Smart Grid Architecture: Components and Functionality

This article covers the basic block diagram and components of a Smart Grid architecture. It also explains the workings of a smart grid architecture used by electricity companies for smart metering in homes and businesses.

What is a Smart Grid?

Introduction:

• A smart grid is an electricity distribution network that uses digital communication to detect local changes in power usage and react automatically, without human intervention.
• It incorporates smart meters and appliances, along with renewable and efficient energy resources.
• The system delivers electricity via two-way digital communication, allowing consumers to interact with the grid.
• The smart grid addresses many of the limitations of traditional electrical grids, benefiting consumers, electricity companies, and government entities.
• It reduces energy consumption and lowers costs for consumers through intelligent methods. Electric supply companies can then utilize energy efficiently and consistently meet the varying load demands of consumers.

Generic Smart Grid Architecture Components

Figure 1: Generic Smart Grid Network Architecture Components or modules

Figure 1 depicts the generic Smart Grid Network Architecture components, or modules, with different reference points. As shown, a typical smart grid network consists of the following:

• Grid Domain: Operations include bulk generation, distribution, and transmission.
• Smart Meters: These are the devices that measure energy consumption.
• Consumer Domain: This includes the Home Area Network (HAN), which consists of smart appliances and other connected devices.
• Communication Network: This network connects smart meters with consumers and the electricity company for energy monitoring and control operations. It may use wireless technologies like Zigbee, Wi-Fi, HomePlug, and cellular (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G-LTE).
• Third-Party Service Providers: These include system vendors, operators, and web companies.

Smart Grid Architecture Working for Smart Metering Application

Figure 2: Smart Grid Architecture

• Figure 2 depicts the Smart Grid Architecture for smart metering as used by electricity companies.
• Smart meters are installed in homes, offices, and factories.
• These smart meters communicate with a Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) located on the electric pole nearby.
• Meters provide parameters, including instantaneous consumption, cumulative energy, time-of-day energy data, and Maximum Demand (KW).
• The Data Concentrator Units in the area collect energy usage and other parameters related to the meter’s status. This information is transmitted to data servers located at the utility company or a third-party premise using wired or wireless methods.
• The transport mechanism can be DSL, fiber optic, or wireless networks (2G, GPRS, 3G, 4G-LTE, etc.).
• The complete smart grid network information can be updated and monitored via a website or web portal using a laptop, mobile device, tablet, or PC. The web portal communicates with DCUs in real-time for data collection and processing. It reports meter tampering, billing information, energy usage, and load status.