Smart Grid Evolution: A New Generation of Intelligent Electronic Devices

The idea of a “smart grid” has taken center stage — an evolution of advanced technologies that make the availability of a smarter, more efficient electrical power grid possible. These technologies aim to address the complex challenges facing grid systems today, which stem largely from its aging infrastructure and a use case model that has evolved over the years. With power systems over a century old, the field instrumentation on the grid is quickly reaching its life cycle limit, which adversely affects overall grid reliability and efficiency.

With a use case model designed to support the needs of heavy machinery and light bulbs alone, traditional devices on the grid are not prepared to meet modern energy demands, increases in distributed energy sources or changing grid requirements and standards. As a result, there is a lack of support for modern advancements such as computers, fluorescent lights or electric vehicles. This is largely because the grid is based on vendor-defined and closed hardware and software platforms that make it extremely challenging to adapt as grid requirements and standards evolve.

Thus, a re-evaluation of current grid architectures is required where basic automation devices are brought to a higher level of intelligence to enable distributed data acquisition and decentralized decision-making. A new generation of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) is rapidly being deployed throughout the power system. These devices are equipped with advanced technologies that make two-way digital communication possible where each device on the network is equipped with sensing capabilities to gather important data for wide situational awareness of the grid. Utilizing computer-based remote control and automation, these devices can be efficiently controlled and adjusted at the node level as changes and disturbances on the grid occur. Additionally, these IEDs not only communicate with SCADA systems, but among each other, enabling distributed intelligence to be applied to achieve faster self-healing methodologies and fault location/identification.

At the heart of these advanced devices for the smart grid lies the powerful technology of the FPGA. Once seen as a technology only available to engineers with a deep understanding of digital hardware design, the dramatic advancements in the capabilities and levels of integration of this technology are changing the rules of IED development for smart grid applications.

At the highest level, FPGAs are reprogrammable silicon chips that offer the same flexibility of software running on a processor-based system. However, due to their truly parallel nature, FPGAs are not limited by the number of processor cores available. Additionally, they do not use operating systems and minimize reliability concerns with true parallel execution and deterministic hardware dedicated to every task. Each independent processing task is assigned to a dedicated section of the chip and can function autonomously without any influence from other logic blocks. As a result, the performance of one part of the application is unaffected when additional processing is added.

Figure 1. FPGA circuit – includes a flexible hardware architecture with logic functions and DSP blocks

FPGAs exceed the computing power of computer processors and digital signal processors (DSPs) by breaking the paradigm of sequential execution and accomplishing more per clock cycle. With the ability to control inputs and outputs (I/O) at the hardware level, FPGAs provide faster response times and specialized functionality to closely match application requirements.

Furthermore, FPGA technology powers the embedded instrumentation and control systems for the latest generation of IEDs on the smart grid, yielding additional flexibility and reliability, which enables convergence of multiple functional devices into a single unit, lowering the cost of smart grid systems as a whole. As FPGAs are incorporated into virtual instrumentation platforms, this represents a fundamental shift from traditional hardware-centric instrumentation systems to software-centric systems that explore computing power, productivity, display, and connectivity capabilities of popular desktop computers and workstations. Virtual instrumentation platforms that utilize FPGA technology, such as National Instruments CompactRIO hardware, are able to incorporate future modifications to keep pace with power grid requirements that are continuously changing. Thus, as IEDs for the smart grid mature, functional enhancements can be made through the use of open software and modular hardware without the need to modify the board layout or replace the entire device.

Figure 2. Virtual Instrumentation combines productive software, modular I/O, and scalable platforms to enhance system performance and efficiency.

Virtual instrumentation platforms are being used to develop the latest tools and technologies for the most advanced power quality analysis, which ensures that the power going to electrical power systems are suitable to operate properly. Power quality is critical for the stability of power systems and proper operation of systems/equipment connected to them; without the proper electrical power quality, these systems/equipment can malfunction or fail. Thus, power quality is a major concern for everyone involved in electrical power systems including consumers (domestic and commercial), electrical utilities, industrial facilities, standards and research organizations, and instrument manufacturers.

As an example of a virtual instrumentation device used for electrical power system analysis, the measurement of synchrophasors has become significantly useful for real-time assessment of grid health. Phasor measurement units (PMUs) quantify the flow and phase separation on the grid by measuring the frequency, amplitude, and phase angle differences from multiple points on the grid as these are synchronized using high precision GPS time references. These synchronized measurements increase situational awareness across wide-area power systems, which makes it possible for grid operators to improve the evaluation of grid stability, detect and react to issues before outages occur, and “heal” the grid quickly when faults take place.

