This collaboration exists for the sole purpose of researching and developing smart grid technology. Associate Professor Steve Weller from University of Newcastle’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science provides EcoGeneration with an insight into some of the centre’s projects and discusses the importance of smart grids.
The possibilities
Imagine drawing down excess electricity from thousands of electric car batteries while they charge overnight, and using that energy to run your home.
This scenario could become reality with the introduction of intelligent electricity networks. Surges of energy produced by renewable resources will need to be stored – this is where banks of electric car batteries could come into play.
“Consider the possibility that there is an enormous distributed battery bank in the form of electric vehicles parked at people’s houses that could be a resource the grid called upon to extract energy back,” Professor Weller says.
Computers in the cars would communicate with the electricity network to ensure that the right amount of power was drawn and batteries remained charged.
“It is very important that the network be able to communicate within itself because this will allow energy from all sorts of renewable sources to enter the grid in a co-ordinated way.”
Smartening up
Professor Weller says smart grids are the biggest change to the electricity network in 100 years.
“The smart grid network will change the electricity industry in much the same way that mobile phones have re-shaped the telecommunications industry. These technologies will improve reliability and response times to electricity outages, drive productivity gains and allow more renewable energy sources to be connected to the grid,” says Mr Weller.
Building a smart grid involves overlaying existing electricity delivery networks with communications and computer networks, allowing for the monitoring and repair of the system with minimal human intervention.
The benefits will be significant: utilities like Ausgrid will be able to make better use of existing infrastructure, customers will get real time information on costs so they can switch off appliances when energy prices are high; and better integration of wind, solar and other renewable power sources will be possible.
The Centre
The Centre for Intelligent Electricity Networks will join the market and infrastructure skills of Ausgrid with the research and development capability of the University of Newcastle’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.
“The Centre will give engineering students the chance to help transform traditional energy networks by researching, developing and testing technologies that will deliver a dynamic, interactive electricity grid capable of changing the way we use, manage, generate and deliver energy,” Mr Weller says.
Steve Weller is an Associate Professor in the University of Newcastle’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research interests focus on the theory and applications of signal processing and dynamical systems. He also has a strong interest in sustainable energy and the ways in which a smart electricity grid can support distributed generation, energy storage and energy efficiency.
