Smart Grid: Working Mechanism, Advantages and Disadvantages

SMART GRID 0
Smart Grid
Abstract- The smart gird is an advanced technology in
the field of the power system. From the last five years, it
changed the way of energy distribution. The main
purpose of this paper is to describe the working
mechanism of smart grid and their advantages and
disadvantages in energy systems. It has the ability to
improve the security and performance of any computer
device and equipment. This paper is completely based
on qualitative research analysis and it will give a brief
explanation of smart grid technology.
Keywords-Smart Grid, security, performance, energy
distribution and computer devices.
I. Introduction
A smart grid is well-defined as a control system which is
used in many electric and electronic devices [1]. It is also
called an electrical grid that involves the number of
operational devices and apparatuses for example, smart
appliances, smart meters, and energy resources. There are
main two fundamental aspects of this advanced technology,
for example, microelectronic power conditioning, and
regulator of production [2]. The main aim of this report is to
recognize the fundamental concept of the smart grid and the
role of this technology in the field of electricity or computer
systems. In this type of technology meters, electronic
equipment’s, and instruments are connected to the grid. In
which every unit connected to the grid using a lighting
system [3]. In this modern generation, there are many people
and organizations which are using this type of power system
by which they improved the efficiency and performance of
their equipment’s. It is observed that the smart grid is more
efficient rather than other energy sources and it reduced the
problem of power consumption. This report is divided into
five parts, for example, history of the smart grid, principle,
the comparison between the smart grid and other power
resources, advantages and disadvantages [4].
II. History of Smart Grid
In this modern technology, due to the increase in power
demand the oldest energy resources are not working
properly, therefore, many people are using the smart grid
concept to increase performance if devices. The first power
grid was established in the year 1886 in Great Barrington
and at that period, the electric grid was a unidirectional
process of power circulation [5]. In the year 1960, the use of
smart grids was increased and many organizations used the
electric grid rather than other energy resources. It connected
a number of central power systems through high power
lines. Between 1970 and 1990 the demand of power grids
was increased and at that time many problems occurred for
example loss of power, power cuts, brownouts, and
blackouts [6]. In the 21st century, there are many electronics
and communication technologies are developed to reduced
drawbacks and limitation of the electric grid. It is estimated
that the first fundamental concept of smart grid was
produced by EISA in the year 2007 and it was approved by
the United States in January 2007. In year 2009, the US
keen framework manufacturing was esteemed at about $21.4
billion and by 2014; it will surpass at any rate $42.8 billion
[7]. Given the accomplishment of the smart networks in the
U.S., the biosphere market is required to develop at a
quicker rate, flooding from $69.2 billion out of 2009 to
$171.2 billion by year 2014. With the fragments set to profit
the most will be keen metering hardware sellers and creators
of programming used to transmit and sort out the massive
quantity of information gathered by meters [8]. The power
grid began in 1896, situated partially on Nikola Tesla's plan
distributed in 1888, however as of late, in the previous 50
years, power systems have not kept pace with current
difficulties, for example, security dangers, national power
business, and conveyance, and appeal of intensity quality
[9]. Along these lines, the idea of Smart Grid turned out, and
the term keen matrix has been being used since 2005. Most
power grid today around the globe take after a similar
configuration. The general condition for a standard power
lattice begins first with the producing power plant. Here,
power is produced through an assortment of courses, for
example, coal, oil, and atomic, and also cleaner alternatives,
for example, wind, water, and sunlight based power. The
power plants create high measures of power that once-over
through long 'transmission lines' as a rule crosswise over
numerous miles [10]. There are both AC (substituting
current) and DC (coordinate current) transmission lines. As
a rule, AC is the more typical technique for transmitting
force and DC transmission lines require a DC-to-AC
converter before they are progressed into circulation
electrical cables. Before the power can get to the private and
business structures, it must be 'weakened' and appropriated.
This weakening happens in light of the fact that the power in
the transmission lines is far too substantial to possibly be
utilized by ordinary family machines. Along these lines, a
bit of gear called a 'transformer' is utilized to step the shut
down to a voltage that general machines can utilize [11].
These transformers are held in a 'substation', which takes in
a wide range of high voltage lines and parts them up into a
bigger number of lower voltage lines. There are wide ranges
of voltages that the substations 'venture down'. The higher
the voltage, the more drawn out separation is can travel. In
this way, there are different 'advance down's that the power
must take as it goes from a transmission li ne to the
dissemination lines. From the substation, the lines at that
point go to the different houses and structures that are
associated with the power network each with their own
particular voltage meter to quantify their capacity use [11].

