Abstract
The “smart grid” is often raised as a panacea for the use of variable renewable energy sources in the electricity network. In this chapter we discuss the smart grid vision along with the benefits and possible risks. Current electricity transmission systems use what is called a SCADA system to monitor and control the transmission network from the generator to the distribution network substation. The system detects the need for any increase or reduction in generating resources and responds to system instabilities. These SCADA systems are relatively slow (they can take several seconds to respond) and have limited or no visibility in the distribution network beyond the substation.
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Notes
- 1.
Supervisory control and data acquisition.
References
US Government Accountability Office (2011) Electricity grid modernization. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11117.pdf. Accessed 13 Sept 2011
US DOE (2010) The smart grid: an estimation of the energy and CO2 benefits. http://energyenvironment.pnl.gov/news/pdf/PNNL-19112_Revision_1_Final.pdf. Accessed 25 July 2011
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London
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Nicholson, M. (2012). Smart Grids. In: The Power Makers' Challenge. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2813-7_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2813-7_22
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