Current trends of implementing smart grid for enhancing the reliability of power utility network

Electrical energy is now the biggest driving force on earth. The dependence and widespread use of electricity has its equivalent pros and cons. Thus modernization of the traditional grid system in order to overcome the major setbacks is the need of hour. Making use of advanced tools and development of various applications for evolution of conventional system is the major lead for smart grid. Demand responses, optimization of grid usage, reduction of affected users in case of a fault are some of the major contributors in the implementation of smart grid. The several features of smart grid include induction of the renewable energy, best utilization of system resources reducing costs, effective generation and demand balance, highest system reliability, consumer participation in energy management, onsite generation, use of electric vehicle reducing the harmful pollution, minimum down time, boost in energy security and quality power to users. It provides high quality and reliable energy supply to critical loads and provides easy integration with existing grid system. It provides support to the main grid in the form of export of real power and reactive power. Besides, the consumer supplier two-way communication, data transport and utilization of networking techniques like Field Area Networking helps in maintaining transparency and improving reliability and availability of the power system. The smart metering using Advanced Metering Infrastructure sustains the bidirectional data transfer and also reduction in the environmental effects. With this resilience and reliability of power utility network can be enhanced effectively. This paper describes the current development and technology advancement in smart grid infrastructure. The present issues and concerns related to smart grid need to be taken into account to help improvise the system efficiency. Case studies are involved to understand the real time analysis to address few concerns in smart grid implementation.