WSRL Smart Grid Page

PURPA Related Page - You are here - Smart Grid Page 1-July. 2005 - Revised July 2009

Access Page 2 here. The push for a Federally mandated national "Smart Grid" continues. This page is meant to be used in conjunction with this sites "Metering" page. The "Metering" page contains some information on "Smart Grid" issues and that information will eventually be moved to this page as this page develops.

News, July 4, 2009 -

I just had to include this. The IEC is pushing for worldwide Smart Grid standards while in the U.S., Cisco is already implementing their license and pay for everything proprietary "Smart Grid" solutions. Does anyone out there really believe that Cisco's marketing move is in the public's best interest? In my view, this looks like a page straight out of Microsoft's marketing rules.

What is a Smart Grid -

A Smart Grid is primarily the convergence of telecommunication services and intelligent end devices (metering & appliances) for the purpose of optimizing the flow and use of electrical energy. Off setting factors include the more efficient use of existing generation facilities so additional very expensive facilities (power plants) won't need to be built. This includes the ability to also efficiently use transmission and distribution lines so expensive capacity upgrades and major new construction will not be needed.

Intelligent End Devices -

For the residential user, "Intelligent End Devices" typically include, at a

PRI Controller

minimum, their electric meter and any appliances capable of data transfer. In the near future, wind, solar energy sources, CHP as well as electric cars will likely be included. If all related intelligent devices are to communicate in an effective and coordinated manner, it is critical that a nation-wide set of standards be developed to allow same.

Data Communications Means -

This is a rural issues website. Because of the miserably bad facilities and service usually provided by rural telephone companies, most rural electric energy providers choose to provide their own communications means. This usually translates to the use of either power line carrier current or radio. See the links column to the right for additional information on the various technologies. The DCSI-TWACS carrier current technology is an old technology from the 1980's. It has found favor with several rural REA type organizations including the local DMEA organization. The Star® Networks system from the same company uses radio frequency technology to communicate with customer meters and systems. Most REA's do not have the technical resources to FCC license radio frequencies and generally rely on a consultant or large parent organization for such functions. Larger, more sophisticated utilities such as Xcel have chosen to install their own fiber optics to implement their smart grid function.

Customer Load Profiles -

In this area, use of time-of-day switches and manual energy audits is about as sophisticated as it gets. What is really needed are smart meters that can be directly accessed by the

Agilewaves Controller

customer for the purpose of downloading time stamped energy usage. By way of a central home energy controller, time stamped energy usage by individual appliances and also be accessed and compared. Only then can the customer know where his/her purchased energy and dollars are going.

The Market Model -

Hopefully future energy costs and usage will be based on a market model. During times of peak regional usage, energy costs would rise. At night and on weekends, for example, energy usage and costs are typically much less. These costs need to be made available to the customer in real time so he/she can make a decision to purchase the energy or wait until regional usage and costs are less. The purchase decision is typically done on an automatic basis through a home energy controller (HEC). Most smart meters also have a customer disconnect device built in. Besides the obvious usage for non-payment, such switches can be used to shed customer load during system emergencies.

So Who's On Board -

There is a an awful log of activity in this area right now. For a high tech view of world wide projects go to this Google maps site. Conspicuous by their absence is any sign of local rural REA or G&T organizations.