New Beta version of online grid from Virginia Tech

SAN JOSE: A beta version of an online guide to the smart grid has been launched by Virginia Tech. The Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse gives information on smart grid technologies, standards, legislation and active projects in the U.S.

The site helps users to better understand smart grid technologies and also gives links to reference materials and technical papers. It provides a searchable database of smart grid standards from 1980 to the present day from more than a dozen organizations — ranging from ANSI to the Zigbee Alliance.

Dozens of active smart grid projects in the U.S have been mapped out for easy reference. Users can easily search for names and contact information of project leaders involved and also their objectives and technology partners.

Information on these smart grid projects is sourced from a U.S. government website that tracks projects funded by the 2009 economic stimulus package. The clearinghouse was itself one of the smart grid projects that were aided by the Recovery Act.

Site organizers are keen on receiving feedback on the content and friendliness of the site, which is equipped to serve a wide range of users - from consumers to technology vendors and utilities. An official launch of the site is planned in September this year, and organizers plan to access and address comments in its forum area over the summer.

Sources say that the Virginia Tech team in association with IEEE has been at work relentlessly perfecting, updating and assimilating feedback on the site. When it is fully up and running in a satisfactory manner, the site is expected to serve as a good starting point for everyday consumers, policymakers or university researchers.