Smart grid evolving to 2014

The smart grid industry saw stagnant adoption in 2013, according to Smart Grid News. The industry was unable to achieve significant impact on consumer power use and affect the reliability, security and sustainability of cleaner energy, but the outlook is expected to change in 2014.

According to the news source, consumers are expected to take a new look at their power consumption in 2014, favoring alternative sources, improved storage and demand response efforts to optimize their energy use. This will require adapted models for smart grid deployment and technology, as well as increased investment into the supporting hardware, such as serial to ethernet converters, that make these grids possible. The evolution of smart grid networks and adoption in 2014 will not be without challenges though.

Reliability
Ensuring reliability will be a key consideration for utility providers investing in smart grid deployments. If the technology utilized doesn't minimize blackouts and provide clear savings for consumers, these plans may falter or fail, and firms will struggle to deliver on their promises of sustainable clean energy.

Security
Eliminating power loss, theft and general disruption of service is another key consideration going into 2014. Providers have to invest in the right cabling, as well as substation hardware and related tools to optimize not just the flow of data and power, but its security at every point along the path from generation to customer. Terminal server solutions and related media converter technology will help eliminate weak points in the network and enhanceenergy delivery at the same time.

With the industry set to see major gains again in 2014, utility companies have to optimize their own investments, ensure they are utilizing the tools and strategies that will deliver the most value to customers and maximize their own use of renewable energy sources. These efforts combined will ensure success as well as the continued, positive evolution of the industry, as well as sustainable benefits. Smart grid technologies do more than reduce the cost of energy, they help achieve a stronger relationship between power use and distribution that eliminates loss and waste, and the right technology is key to fostering this relationship.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.