Buzz

Outline
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Assignment 1:Creating a website for team collaboration

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IT Fundamentals

Case Study 1: What’s the Buzz on Smart Grids?
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Questions and Di
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d Discussion
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Review and Discussion Questions

Tutorial 1
14 / 09 /2011
Tutor’s Name: Simone Leon

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Case Study 1: What’s the
Buzz on Smart Grids? continue…

1. Case Study 1: What’s the
Buzz on Smart Grids?
1. How do smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the
United States?
Current electricity grids do not provide any information about how consumers actually use
energy. That makes it difficult to develop more efficient approaches to distribution. The current
system offers few ways to handle power provided b alternative energy sources. With t useful
t
ff
f
t h dl
id d by lt
ti
Without
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information, energy companies and consumers have difficulty making good decisions about
using energy wisely.

2. What management, organization, and technology issues should be
considered when developing a smart grid?
Management: Information feedback would allow consumers to see how much energy they are
consuming at any moment and how much it’s costing them. That would allow them to make
better decisions about using appliances like air conditioners and furnaces. They could
potentially lower their energy bills. However, governments and energy companies need to
help consumers overcome the intrusive feelings associated with the technology. Dashboard
monitoring software must be easy for consumers to understand and use.

A smart grid d li
t id delivers electricity f
l t i it from suppliers t consumers using di it l t h l
li
to
i digital technology t
to
•
save energy
•
reduce costs
•
increase reliability and transparency
The smart grid enables information to flow back and forth between electric power providers and
consumers and
•
allows both consumers and energy companies to make more intelligent decisions
regarding energy...