are still in the demonstration and planning stages. Advanced components are already being used to analyze and diagnose the grid state and assist in its healing within a limited period of time. Figure 1.17 shows the transfer process from the traditional grid to a SG which indicates moving from one‐way power flow (simple interaction) into two‐way power flow (multi‐interaction). A detailed comparison between the traditional power grid and SG are presented in Table 1.1. This shows that the majority of SG features are originated from the massive amount of generated information, an uncountable number of inter‐net‐connected control, and programmable auto‐operated equipment [52, 53].
1.8.1 The Necessity for Paradigm Shift to SG
Maintaining economic growth and improving the quality of human life are reliant on the availability of affordable and reliable electricity. Up to now, conventional grids function in almost the same way as those of 130 years ago, i.e. power flows in a single direction across the grid, from the central power plants to the customers. The reliability is maintained by conserving the excess capacity, which is inefficient, uneconomic, and environmentally unfriendly. Current grid topologies cannot be used with the distributed renewable energy sources and two‐directional power flow. The alternating nature of renewable energy sources creates additional challenges. The aging grid also faces new problems due to increased demand, and nonlinear loads. Such a grid experiences an inability when the demand for power delivery and consumption boosts, which has happened frequently worldwide in recent years. The main reason that acts on the decrease of the traditional power grid's reliability is the lack of information exchange [54]. The current grid is of limited ability to react quickly to handle congestion, instability, and power quality challenges. The inflexibility of the existing grid cannot support the high integration of renewable energy. These limitations can lead to blackouts, equipment outages, and unscheduled downtime. Approximately 90% of all power outages and disturbances have their origins in the distribution network, therefore, transforming to the SG paradigm ensures a significant improvement of the grid's reliability. Furthermore, electric utility customers currently have a passive role; they have no access to the real‐time consumption and pricing information that allow them actively participate within the power grids and optimize their energy usage and bills during peak and off‐peak times. The two‐way communication and power flow within the SG allow for effective energy control and energy management. This feature also allows achievement of both environmental and economic sustainability.
Figure 1.17 The difference between the conventional power grid and smart grid structure.
Table 1.1 A detailed comparison between conventional power grids and smart grids.
| Characteristics | Traditional grid | Smart Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | ElectromechanicalMechanical devices electricity operatedNo communication between devicesLittle internal regulation | DigitalDigital devicesIncreased communication between devicesRemote control and self‐regulation |
| Flow of power and communication | One wayPower flow starts from the main plant using traditional energy structure to the customer | Two wayPower flow goes to and from various grid users |
| Generation | Centralized | Distributed |
| Fault location | Difficult to determine | Can be determined remotely as well as predicted |
| Monitoring | Manual | Self‐ monitoring |
| Equipment failure | System responds to deal with post failure and blackout incidents | Adaptive and can be isolated and automatically reconnected. |
| Control | Limited control system | Pervasive control system |
| Operation and maintenance | Manually equipment checks | Remotely monitor equipment |
In summary, transforming to SG paradigm will help in the wide‐scale integration of energy sources, enhancing network reliability, and improving power quality and load profile.
1.8.2 Basic Stages of the Transformation to SG
Successful transformation to SG requires a real, national level roadmap. Many countries have already established their SG roadmaps [55–60]. Each country has its own unique definition of a SG based on their own policies, goals, and objectives. The transformation roadmap should be developed based on different technical and economic realities and challenges facing each country. To develop a complete SG Roadmap that responds to the nation's electric power sector goals, some basic stages should be involved to define the priorities of their energy sectors. Also, there is a need for specific objectives, actions, and tools to fully achieve the roadmap set goals. Examples of steps and targets that countries put to transform traditional grid into SG are:
1 Install smart meters and AMI around the entire country by a specific time.
2 Significant percentage of cars to become electric within a specific time.
3 Specific reduction of country's emissions by a specific year.
4 Significant level of renewable generation by a specific time.
5 New tariff system.
6 Activating a DSM and customers activated role before a specific year.
7 Establish effective information and big data centers with a clear strategy for secure data storing and utilization. Timely publish current and historical data that is not confidential nor sensitive.
8 Building human capacity by adopting specific training programs on SG areas.
1.9 Smart Grid Enabling Technologies
The current technology revolution is leading to unwitnessed shifts in the economy, society, business, and individuals. A great effort is being made worldwide toward clean energy in order to protect the environment and improve operational efficiencies and customer services for better grid availability and reliability. The transfer of the traditional grid to a SG requires modifications and upgrades at various levels of the electric grid [61]. Nowadays, information and communication technologies are being developed very quickly and can significantly support the SG vision. This transformation is pushed by several factors, which include electrification, decentralization, and digitalization as shown in Figure
