Radio keeps the power flowing

Radio is playing a major role in upgrading the American power distribution industry. Smart grids are being developed using radio and smart meters to ensure optimum electricity usage and to minimise blackouts.

Under a billion dollar upgrade program of the distribution system, the US government has created a smart grid that consists of smart meters and pole-mounted radios to provide accurate monitoring of electricity use and the ability to change consumption and delivery patterns.

Another component of the system is wireless remote monitoring along with control units at power substations so that distribution can be more efficient.

Specialised antennas, made by PCTEL, are being used in some of these installations. They allow communication between the utility company and a user or between the utility and a point on the grid or another utility. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) using two-way communication provides faster alerts about problems and better responses to them.

The company’s antennas were recently installed as part of a smart meter project involving a utility and its two million users. The meters have benefits ranging from measuring energy efficiency to reducing labour costs. Remote meter reading eliminates the need to physically read a meter.

Eventually, the technology is expected to be capable of remotely connecting and disconnecting an electricity service, allowing remote operation of devices such as thermostats.

Smart meters can wirelessly transmit information between consumers and utilities, allowing companies to take more frequent and accurate electric meter readings. They can also give real-time pricing information that provides incentives to modify behaviour to save power.

With further development, the SCADA system could alert the power providers to an outage before being told by consumers. Other smart grid features can isolate problems and re-route power through less direct routes, potentially saving outages.

Smart grids are gradually being adopted by the US and other countries but completing them may take some time. In addition to reducing energy use, a smart grid has the potential to better accommodate renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar, by adding them into the grid more rapidly.