Smart grid

About: Smart grid is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 37536 publications have been published within this topic receiving 627844 citations. The topic is also known as: intelligent grid.

Incentive-Based Energy Consumption Scheduling Algorithms for the Smart Grid

Abstract: In this paper, we study Demand Response (DR) problematics for different levels of information sharing in a smart grid. We propose a dynamic pricing scheme incentivizing consumers to achieve an aggregate load profile suitable for utilities, and study how close they can get to an ideal flat profile depending on how much information they share. When customers can share all their load profiles, we provide a distributed algorithm, set up as a cooperative game between consumers, which significantly reduces the total cost and peak-to-average ratio (PAR) of the system. In the absence of full information sharing (for reasons of privacy), when users have only access to the instantaneous total load on the grid, we provide distributed stochastic strategies that successfully exploit this information to improve the overall load profile. Simulation results confirm that these solutions efficiently benefit from information sharing within the grid and reduce both the total cost and PAR.

Applicability of Solid-State Transformers in Today’s and Future Distribution Grids

Abstract: Solid-state transformers (SSTs) are power electronic converters that provide isolation between a medium-voltage and a low-voltage (LV) system using medium-frequency transformers. The power electronic stages enable full-range control of the terminal voltages and currents and hence of the active and reactive power flows. Thus, SSTs are envisioned as key components of a smart grid. Various SST concepts have been proposed and analyzed in literature concerning technical aspects. However, several issues could potentially limit the applicability of SSTs in distribution grids. Therefore, this paper discusses four essential challenges in detail. It is found that SSTs are less efficient than low-frequency transformers (LFTs), yet their prospective prices are significantly higher. Furthermore, SSTs are not compatible with the protection schemes employed in today’s LV grids, i.e., they are not drop-in replacements for LFTs. The limited voltage control range typically required in distribution grids can be provided by competing solutions, which do not involve power electronics (e.g., LFTs with tap changers), or by hybrid transformers, where the comparably inefficient power electronic stage processes only a fraction of the total power. Finally, potential application scenarios of SSTs (ac-dc, dc-dc, weight/space limited applications) are discussed. All considerations are distilled into an applicability flowchart for SST technology.

A Survey on Energy Internet: Architecture, Approach, and Emerging Technologies

Abstract: Energy crisis and carbon emission have become two seriously concerned issues universally. As a feasible solution, Energy Internet (EI) has aroused global concern once proposed. EI is a new power generation developing a vision of evolution of smart grids into the Internet. The communication infrastructure is an essential component to the implementation of EI. A scalable and permanent communication infrastructure is crucial in both construction and operation of EI. In this paper, we present an introduction and the motivation to the evolution from smart grid to EI. We also introduce a representative EI architecture, i.e., the future renewable electric energy delivery and management system. Four critical EI features are emphasized. Then, we summarize the essential requirements that EI systems have to meet. With several key supporting technologies, EI shall realize the optimal utilization of highly scalable and distributed green energy resources, so that the situation of severe energy source crisis and carbon emission can be efficiently relieved. Since an EI system might have extensively distributed consumers and devices, the guarantee of its reliability and security is extremely significant. The further specific exploration for challenges, including reliability and security, will be stated in this paper.

Coupon Incentive-Based Demand Response: Theory and Case Study

Abstract: This paper presents the formulation and critical assessment of a novel type of demand response (DR) program targeting retail customers (such as small/medium size commercial, industrial, and residential customers) who are equipped with smart meters yet still face a flat rate. Enabled by pervasive mobile communication capabilities and smart grid technologies, load serving entities (LSEs) could offer retail customers coupon incentives via near-real-time information networks to induce demand response for a future period of time in anticipation of intermittent generation ramping and/or price spikes. This scheme is referred to as coupon incentive-based demand response (CIDR). In contrast to the real-time pricing or peak load pricing DR programs, CIDR continues to offer a flat rate to retail customers and also provides them with voluntary incentives to induce demand response. Theoretical analysis shows the benefits of the proposed scheme in terms of social welfare, consumer surplus, LSE profit, the robustness of the retail electricity rate, and readiness for implementation. The pros and cons are discussed in comparison with existing DR programs. Numerical illustration is performed based on realistic supply and demand data obtained from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).