Smart Grid Remote Laboratory

Abstract

A “smart” grid is capable of providing power from multiple and widely distributed sources such as from wind turbines, concentrating solar power systems, photovoltaic panels and so on. Further, Energy storage devices such as Batteries and Fuel cells would be an integral part of Electricity grid in addition to conventional power generation techniques. A smart grid uses digital technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid system. Existing electric infrastructure in several parts of India is aging and it is being pushed to do more than it was originally designed to do, as the demand for electricity is increasing encompassing diverse sectors from Manufacturing to Agriculture and now with increased efficiencies of Electric cars built by companies such as Tesla, the demand for Electricity is expected to rise multi fold. Modernizing the grid to make it “smarter” and more resilient through the use of cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and controls that communicate and work together to deliver electricity more reliably and efficiently would naturally be the necessary infrastructural upgrade to facilitate such a change. Consumers can better manage their own energy consumption and costs because they have easier access to their own data. Utilities also benefit from a modernized grid, including improved security, reduced peak loads, increased integration of renewable, and lower operational costs. Smart grid Remote lab is developed and equipped in-order to provide a platform for the students and research scholars to undergo their project works remotely. Here the energy generated by modules from both solar and wind sources installed over the roof top will be fed to our control system and will be switched between ON Grid and OFF Grid modes. The system is interfaces with LabVIEW and its user interface design allows students/researchers to observe the real-time electrical parameters during all levels of its operation.