LITTLE FALLS, USA: mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:XDSL) participated on the Thought Leadership Panel at the Smart Grid Implementation Summit last Wednesday, August 19 along with General Electric, Intel, and Deloitte.
The discussion highlighted key developments in energy storage technology and the importance of batteries in smart grid architecture. mPhase described its Smart NanoBattery and applications that could enhance the way smart grids function.
The Thought Leadership Panel on Smart Grid Technology was led by Deloitte with GE and Intel discussing hardware requirements and communication needs and capabilities for smart grids, while mPhase talked about energy storage solutions, focusing on batteries. In its current form, the Smart NanoBattery could provide always ready emergency backup power to electrical devices employed in the smart grid, such as sensors and actuators.
Three elements of batteries were discussed in relation to smart grid architecture: demand response, distributed energy, and reserve power. The mPhase Smart NanoBattery may have an opportunity to make a significant impact with reserve power.
In the event of a power grid going down or becoming disabled, battery power is required to ensure that mission critical operations, such as hospitals, data centers, security systems, etc, continue to operate without interruption. Reliability over extended periods of time is of the utmost importance in these situations.
With a potentially infinite shelf life and the ability to program usage life, the Smart NanoBattery can help improve smart grid security, interoperability and networking.
mPhase CEO, Ron Durando, said: "The Smart Grid Implementation Summit was a success in that we were able to present our technology to key leaders involved in smart grid design and standardization. I think we showed that mPhase and the Smart NanoBattery present a real value to emerging smart grids and the large corporations that will be leading the way."
According to a new report from industry analyst firm NanoMarkets, the demand for battery and supercapacitor storage systems for smart grid applications will grow from $1.5 billion in 2012 to $8.3 billion in 2016.
Its report "Batteries and Ultra-Capacitors for the Smart Power Grid: Market Opportunities 2009-2016," quantifies the opportunities for electrical storage under the emerging "smart grid applications" business category. In addition, the principal energy storage appropriations included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) totaled $7.3 billion.
These appropriations will be dispersed directly to companies that can directly contribute to the development of smart grid architecture, including advanced lithium ion batteries, and is a direct result of the nation's administration's focus on modernizing the electric grid.
The Smart Grid Implementation Summit took place from August 17-19 and over sixty executives from utilities, technology providers, trade associations, and standards development organizations were in. US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke led this year's conference.
Showing posts with label smart grid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smart grid. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Electrical grids need to be smarter!
OYSTER BAY, USA: The aging US electrical power grid is a security risk due to its centralized infrastructure, which leaves it open to failures on a massive scale (as seen during the Northeast Blackout of 2003, which left as many as 45 million people in eight US states in the dark).
The electrical power infrastructure of Europe is similarly antiquated, and needs to be upgraded if the EU is to attain its 20/20/20 goals of reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent, improving energy efficiency by 20 percent, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources by 20 percent, all by the year 2020.
Updating and transforming current electrical networks into smart grids yields a number of benefits, according to a new study by NextGen Research, "Smart Grid Applications: Demand Response, Decentralized Generation and Smart Meters Increase Electrical Networks’ Capabilities, Efficiency and Reliability."
These include the capability for the grid to heal itself in the face of attack or failure, the opportunity to improve the efficiency of power generation and delivery, and the ability to provide greater flexibility in accessing power from distributed, renewable sources.
The study also observes that smart grid deployments bring with them new jobs, in areas ranging from installing new transmission and distribution lines to creating advanced energy management systems. Job creation is increasingly important during the currently troubled economic environment, to offset growing job losses in other sectors.
The study’s author, research analyst Atakan Ozbek, says utilities and governments around the world spent more than $12 billion upgrading, strengthening and “smartening up” their electrical power grids in 2008, an amount NextGen Research projects will grow to more than $33 billion through 2014.
In light of growing governmental support and stimulus spending, Ozbek says, “We can expect the smart grid markets to take off in late 2009, but more realistically, from 2010 onward.”
He adds that, while governments are allocating billions for upgrades to existing electrical networks to improve their reliability, interactive capabilities, and openness to renewable energy sources, a lack of `industry-wide smart grid standards is hindering the sector’s growth potential.
“The early movers, like PG&E and Austin Energy, should take advantage of their early participation in the field to establish open standards,” which would allow smart grid deployments to progress more quickly, with predictable costs.
The electrical power infrastructure of Europe is similarly antiquated, and needs to be upgraded if the EU is to attain its 20/20/20 goals of reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent, improving energy efficiency by 20 percent, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources by 20 percent, all by the year 2020.
Updating and transforming current electrical networks into smart grids yields a number of benefits, according to a new study by NextGen Research, "Smart Grid Applications: Demand Response, Decentralized Generation and Smart Meters Increase Electrical Networks’ Capabilities, Efficiency and Reliability."
These include the capability for the grid to heal itself in the face of attack or failure, the opportunity to improve the efficiency of power generation and delivery, and the ability to provide greater flexibility in accessing power from distributed, renewable sources.
The study also observes that smart grid deployments bring with them new jobs, in areas ranging from installing new transmission and distribution lines to creating advanced energy management systems. Job creation is increasingly important during the currently troubled economic environment, to offset growing job losses in other sectors.
The study’s author, research analyst Atakan Ozbek, says utilities and governments around the world spent more than $12 billion upgrading, strengthening and “smartening up” their electrical power grids in 2008, an amount NextGen Research projects will grow to more than $33 billion through 2014.
In light of growing governmental support and stimulus spending, Ozbek says, “We can expect the smart grid markets to take off in late 2009, but more realistically, from 2010 onward.”
