Oracle Utilities released its first survey C-level utility executives in March 2010. The Smart Grid Challenges & Choices Report surveyed 152 North American utility executives to understand their vision for the next 10 years , how they expect the smart grid to evolve our communities and homes and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
Of the 152 executives is that 53% are from the United States and 47% from Canada . Their roles or job titles are that of Owner/Partner, CEO, President, CFO, Principal, General Manager, Managing Director etc.
In the post I shall only focus on two surveys among others that were conducted , they are :
1. Priorities for the next decade.
There is a tie for the first place between improving service reliability and controlling customers costs . The data from the survey is as follows
Improving service reliability and operational efficiency (40%)
Controlling customer costs and limiting rate increases (40%)
Developing demand response and energy efficiency programs (33%)
Updating physical infrastructure (29%)
Implementing smart metering (26%)
2. Smart Grid Predictions : Those implementing Smart Grid : What do you think will take off fastest with customers ?
According to the survey smart grid
In home displays for real time usage cost data. (68%)
Smart appliances (41%)
Mobile device portals. (36%)
Distributed energy resources. (20%)
Electricity storage. (12%)
References :
Caroline Yu and Janice Hazen.
Oracle Utilities , Smart Grid Challenges and Choices Part2 :
North American Utility Executives’s real time usage and cost data is expected to be the most popular with customers. The data from the survey is as follows.’ Visions and Priorities
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Ofcom delays 4G mobile auctions
Ofcom delays 4G mobile auctions
The auction would sell off a huge chunk of the available spectrum equivalent to three quarters of the mobile spectrum in use today.
However, Ofcom has said it would cap how much of the spectrum firms can buy to ensure the mobile market stays competitive.
The bands being sold are the 800MHz and 2.6 Ghz frequencies which also includes parts of the frequencies used by analogue TV which is being switched off as digital TV is rolled out.
This extra spectrum will be used to support 4G mobile technologies which will mean among other things higher download speeds and better web browsing.
Vodafone released a statement “ We agree with Ofcom that there is time for reflection given that the spectrum will not be available until 2013 . It is very important to get the rules right to ensure that the rollout of 4G services benefits consumers and the wider economy.”
On the hand, the other mobile operator Three was the auction to take place earlier and it has voiced fears that it would run out of room in its 3G network.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15223275
The auction would sell off a huge chunk of the available spectrum equivalent to three quarters of the mobile spectrum in use today.
However, Ofcom has said it would cap how much of the spectrum firms can buy to ensure the mobile market stays competitive.
The bands being sold are the 800MHz and 2.6 Ghz frequencies which also includes parts of the frequencies used by analogue TV which is being switched off as digital TV is rolled out.
This extra spectrum will be used to support 4G mobile technologies which will mean among other things higher download speeds and better web browsing.
Vodafone released a statement “ We agree with Ofcom that there is time for reflection given that the spectrum will not be available until 2013 . It is very important to get the rules right to ensure that the rollout of 4G services benefits consumers and the wider economy.”
On the hand, the other mobile operator Three was the auction to take place earlier and it has voiced fears that it would run out of room in its 3G network.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15223275
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Integrated Critical Communications Infrastructure for Smart Grid
Integrated Critical Communications Infrastructure for Smart Grid at Connectivity Week
On the 25th May 2011 at the Connectivity Week conference in Santa Clara, California USA , there was a very informative session and the main focus was on wireless networks to be used for Smart Grid Critical Communications.
“ Critical communications infrastructure that supports the likes of military , emergency services and law enforcement is protected to serve the public good and is not subject to everyday market focus.
Electricity is a strategic asset for all modern economics and adequate safeguards are needed to protect grid in much the same way.
One way of doing this is to allow utilities to share the dedicated spectrum and radio frequencies that support that support essential services.
