- Author
-
Holmberg, D. G.
|
Bushby, S. T.
- Title
- BACnet® and the Smart Grid.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Journal
-
ASHRAE Journal (BACnet Today),
Vol. 51,
No. 11,
B8-B12,
November 2009
- Keywords
-
- Abstract
- Improved electric system control and reliability, integrated renewable energy and storage, and bUilding control systems that adjust load, on-site generation, and storage automatically in response to changing grid conditions and electricity prices are all parts of a future smart grid. A smart grid is not simply more efficient operation of the current electricity system; it is a significant transofrmation of the electricity system as we know it. Dynamic electricity prices and the ability for customers and the utility to communicate and respond in real time are the keys to transforming the electricity system. These features will produce an environment that encourages developing technology to enable facilities to benefit from active load management including load shedding and shifting, energy storage, and on-site generation. This demand-side responsiveness (elasticity) then provides tremendous flexibility for grid operation, enabling buildings to absorb fluctuations due to intermittent renewable generation. Finally, renewables and other local generation capacity transform the grid from a pipeline connecting central generation facilities to end use customers into a system that is more distributed and roubust.