Both production and consumption of electricity have dramatically changed. We have traditionally used fossil fuel powered power stations, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, for generation; however, in recent years, we have been using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, resulting in solar energy generation contributing a large portion of generating capacity in 2017. The majority of the new capacity is under the two-year mark. In terms of consumption, electric cars and smart homes have become the most popular kinds of loads, so both the production and consumption patterns have changed dramatically, which means we need a flexible power grid that can accommodate these high changes. As part of this transition, some factors must be considered:
Smart solar inverter
It’s the link to the smart grid. The solar inverter should have high advanced communication capability with smart grid in addition to analytic, computing and memory capabilities to provide all information and control features to the smart grid energy management system.
Smart energy management system
Our load patterns fluctuate instantly, which differs from conventional PV solar power generation, since solar power generation is intermittent because it depends on sunlight. As a result, smart energy management systems are the solution to support the grid, making it capable of handling diverse loads by controlling various distributed energy sources, not just solar PV generators. In order to ensure consistency in load management, some load capacities can be shifted from time to time during the day.
Using the new technology communication systems
It is essential to transition from old manual premises controls to cloud-based controls for grid flexibility, so it is important to have reliable communication and control systems. When optimization of grid operation is needed, this system will be able to take the most optimal action of load/generation shifting based on all network parameters.
Nowadays, the most common communication systems are cellular networks and ethernet, and their prices are decreasing at the same time they become more reliable, efficient and cover a greater area. A final point regarding the communication system is its ability to connect to different types of other communication systems. A flexible, dependable grid depends on how reliable and flexible the system is to communicate with other systems and protocols.
Cyber protection and achieving security
We should have some level of cyber protection to protect the communication and control systems of our grid as long as we have advanced communication systems.