An electrical grid is a network that delivers electrical power from the power plants where it is generated to customers. See Figure 1. An electrical grid includes wires, substations, transformers, and switches. Contact online >>
An electrical grid is a network that delivers electrical power from the power plants where it is generated to customers. See Figure 1. An electrical grid includes wires, substations, transformers, and switches.
Definition: A smart grid is an electrical grid that uses computer-based remote control and automation to deliver electrical power from where it is generated to customers.
In order to improve the delivery of electrical power, the continual developments in smart grid technology can be used to make a power distribution system more intelligent, efficient, and secure.
A smart grid normally includes the following upgrades:
Upgrading the Electrical Grid
Upgrades to the electrical grid allow each critical component, such as substations and transformers, to have two-way communication. In this case, each device or location would be capable of calling for assistance if it were experiencing problems. It could also be called back to see the extent of the problem.
For example, if a critical component such as a transformer was overloaded or overheating, a message would go out to a monitoring station. When this information is received, the power could be rerouted until the transformer is inspected or replaced.
The monitoring station could also remotely call up the transformer and, with proper diagnostic software, determine its current condition and efficiency.
Two-way communication also allows one or more power sources on the generation side of the electrical grid to be accessed remotely and routed to a location needed by the customer, depending on the type and amount of power needed. The power may come from a centralized power plant, wind farm, or photovoltaic (PV) array.
Traditional centralized power distribution systems are aging and cannot keep up with the high demand being placed on the systems. Distributed power generation, interactive distributed generation, and microgrids are used to provide alternatives to aging centralized power distribution systems and relieve some of the stress of high demand.
Distributed Power Generation
Definition: Distributed power generation is the use of small-scale power generation technologies located close to the loads that are being served. Distributed power generation systems can include PV arrays, wind turbines, biodiesel generators, and other relatively small-scale power systems. See Figure 2.
A distributed power generation system may serve as the only source of power for residential, commercial, industrial, or remotely accessible areas. A distributed power generation system may be a stand-alone system or combined with a centralized power distribution system.
Interactive Distributed Generation
Interactive distributed generation systems are also small power generating systems. These systems must be interactive to connect to the utility''s distribution grid for two-way power. See Figure 3.
Interactive distributed generation of electrical power is increasingly common as a supplement to traditional centralized power generation. This increases the diversity and security of the electrical energy supply and benefits both customers and electric utilities.
For customers, these systems can provide power to on-site loads and back up their stand-alone systems in the event of a utility power outage. For utilities, the additional power sources supplying capacity during peak loads increases the utility''s capacity to serve customers without the need to build new power plants.
For example, back-up generators are generators that are placed in a fixed location and connected to the power distribution system through a manual or automatic transfer switch. When utility power is out, the back-up generator provides power without the need to unplug devices from receptacles and plug them into the generator.
Backup generators normally supply power only to the loads that must have power during a power outage.
A transfer switch detects when utility power has been removed, disconnects the utility distribution system from the loads, and connects the generator to the loads.
Transfer switches and generator control circuits can be manually operated or completely automatic, starting the generator and automatically controlling the power as needed. See Figure 4.
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) consists of new sensors, communication networks, and data management systems that are used to modernize the electrical grid and provide new capabilities to utilities and customers.
An AMI system is composed of sensors, smart meters, and meter data management (MDM) systems, wide-area communication, and home area networks (HANs).
As more power is delivered through the current electrical grid, renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind are raising concerns on how to maintain electrical grid balance and stability.
Balance can only be maintained and power quality increased through the precise measurement of voltage and current waveforms at multiple points on the grid.
Phasor measurement is a technology that can help maintain stability in the power grid.
Definition: A phasor measurement unit (PMU) is a device that measures electrical waveforms on the electrical grid. The unit of measure is the phasor. PMUs are also referred to as synchrophasor.
PMUs provide information to operators and planners to measure the state of the electrical grid and manage power quality. PMUs are precise grid measurement devices, taking measurements as often as 30 times per second. SCADA data is only taken around 4 times per second. PMU measurements are time-stamped to a common time reference provided through GPS tracking satellites.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) timestamps allow PMU data from different utilities to be synchronized and combined together to give a comprehensive view of all utilities affected. PMUs provide more precise information for analysis.
A similar technique is used to determine faults in a fiber optic cable by sending light through the cable and determining the time of the return signal from the problem.
Real-Time Monitoring and Sensing
Real-time monitoring and sensing are an essential component of a smart grid. The power industry has only recently begun to move to real-time monitoring systems to provide up-to-date information using two-way communication. At the utility level advancements are occur- ring more rapidly on the transmission side as compared to the distribution side.
The next-generation networked sensors have measuring and processing capabilities that help locate a faulted line and identify parts of the grid that might be susceptible to outages before they occur. For example, next-generation networked sensors can highlight power fluctuations that might be the result of a tree limb contacting a power line.
Advantages of real-time monitoring and sensors include the following:
Another move the power industry has embraced is employing digital electronics in metering. At the customer level, electronic metering is still in development.
About Smart electric grids are composed of
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Smart electric grids are composed of have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Smart electric grids are composed of for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Smart electric grids are composed of featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
