6.2 Smart grid

Research on future electric power systems are ongoing where smart grids are one of the focus areas. The Smart Grid is the modernisation of the electricity delivery system. The smart grid is defined in the European Union’s SmartGrids Strategic Research Agenda 2035 as follows: “A SmartGrid is an electricity network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it – generators, consumers, and those that do both – in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies.”

A smart grid differs from the traditional grid in that it allows two-way communication of electricity data, rather than a one way flow. Smart grids enable real time data collection concerning electricity supply and demand during the transmission and distribution process, making monitoring, generation, consumption and maintenance more efficient.

(Source : https://www.studentenergy.org/topics/smart-grid Links to an external site.)

But what is smart grid technology and how does it impact you?

In order for the Smart Grid to work effectively, it relies on an entire system of smart technologies.

Examples of smart grid applications include:

Generation – A wide variety of generation sources that can respond quickly to changing demand will be necessary as intermittent renewables become an important component of the energy system. As more energy generation sources are distributed, the Smart Grid will help to effectively connect all these power generating systems to the grid, provide data about their operation to utilities and owners and give information about how much surplus energy is feeding back into the grid versus being consumed on site.
Distribution – Distribution intelligence enables an electric utility to remotely monitor and coordinate its distribution assets (transmission lines, substations etc.), operating them in an optimal matter using either manual or automatic controls. The Smart Grid also provides outage detection and response capabilities, sometimes enabling the grid to “self-heal”.
Consumption – Computerized controls in your home and appliances can be set up to communicate with the smart grid and respond to signals from your energy provider to minimize their energy use at times when the power grid is under stress from high demand, or to reduce power consumption at high priced hours. Smart controls and appliances can predict consumption patterns and respond to a wide set of pre-programmed variables to curb electricity use and costs.
(Source : https://www.studentenergy.org/topics/smart-grid Links to an external site.)

Self-healing grid

A smart grid consists of a series of independent small power systems, or 'micro-grids', linked by a stronger, smarter high-voltage power-grid backbone.

The first step in upgrading electricity system is to install secure software sensors, fast processors and automation devices across the entire network. These upgrades are needed in every switch, circuit breaker, transformer and bus bar (the huge conductors that transport electricity from generators) to allow transmission lines to communicate with each other. Millions of electromechanical switches must be replaced with solid-state electronic circuits to handle high transmission voltages of 345 kilovolts and more.

Next, local electricity generation, storage and distribution systems should be improved to increase the self-sufficiency of end-users. In the longer term, flow-directing technologies would be added to even out fluctuations and differences between energy supply and demand. Electricity might be redirected at times of peak load. Transmission routes must be built to link customers to new power stations, including wind farms, solar plants and other generators of renewable energies, most of which are remotely located. Energy-storage devices placed within the grid can compensate for varying flow, voltage or frequency by providing or absorbing energy.
(Source : http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v499/n7457/full/499145a.html Links to an external site.)