Muhammad Awais

[email protected]

As the quest to develop viable renewable energy solutions continues at a rapid pace, achieving sustainable energy through the use of redox flow batteries has become a promising possibility. Though sustainable energy applications are certainly not the only uses for redox flow batteries, they are among the most important and widely studied uses of the batteries, and innovations for the use of redox flow batteries for achieving sustainable energy are certain to continue.

One of the biggest problems with current sources of sustainable energy is unpredictability. Consider sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar, and it is quickly apparent that the unpredictable nature of the sun and wind make it difficult to assure sufficient power generation, and thus power distribution, at any given moment. Another problem is the ability to take advantage of the times when there is abundant amounts of sun or wind. Taking full advantage of the resource can be wasteful if that amount of energy production is not needed when the resources are available. What is required is a solution that allows providers to be able to take advantage of times of abundant sustainable energy and continue providing power when the sources are not so abundant. Achieving sustainable energy through redox flow batteries offers a solution to both of these problems.

Redox flow batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that operate by storing electricity chemically via an electrolyte solution. While this doesn’t differ from many other types of batteries, redox flow batteries offer much higher storage capacities as well as a very low rate of self-discharge. These two characteristics are what make redox flow batteries a good solution for power storage in sustainable energy applications.

Current redox flow batteries are limited by their relatively low energy density. Current redox flow batteries feature an average energy density of about 35 Watt hours per kilogram (35 Wh/Kg). As a comparison, current lead acid batteries have an energy density of about 40 Wh/Kg and lithium ion batteries can achieve an energy density of up to 200 Wh/Kg. However, redox flow battery technology is advancing rapidly and Fraunhofer Institute researchers have claimed they’ll soon be able to increase the energy density of redox flow batteries to a level comparable to that of current lithium ion batteries.

Achieving sustainable energy through the use of redox batteries is already being done in several places around the world. A wind power project in Hokkaido, Japan uses a 275 kilowatt redox flow battery system to balance power distribution. Similar systems are in use in Tasmania, Utah and several other places, including solar power applications.

As the production of energy through sustainable means increases in efficiency and the output becomes greater, sustainable energy will become more widespread and cost-effective, hopefully eliminating the need for other non-sustainable energy sources. But for this to happen, the ability to store the power produced so it is consistently available is essential. Redox flow batteries are the technological innovation with the best chance of providing this necessary component. Achieving sustainable energy through redox flow batteries is the focus of universities and corporations around the world, which illustrates the hope researchers have for the batteries’ success.

For further information:

Debra Drury, LX Marketing Coordinator, t: +61 2 9209 4133, [email protected]

LX is an award-winning electronics design company based in Sydney, Australia. LX services include full turnkey design, electronics, hardware, software and firmware design. LX specialises in embedded systems and wireless technologies design. www.lx-group.com.au

Published by LX Pty Ltd for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

Media Release

November 08, 2011

LX has scored a place among Anthill’s Top 50 in its 2011 Annual Cool Company Awards, a national program developed in 2006 to recognise Australian companies that are doing things differently to bring about positive change.

Over 700 aspiring ‘cool companies’ were nominated for the 2011 awards, making ‘The Cools’ one of Australia’s largest business awards programs. The winners will be announced at an award’s function on Thursday 24 November 2011 and published on AnthillOnline.com.

“The Cool Company Awards are extremely egalitarian,” said James Tuckerman, Editor-In-Chief, Anthill Magazine. “Previous winners have included two-person start-ups, not-for-profit social enterprises, large private companies and publicly-listed corporations.”

“Judging takes into account far more than mere business variables, such as revenue and wealth. The criteria is geared to consider other qualities, from the disruptive nature of the product or service to the culture of the organisation.”

“Applicants either nominated themselves or were nominated by peers, work colleagues, family, friends and other ‘admirers’. A field of hundreds was examined (and cross-examined) before our judges were able to isolate three Finalists for each of our seven categories.”

What are Cool Company Awards?
The Cool Company Awards was launched in 2006 as a way for Anthill Magazine to publicly acknowledge and celebrate Australian organisations that are doing things differently to bring about positive change. In its sixth year, the awards attracted nominations from over 700 organisations, making it among the largest business award programs in Australia.

