The Indian power sector is facing multiple challenges associated with power supply, reliability and stability. The increasing demand for energy is putting immense pressure on the sector to modernise and optimise its operations. Meanwhile, the growing share of renewables in the energy mix poses a challenge for the grid due to its intermittency issues. In this context, smart grid technologies have emerged as transformative solutions for modernising and optimising energy distribution systems, addressing challenges such as reliability, efficiency and sustainability. With the integration of advanced hardware, software, and communication and information technologies, smart grids are enabling utilities to monitor, control and optimise electricity flows in real time, thereby enhancing grid performance and resilience. Smart grids are empowering utilities and consumers to make informed decisions, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate environmental impact by way of automation, data analytics and distributed energy resources (DERs).
Distribution management system
The DMS is a central hub to monitor and control a medium voltage electricity network. This support system helps operators efficiently maintain and manage the network by gathering information from across the grid, giving operators a complete picture of its health. It detects outages, pinpoints their location and helps restore power quickly. It adjusts network configurations and voltage levels to ensure efficient and reliable power delivery. It performs functions such as network connectivity analysis, load flow application, voltage/VAR control, fault management and system restoration, loss minimisation via feeder reconfiguration, and load balancing via feeder reconfiguration. Additionally, it monitors operations, does short-term load forecasting, provides interface to customer information systems, geographical information systems, outage management systems, trouble call management and asset management.
Advanced metering infrastructure
AMI enables the monitoring and measurement of consumer data through smart meters installed at customer locations. This data is transmitted to the utility control centre using communication methods such as general packet radio service, power line carriers and radio frequency. Smart meters also support time-of-day and critical peak pricing/real-time pricing rate tracking and monitoring based on energy usage. The Ministry of Power has implemented programmes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Integrated Power Development Scheme, Smart Meter National Programme and National Smart Grid Mission. As of January 2024, 8.63 million smart meters had been installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Energy storage systems
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stand out as a crucial technology for catering to the fluctuating power demand, and variable electricity pricing within smart grid frameworks. BESS enables cost reduction by charging storage batteries during off-peak periods and supplying energy to the grid during periods of peak demand. Moreover, it is a viable solution for managing intermittency related to renewable energy sources. It enhances supply reliability by providing support to users during power outages caused by natural disasters and contributes to maintaining and improving power quality, frequency and voltage stability when integrated into the power network. A BESS is a critical component in the evolution of smart grids. In September 2023, the union Cabinet approved viability gap funding amounting to Rs 37.6 billion, which constitutes up to 40 per cent of the capital cost, for private entities planning to set up battery storage systems.
Real-time data acquisition system (RT-DAS)
RT-DAS can be used in smaller urban or town areas in place of SCADA for data acquisition, real-time measurement and diagnosis of system data to reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses. In non-SCADA towns, implementing a Feeder Remote Terminal Unit-based System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) or System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) measurement system utilising RT-DAS offers a precise and efficient approach to evaluating the reliability of power distribution networks. This allows utilities to take targeted measures to improve reliability by focusing on the causes behind unsatisfactory SAIFI/SAIDI values. RT-DAS allows measurement accuracy, durability and resilience, automated reporting, predictive maintenance; provides data-driven insights; and offers seamless compatibility with future SCADA and AMI integrations.
Microgrids
A microgrid comprises an integrated energy and communications system that incorporates interconnected loads and DERs. It primarily operates independently or in conjunction with the main grid (macro grid) during emergencies. Generation resources within a microgrid encompass micro turbines, wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells and alternative energy sources. The presence of numerous distributed generation sources and the capability to isolate the microgrid from the broader network ensures exceptionally reliable electricity supply to its users. These decentralised grids can integrate micro generation units, attending to local demands and minimise the distribution and transmission network requirements. Real-time interaction and management of consumers, prosumers and generators by using information and communication technologies can increase the efficiency of local operations and culminate smart microgrids.
SCADA
SCADA systems gather real-time environmental data to monitor and analyse the grid, including voltage levels, current flows, power quality and equipment status. This comprehensive monitoring allows operators to have a clear understanding of the grid’s operational status, enabling proactive decision-making and response to changing conditions. SCADA systems are often integrated with other smart grid technologies, such as AMI, DMS and energy management Systems that allow seamless communication and coordination between different grid components, enabling holistic management and optimisation of grid operations. With renewable energy generation gaining attention to mitigate the carbon footprint and decarbonise the energy generation processes of the country, SCADA can ensure smooth integration of renewable energy resources with the grid. It can provide real-time performance analysis, and track faults and power fluctuations to ensure stability.
OMS
The outage management system (OMS) is a software or computing device designed to aid in the detection, analysis and resolution of power outages within the energy grid. An OMS automatically analyses grid data to identify outages, notifies utility operators of any disruptions and alerts nearby field crews to investigate and address the issues promptly. As an OMS functions within the framework of individual utilities, it typically collaborates with various data sources to obtain a precise real-time grid representation. Key data sources enabling OMS functionality include a geographical information system, a customer information system, AMI, a mobile workforce management system and SCADA.
IoT
Internet of things (IoT) is a network of internet-enabled devices that offers practical uses in monitoring electricity generation, assessing smart power consumption, optimising energy efficiency and myriad other applications. It can address challenges faced by traditional grids, such as outages and security concerns. The power sector loses billions of dollars due to electricity theft, which leads to a hike in electricity tariffs and taxes for consumers. With the help of IoT, it can monitor energy availability and consumption down to the meter level, in real time. Utilities can assist consumers in saving money by rectifying non-technical losses in metering and billing. Technologies such as smart meters, solar farm monitoring, IoT-based electric vehicle charging systems and battery monitoring systems can promote IoT in the energy sector.
Key challenges
The grid infrastructure in India may require significant upgrades to support the implementation of smart grid technology. This includes modernising substations, installing advanced meters and deploying communication networks, which can be costly and time-consuming. Integrating diverse technologies and systems from different vendors into a cohesive smart grid infrastructure poses interoperability challenges. Ensuring seamless communication and compatibility between devices and systems is crucial for effective smart grid operation. Additionally, managing vast amounts of data generated by smart grid devices raises concerns about data privacy, security and management. Smart grids are vulnerable to cyberthreats, including hacking, malware and data breaches. Developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks (such as clear policies, standards and incentives) that support the deployment and operation of smart grid technologies is imperative to encourage investment, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and implementing extensive defence mechanisms are critical to protect smart grid infrastructure and data from cyberattacks. Smart grid projects require substantial upfront investment, and achieving financial viability can be challenging. Developing sustainable funding models, attracting private investment and demonstrating the economic benefits of smart grid technology are crucial for project implementation and scalability.
The way forward
Smart grid technologies represent a paradigm shift in the way energy is generated, distributed and consumed. By leveraging advanced automation, communication and data analytics capabilities, smart grids enable utilities to optimise grid operations, integrate renewable energy sources, and enhance reliability and resilience. However, the adoption of smart grid technologies in India faces challenges such as infrastructure upgrades, interoperability, cybersecurity and financial viability. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from the government, utilities, technology providers and consumers to realise the full potential of smart grids in transforming the energy sector.