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STANDARD

PREMIUM

INTELLIGENCE BY ZPRYME | ZPRYME.COM 2013 ZPRYME RESEARCH & CONSULTING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SMARTGRIDRESEARCH.ORGINTELLIGENT RESEARCH FOR AN INTELLIGENT MARKET TMSMART GRID INSIGHTS

MAY 2013

DISRUPTIVETECHNOLOGIES FOR THE

ADVANCED SMART GRID


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ADVANCED SMART GRID

1 [PREMIUM] ZPRYME SMART GRID INSIGHTS

Copyright 2013 Zpryme Research & Consulting LLC All rights reserved www zpryme com | www smartgridresearch org

Disruptive Technologies for the Advanced Smart Grid | May 2013

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ......................................................................... 2

Methodology .................................................................................. 2Key Takeaways by the Numbers .................................................. 2Estimated Global Market Value For Top 10 Disruptive

Technologies by 2020 ..................................................................... 4

Recommendations and Opportunities ........................................... 5Nano Generation (nanogrids) ......................................................... 6

Key Players ....................................................................................... 6Key Projects ..................................................................................... 6Application to Smart Grid/Utilities ................................................ 7

Dynamic Energy Management ....................................................... 7

Key Players ....................................................................................... 8

Key Projects ..................................................................................... 8Application to Smart Grid/Utilities ................................................ 8Transactive Energy ......................................................................... 8Key Projects ..................................................................................... 9Application to Smart Grid/Utilities ................................................ 9

Grid Automation and Switching ...................................................... 9

Key Players ....................................................................................... 9Major Projects ................................................................ .................. 9

Application to Smart Grid/Utilities ................................................ 9Advanced Data Communications................................................ 10

Key Players ..................................................................................... 10Major Projects ................................................................ ................ 10

Application to Smart Grid/Utilities .............................................. 10Ultra-High Voltage TransmissionSuper Grids ............................ 10

Key Players ..................................................................................... 10Major Projects ................................................................ ................ 11Application to Smart Grid/Utilities .............................................. 11

Wireless Electricity (power)............................................................ 11

Key Players ..................................................................................... 11Key Projects ................................................................................... 11Application to Smart Grid/Utilities .............................................. 11

Battery Powered Homes ................................................................ 12

Key Players .............................................................. ....................... 12Key Projects ................................................................................... 12Application to Smart Grid/Utilities .............................................. 12

Ultra-fast EV Charging .................................................................... 13

Key Players .............................................................. ....................... 13

Key Projects ................................................................................... 13Application to Smart Grid/Utilities .............................................. 13Utility-Telco-cable-internet integration ........................................ 13


Digital Power Conversion .............................................................. 14


Disruptive Technology to Watch ................................................... 15

Drones ............................................................................................ 15Augmented Reality ...................................................................... 15Robotics ......................................................................................... 15Artificial Intelligence ..................................................................... 16

3D Printing ...................................................................................... 16Wearable Tech ............................................................................. 16RFIDs................................................................................................ 16LTE AdvancedBeyond LTE ....................................................... 17Gamification ................................................................................. 17

3D Holographic Projection/Computing .................................... 17Lasers .............................................................................................. 18Nanotechnology .......................................................................... 18Superconductivity ........................................................................ 19Quantum Computing .................................................................. 19

Zprymes Market Outlook.............................................................. 20
http://c/Users/Administrator/Google%20Drive/Zpryme/Prem%20SGI/Disruptive%20Tech/Report/Disruptive_Tech_for_an_Advanced_Smart_Grid_May_2013_Smart_Grid_Insights_Zpryme_Research.docx%23_Toc357770786http://c/Users/Administrator/Google%20Drive/Zpryme/Prem%20SGI/Disruptive%20Tech/Report/Disruptive_Tech_for_an_Advanced_Smart_Grid_May_2013_Smart_Grid_Insights_Zpryme_Research.docx%23_Toc357770786http://c/Users/Administrator/Google%20Drive/Zpryme/Prem%20SGI/Disruptive%20Tech/Report/Disruptive_Tech_for_an_Advanced_Smart_Grid_May_2013_Smart_Grid_Insights_Zpryme_Research.docx%23_Toc357770786http://c/Users/Administrator/Google%20Drive/Zpryme/Prem%20SGI/Disruptive%20Tech/Report/Disruptive_Tech_for_an_Advanced_Smart_Grid_May_2013_Smart_Grid_Insights_Zpryme_Research.docx%23_Toc357770786


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Executive Summary

Led by major smart grid deployments currently taking

place across the world, the grid will be primed for thedeployment of disruptive technologies by 2020. Most of

the technologies in this report are at the very early stages

of development with respect to their adoption amongutilities. However, some of them have the potential to

revolutionize the entire electric industry as we know ittoday. To get there, billions of private, public, and

corporate R&D dollars will be needed to decouple the

centralized electric grids that exist today. In addition, a

coordinated vision and coalition of likeminded

entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, governments andconsumers will also be needed.

The goal of this report, developed by Zprymes Smart Grid

Insights Research Team and Smart Grid Advisory Board, is

to provide insight into the emerging technologies thatneed to be further developed in order to build a more

sustainable, agile, and eco-friendly grid. This report is not

intended to be an exhaustive review of the technologies

mentioned in this report.

