A brief on Electricity Sector and Its Evolution
With the increasing requirement of power supply, the electricity sector has undergone a drastic change. New resources such as electric vehicles and distributed storage are increasingly connecting to the grid.
While doing so, the sector must support a renewable generation that will support emission-free alternatives. Fossil fuel power stations are no more equipped to meet the steady demand. In addition, the sector is making attempts to shift from sources that contribute to pollution and global warming.
The energy market is fast evolving. The rapid change in the electric sector is leading to the obsoletion of the traditional grid. It is further being replaced by smart grids. As both the grids are compared, smart grids are coming across as essential that can contribute to an improvement in the use and access of electric energy.
In this article, you will gain information on traditional grids, their disadvantages, the shift of the power sector from traditional to smart grid, and how this move has been beneficial.
Traditional Grids and their Limitations
Traditional power grids are energy infrastructure that functions based on electromechanical technology. It is interconnected with several power system elements like distribution lines, synchronous machines, transmission substations, power transformers, and distribution substations. While traditional grids have been powering the electrical sector for many years, it has significantly contributed to global warming.
As demand for power supply is growing, the traditional grid is failing to meet the requirement. Without technological innovation, the fossil pool was left diminished. The stress led to increasing in blackouts and power anomalies on ageing networks. There have been several limitations of Traditional grids, such as follows:
– It only has a one-way distribution supply. Power can be distributed solely from the main plant with the use of traditional energy infrastructure.
– Power generation is centralized, which means power is generated only from a central location. This hinders the possibility of easy incorporation of alternative sources of energy.
– The downtime with traditional grids is longer due to few sensors. The infrastructure cannot handle multiple sensors, which make determining problem areas difficult and time-consuming.
– The limitations of these infrastructures only allow manual monitoring of energy distribution.
– The restoration of energy through traditional infrastructure can only be done manually, which is time-consuming.
Smart Grid and Its Benefits
Smart grids are electric network that allows two-way data and electricity flow. The network uses digital communication technology, which helps in reacting, detecting, and pro-acting to changes in the usage of electricity. These grids are self-maintained, and consumers can actively participate in them.
The shift from the traditional to the smart grid was driven due to several factors such as metering evolution, energy market deregulation, decentralization in energy distribution, change in regulations, change in the production of electricity, the rise of microgrids, microgeneration, and more. Following are some of the benefits of smart grids:
– Capable of meeting increasing electricity demand without the addition of infrastructure.
– Reduces electricity loss, theft, maintenance cost, electricity cost, and reading cost of the meter.
– Reduces emission of PM-2.5, Sox, CO2, and NOx, which makes it environment friendly.
– Reduces usage of oil and blackouts, which enables continuous electricity flow.
– Instantly diagnoses issues which saves a lot of time
Why Choose Smart Grid Over Traditional Grid
Initially, the traditional grid was a breakthrough in engineering. But with the change in time, the grid required advancements which led to the innovation of the smart grid. The conventional electricity supply method powered offices, homes, and factories through wires.
Being one-way, consumers received electricity, but the utility company did not receive any information back. Consumers also did not receive information or feedback on electricity usage, possible blackout, and more. The smart grid-enabled two-way communication, which kept both parties informed.
So, if you are looking for smart grid suppliers, do your research online and reach out to the best one. Make sure the company you choose offers quality service and meets your requirements.