Difference between Smart Grid and Conventional Grid

An electric grid or power grid is an interconnected network of different electric components designed for delivering electrical energy from power generation stations to consumers.

Based on technological advancement, the electric grid can be classified into two types: conventional power grid and smart grid.

In this article, we will discuss the important differences between the smart grid and the conventional power grid. But before going into the differences between smart grid and conventional or traditional grid, let us first know a bit about the conventional grid and smart grid individually.

Introduction to Conventional Power Grid

A conventional power grid is a centralized electric grid system in which electric power flows in only one direction. Hence, in the conventional grid, electric power flows from generating station through the transmission and distribution systems to the end consumers. The conventional electric grid is also referred to as the traditional grid.

In the case of a conventional or traditional electric grid, the power generating station may or may not be located in the same geographical area as the load being served. Hence, the conventional grid generally requires the transmission of electric power from distant locations.

The conventional grid may or may not include a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, and other communication systems to monitor the performance of the grid. Therefore, it requires a separate periodical study and reporting system to know the grid performance.

Thus, in the conventional grid, customers generally receive information about services through the periodic bill.

Introduction to Smart Grid

A smart grid is an electric power grid equipped with automation, communication and other IT systems. These additional mechanisms can monitor power flow in the grid from points of generation to points of consumption. Also, they help to control the power flow or to regulate the load to match generation in real-time or near real-time.

The smart grid is a decentralized system where power flows in both directions, i.e. from generating stations through transmission and distribution systems to consumers, and vice-versa. A smart grid enables the power flow and information flow in the system. Also, the smart grid allows sources of electric power to be located near the points of utilization. Consequently, the smart grid reduces the cost of transmission and distribution systems. The reduced distance of transmission and distribution also minimizes energy losses.

A smart grid allows the implementation of small generating stations to expand the supply. This reduces the risk of major outages and improves the overall reliability of the system.

Now, let us discuss the differences between the conventional grid and the smart grid.

Differences between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid

The following are the important differences between the conventional grid and the smart grid:

(1). Definition:

• Conventional grid is a traditional interconnected network of electrical components like generators, transformers, transmission lines, and electric loads, which is implemented to convey electricity from points of generation to points of utilization.
• On the other hand, the smart grid is a modern electric grid which is developed by the integration of information and communication technologies into electrical transmission and distribution networks.

(2). Communication:

• Conventional grid provides only one-way communication, i.e. electric power can flow from generating station to consumers.
• Smart grid provides two-way communication, i.e. electrical power flows from generating station to consumers, and information can flow in both directions.

(3). Type of Generation:

• Conventional electric grid involves the centralized generation of electric power, i.e. all the electric power is generated at a centralized location.
• Smart grid involves distributed generation of electric power, which means electrical power is generated and distributed from different generating stations located at different geographical locations.

(4). System Structure:

• Conventional grid has a hierarchical structure.
• Smart grid has a network-type structure.

(5). Automation:

• Conventional grid involves a low level of automation.
• Smart grid involves a high level of automation.

(6). Efficiency:

• Conventional grid is relatively less efficient.
• Smart grid is comparatively highly efficient.

(7). Reliability:

• Conventional grid is less reliable.
• Smart grid is more reliable.

(8). Losses:

• Conventional grid has high power losses.
• Smart grid has comparatively low power losses.

(9). Customer Satisfaction:

• Conventional grid provides low customer satisfaction.
• Smart grid provides high customer satisfaction.

(10). Impact on Environment:

• Conventional grid has a critically bad impact on the environment.
• Smart grid has a less adverse impact on the environment.

Comparison between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid

The following table highlights the comparison between the conventional grid and the smart grid:

Conventional Grid	Smart Grid
Conventional grid is a traditional interconnected network of electrical to convey electricity from points of generation to points of utilization.	Smart grid is a modern electric grid which is developed by the integration of information and communication technologies into electrical transmission and distribution networks.
Conventional grid provides one-way communication.	Smart grid provides two-way communication.
Conventional grid has centralized generation.	Smart grid has distributed generation.
Conventional grid has a hierarchical structure.	Smart grid has a network type structure.
Conventional grid has a low level of automation.	Smart grid has a high level of automation.
Conventional grid has low efficiency.	Smart grid had high efficiency.
Conventional grid is less reliable.	Smart grid is more reliable.
Conventional grid has high losses.	Smart grid has low losses.
Conventional grid provides low customer satisfaction.	Smart grid provides high customer satisfaction.
Conventional grid has a bad effect on the environment.	Smart grid has less impact on the environment.

Hence, all these are the important differences between smart grid and the traditional grid. Whenever a new technology is introduced to the existing grid, its impact can be known only when a comparative study is done. We have highlighted the benefits of the smart grid by performing a comparative analysis between the conventional grid and smart grid.