EE362G Smart Grids:
Introduction
Ross Baldick,
Department of
Electrical and
Computer
Engineering
Spring 2019
Copyright © 2019 Ross Baldick 1
Outline
Definition of smart grid.
Course overview.
Homework exercise.
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Definition of smart
grid.
Application of information and communication
technologies (ICT) to the power grid.
Smart grid discussions are often focused on
the distribution system,
Consistent with the US Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2017, we will initially take
a more expansive definition of “grid:”
Include transmission and generation,
Include end-use of electricity.
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Schematic of power
grid.
Bulk generation Distribution
substations
Distributed
Transmission generation
system
End-use
End-use
Distribution
Distribution Distribution system
substations feeders
End-use End-use End-use Distributed
Copyright © 2019 Baldick
generation4
Definition of smart
grid.
Long-standing applications of ICT to the
generation and transmission system include:
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) Systems, which provide telemetry of
generation and transmission data and control of
bulk generation and transmission assets
(beginning 1970s),
Energy Management Systems (EMS), including
Independent System Operator EMS in
restructured markets.
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Definition of smart
grid.
More recent additions to transmission
system monitoring:
Phasor measurement units,
Telemetry of temperature and related
measurements of transmission lines.
Generation and transmission-related
ICT is not typically obvious to end-
users.
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Definition of smart
grid.
Smart grid has received considerable hype:
Particularly regarding end-user implications.
We will endeavor to clarify various concepts:
smart grid,
self-healing grid,
microgrid,
digital grid.
Evaluate costs and benefits.
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Course overview.
Generation and transmission system:
Smart operations of existing system.
Phasor measurement units.
Ancillary services.
Human factors.
Smart distribution grid:
Architecture.
Austin Energy.
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Course overview,
continued.
Distribution systems and automation:
Ecosystem of smart grid.
Power quality.
Advanced hardware.
Advanced metering.
Application functions.
Storage.
Retail.
Rates and pricing.
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Course overview,
continued.
End-use:
Residential electricity and gas.
Distributed solar.
Electric vehicles.
Contrarian view.
Course material presented by industry
experts volunteering their time to
prepare material and teach classes.
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Homework Exercise:
Due Thursday, Jan.
31.
1 a) Without looking at a dictionary or a search engine, define what you
would mean by “self-healing.” You might use an example in terms of
healing of a cut or wound, but try to make the definition generic.
b) Use a search engine to obtain a definition of “self-healing grid.” Avoid
circular or self-referential definitions such as “a self-healing grid is a grid
that can heal itself.” Define specifically what is meant by the webpages
that refer to self-healing grid.
c) Compare the two meanings of self-healing. Is the definition of self-
healing grid a reasonable one, given your prior understanding (as
described in part a)) of what it generically means to be self-healing.
d) Find as many definitions as you can of:
(i) smart grid,
(ii) microgrid,
(iii) digital grid.
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