THE NEXT generation electric grid, also known as smart grid, is expected to be scalable, reliable, and secure, and to enhance efficient energy consumption and deployment of renewable and distributed energy generation. The modern communications and networking technologies will play a vital role in the future smart grid by supporting two-way energy and information flow and enabling efficient moni...

Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, craftsmen and smiths was the only Olympian with a disability. Hephaestus was injured when his father, Zeus, flung him off Mount Olympus for siding against Zeus in a dispute with Hephaestus' mother, Hera. To compensate for his disability Hephaestus built two robots, one silver and one gold, to transport him. The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System is envisioned ...

The article estimates the costs of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) in a future power system as well as the benefits from smart charging and discharging EVs (smart EVs). To arrive in a good estimate, a generation planning model was used to create power plant portfolios, which were operated in a more detailed unit commitment and dispatch model. In both models the charging and discharging of EVs i...

The smart-power-grid brings opportunity and challenges to the power system protection and control. In previous century, there has nothing variation in the fundamental structure of the electrical power grid and vehicle networks. Rapid progress in communication and measurement techniques sharpens progress of Wide area Protection depend on the wide area measurement system. Smart-power-grid is cons...

Smart grid enables two-way communications between smart meters and operation centers to collect real-time power consumption of customers to improve flexibility, reliability and efficiency of the power system. It brings serious privacy issues to customers, since the meter readings possibly expose customers’ activities in the house. Data encryption can protect the readings, but lengthens the data...

Smart meters have become a matter of concern for many populations, although the technology is as always politically neutral. The focus on electricity rather than all metered services, water, gas and electricity is one aspect of this public concern. The heavy emphasis on Smart Grids, overall energy supply stability [1] and the extension of control into the home by power generators, allied to poo...

The Smart Grid concept is conceived as a means to optimize the operation and to improve the reliability of the electric delivery system. As environmental concerns and energy consumption continue to increase, utilities are looking at cost effective strategies for improved network operation and consumer consumption. Smart Grid is a collection of next generation power delivery concepts that includ...