Rapid changes and innovations were taking place in the field of information technology. The recent being the smart grid technology that integrates information technology and standard power electricity grid, according to Sri R. Kolla.
Prof. Kolla of Bowling Green State University addressed a seminar on ‘Applications of AI Techniques in Computer Relaying for Power Systems’ organised by Potti Sriramulu Chalavadi Mallikharjuna Rao College of Engineering and Technology here on Tuesday.
On its sidelines, speaking to The Hindu, Prof. Kolla said that the new concept helps in avoiding power blackouts that impact economy and put people in darkness. It would save energy, make utility operations more streamlined, support renewable energy and save money for consumers.
Micro grids would be installed under the power grid. In a way every designated area would have a micro grid, and the problems pertaining to that area would impact only the micro grid. So, failure of entire grid can be ruled out, he explained.
The smart grids also help in integrating renewable energy generation into the grid. However, the grid would continue to depend on thermal and nuclear power plants. The new technology would also help in storing the energy generated. For instance, wind or solar power has to be generated only when wind or sun was there. These kind of renewable energies are stored in huge batteries.
The smart grids would empower consumers as well. Smart meters have been fixed in many places in the US. They allow consumers to monitor their own electricity usage and give access to real-time information to the consumers, he said, adding, the US is moving towards smart grid technology.
The US government implements different tariffs for power depending upon time of usage like peak time or slack time. So, the consumers can switch on or off their electrical appliances like washing machine at a time which suits their preferred power tariff.
Many MNCs like GE and Siemens have been investing huge amount on integration of IT and power systems. “And, for all this, technologies like artificial intelligence are used,” he added.