SMART GRID 1
III. Working Principle of smart grid
In this modern generation, electric energy system is facing a
radical transformation problem and loss of energy is also a
common problem for any information and communication
system. Therefore to avoid this type of issues the smart grid
was developed and it is essential that produce simple
integration and reliable services to customers [12]. A smart
grid technology is defined as self- services electricity system
which is completely based on the fundamental concept of
the digital automation process. The main advantage of this
technology is that it can determine the solution of any
problem in very less time which can decrease workforce and
this system can provide reliable, safe, and high-quality
services to all customers [13]. It is a combination of electric
networks and digital technology and it has the ability to
produce electricity from various resources, for example,
solar system, wind turbine process, and from hybrid electric
vehicles. The smart grid alludes to a propelled power supply
bond which keeps running from a noteworthy power plant to
the distance inside your home. For instance, there are many
power plants in the United States and these power plants
create power by utilizing the breeze vitality, atomic vitality,
hydro, gaseous petrol and from different assets. These
delivering stations create power at a settled electrical
voltage and this specific level of voltage is improved to high
voltages with the goal that the power transmission's
productivity is upgraded over long separations [14].
Figure: Working principle of smart grid
(Source: Mahmood, Javaid and Razzaq, 2015)
It is a process which enables two-way communications
between electric power systems and customers. In which
information of any consumer is detected by various electric
power organizations in order to deliver more efficient
energy networks. In addition to improving the performance
of any power plan this technology also control and monitor
demand for power and distributed energy systems [15]. A
smart meter is used in this system and it controls the flow of
electric energy from one device to another and also
decreases carbon dioxide emission. It provides electric
energy from supplier to customer with the help of digital
innovation system that decreases cost and improves
transparency. Power distributed grids are used in smart grid
system by which electric energy transfer from supplier to
various home appliances.
Figure: Smart Grid Components
(Source: Mahmood, Javaid and Razzaq, 2015)
IV. Principal Characteristics of the Smart Grid:
 Empowers dynamic support by buyers—Consumer
decisions and expanded association with the
framework bring substantial advantages to both the
lattice and the earth while diminishing the cost of
conveyed power. Accommodates all age and
capacity alternatives—Diverse assets with "fitting
and-play" associations increase the alternatives for
electrical age and capacity, including new open
doors for more effective, cleaner control generation
[15].
 Enables new items, administrations, and markets—
The network's open-get to showcase uncovers
squander furthermore, wastefulness and helps drive
them out of the framework while offering new
shopper decisions, for example, green power items
and another age of electric vehicles. Decreased
transmission blockage additionally prompts more
effective power markets.
 Provides control quality for the computerized
economy—Digital-review control quality for the
individuals who require it maintains a strategic
distance from creation and efficiency misfortunes,
particularly in computerized gadget situations [16].
 Optimizes resource usage and works proficiently—
Desired usefulness at least cost guides tasks and
permits more full usage of advantages. More
focused on and productive grid maintenance
programs result in fewer hardware disappointments
and more secure tasks.
 Anticipates and reacts to framework aggravations
(self-mends) — The shrewd lattice will perform
constant self-appraisals to recognize, investigate,
react to, and as required, re-establish framework
parts or system areas.

SMART GRID 2
 Operates versatility against assault and cataclysmic
event—The lattice discourages or withstands the
physical or digital assault and enhances open
wellbeing [17].
Smart grid involve various technologies and system which
are describing below
A. Intelligent Appliances
It has the capability to decide the level of the consumer into
various electric energy systems and it reduced the value of
peak loads that impact on the cost of electricity generation.
There are various sensors used in the smart grid, for
example, a smart sensor, and temperature sensor which are
used to control the temperature of smart grids [18].
B. Smart Power Meter
It is very significant portion of any smart grid which is used
to produce two-way interactions between the power provider
and users. It can be used to control and monitor the flow of
electricity and people can transfer power energy from one
device to another [18].
C. Smart Substations
The main purpose of the smart substation is that it can
control both non-critical and critical operational data for
example power factors, security, and transformer status. The
main advantage of this system is the transformation process
by which people can share power supply from one device to
another.
D. Superconducting cables
These types of cables are used to produce long-distance
transmission system and it has the capability to detect faults
in power systems [19]. It is completely based on the real-
time data which is used in smart grids to avoid loss of
signals.
E. Integrated communication
The main key of any smart grid system is an integrated
communication process and it is a very fast process rather
than the real-time system. There are various kinds of
technologies are used in this process, for example, PLC,
wireless networks, SCADA, programming language, Kiel
software, and BPL [20].
F. Intelligent monitoring system
The main aim of this scheme into smart grid is that it can
track the flow of electric energy into various power
networks. It uses superconductive cables that can decrease
power loss and improve the performance of electric
networks.
V. Before Smart Grid
Before smart grid, electric grids and traditional power grids
are used and it reduced various drawbacks of electric grids.
An electric grid is defined as an interconnecting process
which is used to produce electricity [21]. This type of grid
consists of three systems such as generating station, large
voltage transmission cables, and distribution lines.
Generating stations are used to generate electric powers
from power plants and transmission lines are used to
produce a communication platform between the power
system and consumers [22]. Distributed lines play a
significant role in electric grids which re used to that
connect two or more electric consumers at a time and it also
distributes eclectic energy from one device to another
device. This is a manually operating system which cannot be
sued for long distance communication and it is less secure
rather than the smart grid. Traditional control grids are
utilized to the interrelated number of power systems like
transmission cables, smart meters, and distributed substance
[23]. It is one of the oldest technologies to transfer electric
energy from power resources to consumers and the main
drawback of this technology is that it is a very less efficient
process. It uses an electromechanical process that means it
uses various mechanical devices which are controlled by
electric energy. This technology does not provide
communication between devices and consumer; therefore, it
is not as popular as compared to the smart grid. It is a
completely manual operating process in which data or signal
may be lost and it is also a one-way communication process
which does not provide a feedback system. Electrical
framework or power lattice is characterized as the system
which interconnects the age, transmission and circulation
unit. It supplies the electrical power from producing unit to
the circulation unit. A lot of intensity is transmitted from the
creating station to stack focus at 220kV or higher [24]. The
system shape by these high voltage lines is known as the
superlative. The super matrix encourages the sub-
transmission to arrange to work at 132kV or less.
Figure: fundamental systems of smart grid
(Source: Mahmood, Javaid and Razzaq, 2015)
VI. Difference between Traditional Power Grid and
Smart Grid
The traditional grid is defined as the interconnection process
for different power systems, for example, power
transmission, transmission substations, synchronous
machines, various kinds of loads, and transmission lines.