Analysis of Present & Future Scenario of Global Smart Grid Networking Technologies

The current power grid is undoubtedly one of the significant engineering achievement of the 20th century. However, it is increasingly outdated and overburdened, leading to costly blackouts and burnouts. For this and various other reasons, a reliable, universal and secure communication infrastructure is mandatory for the implementation and deployment of the future smart grid. New wired and wireless technologies for networking are emerging in addition to the formerly applied to help upgrade the current power grid. However, the interdependencies and communications between all the assets that make up the new power grids are a fundamental pillar, as they represent the means by which all devices communicate within the smart grid network. Globally the rising need for clean & green energy is primarily driving the smart grid networking market.

Smart Grid technologies are witnessed to handle much complex flow of power on the modern grid. The smart grid market across the globe is inducing the implementation & growth of smart grid transmission market. The grid was originally designed by electric utilities to serve customers within the same state but over time, the grid expanded as utilities formed power pools to interconnect their transmission systems to share power generation resources. Now, with increasing two-directional power flows, the grid is being augmented with new technologies to manage an evolving system with many potential points for electricity generation, demand response, and energy storage. Thus these developments are thrusting the electric transmission & distribution equipment market.

Smart Grid Networking Technologies

As per U.S. DOE (Dept. of Energy), Smart Grid technologies can be summarized as being able to “monitor, protect, and automatically optimize the operation of its interconnected elements, including central and distributed generation; transmission and distribution systems; commercial and industrial users; buildings; energy storage; electric vehicles; and thermostats, appliances, and consumer devices.” These technologies will include both new and redesigned technologies, such as phasor measurement units and advanced meters, which are expected to increase electric system reliability, flexibility, and grid resiliency.

Table 1: Examples of Smart Grid Technologies and Applications

Grid Component/Opportunity	Description
AC/DC power flow controllers/converters	Technologies that adjust power flow at a more detailed and granular level than simple switching.
Advanced multi-mode optimizing controls	Controls capable of integrating multiple objectives and operating over longer time horizons, to replace simple manual and tuning controls, or controls that operate based only on conditions at single points in time.
Bilaterally fast storage	Energy storage in which charge and discharge rates are equally fast and thus more flexible.
Control frameworks	New hybrid centralized/distributed control elements and approaches.
Management of meta-data, including network models	New tools for obtaining, managing, and distributing grid meta-data, including electric network models.
Synchronized distribution sensing	Synchronization of measurements in order to provide more accurate snapshots of what is happening on the grid.
Transactive buildings	Buildings with controls and interfaces that connect and coordinate with grid operations in whole-grid coordination frameworks.
“X”-to-grid interface and integration	Interface technologies, tools, and standards for the general connection of energy devices to power grids; includes integrated mechanisms for coordinating those devices with grid operations in whole-grid coordination frameworks.
Distribution System Operation	Structure for clear responsibility for distributed reliability.

Smart Grid Networking five key technology can be discussed as follows:

1.       Integrated communications: High-speed, fully integrated, two-way communication technologies will make the modern grid a dynamic, interactive ‘‘mega-infrastructure’’ for real-time information and power exchange. Open architecture will create a plug-and-play environment that allows the networks’ grid components to talk, listen, and interact securely.

2.       Sensing and measurement: These technologies will enhance power system measurements and enable the transformation of data into information. They evaluate the health of equipment and the integrity of the grid and support advanced protective relaying; they eliminate meter estimations and prevent energy theft. They enable demand response, and they help relieve congestion.

3.       Advanced components: Advanced components play an active role in determining the grid’s behavior. The next generation of these power system devices will apply the latest research in materials, superconductivity, energy storage, power electronics, and microelectronics. This will produce higher power densities, greater reliability and power quality, enhanced electrical efficiency which produces major environmental gains, and improved real-time diagnostics.

4.       Advanced control methods: New methods will be applied to monitor essential components, enabling a rapid diagnosis of and timely, appropriate response to any event. They will also support market pricing and enhance asset management and operations efficiency.

5.       Improved interfaces and decision support: In many situations, the time available for operators to make decisions is only seconds. Thus, the modern grid will require wide, seamless, real-time use of applications and tools that enable grid operators and managers to make decisions quickly. Decision support with improved interfaces will enhance human decision making ability at all levels of the grid.

United States Investments in Smart Grid

During the period of 2008-2017, it is estimated that US has made a total investment of USD 32.5 billion in the Smart Grid, averaging USD 3.61 billion annually in the same period. Moreover, it is evident that during 2010 to 2015, SGIG grants worth USD 3.4 billion had supported 99 projects which particularly resulted in grid modernization of USD 8 billion.

Further, the technological trends evolving in US such as environmental concerns, electric vehicles and the reduction in consumer cost & energy demand through developing customer’s ability to take advantage of real-time pricing programs. In order to increase the adoption of such technological trends, the Congress can help to bridge the funding gap and support to accelerate adoption of the Smart Grid. The rising investments in smart grid will benefit the Smart Grid enabled technologies in near future.