Smart Power Grids Explained

There has been a lot of talk lately about building up infrastructure

, investing in the future, and becoming more efficient as a nation. Along with that talk the term smart power grid has been thrown around a lot. So you just may be wondering just what a smart power grid is. Well a lot of people are wondering what it is and what the benefits are. So read on to learn all about smart power grids and what they can do.

What it is

At the most basic level a smart power grid uses computers and automation to provide power in a way that is the most efficient, reliable, flexible, cost effective, and sustainable. Complex computer systems monitor usage and direct power where it is needed when it is needed. This allows the grid to use less power as it is using it more efficiently. There is an increased up front cost associated with implementing a system of this kind, but the cost savings and efficiencies down the road more that make up for the initial investment that is required. The specifics of this type of system are explained in depth below.

More Reliable

The increased reliability of these systems is due in part to their ability to detect faults automatically and then self heal the network. This is all done automatically without the need for humans to do a thing. This strengthens the network in the face of natural disasters, accidents, and attacks to the grid. Another feature that makes them more reliable is multiple power routes. While current systems have multiple routes as well, smart systems are an improvement in that any section of the system can handle as much current as is needed, where the old systems would often fail under the increased load if some parts failed. This means that if one section of the grid fails, those around it are more than capable of shouldering the extra load.

More Efficiency

Smart power grids will also improve the efficiency of the system as well. Greater control over the system will make it better able to serve the needs of the demands and provide power where it is needed without overloading the system. One example would be a situation where part of the grid goes down on a hot summer day. Instead of the whole grid or large sections being brought down because of the failure, the network could throttle power consumption to keep the grid working. This could mean that air conditioning systems are turned up a few degrees until the problem is fixed, for example.

Increased Flexibility

These networks offer greater flexibility through the use of bi directional energy flow. This means that energy can flow both ways on the network. This means that any node on the grid can also add power to the grid, instead of just consuming it, as the current systems do. Energy could enter the grid from sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, energy generating roads, fuel cells, diesel generators, gasoline generators, and many others. Having multiple sources of power generation is a vast improvement over the old method of a few power stations producing most of the power, as this system is more prone to failures. For more information about Kohler Generator Set and Portable Generators, there is great information online.

by: Max Stanford

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