

The smart grid will perform continuous self-assessments to detect, analyze, respond to and as needed, restore grid components or network sections. With self-healing, the grid can restore itself automatically instead of manually restoration. The ability to identify equipment that is on the verge of failure is certain to save lives and reduce severe injuries. Improved monitoring and decision support systems will quickly identify problems and hazards. The self-healing feature of the smart grid includes the intelligence to ensure the safety of grid workers and the general public. With better monitoring systems and with more automation in power grids, it is possible for the grid to automatically reconfigure its network to restore power quickly. When problems occur, the system can quickly identify the source and location of the problems. The improvements in the capabilities of monitoring devices and their data communications as well as their data security will allow algorithms to better monitor the power grid and predict problems ahead of time. The power system is extensively monitored, but the measurements do not cover the entire grid and the overwhelming data is extremely hard to process at the national grid level. If more renewable generations are present near load centers, there is less dependency on generation from large utilities and less dependency on transmission lines. The main cause for the outages is when the demand and generation are not equal, either because of inadequate generation or the lack of available transmission lines that can haul power to the customers. The Department of Energy estimated that the “power outages and fluctuations cost US businesses and consumers $30 billion each year”. This reduces the currents in the transmission lines, thus allowing for extra customers to be connected to the existing line instead of constructing new ones. When renewable generation is located near load centers, the generated power can be consumed locally instead of hauling it from large power plants through transmission lines. This can help to improve the overall efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the electricity system. Smart grids can support the modernization of the electricity grid by enabling the integration of new technologies such as distributed generation and renewable energy sources. The major advantages of smart grid are: 1. In this article, we will explore the many advantages of a smart grid and how they can benefit both individuals and society as a whole. With the integration of advanced technologies such as smart meters and renewable energy sources, smart grids are able to improve energy efficiency, increase reliability and reduce costs for consumers. Smart grids are revolutionizing the way energy is distributed and consumed.
