ELSTER'S INNOVATIVE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS INTELLIGENT POWER SYSTEMS

摘要

Realising the vision and potential of the smart grid will depend largely upon being able to leverage the most advanced communications technologies while building on a foundation of security and industry standards. A smart grid deployment is a significant investment for utilities. A key question taxing utility executives is how to invest wisely in smart grid technology that will survive for many years, without the risk of being rendered obsolete by new technologies or insecure by newly emerging cyber security threats. The challenge is compounded even further when legacy systems are factored into a utility's smart grid decisions. Technology change is inevitable, and as communications technologies evolve, greater network speeds make possible new applications such as controlling thermostats and electrical appliances in the home, balancing network load and enabling consumers to reduce their energy usage during peak hours, and optimising demand, among others.