Technologies used in Smart grids for power distribution

TELKOMNIKA Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering
Vol. 16, No. 2, November 2015, pp. 232 ~ 237
DOI: 10.11591/telkomnika.v15i3.9045  232
Received August 21, 2015; Revised October 10, 2015; Accepted October 21, 2015
Technologies Used in Smart Grid to Implement Power
Distribution System
Raja Masood Larik*, Mohd Wazir Mustafa
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia
Corresponding author, email: rmlarik@gmail.com, wazir@fke.utm.my
Abstract
Recently, the debate has been going on about the role of power plus distribution systems, its
technologies for future smart grids in power systems. The emerging of new technologies in smart grid and
power distribution systems provide a significant change in terms of reduction the commercial and technical
losses; improve the rationalization of electricity tariff. The new technologies in smart grid systemshave
different capabilities to increase the technological efficiency in power distribution systems. These new
technologies are the foreseeable solution to address the power system issues. This paper gives a brief
detail of new technologies in smart grid systems forits power distribution systems, benefits and recent
challenges. The paper provides a brief detail for new researchers and engineers about new technologies
in smart grid systems and how to change traditional distribution systems into new smart systems.
Keywords: smart grid, distribution system, technologies, power systems
Copyright © 2015 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
New technologies have been tremendously implemented in every field of life and
change the technical and operational concepts such as in health, transportation, agriculture,
military, industries and power systems [1-3]. In the field of electricity,the wide range of
technologies have been developed to cope power efficiencyfor industrial, commercial and
residential sectors. In many countries, the electric power distribution network considered as a
complex system due to poor visibility, lack of automated analysis and awareness, slow
mechanical switching system, etc. These deficiencies lead to blackout and instability in power
distribution systems. There are some other inhibiting factors are involved such as growing
population, global climate change, capacity limitations. The new smart grid infrastructure
requires to address these challenges.The smart grid has emerged with new concept of next
generations electric power systems.These smart technologies help to face the next generation
challenges of electric power sector and improved reliability, efficiency, and safety through
advance automated control and communication.The core power engineering principles coupled
with various technologies in smart grid such as smart metering,smart transmissions and power
distributions, automation, system optimization, real-time control.The main roles of these
technologies in smart grid or power distribution system are smart metering, low-cost
communication system, distribution of energy resources and automation. Many projects have
been implemented and play a potential role such as use of broadband for communication for
distribution applications [4], distributed generation and storage[5], closed loop system using
advanced protection [6]. However, these examples are based on single technology in isolation
instead of combinedtechnologies solution in smart grid.
This paper main aims to discuss the smart grid systems in the power distribution system
its implementation and design requirements. The paper also discussed the existing projects
related with power distribution systems and smart grid integration. The main objective of paper
as follows:
1. Paper highlights the technologies in smart grid and its power distribution systems.
2. The related work with existing projects in the field presents the clear understanding
of smart grid and its related technologies.
3. The paper provides a clear understanding of technologies and smart grid
operations for future researchers.

