Smart Grid

First, we need to understand the traditional electric grid:

Traditional Electric grid:

1.  Energy generation is done in centralized power plants.
2. The energy distribution is one-directional from the power plant to the homes or industries.
3. Monitoring and restoration of the grid is done manually 
4. Uni-directional communication.

Smart Grid:

Smart Grid is a modernized grid that enables bidirectional flows of energy and uses two-way communication and control capabilities that will lead to an array of new functionalities and applications.

1. Achieve high reliability in power systems.
2. A cyber-physical system equipped with sustainable models of energy production, distribution, and usage
3. The smart grid is also known as: 

             Electricity with brain

             The enery internet 

             The electronet 

Properties of Smart Grid 

1. Consumer Participation
2.  Real‐time monitoring of consumption
3. Control of smart appliances
4. Building Automation
5. Real‐time Pricing
6. Distributed Generation
7.  Integration of renewable energy resources
8.  Integration of micro‐grid
9.  Power System Efficiency
10.  Power Monitoring
11.  Asset Management and optimal utilizations
12.  Distribution Automation and Protection
13.  Power Quality
14.  Self‐Healing
15.  Frequency Monitoring and Control
16.  Load Forecasting
17.  Anticipation of Disturbances

Benefits of Customers

1.  Updated information on their energy usage in real‐time
2.  Enabling electric cars, smart appliances, and other smart devices to be charged
3.  Program the smart devices to run during off‐peak hours to lower energy bills
4.  Different pricing options

Benefits to Stakeholders

1. Increase grid reliability
2.  Reduce the frequency of power blackouts and brownouts
3.  Provide infrastructure for monitoring, analysis, and decision‐making
4. Reduce inefficiencies in energy delivery
5.  Integrate the sustainable resources of wind and solar alongside the main grid
6.  Improve management of distributed energy resources, including micro‐grid operations and storage management.

Smart Home

1: Smart home uses emerging smart grid technologies to save energy, seek out the lowest rates, and contribute to the smooth and efficient functioning of our electric grid

2: The interactive relationship between the grid operators, utilities, and consumers helps in proper functioning of smart grid technologies

3: Computerized controls in smart homes helps to minimize energy use at times when the power grid is under stress from high demand, or even to shift some of their power use to times when power is available at a lower cost, i.e., from onpeak hours to off‐peak hours.