Components of Smart Grid
A smart grid is a
modern computerized version of the electric grid. The smart grid is mainly developed
to improve the delivery of electric power more efficiently and securely. Though a smart grid consists of a large number of advanced and intelligent devices to
improve the performance of the power delivery system, the major elements of the
smart grid that control the overall performance and operation of the system are
described as follows:
(1). Intelligent Appliances:
Intelligent appliances such as distributed data
collectors, smart sensors, smart digital energy meters, digital communication
systems, automatic consumer appliances, etc. are used in the smart grid system.
These appliances are capable of deciding when to consume power based on preset consumer preferences. As a result, these devices reduce peak loads,
decreases the requirement of new power plants, decreases the cutting down of plants and
greenhouse gas emission, etc.
(2). Smart Energy Meters:
The smart energy meter is a point-of-sale device. The
smart energy meter is designed such that it can establish two-way
communication, i.e. transfer of information in both directions, between the consumer
and power provider. It is able to measure energy consumption, automatic
collection of billing data, detect outages, dispatch repair crews for fast
correction, etc. Smart energy meters are suitable for advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI). These meters are compatible with the communication
technologies of smart grids and distributed power generation.
(3). Smart Substations:
The smart substation is another important element of the smart
grid that plays a vital role in the power delivery system. A smart substation
is equipped with more reliable, integrated, and environment-friendly intelligent
electronic devices that are able to monitor and control critical and non-critical
operational data such as power factor performance, battery status, security,
etc.
Smart substations are basically based on the digitization of
the whole substation information, networking of the communication platform, and
standardization of information sharing system.
A typical smart substation performs several substation
operations automatically such as information collection, measurement, computation, controlling, monitoring and protection, etc. Smart substations also
support real-time automatic control, online analysis, interaction with
neighbouring substations, intelligent regulation, power dispatching, and many
other advanced functions.
(4). Smart Generation:
Smart power generation is a unique, modern combination of
features that enables the transition to a more reliable, sustainable, and
affordable energy infrastructure. The smart generation provides excellent
operational mode flexibility and outstanding dynamic response. It is able to
operate in multiple modes, from efficient baseload power generation to
dynamical system balancing. Therefore, smart power generation is the most
significant factor in power system optimization.
Another one of the major advantages of smart power
generation is that they can be easily located near the load centres. It is
because, the smart generation plants are small in size, and produce low emission
and noise levels. The smart generation provides fuel flexibility because we can
choose the most feasible fuel.
Therefore, smart power generation includes optimization of
energy production and automatically maintaining the voltage, frequency, and
power factor standards of the electric power grid.
(5). Smart Distribution:
Smart distribution means the distribution of electrical
power with self-healing, self-balancing, and self-optimizing properties. The
smart distribution system consists of superconducting cables, automated
monitoring, and analysis tools that are capable of detecting and predicting
failures, outages, weather conditions, etc.
Technologies Involved in Smart Grid
A smart grid uses modern innovative techniques and services
together with intelligent monitoring, control, communication and self-healing
technology. The following are the major technologies used in the smart grid:
(1). Fault Current Limiting:
In a smart grid, fault current limiting can be achieved by
using intelligent sensors, information processing, and actuators. These components
of the smart grid limit the fault current to avoid damage.
(2). Wide Area Monitoring, Visualization, and Control:
The smart grid uses time-synchronized sensors for wide-area
monitoring, visualization, and control. These sensors communicate, process the
signals, and keep a real-time watch over the power system for any required
preventive or corrective action.
(3). Power Flow Control:
The smart grid is capable of controlling the power flow for
efficient operation of the system. For this, the smart grid requires coordination
of techniques and real-time data from the system. Then, the mechanism of power
flow control can be improved by controlling FACTs devices, phase angle
regulators, etc.
(4). Automated Islanding and Reconnection:
The automated islanding and reconnection technology of the
smart grid provides the best available and possible power flow path in case of any
outages. Basically, this function is performed by a microgrid, where a microgrid is a transmission and
distribution system that can operate in parallel with the main electric grid
or as an island.
(5). Automated Voltage and VAR Control:
The smart grid is also enabled with automatic voltage and
VAR control. For this, the smart grid uses proper coordination between reactive
power resources such as capacitor banks and voltage regulators with sensors to
make them operate automatically as per the received signal.
(6). Diagnosis and Notification of Equipment Condition:
The diagnosis and notification of equipment conditions is
another major technology used in smart grids. It is an online monitoring and
analysis of equipment’s performance to detect abnormal conditions. This smart
grid technology provides information about equipment failure.
(7). Automated Feeder and Line Switching with Adaptive Protection:
Smart grid uses sensors, controls, switches, etc. for automatic
isolation and reconfiguration of faulted segments of distribution feeders or
lines. All these components of the system can operate autonomously in response
to local events.
(8). Enhanced Fault Protection:
A smart grid is capable of providing enhanced fault protection.
This technology of the smart grid requires higher precision and greater
discrimination of fault location and fault type. It detects and isolates the
faulty section of the system using high-resolution sensors and a fault signature
system. These technologies can better detect faults and hence are replacing
traditional impedance relaying protection.
(9). Real Time Load Measurement and Management:
This technology of smart grid provides information about consumer’s
consumption and load management through the advanced metering systems and embedded
controllers which will help consumers to be informed about the time of use, rates,
service options, etc. for household electricity.
(10). Consumer's Electricity use Optimization:
This technology of the smart grid provides information about generated power and its limit to consumers. Then, consumers will use the
electricity judiciously to achieve the minimum monthly target keeping the family income
also constrained.
Conclusion
Hence, in the above sections of this article, we discussed several components or elements of the smart grid and the major technologies used in the smart grid and their functions. This discussion also clears that the smart grid is quite an intelligent system of power transmission and distribution which improves the performance, efficiency, and economy of the electricity sector.
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