EE379K/EE394V Smart Grids:

Introduction
Ross Baldick,
Department of
Electrical and
Computer
Engineering
Spring 2017
Copyright © 2017 Ross Baldick 1
 Outline

 Definition of smart grid.

 Course overview.
 Homework exercise.

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 Definition of smart grid.

 The application of information

processing and communications to the
power grid.
 Smart grid discussions are often
focused on the distribution system,
 We will take an expansive definition of
“grid:”
 Include transmission and generation,
 Include end-use of electricity.
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 Schematic of power grid.
Generation

Transmission
system End-use
End-use
Distribution
Distribution Distribution system
substations feeders

End-use End-use End-use Distributed

generation
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 Definition of smart grid.

 Smart grid has received considerable

hype.
 We will endeavor to clarify various
concepts:
 smart grid,
 self-healing grid,
 microgrid,
 digital grid.
 Evaluate costs and benefits.
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 Course overview.

 Architecture of smart grid.

 Generation and transmission system:
 Smart operations of existing system.
 Renewables.
 Human factors.

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 Course overview,
continued.
 Distribution systems:
 Ecosystem of smart grid.
 Advanced hardware.
 Advanced metering.
 Application functions.
 Storage.
 Residential power quality.
 Retail.
 Rates and pricing.
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 Course overview,
continued.
 End-use:
 Residential electricity and gas.
 Distributed solar.
 Electric vehicles.
 Contrarian view.
 Course material presented by industry
experts volunteering their time to
prepare material and teach classes.
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 Homework Exercise:
Due Thursday, Jan. 26.
1 a) Without looking at a dictionary or a search engine, define what
you would mean by “self-healing.” You might use an example in terms
of healing of a cut or wound, but try to make the definition generic.
b) Use a search engine to obtain a definition of “self-healing grid.”
Avoid circular or self-referential definitions such as “a self-healing grid
is a grid that can heal itself.” Define specifically what is meant by the
webpages that refer to self-healing grid.
c) Compare the two meanings of self-healing. Is the definition of self-
healing grid a reasonable one, given your prior understanding (as
described in part a)) of what it generically means to be self-healing.
d) Find as many definitions as you can of:
(i) “smart grid,”
(ii) “microgrid,”
(iii) “digital grid.”
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