In this context, the term “Smart Transmission Grid”is a collective term that includes the physical network as well as the controls and devices supporting the function of the physical network [2]. This makes the work related to STG fall in line with the ongoing Smart Grid initiative. This chapter will be dedicated to discuss research activities currently underway, particularly in Europe and the USA, aiming at the development of STG. STG is considered as an integrated system that consists of three interactive smart components. These are smart control centers, smart transmission networks, and smart substations [2].

Chapter Contents:

• 11.1 Introduction
• 11.2 Why transmission grids need to be smart?
• 11.3 Challenges and requirements of future STG
• 11.3.1 Environmental challenges
• 11.3.2 Market/customer requirements
• 11.3.3 Infrastructure challenges
• 11.3.4 Adaptation of innovative technologies
• 11.4 The essential aspects of the STG
• 11.4.1 Integration of synchrophasor measurements technology into transmission system operation and control
• 11.4.2 Compatibility of ICT infrastructure
• 11.4.3 Operational and coordination issues
• 11.5 Vision of future STG
• 11.5.1 Characteristics of future STG
• 11.5.1.1 Digitalization
• 11.5.1.2 Flexibility
• 11.5.1.3 Intelligence
• 11.5.1.4 Resiliency
• 11.5.1.5 Sustainability
• 11.5.1.6 Customization
• 11.5.2 Basic components of STG
• 11.5.3 Smart transmission network
• 11.5.3.1 Characteristics of smart transmission network
• 11.5.4 Smart transmission substations
• 11.5.4.1 Characteristics of a smart substation
• 11.5.4.2 Example of a practical smart substation
• 11.5.5 Smart control centers
• 11.5.5.1 Review of control centers development
• 11.5.5.2 Vision of functions for future smart control centers
• 11.6 Current research activities on STG
• 11.6.1 Smart transmission grid research in Europe
• 11.6.1.1 Pan-European transmission grid research activities
• 11.6.2 Smart transmission grid research in USA
• 11.6.2.1 Balancing authority
• 11.6.2.2 Balancing authority area
• 11.6.2.3 Reliability coordinator
• 11.6.2.4 Existing information infrastructure
• 11.6.2.5 Future real-time information infrastructure
• 11.6.3 Smart transmission grid research in China
• 11.6.3.1 Smart Grid pilot projects
• 11.6.3.2 Transmission system projects
• 11.7 Summary
• References

Inspec keywords: transmission networks; smart power grids; substation automation

Other keywords: smart transmission grid; interactive smart components; smart control centers; Europe; USA; physical network; smart substations; STG; smart transmission networks

Subjects: Power system management, operation and economics; Control of electric power systems; Substations; Power system control; a.c. transmission