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

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About EPIC

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

EPIC Mission

What is the Smart Grid?

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Let’s start with our current grid…

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What is the Smart 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

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What is the Smart Grid?

Let’s Not Forget…

The Electric Grid is an Engineering

Marvel of the 20th Century

however…

What is the Smart Grid?

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What is the Smart Grid?

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 the Smart Grid?

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What is the Smart Grid?

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

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What is the Smart Grid?

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.

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What is the Smart Grid?

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.

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What is the Smart Grid?

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

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What is the Smart Grid?

Source: Dept. of EnergySource: Dept. of

Energy

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

Smart Grid Scenario

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Smart Grid Scenario

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Smart ChargingCharging Rates

Smart Grid Scenario

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Smart ChargingCharging Rates

Smart Grid Scenario

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Smart ChargingCharging Rates

Integration of Renewables

Smart Grid Scenario

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Smart ChargingCharging RatesVehicle to Grid

Integration of RenewablesIntegration of DG

Smart Grid Scenario

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Help!

Smart ChargingCharging RatesVehicle to Grid

Integration of RenewablesIntegration of DG

Signal to Customers

Smart Grid Scenario

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Help!

Smart ChargingCharging RatesVehicle to Grid

Integration of RenewablesIntegration of DG

Signal to Customers

Sale of Energy / Demand Response

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Smart Grid – Information to Consumers

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Smart Grid – Information to Consumers

Thank You

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Contact Info:Scott Anders619-260-4589scottanders@sandiego.edu