He adds that, while governments are allocating billions for upgrades to existing electrical networks to improve their reliability, interactive capabilities, and openness to renewable energy sources, a lack of `industry-wide smart grid standards is hindering the sector’s growth potential.
“The early movers, like PG&E and Austin Energy, should take advantage of their early participation in the field to establish open standards,” which would allow smart grid deployments to progress more quickly, with predictable costs.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
ComEd seeks federal funding to build smart grid
CHICAGO, USA: ComEd announced it has filed an application for $175 million in matching funds made available under the recently passed $787 billion American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to help finance the company's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) pilot and additional investment in Smart Grid technologies in northern Illinois.
For inclusion in its application submission, ComEd received nearly 70 letters of support from municipalities and organizations including the City of Chicago.
"Smart Grid technologies will enhance service reliability, help customers make smarter decisions about energy use and contribute to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions," said Anne Pramaggiore, president and chief operating officer, ComEd.
"If accepted, our proposal will offset some of the costs involved in building a next-generation electrical system that will deliver significant customer value and help ensure economic competitiveness in Illinois."
Earlier this summer, ComEd filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recommending a one-year AMI pilot, one of the country's most comprehensive evaluations of how customers will interact with this innovative technology.
Current plans call for the deployment of approximately 141,000 smart meters in 11 suburban communities and in the City of Chicago, and will include tests of customers' responses to alternative pricing plans, in-home displays and Home Area Network control systems.
The ARRA provides matching grant amounts for Smart Grid initiatives due to the significant economic and societal benefits of the technology. If approved, the federal funding would be used for:
* Deployment of additional smart meters in ComEd's service territory in combination with advanced pricing and billing options; additional customers will receive in-home displays, programmable devices that will let them control their air conditioners remotely and Web interface options to help manage energy usage and costs.
* An unique project with the City of Chicago that integrates smart meters and advanced technology with energy efficiency incentives in urban communities targeted for sustainability investments through the Chicago Climate Action Plan.
* If accepted, ComEd's proposal is projected to create about 3,800 jobs in northern Illinois.
* Automation of the distribution system to enhance reliability by eliminating an estimated 400,000 customer interruptions every year.
* Conservation Voltage Reduction technologies to reduce line losses the energy that is wasted as power is moved from power generation plants to homes.
* Intelligent substation technologies to improve safety and optimize maintenance practices while enhancing reliability and operational performance.
ComEd also applied for federal funding for an innovative test integrating solar power with smart metering dynamic pricing and energy storage to increase reliability and provide more options to manage energy use.
ComEd's proposed expansion of smart grid technologies will provide useful information to the ICC and other stakeholders as policies for statewide Smart Grid deployment are developed. ComEd's AMI pilot and Smart Grid vision also will play an important role in building a more energy efficient and independent future for Illinois by delivering higher levels of reliability and providing customers unprecedented choices and control. The Department of Energy's decision to award grants is anticipated sometime later this year.
For inclusion in its application submission, ComEd received nearly 70 letters of support from municipalities and organizations including the City of Chicago.
"Smart Grid technologies will enhance service reliability, help customers make smarter decisions about energy use and contribute to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions," said Anne Pramaggiore, president and chief operating officer, ComEd.
"If accepted, our proposal will offset some of the costs involved in building a next-generation electrical system that will deliver significant customer value and help ensure economic competitiveness in Illinois."
Earlier this summer, ComEd filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recommending a one-year AMI pilot, one of the country's most comprehensive evaluations of how customers will interact with this innovative technology.
Current plans call for the deployment of approximately 141,000 smart meters in 11 suburban communities and in the City of Chicago, and will include tests of customers' responses to alternative pricing plans, in-home displays and Home Area Network control systems.
The ARRA provides matching grant amounts for Smart Grid initiatives due to the significant economic and societal benefits of the technology. If approved, the federal funding would be used for:
* Deployment of additional smart meters in ComEd's service territory in combination with advanced pricing and billing options; additional customers will receive in-home displays, programmable devices that will let them control their air conditioners remotely and Web interface options to help manage energy usage and costs.
* An unique project with the City of Chicago that integrates smart meters and advanced technology with energy efficiency incentives in urban communities targeted for sustainability investments through the Chicago Climate Action Plan.
* If accepted, ComEd's proposal is projected to create about 3,800 jobs in northern Illinois.
* Automation of the distribution system to enhance reliability by eliminating an estimated 400,000 customer interruptions every year.
* Conservation Voltage Reduction technologies to reduce line losses the energy that is wasted as power is moved from power generation plants to homes.
* Intelligent substation technologies to improve safety and optimize maintenance practices while enhancing reliability and operational performance.
ComEd also applied for federal funding for an innovative test integrating solar power with smart metering dynamic pricing and energy storage to increase reliability and provide more options to manage energy use.
ComEd's proposed expansion of smart grid technologies will provide useful information to the ICC and other stakeholders as policies for statewide Smart Grid deployment are developed. ComEd's AMI pilot and Smart Grid vision also will play an important role in building a more energy efficient and independent future for Illinois by delivering higher levels of reliability and providing customers unprecedented choices and control. The Department of Energy's decision to award grants is anticipated sometime later this year.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Nanomarkets' report on batteries and supercapacitors for smart grid
GLEN ALLEN, USA: The market for battery and supercapacitor storage systems for Smart Grid applications will grow from $1.5 billion in 2012 to $8.3 billion in 2016, according to a new report from NanoMarkets.
Key insights:
* NanoMarkets believes that new battery technologies will be needed to meet the demanding storage requirements of the Smart Grid and that lead carbon, Sodium Sulfur (NaS) and flow battery technology will take a growing share of Smart Grid storage applications.