Traditionally small-scale and limited to transmission systems, PMU deployments were hindered by system complexity and other limitations associated with network communication, performance, and data management issues. However, with recent breakthroughs in smart grid technologies, advanced PMUs are being developed for deployment worldwide and for integration into distribution networks.

For example, at the University of Bologna, researchers are actively working to create PMUs that acquire data at higher sample rates and measurement precision/quality to accommodate the reduced line length and lower power flows present on the distribution grid. These PMU designs are based on CompactRIO FPGA technology, which provides the necessary high sampling rates and high-fidelity measurements combined with a real-time processor that can handle multiple tasks in parallel without compromise. Such a platform enables customizability that gives distribution systems the capacity to evolve and adapt to changing requirements down to the silicon gate array-level.

Through the advanced capabilities of the FPGA technology combined with tools such as NI LabVIEW system design software, developers at the University of Bologna were able to rapidly implement time-critical algorithms for filtering and signal processing into their designs so that their PMUs could be successfully used in a noisy, low amplitude power distribution infrastructure. Utilizing virtual instrumentation platforms based on FPGA technology and a graphical system design approach, researchers at the University of Bologna were able to achieve shorter response times, better bandwidth utilization, and faster functionality field upgrades, resulting in decision-making and intelligence that is truly integrated with the grid.

Advanced PMU technology is just one example of how power engineers are finding more effective ways to meet smart grid application challenges by adding more flexible and multifunction IEDs to smart grid systems. As smart grids evolve and continue to require real-time monitoring and control of the electrical power grid, experts around the world predict that in the next 3-5 years there will be an increasing need to embed distributed intelligence into transmission and distribution networks. From protection devices such as smart reclosers and sectionalizes to automated metering devices and substation asset monitoring systems, advanced IEDs will proliferate along power systems. Ultimately, providing additional insight into the real-time health status of the grid, enhancing control power/performance with self-healing capabilities, and optimizing response to grid disturbances with distributed intelligence.

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U.K. Delays Smart Meter Rollout by a Year on 'Challenge'

The full-scale release of more than 50 million meters to about 30 million homes and businesses will now run from the fall of 2015 to the end of 2020, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said today in a statement to parliament. The government previously planned to install the units from 2014 through 2019.

The rollout is a “complex task, which must be fulfilled with great care to ensure consumers receive the best possible benefits,” Angela Knight, chief executive officer of the Energy U.K. lobby group, said today in an e-mailed statement. “Allocating extra time to the program will mean that it can be completed in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.”

The program is aimed at cutting energy use, emissions and consumer bills by providing users with instantaneous information on the power consumption of appliances through computerized meters. Utilities including Electricite de France SA (EDF), EON SE, SSE Plc (SSE), Centrica Plc (CNA), RWE AG (RWE)’s Npower unit and Iberdrola SA (IBE)’s Scottish Power division will be required to install them in customers’ homes, and can recoup the costs through bills.

“Completing the national rollout will be an enormous logistical and technical challenge for the industry,” Davey said in today’s statement, without detailing the setbacks facing the suppliers.

Copyright 2013 Bloomberg

USDA Announces $134 Million in Smart Grid Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on October 11 announced funding to modernize and improve the efficiency of rural electric generation and transmission systems. The announcement includes additional loan support of $134 million in Smart Grid technologies in 16 states. The selected projects are located in Alabama, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. In August, the USDA reported that it had met its goal to finance $250 million in Smart Grid technologies in fiscal year 2012.

USDA also announced nearly $264 million in loans to partially finance wood-burning plants in Colorado, Hawaii, and Texas that are expected to generate 69 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Additionally, $14,565,000 was announced to finance the construction of a 5.5 MW solar-powered generating facility in Maryland. See the USDA press release.

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USDA Announces $10 Million in Rural Smart Grid Funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on September 20 the latest in a series of funding steps to modernize and improve the efficiency of rural electric generation and transmission systems. The agency will offer loan guarantees to support nearly $10 million in smart grid technologies.

One of the loan recipients is Nobles Cooperative Electric, which serves counties in southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. Their loan includes $850,000 in smart grid projects. The Gundy Electric Cooperative, Inc., which serves customers in Iowa and Missouri, has also been selected for a loan guarantee that includes over $700,000 in smart grid projects. Earlier this month, the USDA announced it had met its goal to finance $250 million in smart grid technologies in fiscal year 2012. See the USDA press release.

