A Review of Smart Grid Communication Technologies

Abstract

Electric power systems throughout the world are facing radical change stimulated by the pressing need to decarbonise electricity supply, to replace ageing assets and to make effective use of rapidly developing information and communication technologies (ICTs). These aims all converge in the Smart Grid. The Smart Grid uses advanced information and communication to control this new energy system reliably and efficiently. Some ICT infrastructure already exists for transmission voltages but at present there is very little real-time communication either to or from the customer or in distribution circuits. The present revolution in communication systems, particularly stimulated by the internet, offers the possibility of much greater monitoring and control throughout the power system and hence more effective, flexible and lower cost operation. The Smart Grid is an opportunity to use new ICTs to revolutionize the electrical power system. However, due to the huge size of the power system and the scale of investment that has been made in it over the years, any significant change will be expensive and requires careful justification. This paper presents various communication technologies for smart grid and their advantages and disadvantages.