I am not a fan of the power grid as it currently exists. I’m looking forward to a day when it has been phased out, and replaced with decentralized free energy devices that power every home and business as well as powering transportation, appliances and wireless devices at the point of use, drawing energy from Continue reading →
technology
The Department of Defense has been on a roll with new solar energy installations, but the real action is going on behind the scenes in laboratories where DoD is quietly supporting research into low cost, lightweight solar cells enhanced with quantum dots. In the latest project, researchers from the Army Research Laboratory and the Air Continue reading →
Government and industry have been warned “it’s time to get moving” on the roll-out of smart grids and smart meters ahead of a “big year” for the technology. The UK is aiming to install 53 million smart meters by the end of 2019, a process set to get underway next year. But Eric Dresselhuys, executive Continue reading →
The availability of intelligent technology will begin to differentiate cities in the coming years. Governments willing to invest in more efficient public infrastructure, and encourage their citizens to do the same in the home, will reap a healthier, happier and more financially sound population. Some essential technologies will be “ubiquitous broadband communications, smart meters for Continue reading →
Showcasing true system interoperability, Elster ELT +2.94% , a leader in advanced Smart Metering and distribution monitoring, will present and exhibit its Smart Grid modernization solutions at DistribuTECH 2012 in San Antonio, Texas, January 24-26, 2012. “By enabling vital connections in the energy ecosystem, innovating smarter utility technology and providing true system interoperability, Elster is Continue reading →
Saving energy around the home is a pretty lonely task, so why not make a game of it? That’s the idea behind Simple Energy’s software that combines home energy technology and “game mechanics” in a way that’s gotten some San Diego Gas & Electric customers to cut their power bills in half — at least, Continue reading →
Utilities and their partners can take away part of $100,000 in funds from the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries (CTSI) Organization’s Utility Technology Challenge for their visions of utility-focused energy technology. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is contributing $50,000 to the funding pool. via Utilities can win part of $100k CTSI pie – FierceEnergy.
The utility industry is one of the last industries to go digital as the advent of smart grid meter technology is bringing it into the modern age. A secure wireless network for two-way communication is used between smart meters installed on the outside of customer homes and businesses and OG&E Energy Corporation for billing and Continue reading →
While much of the buzz at any Consumer Electronics Show revolves around the sexier kids in school — TVs, computers, cell phones — there is a quiet rumble surrounding the impending release of a horde of “connected appliances,” which is a blanket term for fridges, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and ovens that communicate in some Continue reading →
Somewhere between the iPad cases and the latest in headphone technology, the connected home concept was everywhere at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics show. For the energy conscious, smart energy was not siloed with companies only pitching smart plugs or wireless thermostats. Instead, everything from windows to door locks to light bulbs could talk to Continue reading →
With shipment of W-Fi devices reaching nearly 1.1 billion in 2011, the organization responsible for promoting and standardizing wireless technology—the Wi-Fi Alliance, is busier than ever. …Wi-Fi is expected to grow 25 percent between 2011-2016 in smart meters and automation products. via Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wireless Predictions and Projects for 2012 | News & Opinion | Continue reading →
As DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition 2012 approaches, participants and attendees are getting ready for what is said to be the leading event in the smart grid industry, with advancements in technology to be discussed as well as applications of new software and hardware used by utilities. via DistribuTECH buzz heightens as event draws near.
With shipment of W-Fi devices reaching nearly 1.1 billion in 2011, the organization responsible for promoting and standardizing wireless technology—the Wi-Fi Alliance, is busier than ever. Member companies of the Wi-Fi Alliance are developing new additions to Wi-Fi capabilities that include a new certification for Wi-Fi display applications making it easier to share media content Continue reading →
RuggedCom will supply technology for a Burlington, Vermont, smart grid project being developed by the Burlington Electric Department (BED). RuggedCom’s communication solution, which will support BED’s objective of improving and enhancing their SCADA network, consists of wireline devices complemented by network management and security software. via RuggedCom Selected for Vermont Smart Grid Project.
ComEd has filed its 10-year, $2.6 billion infrastructure investment plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The utility plans to invest $1.3 billion to strengthen the electric system and another $1.3 billion to add smart grid and advanced meter technology throughout northern Illinois. via Renew Grid: Content / New & Noteworthy / ComEd Files 10-Year Continue reading →
LG Electronics (LG) unveiled a series of new smart appliances at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that reflect the company’s vision for a more connected, eco-friendly lifestyle. Underpinned by the evolving Smart ThinQ technology, the new smart appliances are equipped with innovative device-to-device connectivity features and the Home Energy Management System (HeMS). With such Continue reading →
If you thought that there was no more room for smart devices, LG has just the thing. Today at CES, LG unveiled their smart home appliance line that uses their smart technology called LG THINQ. The appliances include a smart oven, a smart refrigerator, a smart washer/dryer combo and a smart robotic vacuum cleaner. via Continue reading →
My last column was about energy-efficient buildings, and the mounting evidence of concerns with these buildings. I received quite a few emails on that column. Some were thanking me for information they had not heard anywhere else; some told me I should not be so cynical. I will admit that I am cynical. I’m 50 Continue reading →
Guiyang Electrical Power Supply Company has selected Telvent’s smart grid technology to collect and analyze its real-time operational data. The solution, which will be integrated with Telvent products previously implemented by Guiyang Power, supports the planning, operation, and analysis of a distribution network that serves approximately four million people in Guiyang, located in China’s Guizhou Continue reading →
A new energy roadmap released by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) states the country could avoid more than 250 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 through the deployment of wind power, smart grid technology and greater uptake of electric vehicles for transport. via Wind Power A Winner In Ireland’s Energy Roadmap Continue reading →
