Smart grid technology modernizes traditional power infrastructure by overlaying digital technology and revamping work processes, leading to improved reliability, efficiency, resilience and renewable energy integration.
Smart grids utilize integrated metering and sensing devices, automation systems, gateways and routers with secure connectivity capabilities for secure connectivity, utility software to facilitate real-time visibility and automated response as well as solutions from Digi to centralize monitoring and lifecycle management of devices at scale.
Reliability and resilience
Power outages cost businesses $150 billion each year in the US. A smart grid reduces their impact by automatically rerouting power, dispatching crews more efficiently, and instantly verifying outages.
One essential element is an efficient, high-performance communication network that enables bi-directional connections between intelligent devices and utility systems – such as smart meters – which create real-time electricity consumption information for consumers and utilities, while supporting energy management and demand response programs.
Smart grids also allow devices to communicate directly with one another to reduce demand during peak usage periods, for instance by alerting millions of televisions not to draw current or changing temperature set points of air conditioners across a city to decrease consumption and thus decrease demand.
Sustainability
Contrary to traditional energy grids which were centered on large power stations, smart grids are designed to incorporate input from local solar panels or windmills and then compensate those responsible for producing energy with smart meters that monitor it all. By tracking power generated this way, homes or businesses can receive reimbursements for any power they generate and thus help lower their energy bill while reaping additional savings through smart energy usage management.
Smart grid technology enables electricity to be adjusted more precisely according to demand, thereby reducing energy waste and helping the environment. Furthermore, consumers can participate in demand response programs which enable them to reduce peak energy prices by shifting consumption during non-peak hours.
Smart grids can detect problems within their networks and reroute current accordingly, in order to reduce outages and eliminate power cuts. This feature could prove invaluable for businesses that rely on continuous power supplies and those charging electric vehicles – as this would enable them to charge when prices are cheaper – rather than waiting until peak charging times.