In 2009, the Energy Department released the first Smart Grid System Report, which examined smart grid deployment nationwide. The report noted that smart grids have the potential to dramatically change how we experience electricity in the country. See the July 22, 2009 edition of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network News newsletter.

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Video reveals truth about Smart grids

We believe not about energy until something goes wrong, and this week things gone wrong at the historical level. Therefore the public and experts focused again on the fragility of large power grids.

Ten percent of the world's population - more than 600 million people - lost their power in India on July 31, marking the largest power outage in history. India's grid collapse follows the storm-related outages, the links of Washington, D.C. sweltering days in June, when a freak hit super Derecho.

So the timing could not be better to accelerate his, consumer education about Smart grids and the non-profit smart grid consumer collaborative (SGCC) in the work.

Smart grid uses high-tech equipment for the electrical system more sophisticated and less likely an error. It paves the way for a future of decentralized power where the home, car and office buildings each power stations in their own right become.

But smart grid requires a level to customer energy management, something most of us strangers. So that the industry has worked hard to find out as to interest consumers in the different energy displays, smart operation time prices, smart meters and other tools of the grid.

This includes utilities in the mind of the consumer, to do something Proctor & gamble or Apple computers get, routinely but must have monopoly-based utilities never before found necessary.

In an effort to help SGCC asked recently not only consumers, what they think about Smart grids, but also video taped their answers. Because sometimes we say what only half revealed what we mean. As we say something, means much.

"It is one thing to read a single-dimensional set of quotation marks." "But it is another thing entirely to consumers and they say hear in their own words what they think and what they know," said Patty Durand, SGCC Executive Director, in a recent interview.

The group interviewed 24 consumers in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago. What point the interviews, and how can the information help utilities?

It turns out consumers want data on use their energy, but want to help to understand what it means and how to use it. You worry about reliability and price and in some cases the environment. Most importantly, says Durand, they all alike, so that all utilities in the same way should be addressed not think.

Consumers generally fall into five categories, she said.

Traditional - often seniors, the is ChangeDo-it-yourselfers against - they want their SpendingEasy roads save money and mange - highly trained, consumers or they make a good income, save time and avoid WasteYoung Americans - they just want out, don't know much about smart-grid, but would like to embrace the most likely smart-grid LearnConcerned green - environmentally motivated people,
Each of these groups responds differently to smart grid spaces. Utilities are to capture the best interest of consumers if they adapt messages to anyone, she said.

For example, information on renewable energy be resonance with affected Greens and easy Street, while it will irritate the traditional. She could better respond to a message that stresses us competitiveness. "There are so many opinions and passions around energy and the environment, that the targeted message better," Durand said.

The bottom line is that utilities have for many years treated customers as a "Monolith", she said. Consumers in action watch shows on video, the differences in the consumer concerns and interests. "Education is the key, but it must be deployed carefully."

Find here want the ten things, the consumer most of smart-grid and a short clip of the interviews.

ELISA is a long-time energy writer, whose Artikel are available at RealEnergyWriters.com

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We can use one "smart home" future reach?

New Hampshire, USA-the concept of smart grid utilities and consumers continue to confuse. Is it more cost effective? What is the best method for providing? Is the public ready for this? Do we need it actually?

J.d. power and Associates recently his "2011 smart energy behavioral segmentation consumer study," analyzes the consumers know and practices relating to energy efficiency and smart grid initiatives. The study divided consumers into different segments, to "innovator," customers, which significantly investing expenses for environmental and financial benefits "indifferent", those who are likely to change not their energy habits.

The study hopes utilities methods to optimize the energy efficiency and consumer habits to give. "Instead of focusing on how customers perceive intelligent energy, itself, is key to a stronger commitment in the understanding of the types of behaviors which require different types of customers behaviors, the utilities are - hope to promote," said Peter Shaw, senior director of the smart energy practice with j.d power and associates.. "Provides an efficient framework to optimize effective customer education and engagement strategies developed intelligent behavior in large to introduce various customer populations."

So which working methods for the majority of consumers? We live in a world, tech-savvy, where the public eagerly awaits the next iPhone so they can spend their free time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Can utilities on our Web-based culture be?

Test projects run including the (NRECA) demonstration project funded by the Department of energy to determine the possibilities, in the United States, national rural electric cooperative association. It aims to reach more than 700,000 consumers in 12 Member States. The project has many objectives, of which cost-cutting and efficiency is, which often are distances between houses and where utilities are forced, major efforts to travel services. It is to its customers with energy-efficiency practices to educate.