Flow batteries show especial promise and NanoMarkets believes that revenues from these type of batteries will reach $510 million by 2016. Another technology that should be fully commercialized in a five-to-eight-year timeframe is the ultrabattery which is an advanced lead acid battery that integrates supercapacitor technology.
* NanoMarkets' report says that initially current UPS strategies for retail electrical supply will be extended for use in peak shaving applications. The second major growth area for Smart Grid storage will emerge to provide grid stability for intermittent generating sources -- primarily on-grid wind and solar.
Battery-based grid storage will also be a key requirement for microgrids for regions that currently lack reliable grid infrastructure as well as for military support applications.
* Current national and international goals for alternative energy deployment will not be met without extensive new storage capability installed in national grids. Without such installation the required grid stability and peaking shifting capability needed to meet these goals cannot be attained.
* NanoMarkets believes that supercapacitor demand from the Smart Grid will reach $1.1 billion by 2016. Because of their fast discharge rate and low maintenance, the demand for supercapacitors will find their most extensive in frequency regulation applications.
The other area where significant growth for supercapacitors is expected is in regenerative braking for grid-connected light rail systems.
Key insights:
* NanoMarkets believes that new battery technologies will be needed to meet the demanding storage requirements of the Smart Grid and that lead carbon, Sodium Sulfur (NaS) and flow battery technology will take a growing share of Smart Grid storage applications.
Flow batteries show especial promise and NanoMarkets believes that revenues from these type of batteries will reach $510 million by 2016. Another technology that should be fully commercialized in a five-to-eight-year timeframe is the ultrabattery which is an advanced lead acid battery that integrates supercapacitor technology.
* NanoMarkets' report says that initially current UPS strategies for retail electrical supply will be extended for use in peak shaving applications. The second major growth area for Smart Grid storage will emerge to provide grid stability for intermittent generating sources -- primarily on-grid wind and solar.
Battery-based grid storage will also be a key requirement for microgrids for regions that currently lack reliable grid infrastructure as well as for military support applications.
* Current national and international goals for alternative energy deployment will not be met without extensive new storage capability installed in national grids. Without such installation the required grid stability and peaking shifting capability needed to meet these goals cannot be attained.
* NanoMarkets believes that supercapacitor demand from the Smart Grid will reach $1.1 billion by 2016. Because of their fast discharge rate and low maintenance, the demand for supercapacitors will find their most extensive in frequency regulation applications.
The other area where significant growth for supercapacitors is expected is in regenerative braking for grid-connected light rail systems.
NanoMarkets' report on batteries and supercapacitors for smart grid
GLEN ALLEN, USA: The market for battery and supercapacitor storage systems for Smart Grid applications will grow from $1.5 billion in 2012 to $8.3 billion in 2016, according to a new report from NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm based here. Additional details about the report, Batteries and Ultra-Capacitors for the Smart Power Grid: Market Opportunities 2009-2016 can be found on the firm's website.
Key insights:
* NanoMarkets believes that new battery technologies will be needed to meet the demanding storage requirements of the Smart Grid and that lead carbon, Sodium Sulfur (NaS) and flow battery technology will take a growing share of Smart Grid storage applications.
Flow batteries show especial promise and NanoMarkets believes that revenues from these type of batteries will reach $510 million by 2016. Another technology that should be fully commercialized in a five-to-eight-year timeframe is the ultrabattery which is an advanced lead acid battery that integrates supercapacitor technology.
* NanoMarkets' report says that initially current UPS strategies for retail electrical supply will be extended for use in peak shaving applications. The second major growth area for Smart Grid storage will emerge to provide grid stability for intermittent generating sources -- primarily on-grid wind and solar.
Battery-based grid storage will also be a key requirement for microgrids for regions that currently lack reliable grid infrastructure as well as for military support applications.
* Current national and international goals for alternative energy deployment will not be met without extensive new storage capability installed in national grids. Without such installation the required grid stability and peaking shifting capability needed to meet these goals cannot be attained.
NanoMarkets believes that supercapacitor demand from the Smart Grid will reach $1.1 billion by 2016.
Because of their fast discharge rate and low maintenance, the demand for supercapacitors will find their most extensive in frequency regulation applications. The other area where significant growth for supercapacitors is expected is in regenerative braking for grid-connected light rail systems.
Key insights:
* NanoMarkets believes that new battery technologies will be needed to meet the demanding storage requirements of the Smart Grid and that lead carbon, Sodium Sulfur (NaS) and flow battery technology will take a growing share of Smart Grid storage applications.
Flow batteries show especial promise and NanoMarkets believes that revenues from these type of batteries will reach $510 million by 2016. Another technology that should be fully commercialized in a five-to-eight-year timeframe is the ultrabattery which is an advanced lead acid battery that integrates supercapacitor technology.
* NanoMarkets' report says that initially current UPS strategies for retail electrical supply will be extended for use in peak shaving applications. The second major growth area for Smart Grid storage will emerge to provide grid stability for intermittent generating sources -- primarily on-grid wind and solar.
Battery-based grid storage will also be a key requirement for microgrids for regions that currently lack reliable grid infrastructure as well as for military support applications.
* Current national and international goals for alternative energy deployment will not be met without extensive new storage capability installed in national grids. Without such installation the required grid stability and peaking shifting capability needed to meet these goals cannot be attained.
NanoMarkets believes that supercapacitor demand from the Smart Grid will reach $1.1 billion by 2016.
Because of their fast discharge rate and low maintenance, the demand for supercapacitors will find their most extensive in frequency regulation applications. The other area where significant growth for supercapacitors is expected is in regenerative braking for grid-connected light rail systems.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
GE Energy, New Zealand Utility kick off smart grid project
ATLANTA, USA: GE Energy and central Canterbury electricity network, Orion New Zealand Ltd, announced today the implementation of the first phase of a sophisticated GE network management system to help improve power reliability for customers. This implementation is the first of its kind to go live in New Zealand.
