The main focus of this thesis is to test a model that compares the present grid and a Smart Grid system. The thesis discusses the major issues faced by our electricity infrastructure and the possible solutions offered by the Smart Grid. Present grid limitations based on operational, technological, planning, and policy issues are covered. The thesis initially focuses on the limitations of our present grid, and describes severe limitations of our current grid during blackouts. The thesis outlines possible solutions for these problems offered by the concept of the Smart Grid, whose technology and features are described in detail. The thesis details Smart Grid technologies for power generation and the latest electronic devices available to aid the current aging power grid. Further, this thesis offers an analysis that compares the ‘present grid’ to a particular ‘Smart Grid’ configuration consisting of a Combined-Heat & Power (CHP) plant, a Photovoltaic system, and a Demand Response with real-time pricing. The analysis reveals the economic and operational benefit of the Smart Grid system under consideration.

Submitted by Marcos Barreto de Faria Pinho (marcosbfpinho@yahoo.com.br) on 2014-08-26T20:57:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Marcos Barreto.pdf: 446358 bytes, checksum: 6a5c10b76c1695fba41563a1c81f798d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Gammaro (gisele.gammaro@fgv.br) on 2014-08-29T17:23:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Marcos Barreto.pdf: 446358 bytes, checksum: 6a5c10b76c1695fba41563a1c81f798d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Gammaro (gisele.gammaro@fgv.br) on 2014-08-29T17:38:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Marcos Barreto.pdf: 446358 bytes, checksum: 6a5c10b76c1695fba41563a1c81f798d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-09-23T13:59:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Marcos Barreto.pdf: 446358 bytes, checksum: 6a5c10b76c1695fba41563a1c81f798d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-05-23 / Electricity is fundamental to the development of any country and Brazil is curently undergoing an energy crisis due to the low level of its reservoirs, so many topics about the Brazilan electrical system come to light in order to give more reliabilty and prevent future energy rationing, thus alowing the energy shortage is not an impeditve to economic growth. This study estimates the potential reduction of electricity demand in the state of Rio de Janeiro via the variable pricing model that consists in having diferent prices for peak hours and of-peak. This is one of several existing demand response programs in the world. Order to calculate model results, the main asumptions are the projection of peak demand, the number of consumers per clas and the price elasticity of electricity demand. From that moment thre scenarios are sugested of AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) penetration and thre scenarios of price variations, thus reaching nine posible outcomes. / A energia elétrica é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de qualquer país e o Brasil atravessa atualmente uma crise energética devido ao baixo nível de seus reservatórios, então diversos temas sobre o sistema elétrico brasileiro vêm à tona a fim de dar mais confiabilidade e evitar futuros racionamentos, permitindo assim que a escassez de energia não seja um impeditivo para o crescimento econômico do país. O presente estudo calcula o potencial de redução de demanda por energia elétrica no estado do Rio de Janeiro através do modelo de preço variável, que consiste em ter tarifas distintas para o horário de ponta e fora de ponta. Este é um entre diversos programas de eficiência energética existentes no mundo atualmente. Para tal cálculo as principais premissas são a projeção de demanda máxima coincidente, o número de consumidores por classe e a elasticidade preço da demanda por energia elétrica. A partir dai são sugeridos três cenários de penetração de AMI (Advanced Metering infrastructure), e três cenários de variação de preço, chegando assim a nove resultados possíveis.

Outlined herein is the Modular Vehicle [MODV] concept as a cost effective, utilitarian, and highly functional vehicle concept for the changing demands placed on a MAGTF [Marine Air-Ground Task Force] or SP-MAGTF [Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force] in the 21st century. A large focus is put on the importance of modularity and cost effectiveness of having a 24 hour configurable vehicle to a specific mission and area of operation. Off-road vehicle progression through history is presented and successful design features are noted in order to develop underlying goals for the modular vehicle. The thesis emphasizes recent technology advancements that can shift the foundations of vehicle design including wheel hub motors, high capacity batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, autonomy, structural health monitoring, energy harvesting shock absorbers, non-pneumatic tires, and drive-by-wire options. Predictions on the outlook for the technology progressions is discussed to give insight into the viability of basing a vehicle concept on these technologies. Finally, physical design bounds are presented to provide a foundation for the future design of such a vehicle. / Master of Science