What is Anthill Magazine?
AnthillOnline.com is a digital business magazine that celebrates creativity, inspiration and commercial ingenuity, providing a fresh, exciting and practical perspective on Australian business in a global world. It is among the Top 50 Business & Finance websites in Australia, as ranked by Nielsen Online Ratings, and is home to the Cool Company Awards, the 30under30 and the Smart 100. It’s where ideas and business meet.

For further information:

Debra Drury, LX Marketing Coordinator, t: +61 2 9209 4133, [email protected]

Published by LX Pty Ltd for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

If you ask a child what they want to be when they want to grow up, you’ll hear answers like “doctor” or “teacher” or “astronaut”. You aren’t likely to hear “industrial designer.” In any case, what is industrial design?

Industrial design is said to be a mix of applied science and art, of creating innovative products to be manufactured and sold. Of course, industrial design is a very broad term, as this can encompass many other areas of design, including electronics design, packaging design, furniture design and even car design. It is a combination of using the arts and science to create or modify an existing product and sell it to a target market.

Many people consider becoming an industrial designer because such a career rewards people for being creative and inventive. So why would you want to be a designer?

Designers

Choosing to become an industrial designer is not a decision to be taken lightly. Much like any specialized career, you need education and skill, and perhaps most of all, passion in the field. Many designers work long hours, and the job is demanding as well as rewarding.

For example, an electronics industrial designer might need to work with the same electronics prototype over several versions to get it right, to satisfy a client’s expectation, the budget, as well as electronics industry regulations and other factors such as environmental issues. If you’re still interested industrial design, take a look at what it takes to become an industrial designer.

Industrial Designer Requirements

Industrial design is a career that needs a lot of skill and passion. Education is important too, but artistic and practical skills, as well as knowledge in physics and math are the expertise designers use throughout their careers.

Many people who love art and have drawing, sketching and sculpting skills go into industrial design. Indeed, putting a design to paper is the most basic skill a designer should have. However, to transform that two-dimensional design into a three-dimensional object that works, you’ll have to know math and physics, to be able to understand how things move in space.

Additionally, you’ll have to undertake more training, depending on what type of design you want pursue. If you want to focus on gadgets and electronics, studying engineering and electronics design is a pre-requisite, as you’ll need to know how these devices work inside and out.

There are some universities and colleges that offer degrees in industrial design, but you can also check with art, design or electronics engineering schools that may be able to offer more comprehensive degrees. An internship is a great idea, especially if you’re switching careers or thinking (but still not sure) about going into design. This will give you an idea of what working as an industrial designer is like, and you can find out if this type of career is for you. Of course, talking to other designers about their experience will also tell you more about the job and what a day in the life of a designer is like.

While you’re studying to be a designer, it’s important to have a strong portfolio of work. In addition to a resume, potential employers will judge you based on your actual work. Build a good portfolio throughout your studies and make sure you showcase only your best work for future employers to see.

Designer Career Path

So, what does an industrial design graduate have ahead of him or her? There are many places a career in industrial design can take you. The first place many graduates go to is a design house. For example, an electronics design house is usually contracted by another firm to create electronics products for them. Usually these places work on a variety of projects, and many like this pace of not working on the same electronics product every day. An electronics designer will work on an electronic product from concept through to completion. This is an exciting process and includes creating an electronics prototype for client approval.

Going Further

With the current unstable world economy, many industrial designers must find ways to keep themselves sharp. It’s important that designers always brush up on their skills or acquire new ones. Competition is fierce, so you want to stand out. The more design skills you have, the more desirable you’ll be to companies and clients. Getting an additional degree or training is a good idea.

You Want To Be An Industrial Designer?

So, if you think you have what it takes to be a designer, such as an electronics or industrial designer, the best time to start is now, whether you are secondary school, taking a different degree or in the middle of another career. The work is challenging, but it is a career where your inventiveness and artistry can thrive, while reaping the financial rewards.