The system of smart grid technologies will significantly improve the network company’s ability to manage big network emergencies and help it to restore power faster when outages occur.
“Finding proven ways to improve reliability for our customers was a driving force behind our decision to kick off this system deployment,” said Orion CEO Roger Sutton.
“When severe storms hit, we’ll have the information and capabilities to prevent outages and focus crews to quickly restore power to more people. This is a huge investment for Orion, for the ultimate benefit of all central Canterbury residents who rely on us around the clock to provide a reliable, secure and efficient electricity network.”
GE’s ENMAC Distribution Management System is the foundation of Orion’s initiative. The ENMAC system, to be fully implemented by mid-2010, will help Orion monitor the distribution grid and will give operators an accurate, real-time picture of power flow, trouble spots and potential workarounds for outages.
“Orion is leveraging the true potential of GE technologies with its ENMAC smart grid foundation,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president, transmission and distribution at GE Energy. “The system will help Orion improve operational efficiency by streamlining the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the network and by providing valuable and timely information to effectively manage outages.”
Orion has completed the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) phase of the project, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the network. This is the first ENMAC SCADA system up and running in New Zealand.
The project is now in its second phase with the installation of a distribution network management system, which will enable Orion to maintain and control its network from a single viewpoint.
This system incorporates an electronic network diagram for the Orion control room and will help to reduce the number of power outages, increase the speed of recovery from disruptions, and keep consumers better informed when the lights do go out.
The third phase of the Orion project is an outage management system, which will work with ENMAC to help automatically re-route power when an outage occurs, dispatch crews and help operators make better decisions for faster power restoration.
ENMAC’s mobile functionality will add further flexibility to Orion’s system. Instructions to field crews will be automated from the ENMAC platform via wireless mobile networks, for more timely and efficient responses to customers.
Orion New Zealand Ltd. owns and operates the electricity network in central Canterbury between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers and from the Canterbury coast to Arthur’s Pass. The network covers 8,000 square kilometers of diverse geography, including Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, farming communities and high country.
Through industry collaborations, GE will deliver one of the broadest portfolio offerings in the industry to modernize the electrical systems from the power plant to the consumer.
From smarter appliances to technologies for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to providing renewable technologies and smart meters, GE has the breadth and knowledge needed to increase energy productivity all the way up and down the lines.
The system of smart grid technologies will significantly improve the network company’s ability to manage big network emergencies and help it to restore power faster when outages occur.
“Finding proven ways to improve reliability for our customers was a driving force behind our decision to kick off this system deployment,” said Orion CEO Roger Sutton.
“When severe storms hit, we’ll have the information and capabilities to prevent outages and focus crews to quickly restore power to more people. This is a huge investment for Orion, for the ultimate benefit of all central Canterbury residents who rely on us around the clock to provide a reliable, secure and efficient electricity network.”
GE’s ENMAC Distribution Management System is the foundation of Orion’s initiative. The ENMAC system, to be fully implemented by mid-2010, will help Orion monitor the distribution grid and will give operators an accurate, real-time picture of power flow, trouble spots and potential workarounds for outages.
“Orion is leveraging the true potential of GE technologies with its ENMAC smart grid foundation,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president, transmission and distribution at GE Energy. “The system will help Orion improve operational efficiency by streamlining the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the network and by providing valuable and timely information to effectively manage outages.”
Orion has completed the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) phase of the project, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the network. This is the first ENMAC SCADA system up and running in New Zealand.
The project is now in its second phase with the installation of a distribution network management system, which will enable Orion to maintain and control its network from a single viewpoint.
This system incorporates an electronic network diagram for the Orion control room and will help to reduce the number of power outages, increase the speed of recovery from disruptions, and keep consumers better informed when the lights do go out.
The third phase of the Orion project is an outage management system, which will work with ENMAC to help automatically re-route power when an outage occurs, dispatch crews and help operators make better decisions for faster power restoration.
ENMAC’s mobile functionality will add further flexibility to Orion’s system. Instructions to field crews will be automated from the ENMAC platform via wireless mobile networks, for more timely and efficient responses to customers.
Orion New Zealand Ltd. owns and operates the electricity network in central Canterbury between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers and from the Canterbury coast to Arthur’s Pass. The network covers 8,000 square kilometers of diverse geography, including Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, farming communities and high country.
Through industry collaborations, GE will deliver one of the broadest portfolio offerings in the industry to modernize the electrical systems from the power plant to the consumer.
From smarter appliances to technologies for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to providing renewable technologies and smart meters, GE has the breadth and knowledge needed to increase energy productivity all the way up and down the lines.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Smart meters not enough to achieve energy efficiency goals!
SAN MATEO, USA: eMeter Corp., the global leader in Smart Grid management software, has unveiled Energy Engage™, an online, consumer engagement solution that encourages conservation by enabling users to understand the relationship between energy consumption, cost and carbon output.
Pilot participants with PowerCentsDC will be the first to actively manage their home energy consumption with Energy Engage. PowerCentsDC is a public–private partnership program backed by Pepco and consumer and regulatory bodies in Washington DC that is testing how much electricity consumers can save using key Smart Grid technologies.
Utilities have been investing in smart metering technology to lower operating costs, offer faster customer service and provide consumers with billing options and pricing that corresponds to peak demand. However, there has been little progress in engaging end users to realize the benefits of this technology.
Energy Engage encourages behavioral change among customers by helping them understand how their energy consumption levels impacts not only their wallets, but also the environment.
