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Difference between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid
The electrical power produced at the generating stations is transmitted to the points of utilization which is achieved with the help of grids (an interconnected network for electricity transmission and distribution from producers to the consumers). Based on the devices used and their functionality, the electric power grids are classified into two categories viz. −
Conventional grid (or traditional grid)
Smart grid
Many issues contribute to the incapability of conventional grid to competently meet the demand for consistent power supply. In order to resolving these problems, the smart grids are developed which is infused with the intelligent sensors and controllers, automated switches and substations, strong communication and other technologies, etc.
This article is meant for explaining the differences between conventional grid and smart grid. Also, we have briefly described the conventional grid and smart grid for the reader’s reference.
What is Conventional Grid?
The conventional power grid, also known as traditional power grid, is an interconnection of various elements of electric power system such as alternators, transformers, transmission lines and different types of electrical loads developed for transmission of electric power from production point to the utilization points.
Figure-1 shows a basic schematic of a conventional power grid. In case of conventional power grid, there is only power infrastructure. Thus, the conventional power grid uses a limited one-way flow of electricity. That is, the electric power flows from the power generating station to the consumer.
What is Smart Grid?
A smart grid is the developed form of conventional power grid which provides more reliable and consistent electric power supply. The smart grid is the electrical system which is capable for monitoring the activities of the grid connected system and provides the real-time information of all the events occurring in the power system.
The schematic of a typical smart grid is shown in Figure-2. Here, the smart grid involves two infrastructures, i.e. power infrastructure for electricity flow and communication infrastructure for information. Therefore, a smart grid involves the two-way flow of electricity and information, i.e., electricity from generating station to consumers and information from consumers to generating station.
The major components of a smart grid are intelligent appliances, smart power meters, smart substations, smart distribution systems, smart generating stations, and different types of sensors for automation, etc.
Differences between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid
Both conventional grid and smart grid are types of interconnected electrical networks developed for meeting the demand of consistent power supply. However, there are many differences between conventional and smart grid based on function and technologies which are highlighted in the following table −
Basis of Difference | Conventional Grid | Smart Grid |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A "conventional power grid" is the interconnected network of various power system components such as alternator, transformer, transmission lines, loads, etc. developed for the conveyance of electricity from producers to the consumers | A "smart grid" can be defined as the transparent, seamless and instantaneous two-way delivery of energy and information which enables the electricity industry to better manage the energy delivery and transmission and empowers the consumers to have more control over the energy decisions. |
Type of assembly setup | The assembly setup, i.e. the relays, switches, meters, etc. used in the conventional grid are of electromechanical and solid state type. | The assembly setup of the smart grid is based on the digital electronics and microprocessors. |
Type of power generation | The conventional grid involves the centralized generation of electric power. That is, all the power must be produced from a central location which eliminates the possibilities of incorporating alternative energy sources into the power grid. | The distributed generation of electric power is used in the smart grids. Therefore, in the smart grid infrastructure, the electric power can be generated and distributed from multiple generating plants. |
Communication between devices | The technology used in the conventional power grid is typically considered to be dumb because it has no means of data communication between various devices of the system. | Smart grid involves microprocessor based digital technology which allows the data communication between the devices of the system and makes the remote control possible. |
Direction of flow of electricity and information | The conventional grid provides only one-way flow of electricity. Sometimes, only local two way communication is possible. | Smart grid provides two way flow of electricity and information. |
Protection system | The protection system employed in conventional grids is manual or semi-automated | The smart grids provide completely automated protection. |
Control system | In conventional grids, limited and slow control system is provided. | In smart grids, wide area and fast control measures are provided. |
Number of sensors used | The infrastructure of a conventional grid is equipped with few sensors at particular equipment which makes the determination of location of fault in the system difficult and hence results in the longer shutdowns. | The smart grids are completely sensor based throughout the installation. Therefore, in the smart grids, it is easier to determine the location of a fault. |
Monitoring | Due to the use of limited number of sensors and traditional equipment in the conventional grid, the monitoring of energy distribution is manual. | Smart grid involves sensor based digital technologies which provides self-monitoring of energy distribution. |
Restoration | In the conventional grid, if there is any failure in the system, then it needs the manual restoration of supply, i.e. technicians have to visit to the site of the failure to make repairs. | Smart grid has self-healing property, i.e. it consists of sensors that can detect the problems in the system and take actions to do simple troubleshooting and repair without any intervention of technicians. In case of the infrastructure related damages, the smart grids immediately report to technicians at the monitoring center to start the required repairs. |
Sudden equipment failure | In case of conventional power grid, the sudden failure of equipment can lead to complete blackouts, i.e., the end consumer will receive no power to their unit. | In the smart grid, if there is any failure in the infrastructure, then power can be rerouted to go around the area of problem and hence limits the area impacted by the power blackout. |
Customer participation | In a conventional grid, there is no participation of consumers in the energy distribution. | There is active involvement and participation of consumers in case of smart grids. |
Environmental effects | Conventional power stations such thermal, gas, diesel, etc. produce power in conventional grids which have severe and critical bad effects on the environment. | Smart grids involve the renewable energy integration which reduces the impacts on environment such as emission of CO2 and global warming. |
Conclusion
In this article, we have listed all the major differences between conventional power grid and smart grid. The most significant difference between a smart grid and a conventional grid is that a smart grid uses sensor and microprocessor based digital technology which enables the two-way flow of electricity and information, while a conventional grid involves the electromechanical and solid state technology, in which only one-way flow of electricity and information is possible.
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