6 Pop Songs Great for Audio Demos
Worst DIY Installs Ever Part 7
10 Must-Have Products for Your Next Install
6 Amazing High-End Home Theaters
Print
Email
Comments (1)
Share
Smart Grid: A Trend to Watch in 2010
Consumer Electronics Association hails smart grid's energy efficiency, other green technologies.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) hails the smart grid as one of “5 Technology Trends to Watch” in 2010. The CEA’s annual list is a barometer of emerging technologies.
CEA research finds that 70 percent of Americans are concerned about the cost of their monthly electricity bill, which is predicted to rise with growing demand.
In writing on the smart grid, Chris Ely states: “Energy efficiency and green-energy production (including solar, wind and hydro) is a growing component in national energy policy. In fact, the Obama administration included $28.3 billion in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for alternative energy production.”
The report states that “demand for electricity is projected to increase nearly 26 percent from 2007 to 2030, or by an average of one percent per year,” and a need for energy efficiency will rise dramatically. “A growing population and rising disposable incomes increase demand for products, services and floor space – all of which increase electricity consumption.”
The report warns that our current electric grid infrastructure is outdated and “largely stuck in the 20th century. … By adding more digital technology, the [electric] grid can operate much more efficiently and reliably.”
The report also hails the smart grid as a launching pad for a host of innovative products.
Smart grid technologies to watch are:
The report also recognizes that consumer awareness is a key to smart grid acceptance. Though it does little to address the awareness and education needed that energy-efficient electronics are available today and can help people save energy and money.
This year’s list of technologies to watch also includes: the evolution of content, growing the connected home ecosystem, the future of TV, and the connected cars.
CEA research finds that 70 percent of Americans are concerned about the cost of their monthly electricity bill, which is predicted to rise with growing demand.
In writing on the smart grid, Chris Ely states: “Energy efficiency and green-energy production (including solar, wind and hydro) is a growing component in national energy policy. In fact, the Obama administration included $28.3 billion in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for alternative energy production.”
The report states that “demand for electricity is projected to increase nearly 26 percent from 2007 to 2030, or by an average of one percent per year,” and a need for energy efficiency will rise dramatically. “A growing population and rising disposable incomes increase demand for products, services and floor space – all of which increase electricity consumption.”
The report warns that our current electric grid infrastructure is outdated and “largely stuck in the 20th century. … By adding more digital technology, the [electric] grid can operate much more efficiently and reliably.”
The report also hails the smart grid as a launching pad for a host of innovative products.
Smart grid technologies to watch are:
- Energy monitors that show usage information from a home-based device or web application
- Technology that allows consumers to set their thermostats, automate home lighting and even select what type of power they wish to purchase (i.e., solar, wind, nuclear, coal, etc.) and pay accordingly
- Grid-tied appliances that can be run according to variable, time-of-day pricing, such as when rates are lower in off-peak hours
- Chargers that recharge phones, digital cameras and MP3 players during non-peak times
- Battery-like devices that store larger amounts of electricity for later household use
- Smart-charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
- Buckywires used for photovoltaic systems
- Geobacter microbe that consumes oil-based pollutants and can produce electricity
- Printable batteries
- Organic Free Radical Battery Power
- Self-Charging cell phones
- Kinetic phones – power through shaking
- Photosynthesis as a power source
- Slider notebook
- Solar-powered laptop
The report also recognizes that consumer awareness is a key to smart grid acceptance. Though it does little to address the awareness and education needed that energy-efficient electronics are available today and can help people save energy and money.
This year’s list of technologies to watch also includes: the evolution of content, growing the connected home ecosystem, the future of TV, and the connected cars.
Alternative Energy: What You Need to Know
 | 4 Ways to Profit from the Smart Grid Four avenues — demand response, energy management, energy storage and home area networks — to making money. Alternative Energy: What You Need to Know Integrators create business models surrounding energy management and solar panel installations. Demand is strong, margins are OK, and competition is scarce. The Basics of Solar Installations Erdmann Electric diversified into doing solar/PV installations years ago. Here are some basics you should know. How Many LEED Points Can You Earn? Courtney Baker, manager of residential operations at the USGBC, says the number of LEED points an integrator can earn is "murky" right now. Alternative Energy: The Next Frontier Would you rather claim the title of "Mr. Energy" or cede the entire market and its incredible potential to your local utility, electrician or HVAC contractor? Erdmann Electric: Alternative Energy Supplier Ken Erdmann decided his integration company should be an alternative energy supplier. Now, as CEDIA chairman, he wants you to do it, too. Smart Grid: A Trend to Watch in 2010 Consumer Electronics Association hails smart grid's energy efficiency, other green technologies. | |
Subscribe to the CE Pro Newsletter
Read more Business Resources stories
People On the Move: Milestone AV, Definitive Technology, JL Audio, NACECEDIA White Paper Examines How to Build Mobile Device Wireless Networks
Why Key Suppliers Are Skipping Trade Shows
Lack of Women Hurting IT Industry
10 Reasons Coax, Not Wireless, Is Future of Video Distribution
More in Business Resources
Article Topics
News · Business Resources · Research · Energy Management · Energy Management · Research ·About the Author
Steven Castle is a writer, editor, and humorist who recently completed Filthy Rich Things, a savage satire on our thirst for success and wealth. He is Electronic House's senior editor and co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.
1 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Page 1 of 1 comment pages
Greatest threat to America’s power grid?
See:
http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/terrorists-strike-u-s-infrastructure/