Glossary of Terms
Like a ‘Smart Meter’ only continuously connected to the internet. Advanced meters measure energy use, energy generation and energy export. Some offer detail on the state of charge of your battery. It can incorporate demand response equipment as well.
An all-electric vehicle.
An engineer’s name for a battery with an inverter/charger connected to it.
The electrical generation resources, transmission lines, interconnections with neighbouring transmission systems, and associated equipment, generally operated at voltages of 100 kV or higher.
Matching generation to loading by either adding or shedding loads or generators.
An automatic switch that can turn off some non-essential loads at times of peak demand.
The degree to which a battery is discharged in relation to its total capacity. When a battery discharges completely, its Depth of Discharge is 100%. If you have a battery that holds 4kWh and you discharge 3kWh, the Depth of Discharge is 75%.
This where a large industrial installation allows the grid operator to turn off large loads when required
This is the name given to the future grid where energy can be introduced to the grid from multiple sources in multiple locations
This is the digital equipment that regulates voltage, frequency and loading of Distributed Energy Resource on a grid
This is a company or authority responsible for the reticulation of electricity around the streets of towns and suburbs (Ausnet, Powercor).
Collections of houses that are connected to the grid and are digitally connected to to a common energy retailer. An Energy Hub allows a group of consumers to trade directly and receive a price for their exported energy that reflects the true value.
A measure of Power one GW = 1 thousand million watts enough for 720,000 homes.
When an electrical installation that is normally connected to the grid; operates autonomously when the grid is off.
A measure of Power 1 kW = 1 thousand watts. Enough for a toaster or a split system air conditioner.
A measure of Energy 30 kilowatt hours is enough energy to run a home for 24 hours.
A measure of the average net present cost of electricity generation for a generating plant over its lifetime.
Similar to peak lopping, energy is stored during times of high yield so it can be used at times of low yield. (Storing your excess solar during the day so you can use it at night).
Is a localized group of electricity sources and loads that normally operates connected to the grid. A micro-grid can also disconnect and run in ‘island mode’ – (self-reliant) during blackouts or during peak pricing periods.
Storing energy during times of excess production so it can be dispatched at times of peak demand.
The name given to a solar electric panel (to distinguish it from a solar hot water panel).
Equipment installed to enable the grid to restart after a major outage.
The extra high voltage towers and wires that bring energy from centralised generation to sub stations.
Voltages 600 V and below are referred to as ‘low voltage’, (Inside homes).
Voltages from 600 V-69 kV are referred to as ‘medium voltage’, (feed to substations).
Voltages from 69 kV-230 kV are referred to as ‘high voltage’, (Transmission lines).
Voltages 230 kV-1,100 kV are referred to as ‘extra high voltage’, (Long distance Transmission lines).
A collection of home solar batteries that can provide on-demand battery power to support the electricity grid in times of need. Basically, when the grid needs more power, it is drawn from home batteries instead of burning more fossil fuels. In return, households receive a payment.