INGRID and the Zen of Energy

Abstract

Policies based on empirical assumptions without a foundation in granular real-time data may be limited in scope. It may sputter ineffectively in its role as the engine of energy economics. For energy efficiency and conservation, it is increasingly necessary to invest in systems, tools and practices that can facilitate bi- or multi-directional flow of energy to control or balance consumption with the goal to reduce carbon footprint. The central dogma of an energy oligopoly and uni-directional distribution through the electricity grid is poised for a radical overhaul. An “internet” of electricity capable of executing differential distribution strategies from capacity generated by a network of micro-suppliers and electricity producers may evolve from the proposed Smart Grid infrastructure. The future Intelligent Grid (INGRID) is a step toward the obvious. Development of methodologies using technologies based on rigorous scientific standards must be coupled with effective dissemination of tools and adopted by consumers to acquire real-time monitoring data for analyses and feedback decision support. Automation driven by intelligent systems is key to the efficacy of INGRID. In this essay, we advocate a convergence of innovation through service science, which may evolve in parallel with INGRID, representing an amorphous nexus of engineering and management with the needs of society, industry and government. Higher levels of decision support, necessary both for strategists (policy makers) and engineers (INGRID operators), may be impotent or without global impact if we fail to promote diffusion of a “grass-roots” approach to seed one or more methodologies necessary to acquire data from a critical mass of users in each environmental category (domestic, industrial, hospital) from each major geographical region.