Methodology

Zpryme utilized secondary research sources; other

syndicated research reports, government smart grid plans

and projects to assess the projected market value in 2020

for each of the top 10 ranked disruptive technologies. An

online survey of 232 utility and smart grid professionals wasconducted to identify which technologies were most likely

to have the biggest impact on utilities and the electric

grid. The survey was conducted in May of 2013.

Additionally, several of the key themes and technologies

in this report were adapted from the book, The AdvancedSmart Grid, authored by Andres Carvallo and John

Cooper. 1

Key Takeaways by the Numbers

Seventy-two percent of smart grid and utilityexecutives identified nano-generation/nanogrids as

the top disruptive technology to impact utilities and

electrical systems in the next 10 years.

Advanced grid automation and switching,advanced data communications, dynamic energy

management, and ultra-high voltage transmission

(Super Grids) were ranked second through fifth,

respectively.

Wireless electricity, ultra-fast EV charging, batterypowered homes, utility-telco-cable-internet

integration, and digital power conversion were

ranked sixth through tenth, respectively.

By 2020, the aggregate annual market value of thetop 10 disruptive technologies is estimated to reach

$60.7 billion.

The technologies with the most potential, in terms ofmarket value, are ultra-high voltage transmission

(Super Grids), advanced grid automation and

switching, advanced data communications, and

dynamic energy management.

1 http://www.theadvancedsmartgrid.com/


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2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

6%

6%

7%

7%

9%

9%

10%

12%

13%

18%

19%

19%

22%

24%

35%

43%

68%

72%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

3D Printing

RFIDs

Quantum Computing

Wearable Tech

Lasers

Drones

Gamification

Augmented Reality

Nanotechnology

LTE AdvancedBeyond LTE

Superconductivity

Artificial Intelligence

RoboticsDigital Power Conversion

Utility-Telco-Cable-Internet Integration

Battery Powered Homes

Ultra-Fast EV Charging

Wireless Electricity (power)

Ultra-High Voltage Transmission

Dynamic Energy Management

Advanced Data Communications

Grid Automation and Switching

Nano-generation/Nanogrids

Disruptive Technologies With the Most Potential to Impact Utilities/Electric Grid in Next 10 Years

% of Respondents Who Selected Technology (they could choose up to 5 technologies)figure 1, (source: Zpryme survey of 232 util ity and smart grid professionals


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Estimated Global Market Value For Top 10 Disruptive Technologies by 2020

For Smart Grid or Utility Related Applicationsfigure 2, (source: Zpryme estimate)

Technology Application to Smart Grid/Utilities

Estimated

Market Value

by 2020

Ultra-High Voltage Transmission

Super Grids

Super Grids will enable full capture of remote renewable generation capacity, driving

attainment of RPS and more efficient utility-scale solar and wind farms. They will also enablepower to be delivered in remote or rural areas.

$20.0 billion

Grid Automation and SwitchingAdvanced Grid Automation and Switching will increase the overall reliability of the grid byreducing system down time and preventing outages using real-time diagnostic measures.

$12.5 billion

Digital Power ConversionMass use of equipment that utilizes digital power conversion can advance efficiency gains

which can significantly reduce overall energy demand and costs.$10.0 billion

Advanced Data

Communications (transmission tometer and DER)

Advanced Data Communications will allow grid operators and utilities to optimize millions of

grid connected devices, across the electric grid. Such optimization will yield energy savings,reduce operating costs, and improve the overall efficiency of the grid.

$5.0 billion

Dynamic Energy ManagementDynamic Energy Management will enable the full realization of the value of demand sideresources.

$4.0 billion


Like the internet, wireless electricity holds the potential to revolutionize the entire electric

industry. This will begin with small wireless power networks that power a small group of

devices or vehicles, but eventually expand to power larger networks of devices.

$3.0 billion

Nano-Generation/Nano-Grids

(Island power)

Tailored generation located next to the load it serves will reduce grid congestion and avoid

grid expansion.$2.2 billion


When a large percentage of load can be scheduled (e.g., deferred), the entire grid business

model will shift. Further, battery powered homes lessen residential dependency on the grid,

especially in remote/rural areas, creating a big opportunity for storage and PV vendors.

$1.5 billion

Utility-Telco-Cable-Internet

Integration

Smart Convergence of multiple infrastructures and services will enable economies of scale

and Smart Cities. Smart grid will need scale and this type of consolidation is inevitable.$1.5 billion

Ultra-Fast EV ChargingFast Charging will spur adoption of EV, increasing penetration, and will also enable EV to be

used as a grid storage asset$1.0 billion

Cumulative Total (Market Value) $60.7 billion


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Recommendations and Opportunities

Recommendations

1. Vendors should identify areas where they can eitherdevelop disruptive technology for the smart grid or

provide complimentary services to support thedeployment of disruptive technology. As noted in

figure 1, communications and networking will play akey role in connecting these technologies across a

wide array of architectures, business models, platforms

and user environments.

2. Utilities, vendors, universities, and governments shouldstart to demonstrate or model the potential grid

impacts some of these technologies could have upon

their users and electric grids.