Energy Engage uniquely empowers utility companies to help consumers manage their home energy usage with, for the first time, accurate daily billing information, real-time event driven alerts to budget variations and access to local community guidance and advice.
“To fully realize the benefits of Smart Grid technologies, utilities must engage their customers more effectively for improved energy efficiency and conservation. The critical next steps are to provide better information to consumers about their usage, make them aware of opportunities for savings and get them motivated to make positive changes,” said Sam Klepper, Senior Vice President and General Manager of eMeter’s Consumer Energy Group. “With Energy Engage, consumers and utilities are able to benefit from a symbiotic relationship, changing passive energy users into active participants of energy conservation and management.”
Leveraging Energy Engage, PowerCentsDC is investigating new pricing models and behavioral changes that can be maximized through advanced consumer engagement solutions. All participants will be able to see, for the first time, daily usage and cost updates and have summaries sent automatically by text or email, along with optional budget alerts when their usage or cost exceeds pre-set thresholds.
“We chose eMeter's Energy Engage over other options because we believe it creates a compelling, consumer-oriented experience that pushes the envelope in terms of empowering our customers to make positive changes. We expect improved conservation, customer energy efficiency and greater peak demand reductions,” said Rick Morgan, Commissioner of the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and Chair of the Smart Meter Pilot Program, Inc.
Benefit to utilities
Consumer engagement is critically important for utilities to reap the full benefits of the Smart Grid. With an integrated engagement solution that leverages data traditionally used for billing, utilities are better able to offer consumers an easy to use tool that encourages closer collaboration on reducing peak demand and increasing energy conservation. Energy Engage bridges utilities with customers to monitor energy consumption levels with compelling tools that motivate change and increase energy efficiency.
While first generation web portals typically have provided online bill access and simple tips, Energy Engage gives utilities an online solution for their customers to monitor energy consumption levels together with a variety of tools to enable long term behavior change, including text and email alerts, trusted advice from industry experts, and community building including local advice and views of how their energy consumption compares to others in their neighborhood.
Benefit to consumers
Energy Engage will be available to consumers through their utility company as a free, online resource that provides unprecedented transparency into their home energy consumption.
Providing detailed yet digestible information on energy consumption levels, Energy Engage illustrates the relationship between usage, cost and environmental impact. Consumers will benefit from more insight and control over their energy use, including notifications of power outages, tools to budget energy bills, and industry and community tips on lowering costs.
The development of a consumer engagement solution is a natural progression for eMeter, the global leader in Smart Grid data management. Leveraging the company’s operational understanding of utility infrastructure, Energy Engage ensures the most accurate and meaningful consumer communication of usage, cost and environmental impact.
By integrating sophisticated Web 2.0 user interface and behavioral activation techniques, Energy Engage entices consumer involvement and motivates them to make behavioral changes to lower energy consumption and costs.
Pilot participants with PowerCentsDC will be the first to actively manage their home energy consumption with Energy Engage. PowerCentsDC is a public–private partnership program backed by Pepco and consumer and regulatory bodies in Washington DC that is testing how much electricity consumers can save using key Smart Grid technologies.
Utilities have been investing in smart metering technology to lower operating costs, offer faster customer service and provide consumers with billing options and pricing that corresponds to peak demand. However, there has been little progress in engaging end users to realize the benefits of this technology.
Energy Engage encourages behavioral change among customers by helping them understand how their energy consumption levels impacts not only their wallets, but also the environment.
Energy Engage uniquely empowers utility companies to help consumers manage their home energy usage with, for the first time, accurate daily billing information, real-time event driven alerts to budget variations and access to local community guidance and advice.
“To fully realize the benefits of Smart Grid technologies, utilities must engage their customers more effectively for improved energy efficiency and conservation. The critical next steps are to provide better information to consumers about their usage, make them aware of opportunities for savings and get them motivated to make positive changes,” said Sam Klepper, Senior Vice President and General Manager of eMeter’s Consumer Energy Group. “With Energy Engage, consumers and utilities are able to benefit from a symbiotic relationship, changing passive energy users into active participants of energy conservation and management.”
Leveraging Energy Engage, PowerCentsDC is investigating new pricing models and behavioral changes that can be maximized through advanced consumer engagement solutions. All participants will be able to see, for the first time, daily usage and cost updates and have summaries sent automatically by text or email, along with optional budget alerts when their usage or cost exceeds pre-set thresholds.
“We chose eMeter's Energy Engage over other options because we believe it creates a compelling, consumer-oriented experience that pushes the envelope in terms of empowering our customers to make positive changes. We expect improved conservation, customer energy efficiency and greater peak demand reductions,” said Rick Morgan, Commissioner of the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and Chair of the Smart Meter Pilot Program, Inc.
Benefit to utilities
Consumer engagement is critically important for utilities to reap the full benefits of the Smart Grid. With an integrated engagement solution that leverages data traditionally used for billing, utilities are better able to offer consumers an easy to use tool that encourages closer collaboration on reducing peak demand and increasing energy conservation. Energy Engage bridges utilities with customers to monitor energy consumption levels with compelling tools that motivate change and increase energy efficiency.
While first generation web portals typically have provided online bill access and simple tips, Energy Engage gives utilities an online solution for their customers to monitor energy consumption levels together with a variety of tools to enable long term behavior change, including text and email alerts, trusted advice from industry experts, and community building including local advice and views of how their energy consumption compares to others in their neighborhood.
Benefit to consumers
Energy Engage will be available to consumers through their utility company as a free, online resource that provides unprecedented transparency into their home energy consumption.
Providing detailed yet digestible information on energy consumption levels, Energy Engage illustrates the relationship between usage, cost and environmental impact. Consumers will benefit from more insight and control over their energy use, including notifications of power outages, tools to budget energy bills, and industry and community tips on lowering costs.
