Intelligence has been integral to electricity grids since their inception: supervision, control and protection have always been key activities for system operators. So, what’s different about the smart grid?
Grids are becoming more complex for a variety of reasons, including the roll-out of distributed generation, changes in customer behavior (including the rise of the ‘prosumer’) and demand for efficiency throughout the energy value chain. Smart grids can handle increased complexity more efficiently and effectively than traditional networks. Even when using proven technologies, switching to smart grids generally requires innovative applications and breakthrough solutions to be developed, paying attention to new aspects such as cybersecurity.
CESI covers the entire value chain in smart distribution and transmission networks, which are a vital part of the smart grid:
- Strategic analysis and roadmaps for the implementation of smart grids and smart metering infrastructure
- Technical support for advanced metering infrastructure, the key enabling infrastructure for developing advanced services for customers, including in-home devices and demand-response.
- Preparing technical specifications for tender and assistance through to bid evaluation and contract negotiation
- Support of the supervision of project roll-out
- Cost-benefit analysis to assess innovative solutions for system flexibility, such as virtual power plants (VPPs), electric vehicles (EVs), utility scale batteries and power to gas (P2G)
- Defining network automation options that allow the network to react autonomously to unexpected external events, creating immediate cost savings for the distribution system operator
- Technical support to define platforms to integrate home area networks and energy management systems that allow customers to interact more deeply with the power system and have a better idea of how much power they are using
- Cybersecurity risk assessment, machine learning, data analytics and data driven methodologies to innovate data management
- Developing enterprise architecture paradigms, focusing on aligning an organization’s business strategies with its anticipated, desired and planned technology investments.