3. Policy makers across the world should begin to discussregulatory environments and incentives that can help

advance innovation and adoption of disruptive

technology.

4. Vendors, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists shouldset up open access collaboration projects where

lessons learned can be shared across stakeholderswithout the fear of having intellectual property being

stolen or copied.

Opportunities

1. Communications, analytics, software, and advancedsimulation systems will be needed to accurately model

and predict the impacts of such technologies on

electrical systems, consumers, and communities.

2. The development and deployment of disruptivetechnologies will increase the ability of utilities and end

users to deploy renewable generation systems

(distributed and grid-connected). This will further drive

down costs, making such systems more affordable tosmall businesses and residential customers.

3. The distributed power systems of the future, especiallynanogrids, will require implementation expertise and an

ecosystem of interoperable products, services, andsoftware to ensure mass deployment.

4. Data storage will be another key opportunity asdisruptive technology enables millions if not billions of

end-points to deliver data, in real-time, to multiplestakeholders across disparate regions and

communities.

5.

Network security will also become increasinglyimportant as grid assets become interconnected withcommunities, consumers, and buildings.


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Nano Generation (nanogrids)

A nanogrid is a single voltage, reliability, price, and

administrative domain, and can contain implementationdetails within it to enable interoperability with other grids. A

key feature of nanogrids is their ability to be

interconnected with each other, as well as implementedwithin microgrids, as well as, through the meter,

connected to the macrogrid. Doing this requires interfacestandards that can be reliably implemented. Nanogrids

are already common today, in the form of USB powered

devices off a PC, Power over Ethernet distribution systems,

and the electricity systems in cars and other vehicles.

A nanogrid is a single domain for voltage, reliability, and

administration. It must have at least one load (sink of

power, which could be storage) and at least onegateway to the outside. Electricity storage may or may not

be present. Electricity sources are not part of the nanogrid,but often a source will be connected only to a single

nanogrid. Interfaces to other power entities are through

gateways. Nanogrids implement power distribution only,

not any functional aspects of devices. Components of a

nanogrid are a controller, loads, storage (optional), and

gateways.

Key Players

Altairnano Inc Optra Inc Frostdale Co., Ltd.

Key Projects

Researchers from the Center for Power ElectronicsSystems (CPES) are developing technology for

nanogrids to manage the power for smart buildings.

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley NationalLaboratory and University of South Florida are

proposing the use of nanogrids.

G24 Innovations (G24i) has signed a strategicdevelopment agreement with Texas Instruments tocreate a joint technology platform by combining

G24i's solar cell technology with TI's nano-powered

converter.

Fifteen British businesses and seven universities are toshare 5 million of government funding to enable

them to research the use of novel nanoscale

technologies to develop the next generation of

solar energy harvesting.

Nanogeneration - Devices such as Sony's Spin 'N'Snap camera and Push POWER Play device are also

being developed.

Renewable Energy Nanogrid with Electric VehicleEnergy Storage: This project is based on the idea

that, as solar panels and wind energy become more

common, individual houses can both produce and

consume renewable energy. The homes can also

become power brokers, storing energy in batteryarrays or electric vehicles and then selling power

back to the grid when it is needed. This single home


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set-up is known as a nanogrida tiny version of the

massive power grid structures that are so prevalenttoday.

CPES Renewable Energy and Nanogrids (REN): TheCPES mini-consortium program provides a unique

forum for creating synergy among industries anddefining new research directions to meet future

industry needs. The formation of the mini-consortium

allows CPES to pool resources and focus on

developing pre-competitive technologies to

address common challenges, and sharing theresearch results among mini-consortium members.

Application to Smart Grid/Utilities

With wind, solar and other clean energy sources gainingpopularity worldwide, engineers are seeking ways to make

renewable energy systems more affordable and to

integrate them with existing AC power grids. Much

research focuses on distributed power systems and the

concept of microgrids, in which multiple electricalgeneration sources, energy storage, and loads connect as

a single point on the grid. Researchers from the Center for

Power Electronics Systems (CPES) are tackling the issue

from what they call a nanogrid perspective. Lessextensive than a microgrid, a nanogrid can be as small asthe energy management system for an entire building. A

nanogrid includes the generating source, in-house

distribution, and energy storage functions and can be

extended to multiple buildings2. Nanogrids could use all

direct current power and thus eliminate the need forenergy wasting conversions. The concept could be

2 http://www.ece.vt.edu/news/ar11/nanogrids.php

applied in developed countries as well, linking rooftop

solar panels on a home through gateways to homeappliances.3 Other potential applications include:

Bring individual devices into grid context Improve the energy efficiency and operation ratio

of cogeneration systems. If it uses a DC systeminstead of a general AC system, it can reduce

energy loss of inverter because each generator

does not need an inverter.

Better integrate with mobile devices and buildings Coordinate only with immediately adjacent (directly

attached) grids / devices

No multi-hop routing of power Continue to provide a power supply when blackout

occurs in the bulk power system.

