The Power Behind the New Grid

Focus:

This article offers an introduction to the topic of the "Smart Grid" that would be informative for lay people, but which also contains details of interest to power electronics engineers, seeking to understand changes in electricity transmission and distribution systems that are now being implemented, planned, or discussed. Confusion regarding the term "smart grid" is discussed, and a definition is given as "the modernization and automation of the entire transmission and distribution system-and all of the powers systems and components-from generation to end use." Topics discussed include limitations of the existing power grid, benefits of a smart grid, characteristics of a smart grid, and smart grid investment and efforts in America and Europe. The hierarchical structure of the existing grid systems is contrasted with the network structure of a smart grid. Requirements for standards and interoperability and efforts by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology to promote relevant standards are discussed. Engineers may be particularly interested in the descriptions of currently deployed smart grid technologies including "voltage control through reactive power compensation", high-voltage dc (HVDC) and light transmission systems, battery-based energy storage, and flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS).

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the concept of the Smart Grid, why it's needed, what benefits it offers, and how it differs from the existing electric power grid
• How to understand what technologies are being developed and deployed as part of the Smart Grid
• How to understand the role of power electronics in the Smart Grid

Notes:

Article is found on pages 18-22 of September 2009 issue in the Power Systems Design archive. To access the archive, you must log in as a member of the PSD Community at www.powersystemsdesign.com/signup.

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Author & Publication:

Tammy Zucco, Strategic Marketing Manager, ABB Smart Grid Operations, and Bill Rose, Communications Manager, ABB Power Systems and Power Products, North America, Power Systems Design Europe, Sep 01 2009

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