In one form or
another, people use electricity nearly every minute of the day. The dependence
on technology such as smartphones and computers carries on to increase, and so
too does the consumption of this valuable resource. The enhanced demand and
push for cleaner energy calls for a long unsettled modernization of the
electrical grid. One method of addressing this challenge is to put back the
existing grid with a “smart” grid. Unlike the traditional electrical grid,
which only carries electricity from power plants to customers, a smart grid
includes a “two-way” network of communication allowing customers, operators and
automated devices to track energy use data in real-time.
According to Massoud Amin the positive factor of
smart grid technology is that individuals can more precisely monitor and manage
their energy use by checking their smart meters. Smart meters communicate with
the grid by sending energy consumption and production data back and forth, enabling
consumers a real-time view of their energy use. In addition, smart meters
permit utility companies to offer real-time pricing which offers consumers with
an incentive to more efficiently manage their energy consumption and save
money.
Implementing smart
grid technology would also make a new job market of energy linked products and
services. For instance, mainstreaming smart grid technology would necessitate
advanced energy monitoring software, individuals to set up metering
infrastructure as well as distribution and substation automation communication
services.
One way that a
smart grid can advantage the environment is that renewable energy producers,
such as wind farms and solar plants, can store safely or send excess energy
back to the grid, enhancing the production and distribution of clean energy. A
smart grid serves several purposes and the movement from conventional electric
grids to smart grids is driven by numerous factors, including the deregulation
of the energy market, evolutions in metering, alterations on the level of
electricity production, decentralization, changing regulations, the rise of
micro-generation and micro-grids, renewable energy consents with more energy
sources and new points where and purposes for which electricity is needed.
While smart grid
still refers to the bi-directional transmission of data and
electricity the meaning and reach of the term has broadened given the many
possibilities enabled by this important change and ever more technologies used
in a background of smart grid deployments. Professor Massoud
Amin further added that smart grids are often praised due to their ability
to better leverage and deal out renewable energy, make energy usage more
dependable and secure, decrease power at peak times and decrease the
environmental impact of electricity systems.
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