Dynamic Energy Management

Dynamic Energy Management is an innovative approach

to managing load at the demand-side. It incorporates the

conventional energy use management principles

represented in demand-side management, demand

response, and distributed energy resource programs and

merges them in an integrated framework that

simultaneously addresses permanent energy savings,permanent demand reductions, and temporary peak

load reductions. This is accomplished through a system

comprising smart end-use devices and distributed energy

resources with highly advanced controls andcommunications capabilities that enable dynamic

management of the system as a whole. Dynamic Energy

3 http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236507/Engineers-propose-nanogrids--smarter-

switches
http://www.ece.vt.edu/news/ar11/nanogrids.phphttp://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236507/Engineers-propose-nanogrids--smarter-switcheshttp://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236507/Engineers-propose-nanogrids--smarter-switcheshttp://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236507/Engineers-propose-nanogrids--smarter-switcheshttp://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236507/Engineers-propose-nanogrids--smarter-switcheshttp://www.ece.vt.edu/news/ar11/nanogrids.php


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Management is not simply a repackaging of energy

efficiency, demand response, and distributed generationpractices. It is a framework that brings together these

three practices in a manner that yields a higher and more

sustainable magnitude of improved efficiency, both at the

customer site and for the utility grid in general4.

Key Players

Constellation- An Exelon Company Meniscus Uponor

Key Projects

Low Energy COnsumption NETworks: The ECONETproject aims at studying and exploiting dynamicadaptive technologies (based on standby and

performance scaling capabilities) for wired network

devices that allow saving energy when a device (orpart of it) is not used.

o Duration: October 2010September 2013o Funding scheme: IPo Total Cost: 10.1 milliono EC Contribution: 6.1 million

Integrating Active, Flexible and Responsive TertiaryProsumers into a Smart Distribution Grid.

4http://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdf


Buildings can be equipped with smart energy efficient

end-use devices, an energy management system,

automated controls with data management capabilities,

and distributed energy resources such as solar

photovoltaics, wind turbines, and other onsite generationand storage systems. Thus, energy efficient devices,

controls, and demand response strategies are coupled

with onsite energy sources to serve as an additional

energy resource for the utility. Not only do all of these

elements contribute to the utilitys supply-side by reducingbuilding demand, the distributed energy resources can

also feed excess power back to the grid5.

Transactive Energy

Transactive Energy is a business process for energy

transactions. A Transaction is an exchange among parties

of a product for a price. Transactive Energy is most useful

in decentralized competitive electric energy markets, but

it has applications in centralized dispatch, verticallyintegrated electric utilities, and microgrids.6 Transactive

energy involves advanced techniques for managing the

generation, consumption or flow of electric power within

an electric power system through the use of economic ormarket based constructs while considering grid reliabilityconstraints. The term "transactive" refers to making energy

decisions based on economic value.7

5 http://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdf6 http://temix.net/images/Transactive_Energy_TeMIX_Abstract_-_Cazalet.pdf7 http://www.gridwiseac.org/about/transactive_energy.aspx
http://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdfhttp://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdfhttp://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdfhttp://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdfhttp://temix.net/images/Transactive_Energy_TeMIX_Abstract_-_Cazalet.pdfhttp://www.gridwiseac.org/about/transactive_energy.aspxhttp://www.gridwiseac.org/about/transactive_energy.aspxhttp://temix.net/images/Transactive_Energy_TeMIX_Abstract_-_Cazalet.pdfhttp://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdfhttp://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2008/data/papers/10_559.pdf


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Key Projects

Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project:The project will validate new smart grid technologies

and business models, provide two-way

communication between distributed generation,

storage, and demand assets and the existing grid

infrastructure, quantify smart grid costs and benefits,and advance standards for interoperability. The

cost of the project is estimated at approximately

$178 million USD cost. 8

PowerMatching City II, Hoogkerk, Netherlands: In thePowerMatching City II pilot in Hoogkerk, theNetherlands, advanced smart grid technology is

being tested and developed. This technology

optimizes the energy use of consumers byautomatically shifting local energy production of

micro CHPs as well as energy demand of various

devices like electric vehicles, washing machines and

heat pumps.


Transactive energy distributes decision-making throughoutthe system. Devices can be programmed with the "price"

they will respond to at different times and conditions. Then

they can respond on their own when they see a value

signal that matches. When done properly, distributed

values incorporate prices and constraints across thesystem to achieve reliable results. No need for centralized

intervention.

8 http://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/smart_grid/docs/PNW-SGDPflier.pdf

Grid Automation and Switching

Grid automation and switching creates a transmission and

distribution substation infrastructure and establishespriorities for management and operations. The

technology allows for the more efficient fault isolation,

diagnosis, and repairs. It is also an enabling technologyfor many other capabilities, including distributed

intelligence and security. It also creates a single IPnetwork from multiple control and monitoring systems. It

allows the utility to incorporate self-healing capacities into

the grid and to control many aspects of the substations

from a central control and command center.

Key Players

Cisco Systems Siemens ComEd

Major Projects

USA: CenterPoint Energy China: SGCC- multiple projects for overall

automation

Brazil and Latin America - ECLAC USA: Minnesota Power


There are several advantages of implementing smart grid

substation automation and switching programs. First,

reliability is increased as faults can be isolated andcorrected immediately. In addition, employee costs are
http://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/smart_grid/docs/PNW-SGDPflier.pdfhttp://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/smart_grid/docs/PNW-SGDPflier.pdf


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reduced as much of the maintenance and repairs can be

performed remotely. Grid Automation also enables self-healing and artificial intelligence. Because automation

and switching also establish priorities, the most important

parts of the smart grid can be a focal point, while others

that are not as important to grid function, can be less of a

priority. This creates a framework that will insure consistentpower and reliability, which benefits all of the users of the

energy system.

