Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Substation automation, improving networks of communication, and enhancing remote
management offer multiple benefits, including reduced operational and capital expenses,
technologies include the aforementioned grid-tie inverters, which can be used on both
high-voltage transmission lines and low-voltage distribution networks, and enhanced
sensors, which enable outage detection and power quality management on distribution
networks.
Another set of important smart grid technologies is distribution automation and FDIR
(fault detection, isolation, and recovery). Investment in distribution automation has been
increasing steadily as utilities see large savings in enhancing distribution networks. In
terms of return on investment, some utilities expect stronger returns from distribution
automation upgrades than from smart meters or other smart grid technologies (Navigant
Advanced On-load Tap-Changer (OLTC), which is used for enhanced voltage regulation.
3.3.5 Electricity Use Technologies for Smart Grid
The most prominent smart grid technology of all is the smart meter, which is a technology
focused on helping consumers and utilities to manage and monitor electricity use. In this
section we introduce smart meters, but
Chapter 5
provides a more detailed discussion of
smart meter deployment. After introducing smart meters we will describe other electricity
use technologies, including demand management technologies and smart appliances.
Smart meters, also sometimes referred to within the industry as Advanced Metering
Infrastructure(AMI),allowfortwo-waycommunicationsbetweenhouseholdsandutilities.
This enhanced communication lets utilities respondmore quickly topotential problems and
communicate real-time electricity prices, and allows households to adjust their electricity
consumption practices based on real-time usage and pricing information. Smart meters
have potential to reduce peak demand because consumers can use the information from
the smart meter to lower electricity usage when demand and prices are high. By enabling
more customers to participate in demand-side management programs, utilities could save
money - both in the short term, by reducing energy costs, and in the long term by avoiding
additional capital investments.
Smart meters also allow remote meter reading and remote monitoring of electricity
consumption. This makes redundant and unnecessary the job of meter readers, individuals
sent around to individual households to measure and record the amount of electricity used.
Like most automation, this reduction in jobs has been viewed by some as a negative
and others as a valuable cost saving. The consumer engages directly with the smart grid
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