 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
CSIRO Builds Smart Energy System
Canberra, Australia (SPX) Mar 09, 2006 CSIRO technology will help to reduce black-outs and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid while reducing greenhouse emissions.It will also complement smart electricity meters promising consumers more choice and control over their usage. The technology will also help to reduce black-outs and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid while reducing greenhouse emissions. Researchers at the Energy Transformed National Research Flagship aim to solve problems associated with demand peaks, price volatility and network security. 'Our goal is to democratise the electricity market with user-friendly technology that allows consumers to manage their energy usage according to their preferences and needs,' says Dr Geoff James of the CSIRO ICT Centre. 'For example one consumer may prefer to only run their air-conditioner when energy is below a certain price but to make an exception if the temperature rises to a certain level. Another consumer may wish to switch off energy hungry appliances during demand peaks in return for price reductions. 'Similarly, industrial users can tailor their demand profile to take maximum advantage of fluctuations in price and availability of energy. 'The installation of smart meters in homes and businesses is currently being discussed and this technology allows consumers to get maximum benefit from them.' The system features intelligent sensors and agents which monitor generation and demand, communicate with each other, and make control decisions based on parameters set by generators, distributors and consumers. Intelligent software agents capture consumer preferences and interact with smart meters and other agents to act on them. CSIRO is currently running a prototype energy management system at its Newcastle Energy Centre. Dr Glenn Platt of CSIRO Energy Technology says that the system is effectively a mini electricity grid incorporating a micro-gas turbine generator, photovoltaic arrays, a wind generator, a weather station, cool rooms and part of the building�s climate system � all under agent control. 'The sensor and agent technologies coordinate supply and demand, controlling generation and loads intelligently as the market changes,' says Dr Platt. The system is also being trialled by a major Australian utility company. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Combination Of Processes Results In Cleaner Petrol
Delft, The Netherlands (SPX) Mar 10, 2006One problem confronting the oil industry is that extracted mineral oil (due to increasing scarcity) is becoming heavier and 'dirtier'. This is reflected, for instance, in a higher content of aromatics (which among other things lead to soot emissions during combustion in diesel engines) and of sulphur (which among things causes acid rain). |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
