EPRI

Apps for Managing the Smart Grid

√ iCV Analyzer

√ iPQ Analyzer

√ MyAltFuels

The Need?

Keep tabs on the Smart Grid.  Do it efficiently. Effectively.  Cheaply.

At EPRI (the Electronic Power Research Institute), the ongoing need is for innovation — particularly when it comes to optimizing tools used to manage the Smart Grid.

The Solution?

Let mobile apps be the workhorse.

And in the process dramatically improve efficiency  … and significantly reduce costs.

The Challenge?

Find mobile developers that get R&D … and hardware.

Apparently it’s a tall order to find mobile developers who are conversant in the language of engineering … and have the the expertise to bring R&D projects to life. Fortunately that’s what Green Mountain Software does best.

By detecting contact voltage before field workers or innocent bystanders touch a charged metal object, iCV Analyzer has the ability to prevent such mishaps.

And the projects?

Put the iPhone’s built-in audio capabilities to the test in managing the grid.

Like audio for instance. It turns out this capability make iPhones well-suited to measure power line frequencies.… And that makes it possible for iPQ Analyzer to detect power quality problems — before they lead to a major power outage.  And for iCV Analyzer to detect contact voltage — before a field worker or innocent bystander gets a highly unwanted shock from encountering a charged metal object.

Use wireless sensors to transmit data to the iPhone.

Sensors track voltage and current — and transmit that data through the interface to the smart phone.  Apply a bit of mathematics to that signal and waveform … and the app displays the different frequency components that are in that line.

Take advantage of location-based services to pinpoint the problem.

By using the built-in GPS, these potential problems can be pinpointed to a specific site on the power grid.

The impact?  Eliminate the need for single-purpose power harmonic analyzers— at a selling price ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Make it easy to find and manage alternative fuel stations.

And it was a natural to think of using the built-in GPS for finding  the nearest fuel source for your green vehicle. MyAltFuels is a prototype app that demonstrates just how useful this location-based app could be.

With MyAltFuels, drivers can find alternative fuel sources and power companies can keep tabs on the fueling stations.

For the Driver

• Find charging stations for your electric vehicles.
• Locate fueling stations that stock hydrogen, biodiesel, compressed gas, ethanol, and other fuels.
• Make a reservation at the charging station nearest to your destination to ensure you have a space

• … And for the Utilities

• Upload details about each location and fuel prices in  in real-time.
• Dispatch crews to repair out-of-service charging and filling stations.

What’s Unique?

• Apps that push mobile devices to the limits of their original design
• Working with leading edge technologies, i.e. augmented reality
• Heavy use of iterative prototyping
• Developing custom hardware interfaces
• Working with Apple’s MFI program
• Numerous technology demonstrations