Smart Grid: It's More than you Think

christus

Smart Grid: It's More than you Think
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, e+ ?! g" P7 U# gWhile many conversations about the Smart Grid center on communications and metering technologies, the actual definition of Smart Grid is much broader and encompasses grid infrastructure -- the brawn as well as the brains.  The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Modern Grid Team has detailed seven key characteristics of the Smart Grid.
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$ }$ V: E& g; I- ^2 vThese include:
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$ v5 P& I  L5 R/ K·       optimizing the grid’s utilization and efficiency,
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1 z$ V" m( Q, h* n, _( p8 C) q: |2 a4 ~·       providing greater power quality,
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·       enhancing resiliency against attack and natural disaster, and
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0 x( T9 D/ J0 {7 r: z: e·       anticipating and responding to system disturbances.


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The DOE has explicitly called out superconductors as one of the fundamental technologies needed for the Smart Grid.  Superconductor cables can significantly enhance the flow of power on the transmission system, relieving grid congestion and increasing efficiency. Applied under our city streets, they can enable, for instance, widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  These same cables also can automatically suppress power surges and enable resilient power grids that can survive attacks and disasters.