The development of a consumer engagement solution is a natural progression for eMeter, the global leader in Smart Grid data management. Leveraging the company’s operational understanding of utility infrastructure, Energy Engage ensures the most accurate and meaningful consumer communication of usage, cost and environmental impact.
By integrating sophisticated Web 2.0 user interface and behavioral activation techniques, Energy Engage entices consumer involvement and motivates them to make behavioral changes to lower energy consumption and costs.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
SMUD selects Silver Spring for smart grid rollout
REDWOOD CITY, USA: Silver Spring Networks, a leading provider of smart networking solutions, announced today that it has been selected by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to provide the network infrastructure for their Smart Capital initiative which will network approximately 600,000 homes and businesses in Sacramento County.
Silver Spring Networks will provide field-proven, open-standards-based, secure, wireless network communications, software and services in support of SMUD’s efforts. Rollout will begin next month and is expected to be completed by March 2011.
“Silver Spring Networks is looking forward to working with SMUD to deliver the benefits of a truly smart grid to customers across Sacramento County,” said Scott Lang, Chairman, President and CEO of Silver Spring Networks. “With an intelligent network, SMUD can empower customers to manage their energy consumption more efficiently, enabling rate payers to become full participants in building more energy efficient communities.”
In partnership with Silver Spring Networks, SMUD intends to implement a number of advanced Smart Grid applications, including distribution automation and home area networking.
The new, networked grid will enable SMUD to provide its customers with actionable information about their energy use, as well as enhance system efficiency and reliability by giving the utility complete visibility across its service area.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is the sixth largest community-owned electric utility in the country, serving approximately 600,000 residential and commercial customers.
“For 60 years, SMUD has been committed to providing our customers with reliable, low-cost energy, while maintaining a commitment to our environment,” said John DiStasio, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer. “Building the Smart Grid with a trusted partner like Silver Spring Networks is a vitally important step in keeping that promise to our customers and our planet.”
Silver Spring Networks will provide field-proven, open-standards-based, secure, wireless network communications, software and services in support of SMUD’s efforts. Rollout will begin next month and is expected to be completed by March 2011.
“Silver Spring Networks is looking forward to working with SMUD to deliver the benefits of a truly smart grid to customers across Sacramento County,” said Scott Lang, Chairman, President and CEO of Silver Spring Networks. “With an intelligent network, SMUD can empower customers to manage their energy consumption more efficiently, enabling rate payers to become full participants in building more energy efficient communities.”
In partnership with Silver Spring Networks, SMUD intends to implement a number of advanced Smart Grid applications, including distribution automation and home area networking.
The new, networked grid will enable SMUD to provide its customers with actionable information about their energy use, as well as enhance system efficiency and reliability by giving the utility complete visibility across its service area.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is the sixth largest community-owned electric utility in the country, serving approximately 600,000 residential and commercial customers.
“For 60 years, SMUD has been committed to providing our customers with reliable, low-cost energy, while maintaining a commitment to our environment,” said John DiStasio, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer. “Building the Smart Grid with a trusted partner like Silver Spring Networks is a vitally important step in keeping that promise to our customers and our planet.”
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
GridPoint releases GridPoint Platform 3.0
ARLINGTON, USA: GridPoint Inc., a leading smart grid company, has released GridPoint Platform 3.0, a standards-based open platform that provides utilities with an intelligent network to manage and control distributed energy resources.
GridPoint Platform 3.0 enables utilities to offer consumers online energy programs, delivers advanced demand response programs based on consumer preferences, grid status, real-time market prices and analytics, and expands the variety of home area network devices it controls. Additionally, the platform now provides utilities with an easy, cost-effective path to extend smart grid capabilities to residences equipped with AMR meters.
The platform allows utilities to progressively integrate and customize smart grid solutions, including energy efficiency, load management, renewable integration, storage management and electric vehicle management.
The platform delivers these solutions through the integration of distributed energy resources, including plug-in electric vehicles, solar panels, advanced storage technologies, and household devices such as thermostats, electric water heaters and pool pumps.
GridPoint Platform 3.0 aggregates these assets into a single manageable resource that utilities control via the GridPoint Utility Portal. The platform provides utilities with availability, scheduling and forecasting, and measurement and verification. Furthermore, the platform’s auditing and reporting capabilities are a critical component for utilities seeking revenue-grade treatment for demand response events. Enhanced capabilities of the platform include:
Consumer online energy awareness, insight and management
The platform offers utilities the ability to engage their customers through various levels of online energy programs including energy awareness, insight and management, all facilitated via the GridPoint Customer Portal. GridPoint’s energy awareness solution does not require devices in the home and provides consumers with a daily view of household energy consumption. Additionally, consumers can opt-in online to participate in future programs offered by the utility.
GridPoint’s energy insight solution provides greater functionality and also does not require devices in the home. It integrates utility-provided billing and consumption data and enables customers to submit household energy usage information online to receive recommendations on how to better manage their energy. Community-level analytics are also incorporated to allow consumers to compare their energy usage and conservation efforts with their neighbors’.
With additional devices in the home, the platform enables utilities to provide consumers with an advanced online energy management program. Consumers use the GridPoint Customer Portal to create an energy profile to automatically manage appliances and in-home devices according to their preferences, such as turning off the water heater during work hours.
Through the portal, they receive pricing alerts and environmental messages to encourage participation during specific periods. During a demand response event, consumers can opt-out either from the portal or directly from an in-home display.
Advanced load management
GridPoint Platform 3.0’s load management solution is the first step in completely automated demand response programs. The platform’s ease of integration with grid operating systems enables the platform to optimize the grid by delivering the specific amount of load or supply based on market prices for power, grid status, weather, and environmental impact of generation mix.
