Singapore is aiming to become a Smart Nation (indeed a smart city nation state) by integrating many of its governmental and social functions into the internet of things. This ambition builds on Singapore's investment in both communication infrastructure and smart grid technology which dates back decades.

Background

Arun Mahizhnan provides an excellent background about how Singapore built up its information technology backbone to enable the eventual growth into a smart nation (see attached on right panel). Since that time, Singapore has also seen the benefits of investments in smart grid infrastructure to provide grid stability, incorporate PV solar power, and improve energy efficiency. This was backed by pilot projects in automated metering infrastructure and tests of mechanisms to improve end use energy efficiency by building occupants, such as peak shaving.

Smart Grid Initiative

Advancements in smart grid technologies are evolving rapidly worldwide. Pilot projects and rolling out of meters are taking place in the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy and United States. Singapore’s IES Pilot is implemented in two phases. Phase 1, which began in 2010, 
was focused on developing the enabling infrastructure and the testing of smart meters.

Smart meters are equipped with communication capabilities. They provide consumers and the grid operator with detailed information on how much electricity is being used and fed into the electricity grid. A good communication network is vital for information to flow safely, securely and seamlessly. That is why part of the communication network development leverages on the Infocomm Development Authority’s Next Generation National Broadband Network, as well as other communication platforms.

Phase 1 is now completed which enables the implementation of consumer applications like demand response, direct load control, load curtailment and energy management.

Phase 2 started in 2012. It will see the participation of households, commercial and industrial consumers. Different applications will be tested as part of the Pilot to help consumers change their consumption patterns, and in the process reduce their electricity bills. (Source: EMA)

Smart Nation Implications

Data Analytics and Transport Planning

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has used data analytics to improve commuting experience by analysing anonymised data obtained from commuters' fare cards and identifying commuter hotspots to manage bus fleets. Arrival times of buses are tracked using sensors installed in over 5,000 vehicles, and the real-time location data of buses helps facilitate transport planning to better meet commuters' demands.

The result of the employment of data analytics, is a 92% reduction in the number of bus services with crowding issues despite year-on-year increase in average daily bus ridership, and average waiting time on popular services shortened by about 3 to 7 minutes.

Insights gained from data can help LTA better anticipate and address the needs of different types of commuters through improved policy planning.

Smart HDB Town Framework

Even as smart home technologies are gaining popularity, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) has been working closely with agencies and industry partners to look into integrating smart technologies into HDB towns and estates.

Unveiled in September 2014, the “Smart HDB Town Framework” encapsulates a four-pronged approach HDB is taking to introduce smart into housing estates – Smart Planning, Smart Environment, Smart Estate, and Smart Living.

Broadly, at the estate level, HDB is using data analytics to create a comfortable environment for residents. In Punggol town, for example, smart planning tools enables HDB to simulate environmental conditions, such as wind flow and solar irradiance, to better understand how these conditions interact with the layout and design of our town/precincts/blocks.

Using the tool, town planners, architects and engineers can analyse the wind flow, solar irradiance and shaded areas within a town, and determine how best our new flats can be designed and sited to provide maximum thermal comfort and a more conducive living environment for our residents.

In homes, trials are underway to evaluate how smart home applications can help residents achieve greater convenience, utilities savings, as well as ensure peace of mind for families with elderly family members.