Case Study

Introduction

Utilidata is a grid-edge technology company that helps electric utilities optimize voltage control and power distribution in real-time. With its platform “Karman,” developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, Utilidata delivers software-defined intelligence directly to the edge of the grid—on smart meters and transformers—without needing massive control room overhauls.

Top Remotely was instrumental in co-developing critical components of the Karman platform, including edge AI deployment, encrypted SCADA integrations, and real-time visualization dashboards. Our collaboration enabled Utilidata to deliver advanced, edge-native intelligence to medium-sized utilities and municipal grids without overhauling legacy infrastructure.

Challenges

Utilities were limited by:

• Outdated centralized control systems with delayed response times

• Lack of real-time voltage visibility at the grid edge (especially on secondary circuits)

• Increasing pressure to integrate DERs such as rooftop solar, EVs, and battery systems

• High energy losses and inefficient voltage regulation in distribution networks

Top Remotely’s engineering teams worked closely with Utilidata’s R&D to tackle these operational bottlenecks and build a more agile, data-driven grid optimization framework.

Objectives

The joint effort between Utilidata and Top Remotely aimed to:

• Move intelligence closer to the grid edge for faster, decentralized decision-making

• Optimize voltage dynamically to reduce energy losses and increase asset life

• Enable DER coordination without costly infrastructure rebuilds

• Provide granular visibility and control down to the transformer and smart meter level

Top Remotely’s role focused on transforming these goals into tangible edge computing applications, scalable from pilot projects to full utility rollouts.

Solutions

Utilidata deployed its Karman platform—engineered with extensive backend, AI, and integration support from Top Remotely—featuring:

• Edge AI at Transformers: Installed Karman software directly onto smart meters and smart transformers using NVIDIA Jetson modules.
  
• Voltage Optimization Algorithms: Adjust voltage dynamically to reduce consumption and losses while staying within ANSI limits.
  
• DER Sensing & Control: Detects and responds to energy exported by rooftop solar or drawn by EV chargers in real time.
  
• Grid Visibility Dashboards: Displays edge voltage trends, losses, and optimization performance.
  
• Secure Integration: Communicates with utility control centers via encrypted APIs and utility SCADA/OMS systems.

Deployment Process

Top Remotely played a hands-on role throughout Utilidata’s multi-phase deployment roadmap:

• Site Assessment: Identified key feeders with DER congestion and voltage fluctuation issues.
  
• Device Installation: Deployed edge hardware on transformers and upgraded compatible smart meters.
  
• Calibration: Tuned voltage setpoints and trained AI models on local grid behavior.
  
• Operator Training: Provided utility engineers with tools for real-time control and visualization.

Results

Following platform rollout, Utilidata—with strong execution and systems support from Top Remotely—achieved measurable grid improvements:

• Reduced voltage variability across feeders by 27%, improving power quality and equipment life.
  
• Achieved 5–8% energy savings through dynamic voltage reduction.
  
• Enabled real-time DER control without needing separate aggregation platforms.
  
• Delivered full visibility into edge voltages and grid conditions, down to individual transformers.

Technology Stack

• AI & ML: NVIDIA Jetson AI modules, TensorRT, ONNX Runtime
  
• Edge Computing: Linux-based firmware, Docker, MQTT
  
• Data Processing: Apache NiFi, TimescaleDB
  
• Visualization: Grafana dashboards, Python analytics
  
• Security & Integration: TLS-encrypted REST APIs, support for IEC 61850 and DNP3 protocols

Utilidata’s Karman platform proves that smarter grids don’t require a complete rebuild—just smarter intelligence at the edge. By embedding AI directly on field devices, utilities gain millisecond-level responsiveness, deep grid awareness, and full control over fluctuating voltage and DER interactions.

Top Remotely’s end-to-end technical support—from firmware to visualization—was key to making Karman scalable, secure, and rapidly deployable. For mid-sized electric providers looking to modernize without replacing their existing infrastructure, this partnership demonstrated that future-ready grid intelligence can be achieved through precision software and edge computing innovation.