LX is an award-winning electronics design company based in Sydney, Australia. LX services include full turnkey design, electronics, hardware, software and firmware design. They specialise in embedded systems and wireless technologies design. www.lx-group.com.au

Published by LX Pty Ltd for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

The HypoMon System to help children with type 1 diabetes mellitus has received an Australian International Design Award in recognition of design and innovation excellence.

The system, produced by AIMEDICS, monitors for sleep time hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar) episodes in people with insulin dependent diabetes. If changes occur, the HypoMon triggers an alarm, alerting the user and the caregiver.

AIMEDICS Chairman, Mr Martin Greenberg, is very pleased that AIMEDICS has been recognised on the world stage. “HypoMon is a non-invasive monitor and alarm system and our international award is acknowledgement of our significant, ongoing and relevant investment into the HypoMon technology.”

The HypoMon is suitable for people aged 10 to 25 years of age with further clinical studies planned to expand the age range. The HypoMon is convenient and can be used from home, offering the user a “safer nights sleep for young people with Type 1 Diabetes”. The system is also flexible. The parent of a 10-year-old person with Type 1 diabetes will probably use the HypoMon every night where as a teenager might use it when they have exercised during the day and are at higher risk of hypoglycaemia.

HypoMon is scheduled to go on sale in Australia and Europe for the first time later this year.

CEO of AIMEDICS, Victor Skladnev, has found the working environment at ATP conducive to the development of HypoMon. “ATP’s nurturing environment has allowed us to easily keep up to date with Government programs and simplified our engagement and access to advisors.”
AIMEDICS was established in 2001 based on the work and patents of two inventors from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Since then, it has been funded through a series of investments and government grants including the Business Innovation Factory, the NSW Government, JDRF (through UTS) and the Australian federal government.

For more information please visit www.hypomon.com

http://atp.com.au/newsletters/21/hypomon-on-the-world-stage

IET Innovations Award – LX Group

IET, the London Institute of Engineering and Technology, has recognised LX Group’ pioneering design for the YellowBird ALERT (owned by Advance Alert Pty Ltd), by nominating it in two categories: Information Technology and Sustainability. The IET Innovation competition “…attracted entries from around the globe, demonstrating the innovation and imagination of engineers as they tackle their own local, economic and social challenges”

(http://conferences.theiet.org/innovation-awards/index.htm).

Innovation abounds at the IET Awards, and alongside YellowBird ALERT, innovative designs include smart metering, remote solar panel cleaning, ultra low power solar information transport and self healing electricity distribution networks.

YellowBird ALERT is an emergency alert system that warns of natural disasters. To date, YellowBird ALERT has won awards in the Future Electronics Awards and the National Resilience Award.

The competition has attracted entries from around the globe, from a gamut of organisations and corporation including Vodafone, British Telecommunications and Siemens Industrial, and universities including Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. In the true spirit of technological innovation, LX Group is joined by many independent organisations from India through to America.
# # #

LX Group, is an award winning Australian electronics design house with services that include software, firmware & hardware development, wireless and low power electronics designs. LX Group, offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product from concept to the product.
For more information about LX Group please visit www.lx-group.com.au or call 1800 810 124.

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 06, 2009 – The Electronics and Software Design House, LX Group, has been awarded the highest accolade of the EDN 2009 Innovation Awards for best overall project.

The EDN Australia Innovation Awards 2009, recognise and reward excellence in Australian electronics design, electronics test and electronics manufacture.

LX Group was placed against finalists including notable electronic and design companies such as Navico, UNSW and Sinclair Knight Merz, with projects such as solid state radar systems, autonomous rescue robots and a Solar Electric Trike.

LX Group was awarded the overall winner of the best project, across all categories, ahead of category winners from eight different categories which covered both electronics hardware and software.

In addition, LX Group was awarded first place in the best application of test/data acquisition category and a highly commended in the category of best application of RF wireless design.

“This is a great honour for us, a real tribute to our team,” said Simon Blyth, director of LX Group upon receiving the award.

LX Group is an electronics design house, specialising in the wireless and low power electronics designs. LX offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product idea from concept through to production.

LX Group electronics design house provide services including conceptual development, circuit design, PCB layout, firmware development, software development and electronics manufacturing.

