The Smart Grid

Introduction

The smart grid is an electricity transmission and distribution system that combines electric generation and distribution technologies with high-tech information and communications technologies. The benefits of a smart grid are many, although those who advocate its development are primarily concerned with developing an interactive electric transmission system that can facilitate the management, supply, demand, and distribution of electricity. Importantly, however, the development of a smart electric grid would allow for increased efficiencies in the production and consumption of electricity. It could also reduce the likelihood of transmission problems and blackouts and increase the flexibility in electricity distribution. In order to coordinate efforts in the intelligent network, management needs measures to tackle with the obstacles (Paul, Pp. 179). These measures will ensure the infrastructure of a smart grid, which will help to improve the levels of reliability and availability of distribution networks. It will also support in improving the rates of climate change and conducts global economic growth on track towards a "smarter planet".

Discussion

How it was Started?

The development of power grids started in the later part of the 18th century. It began in 1896, based to some extent on Nikola Tesla's design. The design was published in 1888. However, since the last 50 years, challenges and issues have not been met by the electricity networks such as threats pertaining to security, employment of power and its distribution, demand for power quality etc. As a result, the concept of Smart Grid came into being. The term Smart Grid is in use since the year 2005. Smart energy refers to the application of a broad range of new information and communications technologies to provide a more reliable and more efficient electric grid (Energy Business Reports, Pp. 163). The product of these efforts is commonly referred to as the “smart grid.” As currently envisioned, the transition to a smart grid system will require a dramatic shift from the long-standing centralized, producer-controlled network to one that is less centralized and more consumer-interactive. The process has drawn from various philosophies, concepts, and technologies which enabled the Internet.

Who Thought of it First?

It was George Westinghouse who improved the industry with the help of hydroelectric power plant in Niagra Falls. George Westinghouse was the first person who provided power over distant places, which extended the range of power plants. In addition, George proved electricity to be the most effective form of power transmission. As the utility business expanded, local grids grew increasingly interconnected, eventually forming the three national grids that provide power to nearly every denizen of the continental US. The Eastern Interconnect, the Western Interconnect, and the Texas Interconnect are linked themselves and form what we refer to as the Smart grid (Moslehi, Pp.118).

How it Came to be?

Electric power became commercialized in the beginning of the 20th century. The revolution of light bulb and the benefits of the electric motor increased the demand for electric power, which sparked the development and diffusion of an effective distribution network. At first, small utility companies provided power to local ...