The purpose of this session is to elucidate the rationale for utilities use of wireless to send and receive critical communications related to Smart Grid. “ [ Allan Weissberger ]
The key characteristics of the Critical Communications Infrastructure as highlighted by Kat Shoa from The Directive Group are :
- Supports military , emergency response and law enforcement
- Fundamental to public safety during emergencies
- Spans broad geographical areas
- QoS of utmost importance
Public vs. private networks
Security : physical security , data security
Integration / deployment timelines
Howard Liu , Network Architect , Southern California Edison (SCE)
His presentation shed light to what cutting edge utility has done to build and operate its own network.
His suggestions were :
- Utilities have to build their own integrated communications network for applications eg. Disaster recovery
An integrating different sub-networks as a key issue
The other key points highlighted by Howard were :
SCE’s Integrated Critical Communications Infrastructure has a vision of a Layered Communications Architecture
Utilities had to build their own Integrated Critical Infrastructure for Critical Applications
SCE will consider complementing that with a Telco company going forward
http://viodi.com/2011/06/08/integrated-critical-communications-infrastructure-for-smart-grid-at-connectivity-week/
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Five Simple Ways to Tap Your Greatest Power
Five Simple Ways to Tap Your Greatest Power
Consumers may be the greatest untapped resource a utility has in the move towards the smart grid . Customers can be empowered to manage their own energy consumption and make behavioural changes that are favourable towards energy management. The potential for energy savings are enormous for both utilities and consumers.
One of the biggest challenges may very well be getting customers to change their energy consumption behaviours . Fortunately , recent studies have shown that consumers want to go green. Home owners in focus groups conducted by Green Research responded favourably to the idea that better information would give them greater control over their energy use
There are five basic principles that utilities can employ that can help turn customers into a great source of power .
Namely they are :
1. Educate
Utilities simply need to educate consumers of all opportunities the smart grid provides and how variable pricing and smart meters will arm them with the information they need to actively manage and reduce their energy costs.
2. Engage
Getting the customers attention and holding it by giving them a compelling reason to be involved in a conservation as a partner right from the start. By encouraging to take part in making a difference in not only their own energy output but that of the larger community as a whole will ultimately get consumers engaged in the bigger cause of energy efficiency.
3. Empower
The smart grid will allow consumers unprecedented access to their home’s real time electricity usage information . Thus , customers will feel empowered by having control over their own energy usage and output as well as what they pay on a monthly basis.
4. Emphasize
Utilities need to emphasize that the smart grid can help them respond more efficiently to variable power production introduced by renewable sources , power outages and ultimately build fewer and decrease the use of carbon based power plants.
5. Equip
Utilities should provide the best option and tools to make home energy management possible. User friendly smart meters and home energy management systems with high tech flashy features will be important in attracting early adaptors who can be key influencers within the customer base. Giving customers what they want will ultimately benefit the utility by driving profits up and saving energy in peak demand periods.
.http://static.schneider-electric.us/docs/Electrical%20Distribution/0100DB1107.pdf
Consumers may be the greatest untapped resource a utility has in the move towards the smart grid . Customers can be empowered to manage their own energy consumption and make behavioural changes that are favourable towards energy management. The potential for energy savings are enormous for both utilities and consumers.
One of the biggest challenges may very well be getting customers to change their energy consumption behaviours . Fortunately , recent studies have shown that consumers want to go green. Home owners in focus groups conducted by Green Research responded favourably to the idea that better information would give them greater control over their energy use
There are five basic principles that utilities can employ that can help turn customers into a great source of power .
Namely they are :
1. Educate
Utilities simply need to educate consumers of all opportunities the smart grid provides and how variable pricing and smart meters will arm them with the information they need to actively manage and reduce their energy costs.
2. Engage
Getting the customers attention and holding it by giving them a compelling reason to be involved in a conservation as a partner right from the start. By encouraging to take part in making a difference in not only their own energy output but that of the larger community as a whole will ultimately get consumers engaged in the bigger cause of energy efficiency.
