ShareThisSmart Grid Glossary of Terms
To help you understand all the technical terms and jibberish associated with the smart grid. If there is a term that you have heard and do not understand please feel free to write to us and we will be happy to clarify and add it to our list.Smart Meter
Also known as advanced meter infrastructure (AMI). A 2-way digital meter that recieves and sends dynamic pricing and usage data. Currently most meters are of the "old" electromechanic type and have limited communication abilities. See where smart meters are in use, visit the smart grid map.Dynamic Electric Rates (Dynamic Pricing)
Also known as smart grid rates, are electrical costs that will change based on demand. Based in kilo-watt hours. Rates will be higher during peak use times.Smart Compatible Appliances and Devices
These household appliances and devices will be made by most major manufactuers. They will be enabled with a micro computer that will be able to turn on and off depending on the current price of electricity. These appliances will be available in mid to late 2010 throughout most of the U.S. These appliances and devices will recieve pricing signals from the smart meter and turn on and off accordingly depending on how you set them. They will most likely communicate with the smart meter for dynamic pricing data.On Peak
If our electricity use is charted out our everyday use/demand has a curve shape to it. This curve is known in the utility industry as the load curve. The peak of this curve will occur when the most electricity is demanded, usually mid day to early evening depending on season and geographical area.
Off Peak
This refers to the opposite of Peak, when our electric use/demand is at a minimum, usually late at night. This is apparent in the valley of the load curve seen above.EV (electric vehicle)
a vehicle that is fully powered by stored electricity. EV's will plug in to charge.PHEV (plug in hybrid electric vehicle)
a vehicle that runs on a fuel (gas, diesel, etc) and on stored electricity. PHEV's will plug in to charge.Renewbale Variable
Refers to generation that is of the alternative, renewable and variable type such as wind and solar.Renewbale Non-Variable
Refers to generation that is of the alternative, renewable and non-variable type such as pump storage, geothermal, and hydro generation.Non-Renewbale Non-Variable
Refers to generation that is non-renewable type such as coal, nuclear and gas.Bulk Generation
Refers to generation that is bought and created in bulk quantities. This type of electric power is typically produced by coal, natural gas, nuclear, and large hydro generation.Electrical Storage
Electricity can be stored by battery, pump stprage, heat storage, and compressed air. The reason for electrical starage is that if energy can be created using cheaper power at on off peak time and stored until a higher demand time it will help to feed demand and be more valuable to sell on the market during peak times.Visit Smart Grid Q&A for fequently asked questions and answers regarding the smart grid.
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Another New Year, Another Step Forward for the Smart Grid?
Posted: January 2, 2011
Another year has passed and it seems that we are still seeing the same Smart Grid headlines. The first consumer shock over smart meters has past. Cisco and other large tech firms have announced their interest and involvement in the smart grid. Many new websites dedicated to helping bring to light the great potential of [...]
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