This data is provided by companies including Xcel Energy Smart Grid Consortium partners OSIsoft, the real-time enterprise infrastructure for secure smart grid operations, and Ventyx, the world’s largest private software, data and advisory services provider to the energy and utility industry. The platform continuously provides grid operating systems with forecasts on load demand, as well as the demand response and supply capacity of distributed resources.
During an event, the platform determines which resources and customers can participate based on first- and second-tier analysis. First-tier analysis selects resources based on group characteristics such as load class, feeder or substation.
Once selected, second-tier analysis determines which resources can participate based on customer data including a customer’s individual preferences, rate plan or most recent participation in a utility-sponsored event. The platform then delivers the desired amount of load shedding, shifting or power dispatching and sends verification on the actual amount of load reduced or supply dispatched.
Integration with partners to control home area network devices
GridPoint Platform 3.0, an interoperable open platform, enables easy integration with technology partners to control home area network (HAN) devices. The platform provides technology partners with a software development kit to write to an applications program interface, expanding the platform’s ability to integrate a variety of distributed assets.
During an event, the platform sends commands to the partners’ network operations server to control its HAN devices and curtail household load.
For example, GridPoint has worked closely with Control4, a leader in home automation and energy management, to integrate Control4’s HAN products, including the Energy Management Controller, in-home energy display, thermostat and measurement module, for a complete, robust solution for the utility market.
Additionally, GridPoint Platform 3.0 now controls wireless ZigBee-enabled thermostats, which can be programmed by the consumer either through GridPoint’s customer portal or directly on the thermostat display.
ERT Reader and smart grid capabilities
In addition to GridPoint’s capabilities within AMI environments, the platform provides the capability to integrate an ERT reader. This provides utilities with an easy, cost-effective path to extend smart grid capabilities to residences equipped with AMR meters.
GridPoint Platform 3.0 enables utilities to offer consumers online energy programs, delivers advanced demand response programs based on consumer preferences, grid status, real-time market prices and analytics, and expands the variety of home area network devices it controls. Additionally, the platform now provides utilities with an easy, cost-effective path to extend smart grid capabilities to residences equipped with AMR meters.
The platform allows utilities to progressively integrate and customize smart grid solutions, including energy efficiency, load management, renewable integration, storage management and electric vehicle management.
The platform delivers these solutions through the integration of distributed energy resources, including plug-in electric vehicles, solar panels, advanced storage technologies, and household devices such as thermostats, electric water heaters and pool pumps.
GridPoint Platform 3.0 aggregates these assets into a single manageable resource that utilities control via the GridPoint Utility Portal. The platform provides utilities with availability, scheduling and forecasting, and measurement and verification. Furthermore, the platform’s auditing and reporting capabilities are a critical component for utilities seeking revenue-grade treatment for demand response events. Enhanced capabilities of the platform include:
Consumer online energy awareness, insight and management
The platform offers utilities the ability to engage their customers through various levels of online energy programs including energy awareness, insight and management, all facilitated via the GridPoint Customer Portal. GridPoint’s energy awareness solution does not require devices in the home and provides consumers with a daily view of household energy consumption. Additionally, consumers can opt-in online to participate in future programs offered by the utility.
GridPoint’s energy insight solution provides greater functionality and also does not require devices in the home. It integrates utility-provided billing and consumption data and enables customers to submit household energy usage information online to receive recommendations on how to better manage their energy. Community-level analytics are also incorporated to allow consumers to compare their energy usage and conservation efforts with their neighbors’.
With additional devices in the home, the platform enables utilities to provide consumers with an advanced online energy management program. Consumers use the GridPoint Customer Portal to create an energy profile to automatically manage appliances and in-home devices according to their preferences, such as turning off the water heater during work hours.
Through the portal, they receive pricing alerts and environmental messages to encourage participation during specific periods. During a demand response event, consumers can opt-out either from the portal or directly from an in-home display.
Advanced load management
GridPoint Platform 3.0’s load management solution is the first step in completely automated demand response programs. The platform’s ease of integration with grid operating systems enables the platform to optimize the grid by delivering the specific amount of load or supply based on market prices for power, grid status, weather, and environmental impact of generation mix.
This data is provided by companies including Xcel Energy Smart Grid Consortium partners OSIsoft, the real-time enterprise infrastructure for secure smart grid operations, and Ventyx, the world’s largest private software, data and advisory services provider to the energy and utility industry. The platform continuously provides grid operating systems with forecasts on load demand, as well as the demand response and supply capacity of distributed resources.
During an event, the platform determines which resources and customers can participate based on first- and second-tier analysis. First-tier analysis selects resources based on group characteristics such as load class, feeder or substation.
Once selected, second-tier analysis determines which resources can participate based on customer data including a customer’s individual preferences, rate plan or most recent participation in a utility-sponsored event. The platform then delivers the desired amount of load shedding, shifting or power dispatching and sends verification on the actual amount of load reduced or supply dispatched.
Integration with partners to control home area network devices
GridPoint Platform 3.0, an interoperable open platform, enables easy integration with technology partners to control home area network (HAN) devices. The platform provides technology partners with a software development kit to write to an applications program interface, expanding the platform’s ability to integrate a variety of distributed assets.
During an event, the platform sends commands to the partners’ network operations server to control its HAN devices and curtail household load.
For example, GridPoint has worked closely with Control4, a leader in home automation and energy management, to integrate Control4’s HAN products, including the Energy Management Controller, in-home energy display, thermostat and measurement module, for a complete, robust solution for the utility market.
Additionally, GridPoint Platform 3.0 now controls wireless ZigBee-enabled thermostats, which can be programmed by the consumer either through GridPoint’s customer portal or directly on the thermostat display.
