Smart Grids — The Answer to Increased Renewable Penetration
Working of smart grids and how it enhances grid operations and performance to accommodate higher extents of clean energy sources
So, what is a smart grid? A smart grid comprises the basic power infrastructure of an electrical grid, overlaid with an information and communications layer. This layer includes a two-way digital communication network, with advanced sensors, control systems, and data analytics to monitor and manage the transportation of electricity from all generation sources to meet the varying electricity demands of end-users.
The following presents a more comprehensive discussion of the various components making up a smart grid, aside from the usual infrastructure associated with a typical grid:
Smart meters with two-way communications enable capture granular and detailed real-time customer electricity usage data and transmit it to utilities via two-way communication networks with features like mesh networking, cellular/WiFi backhaul, or other advanced data management systems. High precision phasor measurement units installed across the transmission system can sample monitor grid voltage, phase angle, and frequency data at very high speeds. This provides operators with enhanced real-time…
