How AI Is Changing the Way We Work and Manage Energy

Have you noticed how complicated the newest tech-toys have gotten lately? Today’s keyboards and mice have advanced features like programmable buttons, customizable micros and personalized settings. My wireless, ergonomic mouse looks like it would be more at home on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise than sitting at my desk! My mouse came with a 40-page searchable PDF user manual, and we will not talk about my keyboard and its enhanced capabilities, but that’s what users want.

Back in October I wrote about needing to replace my old computer with a new one compatible with upgrading to Windows 11. After a couple of months with the upgrade, I can say it was worth the effort. It’s taking some adjustment getting comfortable with the increasing sophistication of the upgraded software. The experts say it’s driven by consumer demand. That might be true, or it could be the normal technological advancement.

Learning about all of the new updates to my software after moving to Windows 11 has been intriguing. There’s no way I would go back to that old video conferencing app. My updated app includes an AI attribute that provides a transcript immediately following the session. It’s a godsend to anyone taking notes for minutes of a meeting or a journalist like me for interviews with experts. Another feature I wasn’t sure of at first was the revision of the email app. It’s AI feature summarizes those long, drawn-out emails, and it's proving to be worthwhile.

One last thing about the upgrade, some ancillary devices were not compatible with the new operating system like my webcam. Still, that led to converting to a 4K webcam with better video, improved low-light performance and some other interesting features. There are other devices, but that’s enough for now. The remote office will definitely benefit from this type of advancing technology, but what about the power grid?

Verbally Questioning Management Systems

It hasn’t been left behind. Everyday my inbox is full of press releases about the latest digital technologies for the power grid. The suppliers are focused on the increasing use of AI in the power grid’s applications. One of the most intriguing of these applications isn’t really trending yet, but it’s just may have an enormous positive impact. It comes from the DOE’s PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) and it’s called ChatGrid. According to the news releases, it’s a generative AI tool utilizing a natural language interface, which is why it caught my attention.

ChatGrid provides an interactive experience for grid operators using a question-and-answer format, which makes it easier and faster for them to understand complex grid data. Users can ask spoken language questions about power flow, voltage characteristics, generation, etc. ChatGrid answers them in real-time with visual and text-based answers. It’s currently in the testing and development stages, but it’s showing real promise for helping operators’ decision making.

It’s not a big jump to see this approach being applied to other systems like energy storage, dynamic line rating equipment, smart meters, or grid control equipment. The potential of this conversational approach is staggering because it complements other technologies and human operators rather than replacing them. It’s an important concept. After all, how many science fiction shows do we see the humans engage in question-and-answer conversations with their computers?

Emerging Careers

Somewhat related was an interview with an executive from LinkedIn I found researching ChatGrid. It started off with him discussing trending digital technologies and their impact on businesses. I got hooked when he started talking about people being upset with AI taking jobs. He didn’t agree and defended his position nicely. One point he made struck a chord. He said that 1 in 5 of today’s professional jobs didn’t exist in 2000. To put that in a power grid perspective, the smart grid, renewable energy, data science, grid analytics, etc. are producing jobs/careers that didn’t exist or were slowly emerging in 2000.

I can relate to what he said. When I graduated from engineering school FACTS (flexible AC transmission systems) technology didn’t exist. As a substation engineer, I joined IEEE and became fascinated by power electronics. I started reading everything published about the subject. I attended all the sessions associated with it and was able to move into the field as it developed, which provided a rewarding career. Today there are even more opportunities with trending technologies, but we have to keep up with technologies to take advantage of them!