IoT helps buildings give back to the grid
Integrating buildings and the electricity grid is a fundamental method for increasing energy efficiency across smart cities. Smart sensing, metering, monitoring, and management are helping building owners to locate efficiency opportunities and to increase the grid operator’s situational awareness. The energy savings by using demand-responsive devices are augmented with potential savings from not having to build new energy generation and transmission infrastructure.
A transactive approach to energy allows millions of meters, sensors, and smart appliances to seamlessly communicate and coordinate with energy loads and distributed generation sources. Decisions for allocation and use are made based on the value, which may use non-energy criteria, such as the power’s greenness, comfort, and asset valuation.
To build integrated building-grid ecosystems, cities and buildings should do the following:
- Use the built environment...