The concept of Electrical grid was given by Nicole Tesla about 120 years ago. Since then the generation, transmission and distribution of Electrical energy has undergone vast changes. Giant size generators and EHV lines are very common now. The per capita consumption has increased manifold (and is still increasing) and consumers demand reliability and quality in Electric supply.
The power industry is faced with challenges and opportunity of transforming the Electrical grid into smart grid to manage demand growth, conserve Energy, reduced losses, optimize efficiency, improve power quality and reliability.
Smart grid also known as intelligent grid refers to combination of hardware, software and communication tools to meet the above objectives.
The main features of a smart grid are:
1. It is self healing from power distuebances.
2. It ensures power quality and reliability.
3. It accommdates centralized giant size generators as well as distributed generation.
4. It uses conventional energy sources (coal, hydro, nuclear) as well as renewable energy resources (wind, solar, biomass, tidal, fuel cells, etc.)
5. It enables active participation by consumers.
6. It has energy storage options (MW range batteries).
7. It is flexible.
8. It is economical.
9. It reduces peak demand by managing consumer demand.
10. It supports new enterpreneurial energy markets.
11. It optimises grid asset utilisation and efficiency.
12. It ensures minimal damage to environment and takes care of climate changes issues.
13. It insures energy security.
A smart grid uses CT, PT, phasor measurement unit, many different transducers, power line carrier, wireless radio, advanced metering facilities, home area network, fibre optic network, Wide Area Monitoring, and control, microgrid management tools, optimal power flow and reactive power control techniques, automatic generation control, advanced protection systems, HVDC, facts controllers, distributed generation, distributed energy storage system, reclosers, automatic switches, breakers, on load tap changers, smart integration module.
Comments
Post a Comment