Beyond Big Data The Realization of an Active Grid in the age of Fog Computing

n a given year a single electric smart meter has the potential to generate up to 400 MB of data, utilities and cities alike are looking for new innovative ways to make informed decisions that can benefit their customers. The much hyped Smart Grid has been viewed by some as the integration of IPV6 connected meters, distribution, transmission and renewable sources into a system that is adequate for the 21st century. While others envision an electrical grid where IoT sensors abound, and consumers are actively involved in reducing their energy usage leading to reduced carbon emissions, and the potential delay of costly new power plant construction. What is Fog Computing, and what does it have to do with an Active Grid? Fog computing can be defined as the ability to process and analyze data along the IoT network edge before transmitting that data to upstream cloud systems. However, the Smart Grid has yet to fully enable utilities to deploy devices that can autonomously detect, alert and solve issues within their distribution systems, nor has it permitted consumers in being active participants in how they integrate with electrical utility systems. By allowing IoT devices to make decisions amongst themselves without going to a Fog edge node or upstream system, finally an Active Grid can be a reality.

As Product Line Manager for Itron's SmartGrid communications system OpenWay, Jan is currently overseeing a fleet of more than 20 million SmartMeters deployed in the United States alone. Prior to joining Itron, Jan held the position as VP Product Management at Sonim Technologies where he brought to market a number of ruggedized handsets and Public Safety SaaS applications. While living in his native Sweden, Jan founded the Mobile-VPN company ipUnplugged that is now owned by RadioIP in Canada. Jan has a Master of Electrical Engineering from Linkoping University, Sweden, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Information and Data Science program at UC Berkeley.