The Landscape Impact of Power Supply Systems, and the Implications for the Development of a Smart Grid

The Landscape Impact of Power Supply Systems, and the Implications for the Development of a Smart Grid

Abstract:

To understand the many challenges the North American power grid faces, it is important to acknowledge the interconnected and interdependent nature of the system, as well as understand the engineering constraints that must be overcome to transition the present system of power supply, to a “smart-system” for which it was not designed. Future demand for increasing power flows with higher reliability, security, and protection will undoubtedly stretch the current supply system to its limits and due to the interdependence of the system, the potential ramifications of grid failure could precipitate throughout the economic, social, and environmental regimes of which all are connected. To understand the magnitude of this dilemma, one must first understand the many facets that make up the current power supply system, and the structure that the smart-grid necessitates. This paper will focus on the topic of power delivery through transmission and distribution systems: its present effects on the landscape, and the requirements needed for the transition to a smart grid.