Powering a Greener Future: Dr. Dragan Boscovic's Vision for an "Energy App"
Bridging the Gap: Consumers and Grid Operators, Hand in Hand
The Energy App serves as a bridge between consumers and grid operators, facilitating a two-way flow of data. This enables grid operators to communicate electricity needs and peak load periods to consumers, and consumers to offer flexibility in their energy consumption to support the grid.
This exchange unlocks a multitude of benefits for both parties. For consumers, it leads to reduced energy costs, minimized greenhouse gas emissions, increased understanding of their energy consumption and its impact, and personalized energy-saving tips and recommendations
For grid operators, increased efficiency and security of energy supply, reduced need for new power plants, and improved grid management through optimized distribution.
Beyond Generic Tips: Personalized AI for Smarter Choices
The key ingredient driving the Energy App's success is data. The app leverages data from various sources, including smart meters, smart devices, grid equipment, and even third-party data sources. This comprehensive data collection is then processed and analyzed using advanced techniques to generate valuable insights.
Dr. Boscovic's app ditches the one-size-fits-all approach, instead leveraging AI-powered prescriptive analytics. This means the app analyzes not just your historical energy use, but also real-time and forecasted data about weather, grid conditions, and even your individual habits and home environment. The result? Personalized recommendations that go beyond generic "turn off the lights'' reminders. Think optimal thermostat adjustments based on your daily routine, suggested appliance usage patterns, and even reward programs that incentivize eco-friendly choices.
How it works
The Energy App empowers consumers by simplifying complex grid data into actionable insights. It works by receiving information from grid operators about power capacities, peak loads, and potential shortages. This data is then translated into a user-friendly format, such as a traffic light system, making it easy to understand. The app provides personalized recommendations for adjusting energy consumption in real-time and allows flexible participation, enabling consumers to support the grid during peak periods by adjusting their energy usage.
Building a Common Language: The Role of SAREF Ontology
To ensure seamless communication between the app and diverse smart devices, the Energy App relies on the SAREF (Smart Applications REFerence) ontology. SAREF acts as a common language, allowing devices and services to understand and respond to each other effectively, regardless of their individual protocols. This eliminates the issue of "semantic heterogeneity" where different devices speak different languages, hindering communication and integration.
Living Labs: Where Real-World Data Meets Personalized AI
Personalized AI thrives on quality data. This is where Living Labs come in. Picture real-world testing grounds where users like you contribute valuable insights by participating in the app's development. This collaborative approach ensures the app adapts to diverse needs and preferences, leading to a truly inclusive energy experience. Your participation directly shapes the app's recommendations, making it more relevant and effective for you and your community.
Empowering You: A Decentralized Data Marketplace
One might wonder: what about data ownership and privacy concerns? Dr. Boscovic's vision incorporates a Decentralized Data Marketplace. Imagine a secure platform where you control your energy data. You can choose to share it anonymously for app improvement or even sell it directly to interested parties. This empowers you with transparency and fair compensation for your valuable data, ensuring you remain in control of its use.
A Brighter, Greener Future with Smart Technology
Dr. Boscovic's "Energy App" presents a compelling vision for the future of the smart grid. By empowering consumers, optimizing energy use, and promoting sustainability, this innovative technology has the potential to usher in a new era of efficient and environmentally responsible energy management. The app's reliance on data analytics, a common language (SAREF), and real-world testing through Living Labs paves the way for a future where technology empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the planet.
Dragan Boscovic is a Clinical Full Professor at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey Business School. He also serves as the Research Director of the AZ Blockchain Applied Research Center and holds the title of Distinguished Visiting Scholar Honored Alumni at Stanford University's mediaX