TELKOMNIKA ISSN: 2302-4046 
Technologies Used in Smart Grid to Implement Power Distribution System (Raja Masood Larik)
233
The remaining paper is organized as follows: section 2 discussed the related work
about smart grids in power systems. The detail discussion on smart grids its power distribution
systems, technologies in smart grid systems plus integration of smart grid presented in section
3. The last section concluded the paper with future work.
2. Related Work
Various studies have been conducted on smart grids in power systems. In this section,
we discuss widely developed projects related with smart grids in power distribution systems. In
2001, the Intel-LiGrid developed an infrastructure for power distributionand integrated with other
technologies. This system combined with computing, communication, and electronics
technologies for better efficient energy distribution operations. The main objective of this
infrastructure is providing the facilities to power transformation, cost efficient network, high-
quality services, reliable and secure products. The IntelliGrid architecture is based on different
projects such as FSM (fast simulation and modeling), DER (distribution energy resources),
monitoring system and consumer portal [7]. Advanced distribution automation is another project
for creates the distribution systems. It is based on flexible and automated electric system, which
handles through open architecture control and communications system. The system has
capabilities to provide capacity utilization, customer services options and reliability. The system
performance is better in terms of operating costs, storage, distributed generation, restoration
time and customer services. In 2005, USA established another modern grid for energy reliability
and delivery. Through this program, the grid has new features and services with innovative
technologies. The intent of this approach is to accelerate the power grids and nation to modern
grids and established the value of developing an integrated suit. The system gives a clear path
and offer convincing benefits.
Another effort by U.S department of energy was deployed called GridWise for future
power delivery systems [8]. The system main aims to renovate the two-way flow of information
and electricity operations in distribution grid operations. The system improves the end user
operations and electricity system for customers and suppliers. The smart grid monitoring
devices coupled with diagnostic tools and provides maintenance information. In 2005, GridApps
formed by concurrent technologies corporation with utility technologies for electric distribution
and transmission operations [9]. The technologies in GridApps are categorized into three
typesmanagement and monitoring, new devices and system integration. GridWorks is another
new program for electricity deliveryto improve the consistency of the system by transformation
of important grid mechanisms such as conductors, different types of cables, protective and
substations, etc. [9]. The main objective of the system is to enhancingand acceleratingthe
existing power systems and improves their efficiency.GridWorksalso takelong term actionsfor
adopting new tremendous technologies, approaches and tools. Some other coordinations are
also possible including electric distribution, transmission reliability, energy storage devices and
GridWise systems. The project DV (distribution vision) 2010, is a combination ofhigh-speed
communication, intelligent controllers, and reconfigured feeders and switching devices. Through
this system, the customers evadedisruptionsof feeder errors. It is not functional in all feeders
somewhat it was used to make premium operating districts surveying consumersfor quality
services.
The above discussed projects have positive impact on power distribution systems. The
distributions system are designed to satisfy the consumers electricity needs and requirements.
Around 80%, the power interruptions are related with distribution systems. The smart grid
systems have advanced metering and billing approaches, demand side management, cost
effectiveness, energy storage, congestion management, decision support, forecast and human
interfaces, etc.
3. Smart Grid in Power Distribution Systems
The traditional electricity distribution system has many challenges to enhance its
functionality and compete with the market. One of the main challenges is how to improve
capability and amount of distribution generation and develop electricity market at customer
level. The second challenge is providing safe and cost effective electric distribution network.
Traditionally power generation considered as an independent process. To address these

 ISSN: 2302-4046
TELKOMNIKA Vol. 16, No. 2, November 2015 : 232 – 237
234
challenges, smart grid is a novel solution of future infrastructure.The smart grid is modernization
system for traditional electric distribution system. It is used to monitor, protect and auto optimize
the electric operations from high voltage network to distributed system. The smart grid is a
combination of information and communication technologies, distribution and transmission
system. The Figure 1, shows the smart grid delivers to consumers with two-way technologies.
The emerging concept of smart grid incorporates a plethora of applications such as utilities to
integrate, intelligently control innovations, etc.
Figure 1. Smart Grid Structure
The smart grid is capable to provide efficient and reliable waytothe power supply with
an extensive range of applications andtransmission, distribution plus power consumption. Smart
grid replygrid, occursanywheresuch as in case of medium voltage transformer failure and
automatically divert the power flow and services. The existing traditional grids are under
pressure and faced diversified issues. There are many differences between traditional and
smart grids such as two way operations instead of one way operations, self-monitoring
capabilities, cyber secure communication, computational intelligence, safe, cost-effective
environment. Number of literature discussed the positive features of smart grid for power
systems [10-13]. Table 1 shows the comparison of existing traditional grids and smart grids.
Table 1. Traditional and smart grid Comparison
S/No Smart Grid Traditional Grid
1 Digital operations Electromechanical operations
2 Two-way communication One way communication
3 Distributed generation Centralized generation
4 Pervasive control Limited control
5 High quality services Moderate
6 Adaptive Failures and blackouts
7 Self-monitoring Manual Monitoring
8 Manual restoration Self-healing
3.1. Smart Grid Technologies and Distribution System Design
After a detail discussion of smart grid benefits, it is significant to discuss thesmart grid
technologies implications in the distribution system. The important point is that the basic layout
and topologyof smart grid matched with traditional grid systems. To clarifying this point, there is
a need to examine some design implications for these technologies. The smart grid system
offered digital metering with two-way communications capabilities. These digital meters have
remotely operation capabilitiesto control voltage and current with record waveforms, real-time
rate structures. Furthermore, these new meters are deployed in same traditional meter places
without any design implications. In addition, smart meters have more data for processing and
lead to efficient asset management operations [14]. The main difference between traditional and

