Smart Grids - Technologies
The traditional concept of electrical grids is no longer applicable; in
addition to electrical lines, power transformers and switching devices,
electronics, information and communication technology are to be integrated,
being more and more of importance.
The increased penetration of distributed generation from renewable sources
(solar, wind, thermal, etcetera) also at domestic level calls for an additional
production network that shall positively be integrated with the traditional
one. Evolution from a centralized control of the system to a distributed one,
bidirectional energy flows and active networks are relevant consequences.
As a result the grid shall be made able to integrate, manage and control
energy flows coming from both conventional power plants and from medium and
small generation at local level.
The electrical grid will no longer be a unidirectional channel transmitting
and distributing energy from the conventional plants to the final users, but
will be a Smart Grid, a common infrastructure enabling the interaction among
producers and users, early forecasting of demand and flexible balancing of
production and consumption of electric energy.
Enel, due to the realization and implementation of innovative Projects as
Smart Metering, automation and remote grid control already is internationally
ranked at benchmark level in terms of overall performances; these Projects are
the fundamental backbone for the development of the Smart Grids. Enel however
is not still as it is coordinating European Research and demonstration programs
on Smart Grids to further enforce its leading role also in this field to
maximize benefits for all involved stakeholders, i.e. electrical system at
Country level, users and utilities.
The electrical grid in the near future shall be able to fulfil fundamental
duties as:
- accessibility, assuring access to all small- and distributed- energy
sources
- reliability, assuring electrical energy supply to all users
- efficiency, to optimize costs and reducing greenhouse emissions
- flexibility, to meet both actual and emerging needs, such as active
participation by small generations to the energy market, effective penetration
of electrical vehicles enabled by diffused and suitable electrical
infrastructure, etcetera
Enel, based on already realized Projects and ongoing initiative on Smart
Grids is proactively acting to assure to all involved Stakeholders the relevant
benefits.
