# The Smart Grid with Paul Zawada

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2022-03-28
- Length: 1h 45m
- Episode: 583
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/583-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada/

## Summary

Paul Zawada of Syntonis LLC explains the technical and operational challenges of the smart grid, focusing on the transition from centralized generation to distributed renewable sources like rooftop solar. He details how inverter technology, frequency control, and reactive power (VARs) are critical for maintaining grid stability as traditional spinning inertia disappears. The discussion covers the evolution of standards like IEEE 1547, the role of SCADA and state estimators in real-time contingency analysis, and the mechanics of high-voltage transmission and distribution infrastructure.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=0) Introduction and Guest Background
- [5:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=327) Grid Basics: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
- [15:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=940) Frequency, Inertia, and the Challenge of Renewables
- [22:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=1331) The Power Triangle: Real Power, Reactive Power, and VARs
- [37:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=2232) Inverter Standards (IEEE 1547) and Smart Grid Control
- [42:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=2563) Smart Metering, Communications, and Market Structures
- [57:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=3444) SCADA, State Estimators, and Contingency Analysis
- [1:22:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=4927) High Voltage DC Transmission and Underground Cables
- [1:30:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=5436) Arc Quenching, Fuses, and Grid Mechanics
- [1:38:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada#t=5911) Career Advice and Consulting Services

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Syntonis LLC (company)
- Mauser Electronics (company)
- PJM (company)
- Tesla (company)
- SunSpec (company)
- ABB (company)
- Hitachi (company)
- IEEE 1547 (other)
- SCADA (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [213: Electricity Doesn't Act Like an Apple](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-31-213-electricity-doesnt-act-like-an-apple) (Embedded.fm)
- [Managing Energy At The Edge: Navigating The Modern Grid With Itron](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-09-05-managing-energy-at-the-edge-navigating-the-modern-grid-with-itron) (Over the Air)
- [Aligning Passion With Purpose: A Journey to Electrification and Sustainability](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-06-17-aligning-passion-with-purpose-a-journey-to-electrification-and-sustainability) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Solving a Renewables Problem with Electric Vehicles](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-05-28-solving-a-renewables-problem-with-electric-vehicles) (EE Times Current)
- [Energizing the Future: Real-Time Precision in Renewable Energy Management](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-01-30-energizing-the-future-real-time-precision-in-renewable-energy-management) (Moore's Lobby)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-03-28-the-smart-grid-with-paul-zawada. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Amp Hour.