The Utility and Grid of the Future: Challenges, Needs, and Trends

Abstract: This paper discusses the general aspects of smart grids and focuses on some distribution level smart grid features, such as interconnection of distributed generation and active distribution management, using automated meter reading (AMR) systems in network management and power quality monitoring, application of power electronics in electricity distribution, plug-in vehicles as part of smart grids, and frequency based load control as examples of interactive customer gateway. The term smart grid has been in use since at least 2003, when it appeared in the article "Reliability demands will drive automation investments" by Michael T. Burr. The term had been used previously and may date as far back as 1998. There are many smart grid definitions, some functional, some technological, and some benefits-oriented. A common element to most definitions is the application of digital processing and communications to the power grid, making data flow and information management central to the smart grid. Various capabilities result from the deeply integrated use of digital technology with power grids, and integration of the new grid information flows into utility processes and systems is one of the key issues in the design of smart grids. Electric utilities now find themselves making three classes of transformations: improvement of infrastructure, called the strong grid in China; addition of the digital layer, which is the essence of the smart grid; and business process transformation, necessary to capitalize on the investments in smart technology. Much of the modernization work that has been going on in electric grid modernization, especially substation and distribution automation, is now included in the general concept of the smart grid, but additional capabilities are evolving as well.

IEEE Power & Energy Magazine, 2012

Looking at the communication industry, one observes how drastically the communication horizon has changed. From letters to e-mails and SMS, from phone calls to video chat and live conferencing, from phone booths to smart phones: since the digitization of communication, a new era of consumer choice has been inaugurated. The potential exists for similar transformation and opportunity in the provision of electricity, embodied in a concept known as the “smart grid”. Smart grid is the electric delivery network from electrical generation to the end user that makes use of the latest advances in wireless communication and intelligent information management systems to ameliorate the electric system robustness, reliability, efficiency, and security. Like the telecommunications and the genesis of the Internet, technology holds the key to the smart grid and its realization.

CRC Press eBooks, 2017

IEEE Power and Energy Magazine, 2017

IEEE Access

Utility electric grid is expected to face some of the major challenges modern power generation and distribution systems will pose in the years to come. In this paper, a complete overview of those challenges is presented, for the first time, with proper detailed explanation and their implication. Smart grid security, power system generation and distribution side complications, integration of renewable energy systems, storage devices, modern equipment, and technologies make modern-day power generation and transmission more complex than ever. Thus, the utility grid requires major renovations and upgraded protection schemes to adapt to these changes. The required solutions with discussions are also presented in this paper. Additionally, the challenges are classified according to their severity, and the solutions that are best suited to mitigate each challenge are also identified. Challenges of the modern utility grid and their prospective solutions are expected to open up a lot of opportunities for researchers around the worldwho work toward improving the utility by adopting latest technologies. INDEX TERMS Utility grid, Renewable energy, Storage devices, Smart grid security, Cyber attack.

This paper presents a discussion of the future of the electric energy system, addressing the entire spectrum from power generation, through substations, to distribution, the customer, and the feedback loops along the way necessary to provide the computational intelligence necessary to make the "Smart Grid". The need for updating the electric energy infrastructure and constructing such Smart Grids globally has been acknowledged by both the federal and state governments. We are amid a historic paradigm shift, with the chance to put new, smarter processes in place for producing, distributing, delivering, and consuming electricity in a way that is significantly more sustainable, efficient, and versatile.

The Smart Grid concept is conceived as a means to optimize the operation and to improve the reliability of the electric delivery system. As environmental concerns and energy consumption continue to increase, utilities are looking at cost effective strategies for improved network operation and consumer consumption. Smart Grid is a collection of next generation power delivery concepts that includes new power delivery components, control and monitoring throughout the power grid and more informed customer options. A “smart grid” leverages digital technology to improve reliability, security, transparency, connectivity, interoperability, and efficiency. It enables information collection and communication throughout the system, from generation to transmission and distribution to end users. The Smart Grid can’t be reduced to a simple formula. Keywords:

International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology

The contemporary epoch is under a serious energy crisis. With increasing energy demands and exhausting energy resources, this catastrophe is difficult to get through. Sustainable and efficient utilization of energy resources can pave the way to a world with, energy for all and energy forever. Electrical energy, the most widely used form of energy, if used efficiently and sustainably can ease the overall energy crunch. This paper gives an insight into how the adaptation of SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY can consequently relieve the pressure on energy demand and secure the energy resources for the future

2015

The entire electricity infrastructure and associated socio-technical system including transmission and distribution networks, the system operator, suppliers, generators, consumers and market mechanisms will need to evolve to realize the full potential of smart-grids. At the heart of this evolution is the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) and energy infrastructures for increasingly decentralized development, monitoring and management of a resilient grid. This paper identifies the challenges of integration and four key areas of future research and development at the intersection of energy and ICT: standards-based interoperability, reliability and security, decentralized and self-organizing grid architecture, and innovative business models to unlock the potential of the energy value chain. The ideas postulated here are envisaged to act as a starting-point for future R&D direction.