Smart Grid
What is a Smart Grid?
It is not a piece of hardware or a computer system, it is a concept. A smart grid is an intelligent electric delivery system that directly responds to the needs of consumers. It marries communication with computer technology and connects it to electric networks to manage loads more effectively, enable more automation during restoration after an outage, and facilitate interaction between energy providers and consumers.
It is driven by three main factors – greenhouse gas reduction, customer price signals to promote a smarter use of electricity and the integration of renewable energy sources. With the smart grid comes a promise of more reliable, more efficient and more affordable energy.
GIS Modernizes the Smart Grid
With the smart grid's sophisticated communication network superimposed on the electric network, data management with GIS becomes utterly critical. GIS provides utility operators with the visibility they need to make the best decisions about managing meters and customers and incorporating renewable energy.
Since the smart grid is composed of two networks – electric and communications, utilities must understand physical and spatial relationships among network components. GIS helps utilities to manage data about the condition of their assets and understand the relationship of each asset to one another.
It can be used to determine optimal locations for smart grid components and provides a spatial context to the analytics and metrics of a smart grid. GIS can also control parts of the grid by recommending ways for the grid to get back to normal after an abnormal event. A smart grid driven by GIS adapts to changes based on data from thousands of sensors to prevent outage and equipment failure.
For more information, contact your local Esri Canada Regional Office.
