HRM 3440 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Austin Energy, Smart Grid, Intelligent Network
23 May 2018
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HRM 3440 Chapter 3 Notes – Summary
Introduction
• As you are learning , computers can be programmed to carry out tasks the way a
domain expert does, even making judgment calls based on past experience.
• However, to act intelligently, the computers that control a utility network need access
to consumption and production information.
• That means the first steps in transforming a traditional electric grid into a smart grid are
replacing traditional electricity meters with digital meters and deploying sensors across
the network to collect production and flow information.
• Digital meters, also called smart meters, collect detailed information about electric
consumption and wirelessly report it to the electric company using standard Internet
protocols.
• It took Austin Energy five years to install 410,000 smart meters for its customers.
• Additionally, Austin Energy installed 86,000 smart thermostats that also contribute
information to the smart grid.
• They installed 2,500 sensors on the grid, along with 3,000 computers, additional servers,
and network gear to collect and process the information.
• By October 2008, Austin Energy was processing hundreds of terabytes of data flowing in
from meters and sensors, which provided detailed consumption data every 15 minutes.
• With access to detailed utility network data, Austin Energy can now determine where
energy is most required on its network at any time of the day.
• Using a distributed system, rather than one central power distribution point, Austin
Energy automates the supply of electricity to various points on its grid as needed.
• The intelligent network can foresee power outages and make adjustments to prevent
them.
• Austin Energy is also experimenting with many forms of alternative energy sources.
• Its smart grid makes it possible for energy consumers to produce energy (through solar,
wind, or other generation methods) and provide it back to the network for credit.
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