Advanced Data Communications

Advanced data communications connects all devices inthe transmission system, to the meter, to distributed energy

resource (DER), to all grid sensors and the utility itself into

one unified digital communication network. The rapidly

growing field allows the utility to control all sensors and

points of contact from the command and control center,as well as receive information from every device to insure

the highest level of efficiencies, identify points of

inefficiencies and take steps to correct any potentialproblems.

Key Players

Siemens Cisco Systems Alcatel-Lucent Itron

Major Projects

China: Southern Power Grid Austria: Vienna, Austria with Kapsch and Echelon

Switzerland: Basil, Switzerland with Ubitronix SystemSolutions and Echelon


The one piece of the energy grid that makes a smart grid

possible is the data that is transmitted from the differentdevices to the energy system itself. Allowing the utility to

control each individual device from a centralized location,

identify any inefficiencies, and control a range of devices

located next to sensors is a very important piece of the

smart grid itself. Without the advanced datacommunications system, the smart grid would remain

limited and individual employees would have to be

disbursed to multiple locations to handle problems. In

addition, advanced data communications technology

enables other systems, such as geographic informationsystems, self-healing capabilities, and distributed

generation.

Ultra-High Voltage TransmissionSuper Grids

Ultra high voltage transmission lines take the energy

generated at transmission facilities, at distributed locations,

and other generation sites and transfers the typical A/C

power into D/C power to move it long distances crosscountry without significant loss. Ultra-high voltage

transmission lines can transmit up to 7 GW of energy.

Key Players

Siemens ABB Alstom


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Major Projects

China: Yunnan-Guangdong UHF DC Project India: North-East Region to Agra Brazil: Belo Monte Dam USA: Prairie Wind Transmission


The Super Grid and Ultra-High Voltage Transmission lines

make it possible to connect disparate systems across a

nation together without tremendous loss. China has made

great progress in utilizing the UHV/Supergrid system to

connect all utilities in the nation. Other BRICS nations willalso benefit and will be able to connect areas that have

never had consistent energy before. In developed nations

and continents, the result will be more consistent serviceand higher quality energy.


Wireless power or wireless energy transmission is the

transmission of electrical energy from a power source to

an electrical load without man-made conductors. Wireless

transmission is useful in cases where interconnecting wires

are inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible.

Key Players

ABB Bombardier Inc. CE4AConsumer Electronics for Automotive ConvenientPower HK Limited Dell

WiTricity Corp Fulton Innovation Powercast Corporation QUALCOMM Incorporated

Key Projects

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute ofScience and Technology (KAIST) have made major

advances in wireless power transfer for mass transit

systems. The system, called On-line Electric Vehicles

(OLEV), is already being tested around Korea.

Qualcomm is currently marketing their HALO WirelessElectric Vehicle Charging systems. The system has

the potential to revolutionize the EV and EV

charging landscape. 9


Wireless power technology holds the promise of

eliminating the messy tangles of power cords and allowingalmost any device to begin charging without first plugging

in. The technology is enabling plug-free and, in many

cases, contactless charging for a wide range of devices

and machinery from military and medical devices to

electric vehicles (EVs) to unmanned aircraft. Originatingwith simple inductive charging mechanisms that require a

direct point of contact between charger (transmitter) and

device (receiver), these systems have evolved to the point

of providing an intelligence that will see devices

becoming connected to the wider power infrastructure.

9 http://www.qualcommhalo.com/


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Homegrown renewable energy has a problem; sources

such as wind and solar are inconsistent since the sundoesn't shine all the time, and the wind doesn't always

blow. To tackle this, researchers have been looking for a

small, safe and compact in-home battery capable ofstoring excess power for use during the renewable

doldrums. Moreover, battery capacity is a primaryconcern in home power systems. The storage battery bank

must have enough storage capacity to meet power

needs between charging cycles. Making sure the battery

storage capacity is about double the power that would

be used in a normal use day is a good minimum. Homepower (deep cycle) batteries are generally measured in

"amp-hour" capacity. One amp-hour is equal to one amp

of current drawn for one hour of time. Amp-hour capacityis generally given as the "20 hour rate" of the battery.

Key Players

Toshiba (eneGoon and other battery systems) Panasonic Ceramatec, Inc. SolarCity

Key Projects

Tesla and SolarCity have submitted at least 70applications for projects to attempt to receiverebates from the California Public Utility

Commissions Self-Generation Incentive Program(SGIP), which provides incentives for distributed

energy generation.

A startup called Seeo, backed by Vinod Khosla andGoogle.org, has created a safer lithium ion battery

thats being trialled with a solar panel system

developed by SunEdison.

S&C Electric, based out of Chicago, launched apilot project in 2012 to store solar energy using

lithium-ion batteries. The projects is valued at

200,000.

In 2010, PowerHub Systems' Community EnergyStorage (CES) technology was selected to provide

renewable energy storage for a Department of

Energy funded pilot program with the Sacramento

Municipal Utility District (SMUD). SMUD was awarded

$4.3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy(DOE) to conduct the two-year pilot project.