LX Group Electronics and Software Design House, a proud recipient of the EDN Innovation Awards 2009 for best overall project.

For more information, please see www.lx-group.com.au or contact Kelly on (02) 9209 4133, [email protected] .
# # #

LX Group is an electronics design house, specialising in the wireless and low power electronics designs. LX Group offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product idea from concept through to production.

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

Electronics Design House wins ‘Digital Home’ Award at Electronics Future Awards 2010 with Yellowbird ALERT

For the second year running, LX Group has won a major award at the Electronics Future Awards 2010.

LX Group was awarded winner in the Digital Home category, Highly Commended in the Communications category and nominated in the Wellness and Environment categories with YellowBird ALERT.

YellowBird ALERT (Automatic Linking to Emergency Radio Transmissions) is an emergency alert system that warns of natural disasters, such as bush fires or floods, by utilizing AM and FM radio transmissions.

YellowBird logs onto a registered radio station and sits dormant until an alert is received.

In the event of an emergency, authorities may decide to send an alert by creating a message and alert tone package, which sends out an immediate radio broadcast. If contact it lost with the registered radio station, Yellow Bird will notify the user and scan for alternative stations.

Simon Blyth, director of LX Group said ”my team and I are thrilled and greatly encouraged to receive this award” and added that he was pleased to be able to support an event that recognized and promoted electronics innovation.In 2009, LX Group was awarded overall winner at the EDN Innovations Awards for Best Project with WMD3000, a device that monitors a user’s gym workout and provides feedback wirelessly. Also awarded to LX, was first place in Best Application of Test/Data Acquisition category and highly commended in the category of Best Application of RF Wireless Design.

The Electronics News Future Awards, continuing the tradition founded by the EDN Innovation Awards, recognizes excellence in Australian and New Zealand electronics (http://www.electronicsnews.com.au/awards.aspx).

About LX

LX Group is an award winning Australian electronics design house, specializing in the wireless and low power electronics designs. LX offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product idea from concept through to production.

LX Group services include full turnkey electronics design, electronics, firmware and software design, electronics engineer consultancy, rapid prototyping, electronics manufacturing and commercialization and technical support. LX’s team takes an innovative approach to developing each project to ensure it gets to market fast with the best possible features.

For more information about LX Group please visit www.lx-group.com.au or call 1800 810 124

Links:

http://www.prlog.org/10954702-lx-innovations-wins-electronics-future-award.html

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

Canberra Emergency Warning Invention Wins National Resilience Award

A Canberra emergency warning invention, the YellowBird ALERT (Automatic Linking to Emergency Radio Transmissions) system, has won the prestigious Insurance Council of Australia’s Annual National Community Resilience Award.

Invented by Canberra obstetrician, Dr Stephen Robson, YellowBird is a simple modification to standard AM/ FM radio circuitry that allows a tone, broadcast during routine radio transmissions, to automatically switch on the radio to receive emergency warnings.

YellowBird was invented by A/Professor Stephen Robson after his own experiences in the catastrophic Canberra bushfires of 2003. During the fire threat, his family had no power and the only source of emergency warnings was a car radio.

“For the safety of my own and all other families, I felt there had to be a simple answer,” Dr Robson said. “YellowBird is a low cost option for the public, it is a reliable/ robust system designed to enhance the existing suite of emergency warning systems. When a radio is activated, a loud siren and flashing lights immediately precede the emergency warning message.”

Dr Robson welcomed the Insurance Council’s recognition which aims to increase community resilience in times of extreme natural and human caused catastrophic and emergency events.

“One of the most direct and immediate threats to Australian communities is through natural disasters,” Dr Robson said. “And perhaps the single greatest factor leading to loss of life in such situations is the inability of authorities to disseminate urgent warnings about impending threats.

“Experiences of the Indian Ocean tsunami, the hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and many other recent events such as heat waves, droughts, famine, wildfires, floods and mudflows, all point to significant inadequacies in existing early warning systems.”

Dr Robson said that State/ Territory emergency authorities, non-government organisations in the Pacific Island Region, as well as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) all see value in having immediate trials of YellowBird which should compliment Federal Government commitment on emergency warnings as a result of the current Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission into the 2009 disaster.

