular gateway for low-voltage substations and distribution automation applications in smart grids, utilities and industrial sectors. It was on show at last month’s Enlit Europe show in Milan, Italy.

SmartLV is engineered to improve real-time visibility, control and automation in the energy sector, providing distribution system operators (DSOs) with the ability to manage and steer energy precisely when and where it is needed. Built with cyber-security protocols and AI capabilities, it ensures robust, reliable and secure operations for mission-critical applications, offering control over low-voltage substations and distributed energy resources (DERs).

“The SmartLV gateway is a leap forward in empowering utility operators with critical, real-time insights and control over their low-voltage substations,” said Mathi Gurusamy, chief strategy officer at Lantronix. “Utilising Qualcomm’s AI technology helps address today’s most pressing challenges at the edge of the smart grid.”

With growing demand for smarter and greener energy grids, the gateway empowers DSOs to anticipate and respond to real-time grid conditions, optimising energy flow and ensuring stability even during peak loads. This AI-driven platform doesn’t just monitor; it enables intelligent energy steering and dynamic decision-making at the edge.

“SmartLV exemplifies the fusion of AI and connectivity in tackling critical challenges within smart grids,” said Sebastiano Di Filippo, senior director at Qualcomm (www.qualcomm.com). “Qualcomm and Lantronix are enabling DSOs to have enhanced control and insights into the distribution network, transforming how energy is delivered and consumed and accelerating the grid transformation.”

Features of the gateway include:

• Multi-protocol communication: Seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure via Ethernet, serial IO and IP conversion suites, offering flexibility across legacy and modern systems.
• High-speed connectivity: Future-resilient with LTE and 5G-ready high-speed cellular communication for reliable, low-latency operations.
• Edge computing for real-time decisions: AI-enabled edge computing that powers low-latency analysis, enabling split-second decision-making directly at the substation.
• Cyber security: Fortified with Lantronix’s InfiniShield security framework to defend against cyber threats, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
• Simplified management: With Lantronix’s Percepxion IoT edge platform (www.lantronix.com/percepxion), it offers seamless management with global cellular plans, VPN security and an easy-to-use cloud platform to monitor and control deployments.
• Energy steering automation: Provides automated, real-time control of DERs based on actual grid conditions to ensure efficient energy flow.

The SmartLV gateway (www.lantronix.com/products/smartlv) is the latest innovation in a 15-year relationship, combining Qualcomm’s AI and connectivity with Lantronix’s expertise in IoT for industrial and smart grid applications.

The SmartLV gateway is scheduled to launch in 2025, with some trials beginning at the end of 2024 for selected DSOs.

Lantronix (www.lantronix.com) specialises in compute and connectivity IoT that targets high-growth industries such as smart cities, automotive and enterprise.