Question Bank

EE 6336
1. Explain about Overview of the technologies required for the Smart Grid.
The smart grid can be defined as a smart electrical network that combines electrical network
and smart digital communication technology. A smart grid has capable of providing electrical
power from multiple and widely distributed sources, like from wind turbines, solar power
systems, and perhaps even plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Elements of the Smart Grid

 Asset Management Systems and Condition Monitoring Devices

 Building Automation and Control System (BACS)
 Decision Support Systems and System Integrity Protection
 Distribution Automation and Protection
 Distribution Management System (DMS)
 Energy Management System (EMS)
 Information and Communication Technology
 Local Production
 Power Electronics
 Power Quality and Power Monitoring Systems
 Security
 Smart Consumption
 Smart Generation
 Smart Homes
 Smart Meter
 Substation Automation and Protection

2. Explain in detail about International Experience in Smart Grid Deployment Efforts

3. Explain neatly about the Smart Grid Roadmap for INDIA -- see q26
4. Explain in detail about the Architecture of the Smart Grid --see q24
5. What are the applications of PDC? --
Application of PDC analysis to identify effect of overheating on dielectric response and
conductivity of mineral insulating oil of in-services transformers. The diagnosis and
maintenance of in-service power transformers is important for a safe and reliable of
electrical power supply.
6. What are the Basic differences from “conventional” measuring points at substation
automation and PMU?
7. Draw the important elements of the overall PMU system. --

8. What are the Benefits of Smart Grid? --

Several groups of the society are provided with multiple benefits through the Smart
Grid implementations. Such include utility, customers and the regulators while some
of the benefits include:
 Reduction of T&D losses.
 Peak load management, improved QoS and reliability.
 Reduction in power purchase cost.
 Better asset management.
 Increased grid visibility and self-healing grids.
 Renewable integration and accessibility to electricity.
 Increased options such as ToU tariff, DR programs, net metering.
 Satisfied customers and financially sound utilities etc.

9. Write down the Enabling technologies or Attributes for the Smart Grid? --

10. What are the features of the Smart Grid? --

 Smart grid has several positive features that give direct benefit to consumers:
 Real time monitoring.
 Automated outage management and faster restoration.
 Dynamic pricing mechanisms.
 Incentivize consumers to alter usage during different times of day based on pricing signals.
 Better energy management.
 In-house displays.
 Web portals and mobile apps.
 Track and manage energy usage.
  Opportunities to reduce and conserve electricity etc.
 Smart Grid will also facilitate distributed generation, especially the roof top solar
generation, by allowing movement and measurement of energy in both directions using
control systems and net metering that will help “prosumers” i.e. the consumers who both
produce and consume electricity, to safely connect to the grid.

11. Write down definition and attributes of smart grid with neat diagram. --

Smart Grid is an Electrical Grid with Automation, Communication and IT systems

that can monitor power flows from points of generation to points of consumption
(even down to appliances level) and control the power flow or curtail the load to
match generation in real time or near real time. Smart Grids can be achieved by
implementing efficient transmission & distribution systems, system operations,
consumer integration and renewable integration. Smart grid solutions helps to
monitor, measure and control power flows in real time that can contribute to
identification of losses and thereby appropriate technical and managerial actions can be
taken to arrest the losses.

Features of Smart Grid

Smart grid has several positive features that give direct benefit to consumers:
 Real time monitoring.
 Automated outage management and faster restoration.
 Dynamic pricing mechanisms.
 Incentivize consumers to alter usage during different times of day based on pricing
signals.
 Better energy management.
 In-house displays.
 Web portals and mobile apps.
 Track and manage energy usage.
 Opportunities to reduce and conserve electricity etc.
Smart Grid will also facilitate distributed generation, especially the roof top solar
generation, by allowing movement and measurement of energy in both directions using
control systems and net metering that will help “prosumers” i.e. the consumers who
both produce and consume electricity, to safely connect to the grid.

12. How to convert distribution system starter.

13. Distinguish AC and DC micrgrid --
14. How to solve multivariable maximum and minimum problem.
15. What is the outcome of union operation of two fuzzy set. What is membership function?

