The Architecture of future grid- Smart Grid/Smart-Mini Grid/Micro-Grid

Smart Grid

Smart grid is an intelligent future grid that applies digital information technology to optimize electrical power generation, and delivery to the end users. The basic principles of smart grid is that it allows for dynamic communication and balancing of the electricity network, thus lowering the overall cost of energy, minimizing losses and increasing the stability of the grid. It has the ability to quickly and flexibly reconfigure an interconnected network of feeders through distribution automation.

Smart Mini-Grid/Micro-Grid

Smart mini-grid or micro-grid is a subset of smart grid. Smart mini-grid/micro-grid could be defined as the application of digital technology to optimize electrical power generation; its delivery and ultimately its end-uses within the domain of mini-grid.Smart mini-grid/micro-grid is an integrated energy system that consists of (i) variable loads which are connected to the distribution grid, (ii) diverse range of small, local generators based on distributed energy resources, for example, SPV, wind, storage system, and (iii) control and power conditioning systems.

Energy is the key to economic development and sustenance of future India. Energy demand in India is ever increasing and expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% over the next 10 years. Currently, the supply of energy to satisfy this ever increasing demand is a challenge. Spiraling power and energy demand, huge Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses, etc are affecting the reliability and efficiency of the existing grid network and thus managing the existing grid has become one of the major concerns for the relevant authorities.

With the depleting resources, the need of the day is to meet the ever increasing demand of the energy through innovative means of strengthening the grid infrastructure i.e. through Smart Grid. The major driving force for altering the existing power grid and moving towards smart grid is (i) increasing reliability, efficiency and safety of the power grid (ii) enabling decentralized power generation (solar, wind, biomass etc) so that the consumer can be an energy supplier as well as a user (iii) flexibility to power consumption at the consumer site as well as at the energy supply site. A smart grid includes diverse and distributed energy sources and it brings all elements of the electricity system- generation, delivery and consumption- together to improve overall system operations for the benefits of all.