Introduction

The following draws on numerous treaties and discussions. In the past several decades, smart grid systems have been rigorously explored worldwide. As a result of significant advances in computers and communication technologies, construction of smart grid systems worldwide has gone through numerous developmental changes.

In view of the accelerated proliferation of large-scale solar and wind power installations worldwide, existing electrical power transmission lines and grids can no longer sustain the extended burden of additional power transmission capacity. In addition, existing grid networks lack intelligence to regulate and manage dynamic supply and demand loads that are essential for interconnection of systems for solar and wind energy power generation.

The principal objective of smart grid systems is to deliver electricity to consumers from various sources of supply such as electrical power-generating stations, geothermal, wind, and solar power farms. These supplies use two-way digital technologies to control end-user loads such as appliances at consumers’ homes to save energy, reduce cost, and increase reliability and transparency. In essence, smart grid systems overlay electrical distribution grids with an information and net-metering system. Currently, such grid modernizations are being promoted worldwide as a means for addressing energy independence, global warming, and national security.

Smart grid systems also include intelligent monitoring systems that keep track of all electricity flowing in the system. Additionally, smart grids systems will also incorporate innovative superconductive transmission lines that can conduct significantly larger currents with minimal power losses. In essence, smart grid systems are essential for integrating wide networks of future renewable electricity systems such as solar and wind. Smart grid management of end-user power consumption is achieved through selective control of home appliances such as washing machines or factory processes that can run at low peak energy demand hours. This results in a reduction in energy consumption at peak energy hours. Figure 11.1 is a diagram of an electrical power generation and distribution grid system.

In principle, the smart grid is an upgrade of twentieth-century power grids. These grids broadcast power from central power-generating stations to a large number of users. However, the new system will be capable of routing power in more optimal ways to respond to a very wide range of conditions, and will also be capable of regulating the grid peak power demand through imposition of high premium utility rates to customers that use energy at peak hours.