Sample survey of smart grid approaches and technology gap analysis

Research and development in the field of “smart grids” is advancing at an ever expanding rate, with an increasing number of industry participants and other key constituents internationally, including government entities and educational institutions. It is vital to understand the approaches being taken by these various entities in order to determine the optimal method by which to proceed with defining the smart grid and associated future developments. This survey was undertaken with the intent of determining representative approaches from various participants, and combining them into an overarching view of the industry as a whole. As a result, the more practical and efficient methods of improving the electrical grid were revealed, as well as gaps within the existing technology and standards. The most apparent gaps were determined to be in the following main areas: common communications; improved transmission and distribution controls; real-time information and incentives for both the end-user and the utility; self-healing grids; energy storage and renewable integration; and improved standards for the industry. In particular, future work into the development of improved control software for renewable integration utilizing energy storage is discussed, which will contribute to further research within the field.