Making the Smart Grid Smarter

[Julie_Bissinger]

Today’s energy challenges present ample opportunities for NI and our partners to improve the smart grid. During his session “Energy: Challenges Create Opportunities,” Owen Golden, vice president of the global energy segment, explained how our partners have solved energy-related problems before they happen.

Companies and governments have increased their investments in the smart grid out of necessity. Pressures to upgrade current systems arise as technologies become more advanced. Failing to maintain the grid can result in massive power outages. Just last week, more than 620 million people in India lost power due to malfunctioning grids.

Through the customization of our products, several of our partners have decreased risk and increased efficiency in energy production. Golden specifically highlighted hydraulic fracturing as a method used to supply energy for the grid. Although the process has existed for 50 years, it is just now substantially contributing to natural gas production.  Some of our partners have utilized our tools to properly measure and control hydraulic fracturing systems, keeping workers  safe.