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Publication Date

2013

Document Type

Honors Project

Department

Engineering

Keywords

Smart power grid, User interfaces (Computer systems), Electric power consumption, Electric meters, Demand-side management (Electric utilities), Consumers- Information services, Smart grid, Physical interface, Web interface, Electricity, Electrical demand

Abstract

Smart grids are one of the largest current research areas in electricity delivery in- frastructure. Increased control can be achieved by adding monitoring and adaptive capabilities to the power grid. This presents many advantages, most notably improved operational e ciency. By inciting customers to consume less electricity during peak consumption hours, when it is usually more expensive to produce, smart grids can reduce the amounts of load uctuations on the power grid. Smart grids have the power to get consumers involved in the power grid in a way that the current grid does not allow, by educating them about their electricity use and giving them more decision-making power. Towards this goal, this thesis project creates two physical interfaces to communi- cate electricity consumption and pricing information to the customer. The feedback is presented through two di erent interfaces: a simple web-based portal and a visual display located in the space being studied. The physical display consists of an LCD screen as well as two rows of LEDs communicating consumption and pricing informa- tion. The website interface displays current consumption and pricing information, as well as a comparison to other buildings on campus and the option for the consumer to view historical data. Leveraging these two di erent forms of feedback, users with access to a web-based interface as well as those who might not be inclined to view the website interface can be in uenced. This will allow users to have an informed method to facilitate adapting their energy use to current electrical demand and production.

Language

English

Comments

162 p. : col. ill. Honors project-Smith College, 2013. Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-82)

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