What is the benefit of Smart Grid over Electrical Grid? What is Smart grid

We all are absolutely sure about electricity flows. It flows from a generating station to a distribution station for supplying electricity to machines and home appliances. To provide electricity to consumers, a well-structured infrastructure is required. 

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The term "electrical grid" refers to the infrastructure that helps in transmitting electricity from the power station to cities. 

Electrical grid

Today, you will learn about the electrical grid and smart grid. 

Understanding the Electrical grid☝ 

what is an electrical grid?

Definition: Electrical grid can withstand a high range of voltages, from low to super-high. In industries, the electrical grid is considered an infinite load because it can withstand even at super-high voltage.

In India, there are five regional electrical grids supplying power. The size of the electrical grid or power grid will be determined by its operating voltage rating.

Electrical grids or power grids are combined with these 4 sections. 

  1. Power Generation
  2. Power Transmission
  3. Substation
  4. Power Distribution

However, this is regarded as an outdated electrical grid. These four sections are necessary to meet consumer demand. 


Each grid is represented by a section. For example., The generation part of the power grid represents power generation. The transmission part represents the transmission portion of the power grid. Power distribution represents the distribution portion of the power grid.

Here I explained Each section of the electrical grid. So you can post a comment. 

Power Generation system

The term "power generation system" refers to a generating station or a generating plant, and it is also known as a power plant or a power station.

Electricity is generated at generating stations that are situated near the energy source but far from the consumer. It comprises an electric alternator or generator that converts one form of energy into electrical energy. 

The generator or alternator spins the rotor and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Power stations generate alternating current (AC) and Direct current(DC). They consume either renewable or non-renewable resources. 

Non-renewable resource- oil, coal, and natural gases(Bio-gas) 

Renewable resource- Solar energy, Wind energy, Nuclear power.

Power Transmission 

The generated electricity must be delivered to the end-users through distribution substation. As a result, electrical power must travel.

A power transmission line was installed to solve this problem. Yes, transmission lines allow electricity to transport long distances. Power producers stringed power lines across the landscape to connect cities to power plants in order to transport electricity over long distances. 

Power lines are capable of carrying a large amount of electricity. Power lines connect the power station to the distribution station, over a long distance. 

Power lines are made of metals that conduct electricity well, such as aluminum and copper. Aluminum is a low-cost element that is always preferred by power producers for power lines. 

There are two types of power transmission lines: overhead and underground transmission lines.

Power Distribution system

Power distribution lines are capable of carrying medium or low voltage electricity, from a power distribution station to the end-users. It is the last stage of power transmission.

Industrial and domestic consumers receive the appropriate voltage from the distribution system. The distribution system is the final stage of power transmission and is located very close to the consumers.

The distribution system is divided into two categories: i) primary distribution systems and ii) secondary distribution systems.

Primary distribution systems have a voltage level of 4-33 Kv, while secondary distribution systems have a voltage level of 230-415 v.

The primary distribution system delivers power to industrial consumers, while the secondary distribution system delivers power to residential and commercial customers.

Substation

An electrical substation is a place where the voltage is control for transmission and distribution. Substation comprises isolators, circuit breakers, power transformers, or distribution transformers for transferring power in an effective manner.

A power transmission line requires high voltage for transmitting power. Distribution lines require medium or low voltage for power distribution.

The substation can be broadly classified into two based on its operation

  1. Transmission substation
  2. Distribution substation

The power transformer is a Step-up voltage transformer used in a distribution substation that increases the voltage enormously for transmitting power. 

The distribution transformer is a Step-down voltage transformer used in a distribution substation that decreases the voltage enormously for transmitting power to the consumers.

How does the electrical grid work?

Following the electricity generation, the voltage is stepped up using a step-up transformer at the 'transmission substation'. A high-voltage transmission line has the capacity to carry that stepped-up voltage produced by a step-up transformer, for long distances with minimal electrical and mechanical losses via overhead or underground transmission lines.

Once electricity reaches the destination distribution substation steps down the voltage level, and sends it to the consumers through distribution lines.

The primary and secondary distribution system provides power to industrial, commercial, and residential customers.

Electrical grid advantages

  • The electrical grid improved the reliability and efficiency of electricity flow. 
  • By utilizing this sharable electrical grid system, the cost of constructing a new transmission and distribution network for individual power stations is reduced.

Electrical grid's Disadvantages

  • This type of electrical grid did not provide real-time information on electricity production and consumption
  • Some of the electrical grid's infrastructure is outdated and it is not capable of competing for small-scale electricity generation technologies. 
  • Manpower is required to monitor power demand and consumption.

Overcoming the Disadvantage

To overcome this disadvantage power companies introduced the smart grid electrical system. 

Smart Grid 

A smart grid is simply an electrical grid that has been enhanced with information technology. The electrical grid is being transformed into an intelligent network by information technology.

The smart grid allows for real-time information about the production, consumption, and efficient incorporation of small-scale electricity generation sources.

The combination of information technology and electrical grid changes forms the automation substation. 

It is believed to be the smartest and most advanced. It is capable of providing real-time information through metering, monitoring, and controlling. This process aids in balancing supply and demand, increasing stability and safety, and maximizing the use of renewables.

How does a smart grid work?

Information technology helps in exchanging data from the consumer end to generation end. The components such as sensors and metering devices collect real-time data and send it to generating station through communication cable or wireless communication. This system is similar to artificial intelligence.

The data gathered by the smart grid helps to identify peak loads, off-peak load, load shedding, etc.

Smart grid advantage 

  • Human error and manpower can be avoided.
  • Accuracy in measurement helps power companies to generate accurate electricity. This reduces the cost of electricity generation.
  • A smart grid has the capacity to maintain many power sources.
  • Increases the effectiveness in load management.

Thank you/...


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