University of Twente Student Theses
Creating Awareness of the Effect of Electric Devices on the Low-Voltage Power Grid : a Dedicated Study on the Dutch Situation
Lueb, M.J. (2024) Creating Awareness of the Effect of Electric Devices on the Low-Voltage Power Grid : a Dedicated Study on the Dutch Situation.
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| Abstract: | Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing the world today. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to stop using fossil fuels as an energy source. A more sustainable energy source is electricity, which can be generated renewable. Switching all devices to electric equivalents does however come with a problem. The grid will need to supply way more power, something it does not manage in its current state, especially during peak demand. Expansion of the grid or using smart electronics for better power management both take a long time before full implementation. Another way to tackle this problem is to inform the consumer about these problems, making them aware of the problem and allowing them to make an informed decision about their power use. Therefore, this thesis aims to find an answer to the question: ”How can a communication method be designed to show data from the Dutch power grid to users, to help them understand the impact of their electric devices on the grid?” To answer this question, background research was performed including literature research and state-of-the-art analysis. Thereafter, the Creative Technology Design Process was followed, consisting of four phases. Starting with the ideation phase, a stakeholder analysis was performed and a final concept was selected based on the concept generation. Then, in the specification phase, both functional and non- functional requirements were set for the concept. Additionally, further details of the concept were worked out and interactions were analyzed using time sequence diagrams and personas. In the realization phase, the prototype was realized and an intermediate evaluation pitch was performed for experts of the Energy Group. Finally, the evaluation phase assessed the functionality and usability of the prototype through user tests and questionnaires. Based on these four phases, a prototype tool was developed to inform members of the general population about their impact on the local grid, and how this impact can be reduced. The final prototype is an interactive visualization that displays technical grid data in a neighborhood setting relatable to the user. the final evaluation shows an overall positive response from its participants. Additionally, the visuals and interactivity of the prototype were well received and helped to provide insight into the power grid. However, there is room for improvement. Future work could further develop the tool and look into implementing behavioral changing methods to increase the effectiveness of change in user power demand. Furthermore, more user tests should be performed to cover a bigger portion of the broad target audience to obtain more representative results. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 54 computer science |
| Programme: | Creative Technology BSc (50447) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100790 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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