235
smart meters isits real time unit recording,balancing ofload during distribution operations, enable
automatic demand and response. In the context of design, it is highestin demand per customer
due to low voltage and less wire. Figure 2 shows the smart power meter.
Figure 2. Smart Power Meter
The distribution automation is used for controlling and monitoring the functions on the
feeder. In the design perspective, the significant point is its distribution automation especially in
terms of switching and protection. The devices for distribution automation are cost effective with
intelligent mode.These devices can interrupt faults and monitorscurrent plus voltage moreover
reconfigure automatically and achieve goals. The key component of the smart grid is
reconfiguring the interconnected networksof feeders. This fact enables through distribution
automation with the help of distribution components with enough transfer capacity. Most of the
distribution systems are based on single and three phase feeders. The main trunk transmits
power far from the substationthroughcenter of feeder area and used single phase for making
connection with main trunk to consumer locations. The smart grid do not uses to connect
withsubstations to customers in less price, instead it is used to enable the system with flexibility
and reconfiguration capability.
Distribution energy resources are based on small sources in terms of storage and
connected with distribution system. In low level penetration and in peak demands, the
distribution energy resources have not a large effect on system design. Smart grid system has
flexible capability with large sources of distribution energy resources. If supply system start to
resemble with a small transmission system, it has some design issues like fault current duty
andnon-radial power. Some other challenges are also link with the capacity of distribution
system and electrical island operations.The distribution system ability is to reliving best power
flow constraints and behave like a virtual power plant [15].
3.2 Integration of Smart Grid
The smart grid system assimilates the functions of metering infrastructure, distribution
automation, and distribution energy resources. The most of the functions are related with
communication systems such as information technology systems, processes. After the
implementation of smart grid in power distribution system, it will look like mesh interconnected
network. The smart grid is operated radially to transmission system but non-radially with
distribution energy system. The protection mechanism is smarter in this backbone
interconnected network and ensurescoordination. Currently, the distribution systems are
designed for power delivery but in smart grids the delivery design are more cost-effective,
reliable and flexible and fulfill the customer need and choice. Figure 3 shows the smart grid
integration with distribution systems.
There is no doubt about smart grid capabilities and better services in power systems.
These technologies provide innovation to achieve affordable, sustainable and reliable power
distribution. The smart transmission grids increase the flexibility in operations and expansions
and allow the embedded intelligence. Table 2 shows some smart grids projects with description.

