A great read http://www.ijsgce.com/uploadfile/2013/1016/20131016121141120.pdf “ A specter of logical challenges haunts smart grid” by a electrical engineer from India. He does not pull any punches. Just some examples.
Pg. 9 (391) The smart meter notion has nothing to do with power and energy crisis except using pre-paid meters for power rationing [40]. William Tucker writes on smart grids “…The second premise is that the smart grid will help integrate wind and solar energy – the two balky “renewables” that have the disadvantage of not being dispatched, when we want them (through smart grid). With the smart grid, wind and solar generation will always be available somewhere and so can be conveyed to where it’s needed. But these are different things. The true “smart grid” will be a digitalized distribution system that conveys real-time information. Incorporating remote wind and solar, on the other hand, will require an upgraded grid, something entirely different. Our present 345-kilovolt AC transmission wires can’t do it without unacceptable line losses. We will need to rebuild to 765-kilovolt DC system – something that could take decades and easily cost several trillion dollars.”
Pg. 10 (392) Even in the best case, it will expose public health, mental conditions, economic, personal like dislike secrets to at least the utility staff which can fall prey to criminal blackmailers. In terrorism hit countries like Pakistan, bank officials have been tracked down to be responsible for pointing out rich people to robbers, dacoits, looters, kidnappers and abductors. Utility operators are not different from bank operators so the public privacy and security can be compromised through simple consumption and billing data.
Pg.11 (392) IT morons keep on speaking without break for hours but they will never reply how AMI, IT and ICT devices will help increase generation and protect the system during faults. Biz community relies on dumping through warranty certificates which are either lost or often futile. Even if you pursue the vender, they will eventually throw responsibility on you for mishandling delicate doohickey which needs new software that cost half of its price.
Pg. 12 (393) There is hardly any place on earth which is free of electromagnetic radiations. Out roofs are fitted with mobile phone towers, streets entangled with WiMAX/WiFi antennas, and homes going to be furnished with radiative smart meters. Air, food and water face serious electromagnetic, radiation, chemical and pesticide threats. Mankind may easily destroy itself by its own intelligence (said, Stafford Cripps).
Pg. 13 (394) The nature of business is always swindling. As long as revolving door policy stays enforced, there is little hope of attention to consumer concern. After saturation of IT, computer and telecom business the surplus experts have joined utilities to convert the existing electric grid into smart grid by integrating thinking wires in dumb grids.
Pg. 13 (394) Radiofrequency induced bio-effects are usually taken based on thermal effects. This reason is often quoted by utilities installing smart meters on residences and telecom companies locating cellular transmission towers in populated areas. There is neither any evidence of frequency dependent RF bio-effects nor any evidence of long term safety [48]. It is assumed, never proved, the synergic effect of biochemical pollutions, nuclear and electromagnetic radiations weaken the human health, at least to tolerance extent. Public perceptions over increased cancer rate are discussed in streets but mainstream media does not highlight their stories due to business reasons. There must a comprehensive effort on UN level to carry out detailed study of synergic effects of electromagnetic, nuclear and biochemical pollutions on humans.
