Question

Advance networking

Smart Grid and the importance of the networking component--Explain the proposed network architecture of the Smart Grid and the stated benefits to the U.S.

Answer 1

You can define Smart grid as an electric system that uses information, two-way, cyber-secure communication technologies, and computational intelligence in an integrated fashion from the generation to the endpoints of consumption.

Figure above is the proposed network architecture

The communications cloud represents the communications networks that connect logical devices in the smart grid.

These communications networks may reside within a domain or cross-domain boundaries. The communications network may carry grid related data only or may be a general-purpose network carrying grid data along with generic data.

The choice of what type of network is needed to support a particular smart grid function shall be driven by the requirements of that function.

Benefits of Smart Grid

• Integrate isolated technologies: smart grid enables better energy management
• Protective management of electrical network during an emergency situation
• Better demand, supply/ demand response
• Better power quality
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Increased demand for energy: Requires more complex and critical solutions with better energy management
• Renewables Integration