Imagine living in a house that has the ability to know exactly when you need electricity, and how much you need at that moment. A house that is smart enough to control how much electricity it outputs to fit your needs. This is all a reality when cities look to the future and begin saving energy using Smart Grids.
Smart Grids are the future of energy saving for cities everywhere. Smart Grids utilize sensors and meters to detect the
amount of electricity a household uses and at what times. This information is sent to utility companies in order for them to better manage electricity. Smart Grids also allows for easier usage of greener alternatives to fossil fuels such as solar power and wind power. Learn even more about Smart Grids with the help of The IEEE Power and Energy Society.
- View the TryEngineering Tuesday Smart Grid Webinar with IEEE Power and Energy Society volunteer and Smart Grid expert, John McDonald.
- Explore the concept of a SmartGrid with this fun eGFI Green Revolution Series: Smart Grid video.
- Learn about SmartGrid Solutions with this short video from PBS Learning Media.
- Watch this news story which highlights a Smart Grid pilot project in South Korea.
- Learn about what a Smart Grid is from Smartgrid.gov and how it can innovate electricity usage.
- Discover why Smart Grids are the important next step towards greener energy with this article from StateTechMagazine.
- Watch A Smart Grid for Intelligent Energy Use. This video describes the smart grid and how it will reduce our carbon footprint through energy efficiency and the integration of renewable sources of energy.
Image Source: smartgrid.gov
Have fun and learn more about Smart Grids by trying out some engaging hands-on activities 
to help better learn and understand Smart Grids.
- For an in depth lesson plan about SMART Grids for educators join A Smart Energy Future as they share their curriculum.
- Explore the PBS learning Media Lesson, Smart Grid: Examining Ways of Using Technology to Reduce Household Energy Consumption.
- Design and build a passive solar house with TryEngineering Solar Structures Lesson,
- Play Design Squad’s Fidget-Power game to help Fidgitville by designing wind turbines that make electricity and keep the air and water clean.
- Try some of Let’s Talk Energy’s online energy and climate change games for all age levels..
Image Source: A Smart Energy Future Benefits of a Smart Grid
Be inspired by hearing how your peers are making a difference in their communities and then try it yourself!
- Read the PacWorld article, The Guru: John McDonald to learn how John, a power and energy expert, makes a
difference in the world with his motto: “The relentless pursuit of excellence depends on helping others.” - Read about what John McDonald learned from his first full-time engineering job in the article, “Go West Young Man.”
- Learn about an IEEE humanitarian project and John McDonalds’ experience in bringing Smart Grid together with helping society and the environment: African Nations Seek to Bolster Power Infrastructure, Provide Universal Access (part 1) and (part 2).
- Hear testimonies from a variety of past competitors of the SMART Competition as they discuss the competition and their thoughts on it.
- Learn about these University of Kansas Students who entered their model SMART Grid into a competition. If they win, they will be able to make a large-scale version of it.
- Read about how a western Colorado neighborhood of Basalt Vista, shares their electricity, in this article by IEEE Spectrum, Tomorrow’s Power Grid Will be Autonomous.
Image Source: PacWorld
Have a different idea on how to make a positive difference in your community? Be creative! Then share with the TryEngineering family to inspire others to do the same.
- Write down at least one new thing that you learned about Smart Grids.
- Think about how to inspire others and make a difference in your community.
- Have you, a family member, or teacher share your work on Facebook or Twitter using #tryengineeringtuesday. We want to hear from you!
- If you tried any of the activities, make sure you download your IEEE Power & Energy Society Smart Grid Badge. Collect them all and store them using this Badge collection tool.
Thank you to the IEEE Power & Energy Society for making this TryEngineering Tuesday possible!