Abstract

The creation of a flexible, efficient, digitized, dependable and resilient power grid may well be the best route to increasing energy efficiency & security, as well as boosting the potential of renewable & distributed power sources. This book covers smart grids from A-Z, providing a complete treatment of the topic, covering both policy and technology, explaining the most recent innovations supporting its development, and clarifying how the smart grid can support the integration of renewable energy resources. Among the most important topics included are smart metering, renewable energy storage, plug-in hybrids, flexible demand response, strategies for offsetting intermittency issues, micro-grids for off-grid communities, and specific in-depth coverage of wind and solar power integration. The content draws lessons from an international panel of contributors, whose diverse experiences implementing smart grids will help to provide templates for success.

• Provides critical information on the technological, design and policy issues that must be taken into account to ensure that the smart grid is implemented successfully
• Demonstrates how smart grids can help utilities adhere to increased renewable portfolio standards
• Provides examples of successful microgrid/smart metering projects from around the world that can act as templates for developers, operators and investors embarking upon similar projects

"The term ‘smart grids’ is widely referred to as a concept, but exactly what it means, how it might work and what the benefits are not always so clear. In this collection of contributions from a diverse range of international authors the idea and its applications are held up and examined from many different perspectives. The book covers four main areas; setting the context for smart grids; the growing role of renewable and distributed generation; smart infrastructure, prices and devices; and a section looking at case studies, applications and pilot projects….Sioshansi’s own conclusion is a little downbeat. While smart grids offer exciting opportunities, saving, benefits and a host of features and functionalities, they are simply beyond the capabilities of the existing grid. ‘It is abundantly clear that many remaining obstacles have to be overcome and pitfalls avoided––technical, regulatory, financial and behavioural to name a few––if we are to achieve the full potential benefits of smart grids’, he concluded." --Energy Spectrum

"A brisk and wide-ranging introduction by Sioshansi sets the scene. The 19 chapters that follow, despite being by 19 different groups of authors, are readable and stylistically consistent, a tribute to Shioshansi’s editorship. All of the chapters also include copious references, valuable resources for anyone seeking deeper immersion in the topics." --Modern Power Systems

"This is an excellent coverage of a sometimes misunderstood subject matter area – the so called ‘smart grid’.  The approach in this book is to invite 54 co-authors- subject matter experts in various power systems fields – and create a definitive and practical reference.  This is a book about the grid itself, and the transformations needed to deliver energy to customers in today’s world and tomorrow.  It is not just a book for power engineers; it is for all types of practitioners and policy makers who are involved in this industry revolution." --EnergyNews, March 2012