Abstract
This report addresses multiple subjects associated with the development of
Smart Grid ICT. It, particular, concentrates on the following items:
Standardization process: it is mostly at the beginning stage. Smart
Grid technologies can improve the reliability, security, and efficiency of the
electrical grid. Intelligent devices can automatically adjust to changing
conditions to prevent blackouts and increase capacity. While currently
available, a lack of standards and increased upfront cost hinder the
deployment of smart grid technologies. Uniform standards will simplify new
equipment selection and installation. The IEEE and all other major standard
organizations are involved in the standardization process for Smart Grid ICT.
There are also multiple industry groups, manufacturers' consortiums and other
organizations that are providing input. So far, the standards landscape is
complex, with some duplications and lack of leadership. The picture, probably,
will soon change when the ISO and IEEE come up with standards.
ICT for Smart Grid: this section addresses communications technologies
for the evolving Grid and, particular, for AMR. It analyzes the current status
of ICT development as well as the market and provides the survey of major
industry players.
ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4: Smart Grid is utilizing a combination of
wireless communications technologies, but ZigBee radios may become the major
devices in the Smart Grid environment. These radios characteristics, their
extremely low power consumption and ability to work adaptively with various
sensors make ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 technology an excellent candidate for Smart
Grid communications applications. The report details advanced ZigBee radio
features, their market and applications.
Power harvesting: the report shows that the Smart Grid communications
infrastructure may require millions of battery-powered wireless sensors,
radios and other equipment. This potentially adds to maintenance cost and
creates a threat to the ecology - all these batteries have to be eventually
disposed. The report analyzes problems for the Green environment when billions
batteries are disposed already every year, and the Smart Grid development may
add a significant amount of new pollutions. The report addresses the growth of
the power harvesting industry and provides survey of major vendors' products.
Altogether, this report is useful for a large group of researches, developers,
management, and manufacturers involved in the building of the Smart Grid - it
analyzes current directions of ICT development to effectively support this
grid.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various
Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing
and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report is important to a wide population of researches, technical and
sales staff involved in the developing of the Smart Grid ICT. It is
recommended for both service providers and vendors that are working with
related technologies. The report also helps to understand issues associated
with relationship between “green” Smart Grid ICT and other
technologies.
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