3. Empower
The smart grid will allow consumers unprecedented access to their home’s real time electricity usage information . Thus , customers will feel empowered by having control over their own energy usage and output as well as what they pay on a monthly basis.
4. Emphasize
Utilities need to emphasize that the smart grid can help them respond more efficiently to variable power production introduced by renewable sources , power outages and ultimately build fewer and decrease the use of carbon based power plants.
5. Equip
Utilities should provide the best option and tools to make home energy management possible. User friendly smart meters and home energy management systems with high tech flashy features will be important in attracting early adaptors who can be key influencers within the customer base. Giving customers what they want will ultimately benefit the utility by driving profits up and saving energy in peak demand periods.
.http://static.schneider-electric.us/docs/Electrical%20Distribution/0100DB1107.pdf
Friday, 8 April 2011
Cellular Technology for Remote Monitoring
Cellular Technology for Remote Monitoring
So far in this blog I have touched on the Smart Grid and the BMS. In this post I would like to cover some areas of cellular technology that is available and used today.
In the field of industrial automation , remote monitoring and alarm systems are used to keep site administrators informed on things such as equipment health , usage levels eg. fuel , environment conditions and unauthorised intrusion. The remote data collection devices are typically connected to a management or control centre over RS - 485 or the Ethernet which also depends on factors such as the distance and the type of management systems. BACnet , ModBus and LonWorks are some of the management systems that are in use for monitoring and automation purposes. In many cases , the Ethernet connection can be replaced or augmented with cellular technology.
The use of cellular communications has some advantages like being wireless which means no stringing cables over long distances , ability to connect to your remote site from any locations and any number of locations , have options to connect to your remote sites by cell phone or PDA , the infrastructure is already provided by the cellular service provider which means savings in costs and hassle, and it is also easier and a cost effective way to monitor a greater number of sites and locations.
The cellular connections can be established in data communications by installing a cellular modem or a cellular module with modem functions if your control component at the remote site communicates over a serial interface. The disadvantages are low bandwidth and low speed transmission , potentially high recurring costs due to per - minute cellular charges and the cumbersome configuration and application development for modem communications.
However, the cellular IP modem which connects to the on-site PLC or embedded computer over a serial line is a far better option. Using an IP address the 2G cellular technology allows the monitoring centre to connect to the device over the Internet. It does not require a separate modem at the monitoring centre , the remote PLC or embedded computer can be treated as a network device or as a physically attached serial device and it has potentially lower recurring costs due to per-data-packet cellular charges.
A cellular connection can be established through a cellular router in remote monitoring equipment that relies on Ethernet for communications.
The cellular router when combined with an intelligent I/O module can be lightweight and a cost -effective alternative to using PLCs.
Cellular technology can be used for remote monitoring of power plants and other industrial plant whereby there are generators , UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supplies) etc. and we need to monitor the fuel levels, and basically remote monitoring of the building management systems.
Cellular technology has a niche in remote monitoring and we can still be aware of system status by receiving the SMS from the service team and also by logging into the web portal of the remote monitoring systems.
http://www.moxa.com/newsletter/connection/2008/05/Cellular_Technology_for_Remote_Monitoring_and_Alarm_Systems.htm?utm_source=GlobalSpec&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Technical+Article
http://www.csimn.com/CSI_pages/appsCellular.html
http://www.bacnet.org/Bibliography/DMF-7-96/DMF-7-96.htm
http://www.remoalert.co.uk/
So far in this blog I have touched on the Smart Grid and the BMS. In this post I would like to cover some areas of cellular technology that is available and used today.
In the field of industrial automation , remote monitoring and alarm systems are used to keep site administrators informed on things such as equipment health , usage levels eg. fuel , environment conditions and unauthorised intrusion. The remote data collection devices are typically connected to a management or control centre over RS - 485 or the Ethernet which also depends on factors such as the distance and the type of management systems. BACnet , ModBus and LonWorks are some of the management systems that are in use for monitoring and automation purposes. In many cases , the Ethernet connection can be replaced or augmented with cellular technology.
