Smart grid Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Smart grid - Research Paper Example Basically the smart grid is a set of technology that people are utilizing to get efficient electricity delivery systems into the current era of technology, by making use of information technology supported remote control and automation. Additionally, collaborative communication mode is used to make possible the computer processing that has been employed for decades in a number of other sectors. At the present, these technologies are being used on electricity networks, from wind farms all the way to the consumers of electricity in homes, the power plants and businesses. In fact, they present a wide variety of advantages and opportunities for services and end users and the majority of them are observed in huge improvements in energy effectiveness on the electricity network and in the energy users’ offices and homes. In this scenario, the term â€Å"grid† refers to the electricity networks that are used to transport electricity from the power plants where it is actually pr oduced for the end-users. Additionally, the grid encompasses a number of components such as substations, wires, switches, transformers, and much more. In short, the "smart grid" refers to an up-to-the-minute electrical power system that is demonstrated by the augmented consumption of information and communications technology in the current era, distribution and utilization of electrical energy (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012; IEEE, 2012). Many researchers and scientists believe that it is an incredible and a high-wire act. However, there is need ensuring almost perfect balance between electric supply and electric demand in order to offer proper functionality. In addition, there are many people who work in these centers all around the United States and they are there 24 hours, seven days a week in an attempt to confirm that takes place, as well as their responsibility is to work on a minute-by-minute basis. In this scenario, the smart grids are very helpful in maintaining that balan ce (Koerth-Baker, 2012). (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012) define smart grids by comparing it with a â€Å"smart† phone as they are known as a phone having a computer in it, in the same way smart grid is the process of â€Å"computerizing† or automating the electric utility grid. Basically, it can be accomplished by incorporating mutual digital communication technology to devices linked with the grid. In this scenario, each device that is the part of the grid can be assigned sensors to collect data (such as voltage sensors, power meters, fault detectors, etc.), and the incorporation of mutual digital communication between the devices connected to the grid and the service center’s network operations. In addition, the most important function of the smart grid is to provide the automation technology that allows the service center regulate and manage each and every device that is the part of the network or even millions of devices from a central position (U.S. Depar tment of Energy, 2012). According to (LaMonica, 2009) to a greater extend smart grid works similar to the Internet and the throughway road system. For this reason, they are believed to be huge investments in communications. In addition, it is not only a function in fact it is an objective to provide the electricity system a digital revolution in an attempt to make it more well-organized and consistent. Moreover, many governments and utilities all the way through the globe are spending billions of dollars to put down new communication sources and lines and ensure the electricity network function similar the computer networks we normally use in our daily life. Furthermore, huge technology vendors and thousands of new organizations are struggling for distinction and reputation in the smart grid (LaMonica, 2009). Security