Smart grid: Definition, road map and breadth of this grand challenge

Focus:

This brief (about one page) introduction to the smart grid defines what a smart grid will be in terms of the types of hardware and software that must be added to the existing electrical grid to make it more responsive and more efficient. The article summarizes our current progress toward the goal of a smart grid noting that, within a few years, many consumers will be able to better control their power consumption and respond to electricity pricing as a result of smart metering. The article also discusses four "waypoints" on the path to a smart grid: 1) "advanced metering and monitoring," 2) "a transmission system that can efficiently move power from one location to another," 3) "a power grid that incorporates large- and small-scale distributed generation with energy storage that is manageable by power providers," and 4) "the secure and reliable communications infrastructure that operates in tandem with the future electrical power grid." Also discussed are current improvements to the grid such as advanced monitoring, and the professions and disciplines that will contribute to development of the smart grid.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the meaning of "smart grid" and what progress is being made in the development of the smart grid.

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Author & Publication:

H. Alan Mantooth, Executive Director of the National Science Foundation Center on Grid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES), Connected Planet Online, Jan 05 2010

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