ERT Reader and smart grid capabilities
In addition to GridPoint’s capabilities within AMI environments, the platform provides the capability to integrate an ERT reader. This provides utilities with an easy, cost-effective path to extend smart grid capabilities to residences equipped with AMR meters.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Inverters for alternative energy resources
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Inverters for Alternative Energy Resources: Economic Factors, Application Drivers, Architecture/Packaging Trends, Technology and Regulatory Developments, Third Edition" report to its offering.
Led by the growing photovoltaic market (PV), the outlook for inverters used in Alternative Energy Resource technology is expected to remain strong. Industry growth in this application will be driven by a combination of government incentives and declining PV module prices.
Projected to make up over 95 percent of the market, the inverters used in PV installations, both small (1-5kW) and large (>6MW), will far outpace those used in either wind or fuel cell applications.
Driven by the need to develop alternative sources of energy, limit greenhouse gasses and reduce the dependence on foreign energy supplies, the market forces driving the alternative energy resources industry vary by region.
In Europe, the primary driving forces are feed-in tariffs, which have been successfully used in 16 EU countries, most notably Germany, Italy and Spain. In fact, in Europe renewables comprise the fastest-growing segment of the energy market. In North America, unlike Europe, the alternative energy industry is driven by a combination of regulations, subsidies and tax incentives and legislation.
In contrast, Asia employs a patchwork system of incentives including subsidies and other government actions. In this region, the primary focus on alternative energy is the alleviation of power shortages and the development of backup and emergency power.
The trend towards more efficient inverters has also made considerable progress. In an effort to improve the efficiency of the technology, semiconductor companies are developing discrete IGBTs, MOSFETs such as CoolMOS as well as Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices in power modules and stacks, with the objective of raising solar inverter efficiency to 98 percent, and with the purpose of feeding as much solar-based electricity into the power grid as possible.
A number of semiconductor companies are developing technologies designed to increase efficiency and reduce electricity waste to a minimum.
Despite the efforts of a number of government and regulatory bodies worldwide, the goal of interconnection and regulatory standards is still a work in progress. However, there are a number of groups working on electrical interconnection standards with the objective of reducing or removing barriers between distributed generation technology and the utility grid.
A survey done found that most projects, including PV, wind and fuel cells, meet some sort of resistance from the utility companies when they try to interconnect with the grid. The expensive and sometimes difficult interconnection requirements currently in place worldwide comprise a key barrier to the increased use of alternative systems.
One of the more interesting technologies being developed to drive interconnection is the development of a "smart grid." However, removing current interconnection requirements is not as simple as changing the policies, and a method of resolving these barriers is ongoing.
In addition, the rate of refurbishment and replacement of the existing building stock, combined with the new ultra-efficient housing/building laws such as those described in the European directive (2002/91/EC), contribute to a growing market for residential micro-combined heat and power.
Fuel cells are an enabling or bridging technology which can allow the environmental and efficiency benefits of CHP to migrate into the residential market. In this respect, fuel cell technologies represent a market opportunity for the clean generation of electricity and provision of hot water and heating.
Led by the growing photovoltaic market (PV), the outlook for inverters used in Alternative Energy Resource technology is expected to remain strong. Industry growth in this application will be driven by a combination of government incentives and declining PV module prices.
Projected to make up over 95 percent of the market, the inverters used in PV installations, both small (1-5kW) and large (>6MW), will far outpace those used in either wind or fuel cell applications.
Driven by the need to develop alternative sources of energy, limit greenhouse gasses and reduce the dependence on foreign energy supplies, the market forces driving the alternative energy resources industry vary by region.
In Europe, the primary driving forces are feed-in tariffs, which have been successfully used in 16 EU countries, most notably Germany, Italy and Spain. In fact, in Europe renewables comprise the fastest-growing segment of the energy market. In North America, unlike Europe, the alternative energy industry is driven by a combination of regulations, subsidies and tax incentives and legislation.
In contrast, Asia employs a patchwork system of incentives including subsidies and other government actions. In this region, the primary focus on alternative energy is the alleviation of power shortages and the development of backup and emergency power.
The trend towards more efficient inverters has also made considerable progress. In an effort to improve the efficiency of the technology, semiconductor companies are developing discrete IGBTs, MOSFETs such as CoolMOS as well as Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices in power modules and stacks, with the objective of raising solar inverter efficiency to 98 percent, and with the purpose of feeding as much solar-based electricity into the power grid as possible.
A number of semiconductor companies are developing technologies designed to increase efficiency and reduce electricity waste to a minimum.
Despite the efforts of a number of government and regulatory bodies worldwide, the goal of interconnection and regulatory standards is still a work in progress. However, there are a number of groups working on electrical interconnection standards with the objective of reducing or removing barriers between distributed generation technology and the utility grid.
A survey done found that most projects, including PV, wind and fuel cells, meet some sort of resistance from the utility companies when they try to interconnect with the grid. The expensive and sometimes difficult interconnection requirements currently in place worldwide comprise a key barrier to the increased use of alternative systems.
One of the more interesting technologies being developed to drive interconnection is the development of a "smart grid." However, removing current interconnection requirements is not as simple as changing the policies, and a method of resolving these barriers is ongoing.
In addition, the rate of refurbishment and replacement of the existing building stock, combined with the new ultra-efficient housing/building laws such as those described in the European directive (2002/91/EC), contribute to a growing market for residential micro-combined heat and power.
Fuel cells are an enabling or bridging technology which can allow the environmental and efficiency benefits of CHP to migrate into the residential market. In this respect, fuel cell technologies represent a market opportunity for the clean generation of electricity and provision of hot water and heating.
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