As for operation, a Smart Grid is equipped with sensors that collect and transmit data. This transmission of information allows you to automatically adjust electricity flows.
The controllers, who are located remotely, are informed of the situation in real time and can act immediately if there is a problem. This occurs practically without the need for human intervention.
In addition, this type of network can communicate with any smart meter and, for example, automatically turn on consumer appliances when there is a lot of electricity on the network and prices are therefore lower.
Main benefits of a Smart Grid
To further understand the advantages of a Smart Grid, let us now see the four characteristics that differentiate it from a traditional power grid. She is:
flexible: facilitates the management of variations in generation and consumption;
reliable: thanks to information sent in real time and remote network management, the risk of power outages and incidents is reduced;
affordable: all different energy sources can be integrated into the network and, thanks to the interconnections present, consumers can also take advantage of renewable energy generated in large quantities in distant regions, when there is not enough in the locality;
economic: better management leads to reduced costs.
In the business field, specifically, companies with Smart Grids will benefit from reduced power outages, lower costs and better measurement of consumption. In addition, the technology favors projects of environmental responsibility, since, with better control, it is possible to reduce carbon emissions.
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How Smart Grids are being implemented
We can say that smart grids are still technologies that are in their early childhood. Significant investments are necessary for this concept to reach its full potential. For example, it will probably take years to fit smart meters in the homes of all consumers - or in all companies.
However, there are already initiatives even in developing countries, such as Brazil. According to GE, there are already equipment installation projects that allow the creation of smart grids in cities such as Sete Lagoas (MG) and Barueri (SP).