Nowadays, we are very familiar with the word ‘Smart grid’. However, the majority of the people do not have the basic knowledge about what a smart grid is. Just because the word ‘smart” is attached to it, most people assume that it is something relevant to smartphones or smart TVs. It is not relevant but the concept of it may come from that. Have you ever heard the word “Grid”? If yes, then you must know that it has something related to electricity. Actually, the term ‘Grid’ refers to the ‘Electrical Power Grid’ which describes the complete network of transmission lines, transformers, and distribution substations along with all the accessories, that are used for supplying electricity from the Power generation Plant to consumers and commercial load center.
If we consider the history of The grid then we observe that the first power grid was established in 1885-1895. Yes, it took almost 10 years to build a power grid. For the efficient functioning of the grid, digital technology has been introduced in the Electrical grid system. So coming to the main point, “What exactly a Smart Grid Technology is?”
In this section, We are going to explain the complete overview of Smart Grid Technology. In simple words, a Smart Grid can be defined as a smart electrical network that combines electrical systems and smart digital communication technology. It is a self-sufficient electrical power network system which are based on digital automation technology for monitoring, control, and analysis within the supply chain.
It performs two-way communication between power suppliers and consumers. A smart grid is capable of controlling electrical power from multiple and widely distributed generation sources, like wind turbines, solar power plants, and many more.
In a traditional electrical grid system, the power suppliers will only know the power failure issues when consumers call them and file a complaint. But in the case of a smart grid system, if supply fails and any fault appears then the service provider will automatically respond to the affected area. Because the components of a smart grid provide enough data to them. i.e. they can collect information from the power transformer, main transmission, and distribution system and finally, to the home supply meter.
A Smart Grid should include the following upgrades
- There should be fully automated and integrated two-way communication between all the components of the grid system.
- Automatic controlling of power at each and every point of an electrical network.
- Auto-detection and correction of faults.
- There should be increased total system efficiency and security to ensure clean, safe, and quality power.
- Advance management panel and updated supporting software.
- Accurate measurement and sensing technology
Smart Grid Components
Intelligent Appliances
Intelligent appliances become capable of deciding when to consume energy based on customer pre-set values. This can reduce the electricity generation costs by reducing peak loads of plants. For example, a temperature sensor is used in thermal stations to control the boiler temperature according to predefined temperature levels.
Smart Energy Meters
The smart energy meters provide two-way communication between power suppliers and consumers. It automates billing data collections, detects system failures, and sends the repair team much faster to the fault location. As soon as the system has any faults or power failure the service provider is notified immediately.
Smart Substations
Integrated communication system
Phasor Measurement Units (PMU)
Advantages of Smart Grid
- The smart grid provides better power management technologies through its integrated systems. This provides a better user interface.
- It has also provided a better protective management system in case of emergency.
- It also provides better supply and demand management.
- It has reduced Carbon emission Technology.
- Better Quality power.
- Lower cost of operation, maintenance, and management for both utility and consumers.
- It provides more efficient and improved security and protection.
- It has also provided the convenience of reading meters remotely. Meter readers will not have to appear physically to check the meter readings. It will all be done through IT resources.
Applications of Smart Grid
- Quick recovery after any disturbances in the transmission network.
- Reduction of generation cost.
- Reduction in peak demands.
- They improve the adeptness of transmission networks.
- They possess the ability to integrate other renewable energy sources through distributed generations and micro-grids.
Summary
The disruption of electrical power supply these days is a very common problem facing the majority of people. Also due to malfunction in the feeder or main distribution lines, the entire system will be out of the system and the efficiency of the industries will go down.
In a well-organized case, power management will reduce costs. One of the interesting applications is the smart meter. With the help of Smart Meter, we do not need to wait for a full month to get the electricity bill, but we can read and get the data online on a daily basis. Obviously, it will save money for consumers and electricity, which will provide financial support to the country. Coming to the precautions because this system has automation tools and protocols as well as a wide range of technical data and tools. So the most important thing is to ensure that the system is well-established because in the deployment of this technique, Loophole will not be there. So Smart Grids will bring revolution in the electricity sector globally.