The project is innovative technology strategies including local shows to achieve Web portals and other advanced infrastructure to improve the energy monitoring and efficiency, its objectives.

Other well-known companies are gearing up to release "smart home"-technology. At the last 2011 solar power international map in Dallas, Texas, Sanyo announced that there is a with Brightgrid partnership is, to unveil a new solar leasing program. With each contract, they include a free 3D television. What has this to do with a smart House? Sanyo shows the aim to release of a home energy of management system on the TV show, there are away.

Customers are able to their energy view consumption habits their renewable system efficiency monitor and use media statistics social with family, friends and neighbors share. "We try to make a joint." "People are now separated, and we try straight, restore", said Matt White by Sanyo. Be connected not only consumers, will they be trained. The system includes games and other features, to inform users about energy efficiency. "It is the next step in a smart home," said White.

Recently, SunReports have the social media market with a Facebook application that displays solar panel efficiency. "If you publish it on Facebook, you can use your friends questions about," Oh, I didn't know you had solar. As is, that the work? "Promotes dialogue and awareness of solar for all", said Tom Dinkel, CEO of SunReports. The overall goal is to promote the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

So you take each test project with innovation, utilities closer on the smart-grid in our lives to integrate a small step. The question is: they are on the right track?

A profitable smart grid penny stock aims, a NASDAQ list

Based solely on his deal with Duke, ambient was profitable in the last quarter of 2010, and gained more ground in the first quarter of 2011.  But as a reader for the American Superconductor (AMSC) / Sinovel (601558.SS) know saga, over-reliance on a single customer can be very dangerous.  You can get than ambient on Duke rely much more not to a single customer.

That is, Duke Energy not hyper competitive Chinese wind is companies with investments in the company's competitors.  You are a regulated utility, and so their movements are transparent and conservative rather than the enigmatic and abrupt.  Major changes in the Duke's strategy comes from the approval process and belong to the public record.  Regulators tend to prefer one go-slow approach, what that client acquisition for companies such as ambient slow and painful, but also means that their customers are less vulnerable to competitors and start to finance rejection deliveries with little warning.

There are advantages to the Duke as a customer have also.  Duke has been a leading provider of smart grid deployment, and in the light of the conservative utilities of that work when a smart grid solution is good for Duke, other utilities are to accept it rather than to choose a technology that is still not widely deployed.  A potential market expansion can be merged with the smaller progress energy from the Duke.  But it is also the risk, the Duke are brought by the progress of the technology's may energy smart grid project.  Overall, though, I think the merger for ambient, will be good, because interoperability a natural choice for a merging firms makes trying them, consolidate the two systems.

Hope for NASDAQ listing

The customer is the main reason for ambient stock herding.  The reasons to upbeat are current profitability of the company, strong balance sheet, and is planning a NASDAQ list target.  Major shareholder of the company of Vicis capital, has ambient's Board permission to perform a share split to increase the company's current $ 0.08-$ 0.09 course about the $4 threshold needed given a list.

The company is also to their make, by having a PR firm, elevate communications of Boston.  I'm not sure if the company has been retained, but I received my first press release from them as ambient their 2010 results in February published.  They contacted me last week again, although she did not respond when I requested an interview with the CEO in preparation for this article. I wanted him in particular questions about their prospects for the search for other customers, and why nothing in 2007 R & D effort with ConEd has come.  Review why past potential offers not materialize may give insight into the ambient future prospects.

That is the fact that only a customer has ambient is old news.

This is new news that a customer become lucrative press enough ambient in profitability is.  I'm not sure how much of the current profitability due to stimulus-related smart grid is issues of Duke, but I trust that it will probably continue for a few more quarters, if only because ambient seems in no hurry complete his split on their back and get listed.  So I'm betting that there is at least a few more good quarters get investors excited and give a quick return to where now in get.

Other investors seem to think so.  The share price has found a bottom around $0.075 and began since Q1 and revenues pay the positive upward move.

ConclusionI think ambient worth $0.09 speculate on the current share price.  If they create another large customer soon find, I would consider it a good long-term buy, but as it is I'm using currently growing profitability more comfort for less than a year and keep potential listing.This article originally appeared on AltEnergyStocks.com and was reprinted with the permission.Disclosure: Long ABTG.BBCHaftungsausschluss: Last performance is no guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results.  This article contains the current opinions of the author and opinions are subject to change without notice.  This article has been distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein should be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of a specific product security, strategy or investment.  This information was made from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed.

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