By Bob Burtt, Communications and Public Affairs

Imagine turning on your oven and it automatically uses the best and least expensive energy source available.

Your 'smart shower' might decide whether to use electricity or natural gas to heat water. The "decision" would be based on a number of factors, including the market prices for each fuel and the time it takes to reach the desired temperature.

Waterloo researchers, including John Wen, an assistant professor in theDepartment of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, are working on making this a reality through the development of Smart Energy Networks (SENs).

In the smart shower example, the SEN ultimately heats the water at a low price with high convenience.

"With world-leading energy and information technology industries and a broad portfolio of energy resources, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from increased deployment of smart energy networks," says Tracey Forrest, director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE.)

SENs have the potential to keep energy costs down and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of advanced information and communication technology.  These networks will have multiple fuels to choose from, and several different pathways to deliver energy to people, says Forrest.

Smart appliances

SENs allow smart appliances and equipment to switch seamlessly between energy sources, using advanced technology to choose the best energy source at any time, she adds.

Wen, along with Dong Sig Chai, a mechanical engineering student, defined and detailed the Smart Energy Networks concept through a masters thesis project.

David Johnston Research and Technology Park

Their research looked at how a SEN could be employed at the David Johnston Research + Technology Park and the surrounding neighborhood in Waterloo.

The area includes 250 acres, 18 commercial buildings, 1,250 existing homes and several different energy sources. The study projected a 26-per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

Wen's research is part of the drive to make SENs a reality:

Dr. Olaf Weber, an associate professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development is preparing a paper on Smart Energy Networks: The Value Proposition. Dr. Ian Rowlands, a professor in the Department of Environment and Resource Studies is writing a paper on Smart Energy Networks: The State of The Art.

Those papers will help set the stage for discussion at a forum, co-chaired by Rowlands and Forrest, being hosted by WISE in Toronto on Sept. 30.

Wen, Rowlands, Weber and Forrest are all members of WISE.

SEN research activities expanding

A planned research initiative, involving multiple partners and drawing upon inter-disciplinary energy expertise in WISE, will use the City of Waterloo as a case study for a 'Smart Energy City' to help industry focus on high value energy activities, says Forrest.