The use of cellular communications has some advantages like being wireless which means no stringing cables over long distances , ability to connect to your remote site from any locations and any number of locations , have options to connect to your remote sites by cell phone or PDA , the infrastructure is already provided by the cellular service provider which means savings in costs and hassle, and it is also easier and a cost effective way to monitor a greater number of sites and locations.
The cellular connections can be established in data communications by installing a cellular modem or a cellular module with modem functions if your control component at the remote site communicates over a serial interface. The disadvantages are low bandwidth and low speed transmission , potentially high recurring costs due to per - minute cellular charges and the cumbersome configuration and application development for modem communications.
However, the cellular IP modem which connects to the on-site PLC or embedded computer over a serial line is a far better option. Using an IP address the 2G cellular technology allows the monitoring centre to connect to the device over the Internet. It does not require a separate modem at the monitoring centre , the remote PLC or embedded computer can be treated as a network device or as a physically attached serial device and it has potentially lower recurring costs due to per-data-packet cellular charges.
A cellular connection can be established through a cellular router in remote monitoring equipment that relies on Ethernet for communications.
The cellular router when combined with an intelligent I/O module can be lightweight and a cost -effective alternative to using PLCs.
Cellular technology can be used for remote monitoring of power plants and other industrial plant whereby there are generators , UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supplies) etc. and we need to monitor the fuel levels, and basically remote monitoring of the building management systems.
- A GSM modem is installed on to the system and is linked to all essential equipment requiring monitoring.
- The servers constantly monitors your system and records all essential data and specified alarms.
- Any alarm generated is immediately elevated to an alert status and automatically transmit’s an alarm message via SMS to your mobile or via email.
- A service team could also be notified of the alarm and after analysing the data they will despatch an Engineer to correct any faults.
- This is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Cellular technology has a niche in remote monitoring and we can still be aware of system status by receiving the SMS from the service team and also by logging into the web portal of the remote monitoring systems.
http://www.moxa.com/newsletter/connection/2008/05/Cellular_Technology_for_Remote_Monitoring_and_Alarm_Systems.htm?utm_source=GlobalSpec&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Technical+Article
http://www.csimn.com/CSI_pages/appsCellular.html
http://www.bacnet.org/Bibliography/DMF-7-96/DMF-7-96.htm
http://www.remoalert.co.uk/
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Building Management System
BMS
The Building Management System (BMS) is a computer -based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment etc. such as ventilation, lighting, power systems , fire systems, sprinkler systems , access control systems , energy management systems and security systems. A BMS consists of hardware and software , the software program usually configured in a hierarchical manner can be proprietary using such protocols as C-bus, Profibus and so on. Many vendors are also producing BMS that integrate using Internet Protocols open standards such as DeviceNet, SOAP, XMC , BACnet ,Lon Works , OPC , Advanced DDE and Modbus.
The BMS plays its part in optimizing building performance , improving building control , improving energy and operating efficiency and lower lifecycle costs of the highly automated industrial and commercial buildings.
I have managed to compile some data from the Honeywell website which a leader in BMS technology and another company called Systems Control Limited.
The BMS description and features :
The latest technology in the form of the Smart BMS and Intelligent Buildings will be easily integrated with the Smart Grid and mobile telecommunications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_management_system
http://www.systemcontrols.co.nz/cms_display.php?sn=18&st=1&PHPSESSID=3e44a23ddaba949cca7bb9e6607ea166
https://buildingsolutions.honeywell.com/Cultures/en-US/
The Building Management System (BMS) is a computer -based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment etc. such as ventilation, lighting, power systems , fire systems, sprinkler systems , access control systems , energy management systems and security systems. A BMS consists of hardware and software , the software program usually configured in a hierarchical manner can be proprietary using such protocols as C-bus, Profibus and so on. Many vendors are also producing BMS that integrate using Internet Protocols open standards such as DeviceNet, SOAP, XMC , BACnet ,Lon Works , OPC , Advanced DDE and Modbus.
