1. EE362G Smart Grids: Introduction
Ross Baldick, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Spring 2019
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2. Outline Definition of smart grid. Course overview. Homework exercise.
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3. 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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4. Schematic of power grid.
Bulk generation
Distribution
substations
Distributed
generation
Transmission
system
End-use
End-use
Distribution
system
Distribution
substations
Distribution
feeders
Distributed
generation
End-use
End-use
End-use
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5. 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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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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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