Archive of the '2010 Everything Smart Grid' Category

The folks at Southern States are very proud of their newest device to hit the industry. It is the RLSwitcher. They designed the world’s first device specifically for switching reactors. Of course they have a lot of other world’s first in their list, but this is the newest. The have also combined it with the space age current measuring device. When will they ever run out of ideas - never I hope. They keep me on my toes staying up with them. Go to to Joe Rostron, Rusty Ortkiese, and David Moore. They will be very happy to show the toys.

Walking around the floor with some young engineers can really be fun. They bring a freshness to what

we mature (old) engineers see. I have met Rob Morrow and Kris Johnson previously. They introduced me to Holly Spracklia. They are all from High Energy Inc, an engineering consulting firm from Denver. High Energy sent their young engineers to the Expo to learn about the new technologies. They sure had lots of smart grid questions, so I introduced them to Holly Bounds of Siemens. She took them into the Smart Grid Tour and let them play with the technology - thanks Holly.

The engineers tell me they really enjoyed the Siemens event. I hope you all do too.

Today is the big day for the Siemens Smart Grid Tour. They have a doom build across the street from the convention center. I went in there and was blown away! Be careful you don’t get carried away viewing the presentation on the ceiling. It is easy to keep leaning back until you almost fall over.

The 3D models are pretty neat too! they have interactive computer screens you can play with. Try not to miss this demo. It is worth the walk!

Go find the folks at Ice Energy and ask to see the BEAR. They have one of the neatest technologies around. Imagine being able to shift the customer’s (end user’s) load profile. Ice Bears can cool large spaces on peak with a small amount of electricity and you consume higher amounts of energy off peak to make the ice. A couple of utilities are really into this cool technology. Talk to Sarah Nathan or one of her friends about it.

I have been teaching short courses around the country on the Smart Grid and its technologies for a couple of years now. I usually ask the students (attendees) for their definition of the Smart Grid at the beginning. And guess what - there is no one answer. In most cases, there is no consensus either. Most identify with the area they work in and that is all. You might say what is within their reach or touch is all that exists and there is so much more. It reminds me of that reality TV show “Dating In The Dark.” The contestants moved very cautiously, slowly feeling their way, but not sure of what is taking place and trying not to get into trouble with their fumbling about and feeling around.

Well folks, one of the goals of the Expo is to turn on the light and let everyone see what we have. Wednesday is designated “Smart Grid Day at T&D.” There will be a Smart Grid Super Session devoted to giving everyone the answers and the exhibitors are going to show off their best smart grid stuff (that’s a technical term for products). I was told PES is so excited about this session they have moved it from a session room to the Auditorium - that is what I call good planning. That will greatly increase the seating area. Even so, you better get there early (it starts at 8:30am). I know from past experience these sessions fill up fast and late comers miss out.