The increasing complexity and management of power systems, increasing penetration level from renewable sources, growing demand and service-quality at reasonable price expectations in terms of system reliability, efficiency and security in addition to environmental energy sustainability issues, have triggered the evolution of smart grids.
Efficient and reliable end-to-end intelligent two-way delivery system from source to sink both electricity and information through integration of renewable energy sources, smart transmission & distribution system.
Such grids will be able to co‐ordinate the needs and capabilities of all generators, grid operators, distribution utilities, end users and electricity market stakeholders in such a way that it can optimise asset utilization, resource optimization, control and operation as well as reduction in losses. In the process, smart grids minimise costs, AT&C losses, improve energy efficiency and environmental impacts while maintaining system reliability with improved quality and customers participation in the energy efficiency measures. Technologies in the field of Monitoring & Measurements, Communication, Control & automation, Advanced meters, IT infrastructure, Energy Storage, renewable generation etc. have prominent role towards successful development of Smart Grid. In this way, Smart Grid shall bring efficiency and sustainability in our country, meeting the growing electricity demand with security, reliability, resilience, stability and best of the quality while reducing the electricity costs.
Benefits of Smart Grid:
1.Reduced operational cost &Increased employee safety
2.Increased revenue & Higher customer satisfaction
3.Reduced capital cost &Improved level of service with fewer inconveniences
4.Reduced out-of-pocket costs resulting from loss of power
5.Reduction in cost ultimately help keeping the prices of goods and services lower than they would be otherwise
6.Virtual elimination of blackouts & Improved infrastructure boosts economic development
7.Improved Economics & opportunities to leverage its resources and enter new markets
8.Increased revenues as theft of service is reduced
9.Improved cash flow from more efficient management of billing and revenue management processes
10.Increased capability, opportunity, and motivation to reduce consumption
Opportunities in Future:
Indian power system is facing high AT&C Losses, poor distribution network, wide demand – supply gap of energy, poor asset management etc. Smart grid technology will bring solutions to all of the mentioned problems and sustainability by way of demand side management, demand response, outage management, reduction in AT&C losses and improved customer satisfaction. Large investment is expected for Smart Grid Applications in distribution in 12th and 13th Plan, which will provide huge business prospects in coming years. POWERGRID is preparing/prepared report on overall distribution system improvement through smart grid technologies in Firozabad, Bidhuna, Shikohabad, Katra, Jammu-Gandhinagar, Charar-i-Sharief, Baghat, Gulmarg, Pahelgam, Chitradurga etc. This would facilitate business opportunity to the players in the field.
By
J.Saran Kumar
Categories:
TECHNICAL ARTICLES(session-2)
