Smart Grids

     A Smart Grid is an electricity Network based on Digital Technology that is used to supply electricity to consumers via Two-Way Digital Communication. This system allows for monitoring, analysis, control and communication within the supply chain to help improve efficiency, reduce the energy consumption and cost and maximize the transparency and reliability of the energy supply chain.

    Smart grid is a large ‘System of Systems’, where each functional domain consists of three layers: 

(i) the power and energy layer, 

(ii) the communication layer, and 

(iii) the IT/computer layer.

     Layers (ii) and (iii) above are the enabling infrastructure that makes the existing power and energy infrastructure ‘smarter’.

It uses smart meters and appliances, renewable and efficient energy resources.

• The system delivers electricity via 2-way digital communication. It allows consumers to interact with the grid.
•  It reduces energy consumption and reduces cost to the consumers by smart means. Electric supply companies make efficient usage of energy and consecutively will be able to meet the varying load demands of the consumers.

Features of Smart Grid

    Smart grid has several positive features that give direct benefit to consumers:

• Real time monitoring.
• Automated outage management and faster restoration.
• Dynamic pricing mechanisms.
• Incentivize consumers to alter usage during different times of day based on pricing signals.
• Better energy management.
• In-house displays.
• Web portals and mobile apps.
• Track and manage energy usage.
• Opportunities to reduce and conserve electricity etc.

Benefits of Smart Grid Deployments

• Peak load management, improved QoS and reliability.
• Reduction in power purchase cost.
• Better asset management.
• Increased grid visibility and self-healing grids.
• Renewable integration and accessibility to electricity.
• Satisfied customers and financially sound utilities etc.

Smart Grid Architecture Components

The figure depicts generic Smart Grid Network Architecture components or modules with different reference points. As shown typical smart grid network consists of following components.

• Grid domain (Operations include bulk generation, distribution, transmission)

• Smart meters

• Consumer domain (HAN (Home Area Network) consists of smart appliances and more)

• Communication network (Connects smart meters with consumers and electricity company for energy monitoring and control operations, include various wireless technologies such as zigbee, wifi, HomePlug, cellular (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G-LTE) etc.

• Third party Service providers (system vendors, operators, web companies etc.)