Which Revolutionary Innovations Shaping The Future of Transmission and Distribution?
Modern life is dependent on electrical electricity for everything. From offices and households to streets and stores, all rely on electrical systems to function. We are getting a direct electricity supply at our place, but how much do we know about the transmission and distribution of electricity?
Let’s comprehend the innovations and what the future holds for transmission and distribution.
What is the Transmission and Distribution of Electricity?
Transmission and distribution of electricity refer to the different stages of transferring electricity over poles and wires from the source to a home or a business. However, the transmission and distribution of electricity are not the same. The difference lies in the voltage level at which electricity moves at each stage.
Electricity generates from various sources such as wind, fuel, and coal. Once it is generated from the source, the electrical wiring system carries electricity to homes, streets, offices, and buildings. These lines of wires are found overhead or in the ground, and together, transmission and distribution lines make up the electrical grid.
Let’s break this down a little for further understanding:
Transmission
Transmission is known as the “interstate highway” of electricity delivery. It is an essential part of electricity delivery that moves bulk electricity from the generation zones over long distances to substations closer to areas where electricity is required. Transmission lines are broader, taller poles and towers which carry many wires over long distances. Transmission lines move extensive amounts of electricity at high voltage levels. These voltage levels are too high to deliver directly to a home or business, so distribution comes into play.
Distribution
In the electricity grid, if the transmission is the interstate highway, then distribution is a street of a smaller city. Distribution is the final step of electricity delivery that supplies the electricity from the generation station to the consumer. Before transmitting the electricity to the distribution lines, the voltage is first reduced in the transmission line by transformers and then sent to the distribution lines. This electricity traveling through the distribution system has safe voltage and can be delivered directly to a home or office. Distribution lines are wires that are easily seen along streets, homes or offices, etc.
To put it simply, the transmission of electricity is at a higher voltage than distribution. Transmission lines are the combination of the huge electric towers and wires connected to them, while distribution lines are the ones that lead directly to homes and businesses.
How Innovations are Impacting the Electricity Transmission and Distribution?
The electricity industry remains a hotbed of innovation, with automation, intelligent processing, improving the performance of electricity distribution networks and the quality of distributed electricity, and the growing importance of technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The number of domestic patent filings has exceeded the number of international patent filings at the Indian patent office, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of India. A total of 19,796 patent applications were filed, out of which 10,706 were filed by Indian applicants and 9090 by non-Indian applicants for various technological ideas
In the last three years alone, there have been over 439,000 patents filed and granted in the name of ‘Artificial Intelligence in electricity: electricity distribution management applications’ in the T&D industry.
Some innovations that can change the future of electricity transmission and distribution include:
AI and ML for Electricity Transmission and Distribution
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being utilized to optimize maintenance practices in the electricity transmission and distribution sector. Predictive maintenance algorithms can help identify potential equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and improving asset management.
E.ON is one of the well-known operators of electricity networks and electricity infrastructure, that is using AI for electricity distribution. This AI-based solution will calculate cables that need to be replaced and intervene before they are damaged. It will also maximize the energy yield in wind farms by using AI managers.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the transmission and distribution sector by providing secure, transparent, and efficient transactions between energy producers and consumers. It can enable peer-to-peer energy trading, streamline billing processes, and enhance grid reliability.
IoT Technology
IoT technology has the potential to bring significant improvements in electricity transmission and distribution areas. Using IoT solutions for electricity transmission and distribution can improve the efficiency, performance, and reliability of the electrical grid.
IoT-enabled sensors can be used for real-time monitoring and management of electrical substation equipment, transmission lines, and electricity sources. Additionally, IoT can help optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve safety, making the electricity grid more sustainable and cost-effective.
Grid Modernization
Utilities and electricity grid operators continue to invest in upgrading and modernizing the electricity grid infrastructure. This includes the deployment of advanced sensors, smart meters, and automation technologies to enhance grid monitoring, fault detection, and self-healing capabilities to streamline the electricity transmission and distribution process.
Duke Energy, a leading electricity distributor, has collaborated with AWS to build new smart electricity grid software and services to expand its Intelligent Grid Services. This AWS suite of custom-built applications will help the utility anticipate future electricity demand and manage the requirements of the electricity grid. With the help of AWS, Duke Energy will build cloud technologies to support grid-planning solutions for better electricity distribution.
Advanced Electricity Storage
The integration of electricity storage systems, such as large-scale batteries, is gaining momentum. Electricity storage helps balance supply and demand fluctuations, improves grid stability, and enables increased utilization of renewable energy sources.
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
DERs, including rooftop solar panels, small wind turbines, and localized energy storage, are being increasingly integrated into the grid. This decentralized approach allows for more efficient utilization of renewable energy and enables grid resilience during electricity outages.
Microgrids
Microgrids, which are localized electricity systems capable of operating independently from the main electricity grid, are becoming more prevalent. They offer increased reliability, resiliency, and the ability to integrate renewable energy sources and electricity storage at a smaller scale.
Digitalization and Data Analytics
Advanced data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being utilized to optimize electricity grid operations, improve maintenance practices, and predict and prevent equipment failures. Real-time data monitoring and analysis enable utilities to make informed decisions, optimize electricity grid performance, and make electricity transmission and distribution more efficient.
Electrification and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities for the T&D sector. Innovations in EV charging infrastructure and demand management are required to handle the increased electricity demand while ensuring grid stability. It also reduces the need for human resources and human-caused errors in the transmission and distribution of electricity.
Grid Resilience and Cybersecurity
With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the focus on electricity grid resilience and cybersecurity is paramount. Innovations in secure communication protocols, intrusion detection systems, and grid hardening techniques are being developed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats and physical electricity disruptions. These technologies protect networks, hardware, and software involved in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and trading.
Electricity Grid Integration of Renewables
As the share of renewable energy sources like solar and wind electricity increases, innovations in electricity grid integration technologies are crucial. This includes the coordination of the transmission and distribution of renewable energy resources, including distributed resources like solar panels and wind turbines.
Future for Transmission and Distribution
Conventional electricity transmission and distribution systems are complex and extensive. Managing the supply and security of these massive systems is again a challenge.
With the help of innovations and technological advancements, electricity will be supplied far more dynamically between transmission and distribution centers with renewables, electric vehicles, and battery storage while maintaining security and electricity supply. The role of electricity networks is changing to facilitate this transition. Technologies such as AI, ML, and IoT need to be integrated into the conventional system to make the electrical system more reliable, self-sufficient, and automated.