In mathematics, the membership function of a fuzzy set is a generalization of the

indicator function for classical sets. In fuzzy logic, it represents the degree of truth
as an extension of valuation.
16. What is linear programming?
 Linear programming (LP, also called linear optimization) is a method to achieve the
best outcome (such as maximum profit or lowest cost) in a mathematical model
whose requirements are represented by linear relationships.
When a malfunction occurs in a smart-grid electricity-provisioning system, it is vitally
important to quickly diagnose the problem and to take corrective action. The self-
healing problem refers to the need to take action in near real time in order to
reallocate power to minimize the disruption. To address this need, we present a
collection of integer linear programming (ILP) models that are designed to identify
the optimal combinations of supply sources, the demand sites for generators to serve,
and the pathways along which the reallocated power should flow. The models explicitly
support multiple time periods and the uncertainty associated with alternative sources
such as wind power. Model solutions are evaluated using a simulator configured with
multiple, intelligent, distributed software agents.
17. Write all important points of IEEE 1547 standard. --

Created in 2003, IEEE Standard 1547™ establishes a technical standard for

interconnecting distributed energy resources (DER) with electrical power systems
(EPSs).Since Standard 1547 was first created, technology has become more
sophisticated and the modern electric grid has experienced increased levels of
penetration. Due to the increase in DER interconnection applications, there have been
ample impacts on utilities, the reliability of the grid, and the quality of electric
service to customers. The revised version of the standard was made to establish new
DER Requirements to keep the integrity of it intact in the long term.

After undergoing an extensive revision process, Standard 1547-2018 went into effect
as of August 2018. The revised standard leverages the capabilities of inverter-based
DERs and allows them to operate like conventional generators. By providing
requirements relevant to performance, safety considerations, and the maintenance of
interconnection, the standard determines how DER devices are designed and tested. It
will also define how DER will be integrated into the power system going forward.

The revised standard removes limitations from the original standard, which allows it
to:

 Unlock the advanced features of DER (such as smart inverter functionality).

 Significantly impact the design and deployment of all DER systems.
 Mitigate many DER impacts.
 Enhance bulk power system reliability.
 Change the testing standards for critical power generation systems in order to create
harmonized interconnection requirements and offer flexible performance requirements.

18. What is standard IEEE C37.118-2005? What is TVE? --

IEEE C37. 118-2005 - IEEE Standard for Synchrophasors for Power Systems.
This standard defines synchronized phasor measurements used in power system
applications. It provides a method to quantify the measurement, tests to be sure the
measurement conforms to the definition, and error limits for the test
A synchrophasor measurement is evaluated using Total Vector Error (TVE). The standard
defines. TVE as the difference between a perfectly synchronized theoretical synchrophasor
and the estimated. phasor given by the unit under test at the same instant of time.
19. What are the communication standard used in smart grid communication.-
The IEC 60870-5 specifies the communication standard for telecontrol and the IEC 60870-6
specifies the standard for communication between the control centers. The standard for
the data associated with the teleprotection equipment is defined by the IEC 60834.
20. Why filter used in PV based power extraction.
21. Why storage is necessary in SG?--
To keep the electrical grid operating correctly, supply and demand must be perfectly
balanced at all times. When they are not, the changes to grid-wide voltage and
frequency can cause power outages, malfunctions and even damage or destroy electrical
equipment.

When the bulk of power is generated from sources with a constant output (fossil
fuels and nuclear), controlling power supply levels is relatively simple. As more
renewable generation sources are plugged into the grid, their variability brings new
challenges. Common occurrences, such as a cloud passing in front of the sun or a
momentary drop in wind, cause a sharp drop in power supply. The
more variability that exists in supply and demand, the more difficult it is keep the
grid stable. Demand constantly fluctuates depending on time of day, month of the
year and end-user consumption. When clouds cover the sun or when large numbers
turn on their air conditioning on a hot day, stored energy is needed to pick up the
slack at a moment’s notice.

Recent years have shown that battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are ideally
suited for smart grid purposes. When renewable electricity generation surges on windy
days or hours of peak sunshine, BESSs charge by drawing the excess power. For
sudden drops in supply or spikes in demand, power is injected back into the grid to
instantly smooth out fluctuations. Finally, the smart digital technology connecting
these networks makes these processes close to automatic.

