Chapter 6 - Energy Sustainability

Part 3 - Electricity: Transmission, Distribution and Economics

Delivering Electricity to End Users

F. A Revolution in the Electricity Sector?

electricity substation
It is possible that recent technical advances in developing a smart grid may revolutionize the way we distribute and use our electrical power. The way we have been distributing power has been through a centralized power system typically characterized by large centralized power generating plants. A large, centrally located power plant transmits and distributes power to various sectors. The recently developed and implemented smart grid incorporates advanced communication and sensor technology into the power delivery infrastructure. This improves the ability of the grid to interact with generation and end users, and facilitates automated meter reading, time-differentiated pricing, demand response as well as allowing interaction with energy smart appliances, buildings and vehicles.

 

Part 3 - Electricity: Transmission, Distribution and Economics

Delivering Electricity to End Users

A. Basic Structure of Electric Power System
B. Transformer Basics and Losses
C. Transmission Lines and Grid Operations
D. Environmental, Health and Safety Issues – T&D
E. System Losses Weigh Heavily on Electricity Systems in Developing Countries
F. A Revolution in the Electricity Sector?
G. Small-Scale Power: Distributed Generation (NEXT)

Summary: Smart-Grid: A Game-Changing Technology

Electricity Markets and the Future of Electricity

 

(Adapted from the Energy Resources lecture materials of Jane Woodward, Consulting Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Karl Knapp, Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University by Cheryl Chadwick/Gregory Möller)

(Image credit: Siemens AG)