The BMS plays its part in optimizing building performance , improving building control , improving energy and operating efficiency and lower lifecycle costs of the highly automated industrial and commercial buildings.
I have managed to compile some data from the Honeywell website which a leader in BMS technology and another company called Systems Control Limited.
The BMS description and features :
- Is an high end intelligent building controller
- An essential tool in the fine tuning of internal operations of building of any size
- Has an ability to automate buildings ‘ access control , air-conditioning ,lighting , survelliance and security.
- It eliminates headache for the managers and personnels and creates a more comfortable , secure and energy efficient work place.
- Building control technology make building more comfortable, safer , secure and efficient.
- Control solutions are designed to solve unique challenges from communicating commercial thermostats that can be programmed and changed remotely to a full range of advanced HVAC , energy lighting , security , access , fire and life safety and industrial process controls.
- HVAC controls provides convenient single - point monitoring and control the building’s HVAC , lighting , energy management and environmental controls.
- High performance digital control systems helps improve the facility’s indoor environment while cutting energy and equipment costs and features sequences of operations.
- Provides centralized alarming and card holder management features including a fully integrated photo ID badging system.
- Customizes graphic displays to improve critical information management
- Interfaces with third party CCTV controller
- Integrates with time and attendance files and human resources , financial and inventory management databases
- Provides comprehensive standards and customized reports
The latest technology in the form of the Smart BMS and Intelligent Buildings will be easily integrated with the Smart Grid and mobile telecommunications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_management_system
http://www.systemcontrols.co.nz/cms_display.php?sn=18&st=1&PHPSESSID=3e44a23ddaba949cca7bb9e6607ea166
https://buildingsolutions.honeywell.com/Cultures/en-US/
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Smart Meter
Smart Meter
In this post I would like to highlight the smart meter which is also an integral part of the Smart Grid infrastructure. The smart meters are making its way to all household in the near future. The UK government has unveiled its plans to equip all homes in Britian by 2020. It is estimated that 22 million gas meters and 26 million electric meters are to be fitted at £7 billion pounds.
The system architecture of a smart meter shall allow remote two way communications from head end systems to the local system through the WAN (Wide Area Network) via a local comms hub. This comms hub combines local and remote communicating technology. This system may also include an IHD (In Home Display) that may communicate with each meter and/or the comms hub. Such local communications are via a Home Area Network (HAN). The system shall support multiple gas and electricity meters (up to 4 supply meters) and shall also support a single fuel meter configurations. In the scenario where there are multiple meters, there will be one IHD.
The long term benefits of the smart meters are :
http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/29032010_smart_metering_part_1.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8389880.stm
In this post I would like to highlight the smart meter which is also an integral part of the Smart Grid infrastructure. The smart meters are making its way to all household in the near future. The UK government has unveiled its plans to equip all homes in Britian by 2020. It is estimated that 22 million gas meters and 26 million electric meters are to be fitted at £7 billion pounds.
The system architecture of a smart meter shall allow remote two way communications from head end systems to the local system through the WAN (Wide Area Network) via a local comms hub. This comms hub combines local and remote communicating technology. This system may also include an IHD (In Home Display) that may communicate with each meter and/or the comms hub. Such local communications are via a Home Area Network (HAN). The system shall support multiple gas and electricity meters (up to 4 supply meters) and shall also support a single fuel meter configurations. In the scenario where there are multiple meters, there will be one IHD.
The long term benefits of the smart meters are :
- More modern approach
- No estimated reading
- Accurate billing
- No need for a meter reader to visit the home or for the customer to take their own reading.
http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/29032010_smart_metering_part_1.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8389880.stm
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