Distribution automation and the smart grid: Coming of age with a new set of challenges

You may think that today is a smartphone/tablet world. In fact, there are more “smart” devices around than most realize. Take, for example, the smart grid with smart meters. Every day utilities are installing a shiny new smart meter on our house and encouraging us to take control of our energy future. We are to monitor and report consumption on websites and sign up for programs, such as those monitoring time of use, — aimed at conserving electricity. It may not be a surprise, but managing all this mounting, distributed “smart” data is one of industry’s newest challenges. Smartphones and tablets require a host of computational power behind them, known as the “cloud.” Because of this, smart meters and the smart grid require effective infrastructure support to assess the data gathered and to optimize energy delivery. Witness the ongoing importance of computer technology. Enter the emerging role of distribution automation.