Local storage of energy at home takes a lot of thepressure off power companies to continue to produce all

the power required. Instead the current energy grid would

eventually become the backup power source rather than

the primary one. In the long run that saves a lot of money

for governments who would need to invest very heavily tokeep pushing up energy production as populations grow.

The other benefit of local battery storage is that individual

households can choose the level of green energy

investment they make. As is usually the case it all comesdown to cost and solar energy especially is still too

expensive for a lot of people to consider. However,


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according to industry experts, if a cheap battery solution

exists then the price of the other required components willcome down too.

Ultra-fast EV Charging

The Ultra-fast EV charging technology reduces the typical8 hour charging time of EV vehicles connected to a

home's energy system to as little as 30 minutes currently,with goals of completely charging a car in 5 minutes.

Key Players

Hydro-Quebec Proterra GE

Key Projects

Gateshead College Honolulu, Hawaii Ko Olina Resort O'hau Hawaii Hungary


One of the main obstacles into widespread EVdeployment has been the extensive charging times

needed to fully charge the vehicle. Ultra-high EV chargingtechnology will speed the integration of EVs, and create

new opportunities in the smart grid, even in other areas

where EV can assist in supporting the grid, such as energy

storage, load shifting, and providing emergency cycling

support.

Utility-Telco-cable-internet integration

Integration of all utility services, including utility,

telecommunications, cable, and internet services, throughone provider. For the utility, this allows the integration of

different types of communication abilities, creating a

customized energy platform. Because all assets areconsolidated, the firm is able to create new efficiencies

based on the strengths of each individual division andstreamline operations.

Key Players

Nine Star Connect Nushagek Cooperative Arrowhead Electric Cooperative

Key Projects

MLMW Smart Grid Demonstration TM Forum


The integration of utility, telecommunications, cable andinternet into one provider will provide consolidation of

services for consumers. Since the smart grid utilizes these

services (wireless communication, cable based

communication, and IP based communication) it will

expand its communication choices. The collaboration ofassets and resources will result in a more robust firm and

will build on the strengths of the industries.


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Digital Power Conversion

Digital power conversion is a power system that is

controlled by digital circuits, in much the same way aswould be with analog circuits, to monitor, supervise,

communicate and control looping. A fully digitally

controlled power system includes both digital control anddigital power management. Control loops provide the

mechanism by which to regulate the output of the powersupply, usually through pulse width modulation of a power

switch. Power management techniques provide the ability

to monitor temperature, provide overcurrent protection,

and supply sequencing.

Key Players

Texas Instruments Incorporated Infineon Technologies AG Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Microchip Technology Inc. Cirasys Microchip Intersil Maxim Integrated Analog Devices Linear Technology Envitech Others include Accent, NXP, Cirrus Logic

Key Projects

The Southeastern Pennsylvania TransportationAuthority (SEPTA) in 2012 unveiled its recycled

energy and optimization project. The pilot project

captures the braking energy of its trains on the

Market-Frankford Line and will integrate that powerinto the regional electric grid.


Digital power supplies are more efficient over a widerrange of loads. This increase in efficiency reduces system

cost and complexity. The reduction in discreet

components not only reduces cost but also reduces

environmental impact at the end-of-life cycle of the

product by reducing waste. Increased system efficiencylowers system energy loss which is converted into heat. This

translates into smaller heat sinks and fans. Higher system

efficiency reduces operational costs of the end product

and its applications. For example, server farms with high

efficiency digital power supplies require less cooling andlower operational costs.


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Disruptive Technology to Watch

Drones

Unmanned Aircraft Systems come in a variety of shapesand sizes, and serve diverse purposes. They may have a

wingspan as large as a Boeing 737 or smaller than a radio-controlled model airplane. UAS operations always have apilot in command who is flying the aircraft.

Can be used effectively to assess storm damage on utility

distribution systems and help utilities shorten their outage

response times. Technologies like ""Gorgon Stare"" (GorgonStare is a video capture technology developed by the

United States military) could be used to manage the

physical security of critical infrastructure such as power

plants and transformers without the need for deployment

of physical smart grid assets "on site".

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of

a physical, real-world environment whose elements areaugmented by computer-generated sensory input such as

sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Augmentation is

conventionally in real-time and in semantic context withenvironmental elements, such as sports scores on TV during

a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g.adding computer vision and object recognition) the

information about the surrounding real world of the user

becomes interactive and digitally manipulative. Artificial

information about the environment and its objects can be

overlaid on the real world.

A Field Force Data Visualization application for mobile

devices allows utility field technicians to use augmentedreality to detect information on power systems they are

viewing through their tablet or smart phone. The app

combines the functionality of geospatial information

systems, outage management systems, work

management systems, and asset management.

Robotics

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the

design, construction, operation, and application of robots,as well as computer systems for their control, sensory

feedback, and information processing. These technologies

deal with automated machines that can take the place

of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing

processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior,and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by

nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.

In the future, robotics may be used to make smart meters,

inspect and assess street light efficiency, patrol energizedtransmission lines, and spot broken strands. Further, robots

could install compression splices where needed, replacing

the costly three-person team of a high wire lineman, a

helicopter pilot, and a ground coordinator. Other

applications might include underwater robots to swagetubes and splice cables.