“YellowBird has had strong support and ongoing advice from the former Director General of Emergency Management Australia, Mr David Templeman, who sees it as having national and international application in community prevention arrangements through the dissemination of consistent and reliable information,” Dr Robson said. “Being able to provide clear and timely communication to the public about emergency threats still is a significant gap in national emergency warning arrangements. YellowBird will greatly enhance and overcome some of the current shortfalls. It is a simple, easy solution, a bit like the Russian astronauts telling NASA to use pencils to write while in space, and not waste millions trying to invent a biro!”

YellowBird is unique in that it has little or no infrastructure cost since existing AM and FM radio stations provide adequate coverage to more than 98% of the Australian population, and more than 90% of the population in the Asia-Pacific region. The only additional overhead for emergency management authorities would be the cost of one telephone call to radio stations to activate the YellowBird tone.

Links:

http://www.prlog.org/10829947-canberra-emergency-warning-invention-wins-national-resilience-award.html

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

Virtual reality is a term that has been used frequently in sci-fi novels and movies. Virtual reality is a technology which allows the user to interact with an environment that exists only in a computer. Augmented reality, which is one of the newest innovations in the electronics industry, tries at superimposing a range of elements such as graphics, audio and other sense enhancements from computer screens onto real-time environments.

Virtual reality and augmented reality systems go far beyond the static graphics technology and try to assimilate the user’s movement and actions to create complex virtual worlds that can “trick” a person into believing that s/he is experiencing reality. These virtual environments have the capability to revolutionise how we view, interact and use information to perceive the world around us, and embedded technology is powering the future of these systems.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificial environment created with a computer and presented to the user in such a way that it appears and feels like a real environment. To experience a virtual reality environment, the user is required to wear special gloves, earphones and goggles, all of which receive inputs from the computer system. The computer continuously monitors and analyses the user’s actions and alters the information fed to the devices the user has worn. For example the goggles, track head movements and respond accordingly by sending a new video input which makes the user feel s/he is in a real environment. The simulated environment can be similar to the real world – for example, simulations for pilot or combat training – or it can differ significantly from reality – such as alien worlds and creatures depicted in Virtual Reality games.

In contrast, the goal of Augmented Reality (AR) is to add information and meaning to a real object or place. Unlike Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality is not aimed at creating a simulated computer-based environment. Instead, it takes a real object or space that the user is viewing, as the foundation, and incorporates contextual data to deepen a person’s understanding of the object. For example, Augmented Reality can add data such as an audio commentary, location data, historical context or similar information that can make a user’s experience of a thing or a place more meaningful. Similarly, AR systems can be used to superimpose images from an X-ray or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner directly onto a patient’s body to help a surgeon analyse and clearly understand the nature of a fracture or a tumour.

Augmented reality is the next step in Virtual Reality, created by combining information, digital data received from different devices and the internet, to create a surreal world which gets displayed to the user in such an intuitive fashion that the user may not be able to differentiate between the real world and its virtual augmentation.

Creating The Virtual World

Getting the right information at the right time and the right place is the key to the functioning of a VR and AR system. The basic requirements of both VR and AR systems are same – both depend on data generated from user movements and perspective to arrive at the information (text, visuals, sound etc.) to be provided to the user. AR systems and VR systems employ similar hardware technologies but differ in the complexity of the systems used. In general, the devices used in both VR and AR systems can be summarised as below.

Tracking devices: The “input” unit of a virtual system or tracking devices help sense the movements of the user to identify the user’s coordinates in real-time. The requirements for AR in such cases are much stricter than those for VR systems. VR systems use indoor tracking devices to track the entire body actions of a user to “transport” the user to a virtual environment. For example a flight or parachute-landing simulator simulates the movement of the user to display a real-life scene on a screen or a Head Mounted Device (HMD). In the case of AR, the tracking system uses a combination of indoor and outdoor tracking devices to recognize what a user is viewing at a given movement. For example, a handheld device showing information about a building or a piece of art the user is viewing.

