- Smart Grid - Home
- Smart Grid Introduction
- What is an Electric Grid?
- Electric Grid Evolution
- What is a Smart Grid?
- Smart Grid - Functions
- Smart Grid - Characteristics
- Smart Grid - Advantages
- Smart Grid - Components
- Smart Grid - Challenges
- Smart Grid Technologies
- Smart Energy Resources
- Power System Automation
- Smart Substations
- Substation Automation
- Smart Grid - Feeder Automation
- Energy Management System
- Smart Grid - FACTS
- HVDC Transmission
- Wide Area Monitoring
- SCADA in Smart Grid
- Smart Grid - DMS
- Smart Grid - OMS
- Volt/VAR Control
- Smart Grid - FMSR
- Smart Grid - HEDT
- Phase Shifting Transformers
- Smart Grid - PHEV
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Smart Meters - Introduction
- Smart Meters - AMI
- Smart Meters - AMIS
- Communication Architecture
- Drivers & Benefits
- Phasor Measurement Unit
- Intelligent Electronic Devices
- Power Quality Management
- Power Quality in Smart Grid
- Power Quality Issues
- Power Quality Monitoring Techniques
- Power Quality Conditioners
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Power Quality Audit
- Smart Grid Communication
- Smart Grid Communication
- Communication Network
- Communication Technologies
- Broadband Over Power Line
- Internet Protocols
- Web Services in Smart Grid
- Cloud Computing
- Multi Agent System Technology
- IP Based Protocols
- Cyber Security
Smart Grid - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
In smart grid technology, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is an important concept that helps in electricity distribution and management. Electromagnetic compatibility is achieved in an electrical system when co-located devices and equipment can work satisfactorily and reliably even when electromagnetic disturbances are present in the environment.
This chapter will explain the concept of electromagnetic compatibility in the context of smart grid technology. Here we will cover the fundamental concept, causes of electromagnetic interference, challenges in EMC, etc.
What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?
In general, electromagnetic compatibility or EMC is defined as the ability of an electrical equipment or system to operate satisfactorily in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances without experiencing any electromagnetic interference (EMI).
A smart grid is an integrated system of advanced sensing, controlling, and communication technologies. Therefore, it is more vulnerable to electromagnetic disturbances. Consequently, the electromagnetic compatibility plays an important role in ensuring the intended and reliable operation of the smart grid in the electromagnetic environment.
Sources of Electromagnetic Interference
In smart grids, the following are some major sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) −
- Electromagnetic fields produced by power lines
- Electromagnetic signals produced by communication networks
- Electromagnetic energy produced by various electronic devices like smart meters, sensors, inverters, etc.
Types of Electromagnetic Interference
The following are two main types of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in smart grid systems −
- Conducted Electromagnetic interference − caused by the conducting wires like power lines.
- Radiated Electromagnetic interference − caused by the electromagnetic signals flowing though the space like smart meter communication signals.
EMC Standards in Smart Grid
In smart grids, there are various standards like International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) and IEEE EMC standards developed to set guidelines and regulations for EMI emission limits and immunity levels against EMI.
These EMC standards achieve electromagnetic compatibility between electronic devices, systems and the electromagnetic environment in smart grids.
Techniques to Reduce EMI
In smart grid systems, the following techniques can be used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) −
- The highly sensitive smart grid equipment can be enclosed by a shielding material to prevent emission of radiation and protect it from external electromagnetic fields.
- The electromagnetic interference can also be reduced by using filters and suppressors.
- Electromagnetic interference due to noise can be reduced by providing proper grounding in the smart grid.
Testing of Electromagnetic Compatibility
In smart grids, the following tests can be performed to validate whether the system complies with the EMC standards −
- Conducted and radiated emissions test
- Susceptibility test
- Transient immunity test
Challenges in EMC for Smart Grids
Smart grid systems are subjected to a wide range of conducted and radiated sources of EMI that act as barriers in EMC implementation in smart grid.
The major challenges in the implementation of EMC in smart grids are listed below −
- Smart grids integrate renewable energy systems into the grid. This integration involves the use of inverters and power electronic converters. These power electronic components are major sources of EMI in the system and make implementation of EMC difficult.
- Smart grids use wireless communication networks among different components. These communication networks also increase the EMI and become barrier in EMC implementation in smart grids.
- Smart grid components use various high-frequency switching devices like IGBTs, MOSFETs, etc. All these switching devices emit significant electromagnetic noise and affect the electromagnetic compatibility of the smart grid.
Remedies to Implement EMC in Smart Grid
We can adopt the following practices to implement a robust electromagnetic compatibility in smart grids −
- By using advanced electromagnetic filtering techniques.
- By providing an efficient shielding to the equipment.
- By developing a smart grid system as per the EMC standards and regulations.
Conclusion
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is an important property in smart grids that helps it operate reliably in an electromagnetic environment. The knowledge of EMC is very crucial while designing a smart grid system so that it can be optimized to operate satisfactory in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.