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Artificial Intelligence

The term "Artificial Intelligence" is used to describe

research into human-made systems that possess some of

the essential properties of life. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is

the intelligence of machines or software, and is also a

branch of computer science that studies and developsintelligent machines and software. Major AI researchers

and textbooks define the field as "the study and design of

intelligent agents", where an intelligent agent is a system

that perceives its environment and takes actions that

maximize its chances of success.

AI techniques play an important role in system modeling,

control, fault analysis and operation scheduling of power

and energy systems. These techniques comprise areas

such as artificial neural network, genetic algorithms,particle swarm optimizations, fuzzy logic, and various

hybrid systems.

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is a process of

making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any

shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using

an additive process, where successive layers of material

are laid down in different shapes. 3D printing is considereddistinct from traditional machining techniques, which

mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as

cutting or drilling (subtractive processes).

The Department of Energy estimated that 3-D printing canreduce energy costs by 50 percent and cut material costs

by 90 percent. According to Skip Laitner, an economist

who focuses on energy efficiency, "This has the potential

to revolutionize the way we make everything -- and theimplications for energy use are large." Indeed, that shift in

from traditional manufacturing could also have a positive

impact on emissions of carbon dioxide and other

greenhouse gases.

Wearable Tech

Wearable technology, tech togs, or fashion electronics

are clothing and accessories incorporating computer and

advanced electronic technologies. The designs oftenincorporate practical functions and features, but may also

have a purely critical or aesthetic agenda.

For utilities, the applications of wearble technology such as

Google Glass could extend from field workers to executivemanagement. For example, a field worker could use the

technology to diagnose, repair, and test advanced

substation equipment without the need to bring in or wait

on third party engineers to address major equipment

issues. Or, executives could use such technology toconduct high-level meetings while they travel, whether

they are at the beach, an airport, or in a cab.

RFIDs

Certain smart grid system applications can be supported

by radio frequency identification devices (RFID) tags. RFID

tags are already in use in most retail purchases to track the

identification, location, and product specifics, such as

price, date of purchase, etc. In an RFID system, an objectis equipped with a tag which contains a digital memory

chip that is given a unique electronic code. The RFID


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reader can read and write data to the RFID tag by

emitting a signal to activate the RFID tag. There is noglobal body governing the use of frequencies for RFID.

Low frequency systems (30 kHz 500 kHz) have short

transmission ranges, less than 6 feet. High frequency

systems (850 MHz-950 MHz and 2.4 GHz-2.5 GHz) have

longer transmission ranges, more than 90 feet.

In the smart grid environment, RFID can be used to track

smart meters for asset management, as well as track

distributed energy resources' or appliances' identifiable

information. For example, to track battery charginginformation, i.e. amount of life remaining, date, time,

location of last recharge, etc; and to track PHEV charging

information, i.e. location the PHEV was recharged as well

as how long it was connected to the power source.

LTE AdvancedBeyond LTE

"LTE Advanced is a mobile communication standard. It is

standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project

(3GPP) as a major enhancement of the Long TermEvolution (LTE) standard. The technology received its first

commercial implementation in October 2012 by Russian

network Yota. The LTE Advanced is targeted to fulfill or

even surpass all the requirements of International Mobile

Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced), which isan official definition of 4G made by International

Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2008. These requirements

include peak data rates, peak spectral efficiency, cell

spectral efficiency, and scalable bandwidth. The key

features of the LTE Advanced differentiated from the LTEinclude support for wider bandwidth, improved uplink

performance, better energy efficiency, advanced multi-

antenna technology, advanced interference

management, and self-organizing network.

A massive growth of Machine to Machine (M2M)

communication, devices and traffic is expected to

support smart grid, transport, logistics, ehealth, energy,

safety applications etc. Therefore, the LTE radio interfaceshall be prepared to efficiently support the massive

transfer of small, infrequent packets using very low cost,

low complexity and low power devices. Furthermore,

smart meters, gather utility usage information from

electrical appliances and send the information to theM2M server at the utility provider for analysis by

communicating directly through LTE-Advanced.

Gamification

The application of game and game design elements, such

as goals, achievements, and statuses, to non-game

situations, such as businesses or to the smart grid.

The largest benefit to utilities will be found in consumer

engagement. Gamification will encourage conservation

efforts, through giving incentives in settings such as social

media. Few projects have evaluated the potential of

gamification to the smart grid market, but the onescompleted have reduced consumption over 30%. As more

results like this are observed, gamification is likely to take

off in the smart grid marketplace.

3D Holographic Projection/Computing

Technology that enables three-dimensional images using

lasers, diffraction, light intensity recording, suitable


19/23




illumination, and interference. The image changes

position and illumination as if the actual object werepresent. Recent improvements have enabled 3D

holographic data storage.

There are a few different potential applications of 3-d

holograms in smart grid tech. The first advancements arein data storage and security. Holographic technology can

increase security protocols and offer a more compact

way to store information. In addition, as GE's holographic

demonstration proves, customer engagement and

education can also be improved, as can modeling toshow problem areas and potentials, especially with proper

planning and cameras added to key locations. This can

enable remote diagnosis of problems.

