What is the Smart Grid?....and how does solar fit in?

What is the Smart Grid?…and how does solar fit in?

Scott J. AndersEnergy Policy Initiatives Center

University of San Diego School of Law

San Diego Solar ConferenceSeptember 29, 2009

www.sandiego.edu/epic

About EPIC

Academic and Research Center•University of San Diego School of Law

EPIC Mission

What is the Smart Grid?


Let’s start with our current grid…



Current Electric Grid Generally Characterized by…•One way energy flows to end-users

-Exception might be net energy metering•Centralized energy production•Mechanical•Few communication nodes

-How does SDG&E know your power is out?•Few control nodes

-Limited automation•Low load factors/asset utilization•Monthly contact with the customer

-Limited information via billing



Let’s Not Forget…

The Electric Grid is an Engineering

Marvel of the 20th Century

however…





What is IBM Telling us?•Grid is antiquated

-The devices we plug into the grid are far more sophisticated that grid-Can the current grid support an increasingly digital

economy?-Innovation happening at edge of grid

–Grid may not be able to fully optimize those innovations•Lots of energy is wasted

-“Over half of the energy never reaches a single light bulb.”-65% of primary energy used to generate electricity is

wasted-9% of electricity is lost to transmission and distribution

losses•Need to embed intelligence at all points along the grid

-Appliances-Meters-Cities-The planet! Universe?





What is GE Telling us?•We can manage our energy usage better

-Time of use management•This can save money•Distribute renewable energy from one place to another

-We do this now, but not optimally•Smart grid communicates across regions



Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)•Characteristics of the Smart Grid (Section 1301):

- Increased use of digital information and controls technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.

- Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources, with full cyber-security.

-Deployment and integration of distributed resources and generation, including renewable resources.

-Development and incorporation of demand response, demand-side resources, and energy-efficiency resources.

-Deployment of `smart' technologies (real-time, automated, interactive technologies that optimize the physical operation of appliances and consumer devices) for metering, communications concerning grid operations and status, and distribution automation.



Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)•Characteristics of the Smart Grid (Section 1301):

-Integration of `smart' appliances and consumer devices.

- Deployment and integration of advanced electricity storage and peak-shaving technologies, including plug-in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and thermal-storage air conditioning.

-Provision to consumers of timely information and control options.

-Development of standards for communication and interoperability of appliances and equipment connected to the electric grid, including the infrastructure serving the grid.



Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy



Source: Dept. of EnergySource: Dept. of

Energy

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

Smart Grid Scenario


Smart Grid Scenario


Smart ChargingCharging Rates

Smart Grid Scenario



Smart Grid Scenario



Integration of Renewables

Smart Grid Scenario


Smart ChargingCharging RatesVehicle to Grid

Integration of RenewablesIntegration of DG

Smart Grid Scenario


Help!



Signal to Customers

Smart Grid Scenario


Help!



Signal to Customers

Sale of Energy / Demand Response


Smart Grid – Information to Consumers


Smart Grid – Information to Consumers

Thank You


Contact Info:Scott [email protected]

What is the Smart Grid?....and how does solar fit in?

Technology