Smart Grids: Clouds, Communications, Open Source, and Automation

The utilization of sensors, communications, and computer technologies to create greater efficiency in the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of electricity will enable better management of the electric power system. As the use of smart grid technologies grows, utilities will be able to automate meter reading and billing and consumers will be more aware of their energy usage and the associated costs. The results will require utilities and their suppliers to develop new business models, strategies, and processes.

With an emphasis on reducing costs and improving return on investment (ROI) for utilities, Smart Grids: Clouds, Communications, Open Source, and Automation explores the design and implementation of smart grid technologies, considering the benefits to consumers as well as businesses. Focusing on industrial applications, the text:

• Provides a state-of-the-art account of the smart grid
• Explains how smart grid technologies are currently being used
• Includes detailed examples and test cases for real-life implementation
• Discusses trade-offs associated with the utilization of smart grid technologies
• Describes smart grid simulation software and offers insight into the future of the smart grid

The electric power grid is in the early stages of a sea of change. Nobody knows which business models will survive, but companies heeding the lessons found in Smart Grids: Clouds, Communications, Open Source, and Automation might just increase their chances for success.

David Bakken is a professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University, as well as chief scientist at GridStat, Inc., Pullman, Washington, USA. His research interests include wide-area distributed computing systems, middleware implementation, and dependable computing. His GridStat data delivery software has influenced the shape of the emerging NASPInet. Since 1999 he has been working closely with electric power researchers to rethink wide-area data delivery in power grids, and is considered the world’s leading expert on the subject. He is a frequent visitor and lecturer at utilities, electrical engineering departments, and power meetings worldwide.

Dr. Krzysztof (Kris) Iniewski is managing R&D at Redlen Technologies Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a leading manufacturer of high resolution cadmium zinc telluride semiconductor radiation detectors. He is also president of CMOS Emerging Technologies Research Inc., Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, an organization hosting high-tech events on communications, microsystems, optoelectronics, and sensors. A popular speaker and consultant, he has published over 100 research papers, written and edited several books, and held faculty and management positions at University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; and PMC-Sierra Inc., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.