22. Why smart meter is necessary in AMI.--

AMI is a main mechanism for the realization of other smart grid applications to deliver operational and
business benefits across the utility. AMI is the system that collects and analyzes data from smart meters
using two‐way communications between user domain and utility domain, and gives intelligent
management of various power‐related applications and services based on that data. The implementation
of AMI is widely seen as the first step in the digitalization of the electric grid control systems. AMI's
main functionalities encompass power measurement facilities, assisting adaptive power pricing and
demand side management, providing self‐healing ability, and interfaces for other systems. Recently,
AMI has gained great attraction in both industry and academia due to the accurate improvement in
online meter reading and control. AMI helps for financial benefits, improved services, and
opportunities for consideration of environmental concerns.

AMI overview architecture.

The AMI includes smart meters, e.g., electric, gas, and heat meters, at customer premises, access
points, communication backbone networks between customers and service providers, and data
management systems to measure, collect, manage, and analyze the data for further processes. The
smart meter is future for power industry and serves as an interface between consumer and the
utility company. The smart meter records the power usage of consumer and communicates this
data in a timely manner to utility center. For smart meter, it is very essential to collect
precise and appropriate data in a timely manner which includes gathering of data, its
communication and storage. The smart meter allows the bi-directional flow of information,
from consumer to utility and vice versa. The systematic analysis from the data acquired will
lead to many prospective decisions by utility center that assures the efficiency and reliability of
smart grid. This allows the utility center for better monitoring and control. The data
communication in real time basis allows the utilities with advantages like real time pricing,
outage detection, identification of power theft, avoids meter data tampering and provides
better service. With the data received in timely manner utilities shall have a better
opportunity to work better with increased stability .

Hence we can see that the smart meter is a key device for consumers because it is responsible for
monitoring and recording power consumption of home appliances.

23. What is leakage current in transformer less grid tied PV system.

24. Describe smart grid architecture. --
Generic Smart Grid Architecture Components

The figure-1 depicts generic Smart Grid Network Architecture components or modules with different

reference points. As shown typical smart grid network consists of following components.

• Grid domain (Operations include bulk generation, distribution, transmission)

• Smart meters

• Consumer domain (HAN (Home Area Network) consists of smart appliances and more)

• Communication network (Connects smart meters with consumers and electricity company for energy
monitoring and control operations, include various wireless technologies such as zigbee, wifi,

HomePlug, cellular (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G-LTE) etc.

• Third party Service providers (system vendors, operators, web companies etc.)

Smart Grid Architecture Working for smart metering application

• The figure-2 depicts Smart Grid Architecture for smart metering application used by electricity

company.

• As shown smart meters are installed at home, office and factory premises. These smart meters

communicate with DCU (Data Concentrator Unit) located on the electric pole near the residential layout.

Meters can provide parameters which include instantaneous consumptions, cumulative energy, time of

day energy data, Maximum Demand (KW) etc.

• The Data concentrator units installed in the area collects the energy usage and other parameters

related to status of meters. These collected information is transmitted to the data servers located at

utility company or at third party premise using wired or wireless means. The transport mechanism can

be DSL, Fiber optic or wireless network (2G, GPRS, 3G, 4G-LTE etc.).

• The complete smart grid network information can be updated/monitored by web site or web portal

using laptop/mobile/tablet/PC. Web portal communicates with DCUs in real time for data collection and

data processing. It reports tampering of meters, billing information, energy usage, load status etc.

25. Describe smart grid standard IEEE 1547, IEEE 1379, IEEE 60255-24, IEEE 1588.

26. Describe the roadmap of Indian smart grid initiative. --

The Roadmap was drafted for the Ministry of Power by the India Smart Grid Task Force (ISGTF) and
India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), and covers the 12th, 13th and 14th 5-year plan periods from 2012 to
2027.
The vision is to: “Transform the Indian power sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable and digitally
enabled ecosystem that provides reliable and quality energy for all with active participation of
stakeholders.”
According to the roadmap every global driver for smart grids applies to India, but India also has
additional drivers in the short term. These include the need to rapidly grow the power system to meet
the growing demand with 230 GW of installed capacity currently and potential demand as high as 900
GW by 2032, aggressive renewable generation and electric vehicle programs, and the continuing high
levels of losses in the power system.
Some of the key targets proposed include:
Electrification of all households with power available for at least 8 hours per day by 2017
Reduction of the aggregated technical and commercial losses to below 10 percent by 2027
Dynamic tariffs and mandatory demand response programs for select categories of consumers by
2017
Microgrids in 20,000 villages/industrial parks/commercial hubs by 2027
Phasor measurement units across the entire transmission system by 2017
EV charging stations in all urban areas and along all state and national highways by 2027.
In order to implement the Roadmap and drive smart grid development in India it is proposed to
launch in 2014 a National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), which would define the detailed
implementation plans and formulate projects, funding arrangements, resource requirements, etc. The
NSGM would be supported by two bodies – a National Board for Smart Grids (NBSG) under the
Ministry of Power, which would have advisory and oversee roles, and a multi-stakeholder body, which
would provide input to the NSGM Secretariat and NBSG. These two bodies could be filled respectively
by the ISGTF and ISGF.