Scene processor: VR systems need to process and generate realistic images because they completely replace the real world with the virtual environment for the user. Thus, a complex and high performance intelligent embedded system capable of rendering text, graphics and sound to match user movements is critical in a VR environment. In AR, the virtual images only supplement the real world. Therefore, fewer virtual objects need to be drawn, and they do not necessarily have to be realistically rendered. However, an AR system needs to have the intelligence to interface with a centralised database or connect to a network, internet or GPS (Global Positioning System) to fetch and display the right information to the user. In addition, an AR system tracks the position and orientation of the user’s head so that the overlaid material can be aligned with the user’s view of the world.

Display device: The display devices used in AR may be less complex when compared to VR systems. For example, monochrome or low-resolution display may be adequate for some AR applications, while VR systems need to use full colour high-resolution display systems. Optical see-through Head Mounted Devices (HMD) with a small display device may be satisfactory in the case of an AR system because the user can still see the real world. However, a complex HMD that blocks the user’s view to the real-world is critical in the case of a VR system.

Difference between Virtual and Augmented Reality

Immersion

Virtual reality provides a totally immersive environment while Augmented Reality adds information to the user’s existing view of the world.

User senses

In Virtual Reality, a user has to be in a controlled environment, a simulator capsule or a head mounted device (HMD) that feeds the user visuals, sounds, motion, sensation and in some cases smell as well.

In Augmented Reality, the user maintains a sense of presence in real world and the information is generally displayed on HMD or a handheld device.

Complexity

Virtual Reality systems are complex since it needs to process all details associated with the virtual environment. Augmented Reality systems are less complex but needs to combine virtual and real worlds to provide a rich user experience.

Embedded intelligence

Similar to a central processing unit of a computer, the scene processor forms the core part of a VR or AR system where the data gets processed and results are generated for the user. Embedded systems are playing a vital role in creating advanced, intelligent and affordable scene generators for VR and AR systems. The increase in processing power and miniaturisation of embedded components are paving way to the creation of scene processors with higher processing power yet in sizes that fit inside the palm of the user. The use of embedded technology also supports interconnectivity of similar devices and also ensures connectivity to external systems, networks or internet to give a rich holistic user experience.

Virtual Reality Applications

Flight, parachute, vehicle simulation
Simulation for space missions
Robotics and tele-robotics
Sci-fi movies
Medical surgery simulation
Virtual Reality games
Amusement rides

Augmented Reality Applications

Pre-operative anatomy imaging of X-ray & MRI scans
Virtual HMDs to aid military combat operations
Virtual navigation systems
Shopping – providing enhanced reviews of goods
Sightseeing
Entertainment and education – in schools, exhibitions & museums

Conclusion

Though Virtual Reality has been around for some time, the incorporation of advanced embedded technologies is helping researchers improve the quality and control of the system. Augmented Reality, which is a relatively new advancement in electronics, has also scaled new heights with the use of Embedded Technology. The virtual systems of the future can be so advanced in the near future it could even work on the thoughts of the user. The potential of virtual systems are huge, and embedded systems that are powering it reach outstanding levels of interactivity.

About LX Group
LX Group incorporates LX Innovations, LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, and is an award-winning electronics design company based in Sydney, Australia. LX services include full turnkey design, electronics, hardware, software and firmware design. They specialise in embedded systems and wireless technologies design.

LX Group offers clients a range of professional solutions designed to take a new product idea from concept through to production and beyond. LX focuses on fully understanding all aspects of a client’s requirements (both technical and business) and works on creating custom-made solutions. LX Group’s expertise in developing electronic products enables a quicker design process and reduces cost in bringing a concept to reality. www.lx-group.com.au

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.

Electric power systems constitute fundamental infrastructures in of modern society. Often continental in scale, electric power grids and distribution networks connect the generating stations to virtually every home, office, factory and institution across the country. Increased bulk power transactions and large scale integration of renewable energy sources are posing challenges to high-voltage transmission systems.Environmental constraints and energy efficiency requirements also have significant effects on the design and operation of power transmission infrastructures. To address these challenges, power grids worldwide are undergoing a revolutionary transition to the so-called “Smart Grid”.

