Technology Writing Assignment Paper: Smart Grid (Essay Sample)

Smart Grid
Name
University AffiliationSmart Grid
Master, Mounzer, and Bambos (2014) write that cost effective energy storage technologies and wireless communication are enabling a power system that can use controls, such as real-time costing, to enhance stability, fairness, and efficiency. The authors propose a design that helps achieve these goals by using minimal communication. They develop a set of rules for allocating electricity which is not only sensitive to price but also to delay. According to them, large-scale power storage also help in modernization of power systems.
A smart grid is considered the future's power system. Electricity in traditional systems is generally transmitted from few generators to several customers. In contrast, smart grid applies two-way flow of information and power to create a distributed and automated energy transmission network that is sustainable, efficient, resilient, reliable, secure, safe and clean. The smart grid results from increased use of information technology and communications in the consumption, delivery, and generation of electricity. The system can monitor everything from individual appliances to user preferences to power plants (Master et al., 2014). It uses distributed communications and computing to deliver information in real-time and facilitate balance of demand and supply.
Master et al. (2014) claim that the smart grid is meant to operate efficiently and optimize resources, enable markets, accommodate all storage and generation options, provide quality power, be resistant to interruptions, and engage the consumers. The system is designed to support substation automation, developing technologies, use of transmission sensors, and integrated control. It facilitates grid congestion management, improved customer energy management, automated metering, disturbance recovery as well as enhanced field worker effectiveness.
Master et al. (2014) argue that the smart grid offers unique characteristics. It withstands natural disaster and attacks by using a solution that reduces cyber and physical attacks and enables quick recovery from interruptions. It responds to disturbances by monitoring vital components of the transmission system to prevent outages and automate maintenance. It will operate efficiently and optimize resource utilization by enhancing outage management and reducing system losses. The system will also assure power quality for customers by diagnosing, monitoring, and responding to deficiencies. It will enable new markets, services, and products while accommodating storage and generation options. The smart grid will give users options, control, and information that enables them participate in new power markets.
The work presented in the paper is inspired by the queuing theory. More specifically, Master et al. (2014) use understanding from queuing systems as a way of quantifying and understanding delay in power systems. The knowledge from queuing theory enables the authors to control delay and subsequently shift peak demand automatically. At the same time, they incorporate dynamic pricing as a means for controlling congestion. The researchers ...