What types of technologies are used within a smart microgrid?
At home:
- Smart meters that allow for the two-way exchange of pricing, usage data and electricity.
- Programmable smart appliances and devices that come on when the price of power reaches consumer’s desired price point.
- User-friendly home energy control systems that allow customers to interface with the smart microgrid to automatically control every aspect of a home’s power usage.
- Energy efficiency improvements that help consumers use less energy and ultimately save money on monthly electricity bills.
In addition to home technologies, at work:
- Advanced energy control systems to make commercial buildings “smart.”
- Advanced lighting technology with digitally programmable controls that are responsive to the cost of power, the number of occupants in a building and where occupants are located.
- New heating and air conditioning technology that automatically adjusts building ventilation rates in real time based on occupancy, air quality, the cost of power or any other factors a manager chooses.
- New electricity generation systems that can provide power to individual buildings and supply power to the entire grid.
Within the electricity distribution system:
- “Smart” switches, relays and sensors that replace their outdated and inefficient predecessors to allow the smart microgrid to manage and distribute power more efficiently and reliably.
- Redundant designs that provide a second source of power when recurring storms, ice and squirrels interrupt power.
- Protected infrastructure installed underground or within structures.
- Computerized controls that constantly scan for, and even anticipate, potential instabilities to correct problems before users experience any disruption in service.
