Ken Munson, a serial entrepreneur and former private equity professional, discussed his company Rhythmos, which focuses on grid edge technologies. He highlighted the significant growth in load due to electric vehicles and the electrification of various devices, emphasizing the need for better visibility and management of this load. Rhythmos uses advanced analytics and machine learning to optimize load distribution, enhancing utility planning and operational efficiency. The company leverages Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data to profile and characterize load impacts, providing utilities with the flexibility to manage their networks more effectively. Munson also mentioned the importance of AI in forecasting and load management.

Action Items

• [ ] Connect with Ken Munson on LinkedIn
• [ ] Visit Rhythmos' website at Rhythmos.io

Outline

Introduction and Welcome

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving daily problems and making the world a better place.
• Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces the guest, Ken Munson.
• Ken Munson corrects his name and jokes about being in trouble with his mom, leading to a light-hearted exchange.

Ken Munson's Background and Achievements

• Ken Munson describes himself as a serial entrepreneur with three companies under his belt, including Sun Virgin Energy and Rhythmos.
• Ken explains his entry into the energy sector in 2006 to solve grid edge challenges and the formation of Sun Virgin Energy.
• He mentions his transition to a company in the skater world and the subsequent formation of Rhythmos.
• Scott provides the correct spelling of Rhythmos and asks Ken to elaborate on the company's mission.

Understanding Grid Edge Technologies

• Ken defines grid edge technologies, which include electric vehicles, solar, storage, and service transformers.
• He highlights the significant growth in load due to electric vehicles and the electrification of various devices.
• Ken discusses the challenges utilities face with visibility below the substation and the impact of service transformer costs and lead times.
• Scott shares his perspective as a former transmission lineman, emphasizing the linear nature of power generation and delivery.

Challenges and Solutions in Grid Edge Management

• Ken explains the bi-directional challenge utilities face with the growth of new load and the role of automation, AI, and machine learning in improving forecasting and asset management.
• He describes the lack of granular visibility at the service transformer level and the impact of increased load growth.
• Ken introduces Rhythmos' platform, which provides granular visibility and optimizes load to prevent premature overload of assets.
• The platform creates a dynamic operating envelope on the distribution network, enabling utilities to manage load more effectively.

Implementation and Regulatory Considerations

• Scott inquires about the complexity of setting up Rhythmos' solution and the communication with system operators.
• Ken explains the use of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data for advanced analytics and machine learning to profile and characterize load data.
• He emphasizes the importance of pulling data from the operational realm to avoid predicting human behavior in real-time.
• Ken discusses the regulatory environment and the role of Rhythmos in providing visibility and flexibility to utilities without being directly involved in operational decisions.

Future Prospects and Technological Advancements

• Ken predicts the continued growth of AI and machine learning in the utility sector, particularly in forecasting and load management.
• He highlights the importance of managing the electrification of various devices and the role of Rhythmos in enabling utilities to optimize their distribution networks.
• Ken mentions the partnerships with virtual power plants and aggregators to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the distribution network.
• Scott and Ken discuss the future of electric vehicles and the ongoing electrification of various devices, emphasizing the need for effective load management.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott thanks Ken for the insightful conversation and asks how listeners can get in touch with him.
• Ken provides his LinkedIn profile and mentions the Rhythmos website, rhythmos.io.
• Scott wraps up the podcast, mentioning the importance of events like Distribute Tech and the impact of industry professionals on the world.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the upcoming Distribute Tech event and a call to action for listeners to stay bold, brave, and innovative.