Open decentralized electricity networks

Description:

A decentralized electricity generation means “an electric power source connected directly to the distribution network or on the customer side of the meter” [1].

A system where all electricity consumers are electricty providers in the same time. A hybrid grid system consisting of open power outlets, and at the same time contributing units. The electricity providers are a mix of large scale government owned power plants (e.g. nuclear) and local solar panels and windmills on private homes.

[1] Ackermann T, Andersson G, Söder L. Distributed generation: a definition. Elec Power Syst Res 2001;57;195-204.

Enablers:

- Large scale nuclear power plants
- Cheaper solar technology
- Global awereness of environmental impact of CO2
- Scarcity of crude oil
- Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
- Super conducting devices, minimizing energy losses
- Economic stimulation through Tax Incentives

Inhibitors:

- Invested capital in centralized commercial power grids
- Incentive to contribute electricity
- Remote areas, with high plug-in/connection cost
- Maintenance and cost sharing of the "public" power grids

Paradigms:

An open electricity network will be more stabile than a centralized one. Individuals will be able to freely plugin their chargeable transportation means, audio or communication devices and at the same time contribute energy to the same system. Contributing energy back into the system will be realized through a mix of technologies and a range of schales; e.g. solar panels on homes, wind mill parks, government owned nuclear power plants and medium sized bio mass furnaces. The risk of major disruptions is diminished by the large number of contributors. Given the open, plug-in character the incentive for contribution has to be managed by e.g. requiring a neutral consumption/contribution or e.g. tax benefits for positive contributions.

Timing:

2002 - deregulation of the electricity markets, problems with licensing new high-voltage transmission lines, increasing demand for a highly reliable power supply and, in particular, the problems associated with climate change (http://www.fz-juelich.de/inb/inb-mut//publikationen/preprints/rensustenrev.pdf)
2009 - Home owners are installing solar panels on their roofs, aided by government tax benefits.

Web Resources:

Integration of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles into Energy Networks
[1]
Sustainability evaluation of decentralized electricity generation
[2]

Related Link:

Solar panels Arizona