Lasers

Light Amplification by the Simulated Emission of Radiation-

creates a focused beam of light. Lasers can either be

focused on key areas of the smart grid that need

monitoring (ex: temperature sensors) or transmitted alongfiber optic lines.

There are many potential applications for lasers in the

Smart Grid. Lasers provide the ability to create precision

equipment. In addition, lasers enable fiber opticcommunication. Lasers also provide an additional layer of

security, safeguarding confidential and privileged

information. As the lasers become more specialized

throughout the market, new solutions for incorporating

them into the Smart Grid will be seen.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology

conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100

nanometers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the

study and application of extremely small things and can

be used across all the other science fields, such aschemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and

engineering.10 Listed below are just four potential

applications that nanotechnology is already being

harnessed to build a cleaner and more energy efficient

electric grid.

Prototype solar panels incorporatingnanotechnology are more efficient than standard

designs in converting sunlight to electricity,

promising inexpensive solar power in the future.Nanostructured solar cells already are cheaper to

manufacture and easier to install, since they can

use print-like manufacturing processes and can be

made in flexible rolls rather than discrete panels.

Newer research suggests that future solar convertersmight even be paintable.

Researchers are developing wires containingcarbon nanotubes that have much lower resistance

than the high-tension wires currently used in the gridand thus reduce transmission power loss.

Energy efficiency products are increasing in numberand kinds of application. In addition to those noted

above, they include more efficient lighting systemsfor vastly reduced energy consumption for

10 http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition
http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definitionhttp://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition


20/23




illumination; lighter and stronger vehicle chassis

materials for the transportation sector; lower energyconsumption in advanced electronics; low-friction

nano-engineered lubricants for all kinds of higher-

efficiency machine gears, pumps, and fans; light-

responsive smart coatings for glass to complement

alternative heating/cooling schemes; and high-light-

intensity, fast-recharging lanterns for emergencycrews.11

Superconductivity

Superconductivity is the ability of certain materials to

conduct electric current with practically zero resistance.

This produces interesting and potentially useful effects. For

a material to behave as a superconductor, low

temperatures are required.12 Superconductors have beenemployed in, or proposed for use in, an enormous variety

of applications. Examples include high-speed magnetic-

levitation trains, magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI)

equipment, ultra-high-speed computer chips, high-

capacity digital memory chips, alternative energy storagesystems, radio-frequency ( RF ) filters, radio-frequency

amplifiers, sensitive visible-light and infrared detectors,

miniaturized wireless transmitting antennas, systems to

detect submarines and underwater mines, and

gyroscopes for earth-orbiting satellites.13

High-temperature superconductors offer many

advantages over conventional copper wires. They can

carry five to twenty times more current in the same unit

area while reducing the amount of energy lost as heat by

11 http://www.nano.gov/you/nanotechnology-benefits12 http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivity13 http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivity

75-97%, even after accounting for all the nitrogen-cooling

paraphernalia.

In the long term many in the industry are looking to the

renewable-energy sector as a source of demand for

superconducting wires. Most wind and solar power will be

generated in remote places far from where it is consumed.

As these sources of power spread, which they are likely togiven global commitments to cutting carbon emissions,

electricity losses will need to be minimized as they are

carried over vast distances.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is the area of study focused on

developing computer technology based on the principles

of quantum theory, which explains the nature andbehavior of energy and matter on the quantum (atomic

and subatomic) level. Development of a quantumcomputer, if practical, would mark a leap forward in

computing capability far greater than that from the

abacus to a modern day supercomputer, with

performance gains in the billion-fold realm and beyond.

The quantum computer, following the laws of quantum

physics, would gain enormous processing power through

the ability to be in multiple states, and to perform tasks

using all possible permutations simultaneously.14 In turn,

such processing power could potentially be used todynamically optimize millions of grid connected devices,

in real-time, to reduce peak demand and ensure the

successful integration of significant quantities of

renewable energy sources.

14 http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/quantum-computing
http://www.nano.gov/you/nanotechnology-benefitshttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivityhttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivityhttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/quantum-computinghttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/quantum-computinghttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivityhttp://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/superconductivityhttp://www.nano.gov/you/nanotechnology-benefits


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Zprymes Market Outlook

The disruptive technologies mentioned in this report are all

at different stages of development with respect to theiradoption among utilities. However, some of them,

especially those that ranked among the top 10 by

executives, have the potential to dynamically change theentire electric industry as we know it today.

Between 2013 and 2020, the smart grid and utility

landscape will see significant changes, but most

importantly, by 2020, the industry will be primed to deploy

many of the technologies mentioned in this report. Many

players will enter and exit the market by 2020, but the freemarket will eventually yield cutting edge solutions and

technology that is best fit to advance our electrical

systems and society beyond 2020.

In conclusion, billions of private investment, governmentinvestment, and corporate R&D dollars will be needed to

decouple the centralized electric grids that exist today. In

addition, a coordinated vision and coalition of likeminded

entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, governments and

consumers must also take the lead in building a more

sustainable, agile, and eco-friendly grid. Companies and

stakeholders who can seize and prepare for this momenttoday will be able to yield the spoils of the grid of the

future.


22/23




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