1. Establishing RD&D Foundation for Smart Grid Center: Reference Design for Residential Information Gateways
David M. Auslander
Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley
Scope Definition Meeting: July 24, 2009

2. Residential Gateway Domain
The transmission (T) system domain which is operated by the California Independent System Operator, CAISO
The distribution (D) system domain which is operated by utility distribution companies
The load (L) system domain which is owned and operated by consumers
Our domain, the residential component of the load system

3. Residential Load Management
Residential Electricity – about 30% of total in California (35% of peak)
Essentially unmanaged (think “Flex Your Power”)
Current residential loads only have to be compatible with the power plug
Only HVAC has a semi-open interface (the thermostat)

4. Gateway Reference Design Project Objectives
Pick a reasonable set of possibilities for gateway functionality
Consult with stakeholders (utilities, appliance mfg, consumers, gov’t, …)
Determine technical and economic feasibility
Phase I – Develop a Design Spec
Phase II - Build a functioning model

5. My Thoughts on Gateway Elements: System Requirements
Have all of the major components that a commercial gateway would need,
Show that it operates and performs the energy management functions needed for "smart grid" concepts currently being developed,
Run on a computationally modest enough platform to prove economic viability for a commercial product,
Have strong modularity so various organizations can work independently,

6. Requirements …
Demonstrate connectivity using several networking media,
Provide for secure operation,
Be field upgradeable for core software upgrades as well as addition of new modules,
Provide flexibility for various user interface options.

7. Components …
Gateway Hardware: model is home Internet router
Operating System: Ultimately Linux; Linux or Windows for project
Application Software Language: Java
Software Framework: OSGi, a service-oriented package for small systems

8. Components …
Communication Protocols: Probably biggest open issue; scope of project is such that protocols used must be simple
Test Bed: Simulation with live communications, then add hardware