 ISSN: 2302-4046
TELKOMNIKA Vol. 16, No. 2, November 2015 : 232 – 237
236
Figure 3. Smart Grid in Distribution system
Table 2. Smart Grid Projects
S/No Project Name Organization Period Description category
1 ACEA (Rome)[16] AceaDistribuzione From
2004
This is advanced metering project
for improve energy operations with
high accuracy and monitoring
features.
Smart
Metering
2 Phasor measurement
unit project [17]
American
trsmissioncompany
2010-
2012
It is fiber optic high speed
communication system to
maximize the competence of
phasor measurement network.
Transmission
Grid
3 EU-DEEP[18] GDF Suez 2004-
2009
It was used for utilities and
address the technical and non-
technical errors of deployment and
distributed energy resources in
Europe.
Distributed
resources
4 Large scale
demonstration of
charging electric
vehicles [18]
ChoosEV A/S 2011-
2013
It is used to investigate the
possible charging of moving
vehicles.
Integrated
system
5 Grid4EU[18] ERDF 2011-
2015
It aim is to test the real size
innovative system concepts and
technologies for remove barriers.
Integrated
system
4. Conclusion
The traditional power distribution systems have been faced many services and
operational challenges. The new smart grid system changed the traditional systems operations
and enhances their capabilities with the advanced metering system, communications systems
and storage distribution. To implement smart grid systems, the distribution system is reliable
with high-quality services and safe from cyber-attacks. The new technologies in smart grid
perform cost effective self-healing, low cost operations and offer a variety of services choices to
customers. In this paper, we discussed that how the traditional distribution system will adopt the
smart grid system without major changings. The smart grid will change the distribution systems
without major modifications. Smart grid systems develop a new attractive vision and easily
transform the traditional distribution systems.
References
[1] KN Qureshi, AH Abdullah. Localization-Based System Challenges in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks:
Survey. Smart Computing Review. 2014; 4: 515-528.
[2] KN Qureshi, AH Abdullah. Adaptation of Wireless Sensor Network in Industries and Their
Architecture, Standards and Applications. World Applied Sciences Journal. 2014; 30: 1218-1223.
[3] KN Qureshi, AH Abdullah. A survey on intelligent transportation systems. Middle-East Journal of
Scientific Research. 2013; 15: 629-642.
[4] T Willie. Broadband over power lines. In Power Line Communications and Its Applications, 2006 IEEE
International Symposium. 2006: 1-1.

237
[5] MS Jimenez, N Hatziargyriou. Research activities in Europe on integration of distributed energy
resources in the electricity networks of the future. In Power Engineering Society General Meeting,
2006. IEEE. 2006: 4.
[6] R Fanning. Distribution Vision 2010: planning for automation. In Power Systems Conference and
Exposition, 2004. IEEE PES. 2004: 1692-1693.
[7] NRECA. Report on industry research efforts.
[8] WS Baer, B Fulton, S Mahnovski. Estimating the benefits of the GridWise initiative. DTIC Document.
2004.
[9] R Hassan, G Radman. Survey on smart grid. In IEEE SoutheastCon 2010 (SoutheastCon),
Proceedings of the. 2010: 210-213.
[10] B Akyol, H Kirkham, S Clements, M Hadley. A survey of wireless communications for the electric
power system. Prepared for the US Department of Energy. 2010.
[11] T Baumeister. Literature review on smart grid cyber security. Collaborative Software Development
Laboratory at the University of Hawaii. 2010.
[12] JN Bharothu, M Sridhar, RS Rao. A literature survey report on Smart Grid technologies. In Smart
Electric Grid (ISEG), 2014 International Conference. 2014: 1-8.
[13] W Wang, Z Lu. Cyber security in the Smart Grid: Survey and challenges. Computer Networks. 2013;
57: 1344-1371.
[14] D Backer. Power Quality and Asset Management The Other" Two-Thirds" of AMI Value. In Rural
Electric Power Conference, 2007 IEEE. 2007: 6-8.
[15] D Pudjianto, C Ramsay, G Strbac. Virtual power plant and system integration of distributed energy
resources. Renewable power generation, IET. 2007; 1: 10-16.
[16] Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse. http://www.sgiclearinghouse.org.
[17] X Fang, S Misra, G Xue, D Yang. Smart grid—The new and improved power grid: A survey.
Communications Surveys & Tutorials, IEEE. 2012; 14: 944-980.
[18] V Giordano, F Gangale, G Fulli, MS Jiménez, I Onyeji, A Colta, et al. Smart Grid projects in Europe:
lessons learned and current developments. Citeseer. 2011.

Technologies used in Smart grids for power distribution

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to Technologies used in Smart grids for power distribution (20)

More from Raja Larik (6)

Technologies used in Smart grids for power distribution