Definition:
An electricity network enabling a two-way flow of electricity and data with digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in usage, improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
Key Components:
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Smart meters that track real-time energy usage.
- Grid Automation & Sensors: Detect faults and restore power automatically.
- Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Integration: Incorporates renewables and battery storage.
- Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Protects grid from cyber threats and failures.
Use Cases/Industries:
- Utilities & Energy Providers: Managing power flow dynamically.
- Industrial & Commercial Buildings: Optimizing energy consumption and backup power.
- Renewables Integration: Enhancing grid reliability with decentralized energy production.
Advantages:
- Improves Energy Efficiency: Reduces transmission losses and optimizes distribution.
- Enhances Resilience: Helps prevent power outages and cyber threats.
- Supports Decentralized Energy Systems: Enables seamless integration of solar, wind, and battery storage.
Challenges:
- High Implementation Costs: Requires significant grid infrastructure upgrades.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Smart grids collect and transmit consumer energy usage data.
Related Terms:
Grid Modernization, Energy Internet, Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
Example:
A utility upgraded to a smart grid, reducing outage durations by 40% and saving millions in operational costs.
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Synonyms:
Digital Power Grid, Intelligent Energy Network, Next-Generation Grid
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