27. What is the need of Smart Grid and Explain neatly with detailed reasons? --

Smart grid is defined as, “an electrical grid which includes a variety of operational and energy measures
including smart meters, smart appliances, renewable energy resources, and energy efficiency resources.”
So, to be precise, just like the Internet is the networking of people, the smart grid is the networking of
things that generate, distribute and transmit energy.

As the smart grid technology is implemented, it will lead to many benefits. It is cost-effective hence will
save people money, help conserve energy and improve the environment. The smart gird will eliminate
the need for thermal power plants and enable greater use of renewable energy sources, like hydro, wind
and solar. In addition, the smart grid will generate new and rewarding careers in the field of green
industries and energy sectors. With that in mind, it is essential that everyone and budding engineers be
aware of the role this technology will play in our energy future.

Effective roll out of this technology will demand coordinated effort and collaboration among a
phenomenal disciplines, including communication control frameworks for generation, transmission,
distribution, operations, markets and administration supplier.

Few things that might be required for effective implementation of smart grid technology

 Increased use of digital information to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the
electric grid.
 Optimization of grid operations with full security.
 Categorization of distributed resources including renewable resources.
 Development and incorporation of demand response, demand-side resources, and energy-
efficiency resources.
 Integration of `smart’ appliances and consumer devices.
 Timely information and control options to customers.
 Identification and lowering of unreasonable or unnecessary barriers to adoption of smart
grid technology.
A common element to the implementation of smart grid is the application of Digital Signal Processing
techniques and Wireless and digital communication frameworks to the power grid.

Few advantages to the implementation of the smart grid technology 

A) Reliable source of power

B) The smart grid will make use of technologies that improve fault detection and will self-heal the
network without the intervention of technicians hence improving reliable supply of electricity and
reduced vulnerability to natural disasters.

B) Flexibility in network topology

A better infrastructure of transmission and distribution will be able to handle bidirectional energy flows,
allowing for possibilities of energy generation from multiple sources such as from photovoltaic panels on
building roofs, but also the use of fuel cells, charging to/from the batteries of electric cars, wind turbines
and pumped hydroelectric power unlike classic grids that supported one-way flow of electricity.

C) Sustainable infrastructure

Due to improved flexibility of the smart grid, it permits the transmission from various renewable energy
sources such as solar power and wind power. Current network infrastructure is not built to allow for
many distributed feed-in points. Smart grid technology is a necessary condition for very large amounts
of renewable electricity on the grid as it can sustain a large number of fluctuations caused due to weather
conditions.

 D) Market-demand

The smart grid allows for systematic communication between suppliers and consumers, and permits
both to be more flexible and sophisticated in their operational strategies. Only the critical loads will need
to pay higher prices and consumers will be able to be more strategic in when they use energy. At the
domestic level, appliances such as air- conditioners, refrigerators, heat banks, and heat pumps will seek
to minimize energy cost.

28. Distinguish between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid.--

 The conventional grid is equipped with electromechanical sensors and relays and smart grid is
completely digital/numeric. It uses state of the art digital relays and other sensors.
 The conventional grid is having one way communication. But smart grid uses two way digital
communication.
 The conventional grid uses centralized generation and smart grid uses distributed generation.
 The conventional grid will have limited sensors whereas smart grid is equipped with sensors throughout.
 The monitoring of power and fault related issues in conventional grid is done manually but in smart grid,
it is a self monitoring process.
 If any fault occurs in conventional grid, we should restore it manually from the control center. But in case
of smart grid, it is a self healing process.
 If a blackout occurs in conventional grid, it creates a catastrophe. But in case of snart grid, there's an
option for adaptive islanding.
 Conventional grid is having limited control and smart grid is having pervasive control
 Conventional grid gives limited choice to customers but the smart grid gives multiple opportunities to
customers and there are lot of demand response programs created to give incentives to customers if we reduce our
power consumption during peak hours.