Smart Grids are designed to imbibe intelligent processes and methodologies to the power grids to improve their flexibility, reliability and overall efficiency.The electric power grid can be defined as a large system of high-tension cables that connects the power plants to consumers across a region. The grid is responsible for transmitting the generated power to the end-user. The electricity produced at power plants is usually “stepped up” to high voltages before it is transmitted through the grid. At a substation near the consumer, the power gets “stepped down” to voltage suitable for household and commercial use.

The beauty of the grid is that power can be bought and sold across vast expanses. Since the storage of electricity is very difficult, power grids support an optimal distribution of electricity allowing for a more balanced supply-and-demand equation. Also, minor transmission failures in one section of the grid can also be compensated for by using electricity available in another section of the grid.Due to expanding demand, higher fuel costs and pollution-related issues, there has been a recent push to develop smarter electrical grids that are more efficient, cost effective and robust. The introduction of renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal generation facilities also entail the use of complex power management techniques in the grid. Since the power generated from the renewable power systems heavily depend on environmental factors, the power grids need to have sufficient “intelligence” to switch the transmission on/off based on the power generated.

The Smart Grid
The Smart Grid is achieved by incorporating digital technology to power grids to deliver electricity from power plants to consumers in a more intelligent, efficient, and transparent way. The basic concept of the Smart Grid is to add monitoring, analysis, control and communication capabilities to the power in order to maximise the throughput of the system while reducing the energy consumption. As all systems are automated and metered, they track when and how much electricity is used. By analysing and reporting all critical usage and health statistics, Smart Grids help system engineers to better manage loads and effectively cater to power demands.

Smart Grid Architecture
Smart Grid architecture relies on embedded technology to manage an energy system and automatically track usage. The conventional power grid management was carried out manually by disparate teams situated at each section of the grid, i.e. power plant, substation etc. The information available to these teams was mostly limited to their subsections alone and information about demand and outages were usually communicated through phone calls or fax messages.

In sharp contrast, Smart Grids allow for seamless transfer of information across the entire power grid. Embedded systems deployed at various points of the grid, from power generation to end-user consumption, help in analysing the critical characteristics of the system and also communicate it to other systems attached to the grid to achieve excellent energy management capabilities. Embedded systems are computers that can be integrated or “embedded” into a larger electrical or electronic equipment, to allow the equipment to have the necessary “intelligence” to function automatically. The use of embedded technology also allows the deployment of centralised Smart Energy Management Software to control the power available across the entire grid.

Interfacing with Electrical Appliances
Embedded systems are ubiquitous and are finding its use in almost all kinds of consumer and commercial equipment. Thus, a power delivery network built on embedded technology can far easily be interfaced with such equipment. This can ensure flow of electricity as well as information between the power plant and the equipment. The combined intelligence of the interconnected devices, coupled with automated control systems, can permit real-time power transactions and seamless interfaces among people, buildings, industrial plants, generation facilities and the electric network.

The information received from all the interconnected applications will enable the centralised energy management software to create an efficient power generation and transmission plan. An “intelligent” electric grid will also facilitate the proper delivery of electricity from renewable power systems such as wind, hydro and geothermal power plants that are often located at remote regions, far off from load centres. Additionally, interconnected systems will also enable faster detection of outages, correction of faults and quicker restoration of power supply. This will also improve the reliability of the grid and ensure security of the region as well.

Conclusion
The Smart Grid can be considered as a futuristic extension to the power grid and aims for better and efficient power management and consumption. Intelligent embedded power grids can create value up and down the chain – from efficient production of electricity in power plants to optimal supply and distribution of power to match the usage patterns of the end-users. The use of embedded technology would play a significant role in enhancing the “intelligence” of the existing power grids.

The primary advantage is that the grid can be transformed from an operator controlled and managed system to an “intelligent” automated network that works continuously to match the supply with the demand. Smart power grids can dramatically improve the reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of electric power delivery systems. Embedded and intelligent power grids is the way forward in ensuring a smarter, cleaner and a well-organised management of energy sources driving future growth requirements.

Published by LX Group for itself and the LX Group of companies, including LX Design House, LX Solutions and LX Consulting, LX Innovations.