Abstract
The electric grid that has the tendency to communicate two-way and can sense various parameters in the transmission line is termed as smart grid. This chapter deals about the overview of smart grid evolution, characteristics, and operation. There are various benefits in smart grid like improvement in efficiency, adaptive, self-healing, and optimized than conventional grid. The smart grid composition is complex and defined based on standards adaption, technical components perspective, technical perspective, and conceptual reference model perspective. In the architecture of smart grid, the role of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) plays a vital role to sense, measure, record, and communicate the data from load centre to data centre. AMI consists of smart meter, communication network, data reception, and management system. This chapter also covers the IEEE and IEC standards defined for smart grid operation. It also envisages the barriers in the implementation of smart grids.
TopIntroduction To Smart Grid
The term Smart grid means the digital technology that allows for two-way communication between the utility and the customers and also the sensing along the transmission line. As per US department of Energy (DOE) the smart grid is defined as “Grid 2030 envisions a fully automated power delivery network that monitors and controls every customer and node, ensuring two-way flow of information and electricity between the power plant and the appliance and all points in between”. Similarly, International Electro technical Commission (IEC) defined “The smart grid is a developing network of transmission lines, equipment, controls and new technologies working together to respond immediately to our 21st Century demand for electricity”.
The smart grid characteristics are identified based on (i) functionality approach and (ii) broad approach as discussed by Gharavi et al., in the year 2011. The functionality approach of smart grid has the following seven important characteristics,
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Optimization of asset utilization and operating efficiency
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Accommodate generation and storage options
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Provide power quality for the range of needs in a digital economy.
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Respond to system disturbance in a self-healing manner.
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Operate robustly for physical and cyber-attacks and natural disasters.
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Enable active participation by consumers.
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Enable new products, services and markets.
Similarly, the characteristics of smart grid based on broad approach as said by Miller and Hamilton in the year 2009 and 2010 respectively are given below,