SMART GRID AND MICRO GRID

SMART GRID

Smart Grid is one of a number of names used to describe a transmission and distribution network that uses modern sensing, computational, and communication technologies to improve the reliable and economic functioning of the bulk power system. Other names include Modern Grid, Intelli grid, and Future Grid. A subset of this notion is the development of micro grids.

The Smart Grid can perhaps be described as any activity that might improve the performance and efficiency of the electric power system. Those applications being discussed seem to fit into two broad categories:

1. Those impacting the operation and control of the bulk power system

2. Those impacting the distribution system, especially activities that would involve interaction with the customer and the customer’s electric devices



Besides addressing technical issues, substantive public policy issues also need attention, especially for those technologies that would alter or change the usage pattern of customers. Besides developing the technical tools to optimize the operation of the power grid, efforts to adjust customer demand need to be carefully reviewed to ensure that the rights of citizens/consumers are not compromised.

MICRO GRID

Micro grids are a subset of the effort to develop Smart Grid technology. They are entities that coordinate distributed energy resources in a decentralized way so as to reduce the need for control from a centralized location; for example, small commercial areas managed as one entity. These distributed resources can include various forms of distributed generation, heat and electricity storage, and controllable customer loads. The micro grid may or may not be connected to the local grid. Besides technical issues, there are also regulation/policy issues that must be addressed when implementing this technology.