Editorial Opinions

Editorial – Issue 064 June 2023

Improving Grid’s Security, Reliability and Efficiency

by Alex Apostolov, Editor-in-Chief

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We live in a world that heavily relies on a stable, secure, and efficient supply of electricity, underscoring the importance of the power grid. However, with the increasing demand for electricity, aging infrastructure, and the growing threat of cyber-attacks, improving the grid’s security, reliability and efficiency has become an important requirement.

Grid security involves protecting the power system from both physical and cyber threats. As power grids become increasingly digitized, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could disrupt power supply and cause significant economic damage. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as authentication, intrusion detection systems, advanced encryption and regular security audits, is critical to protect the grid from these threats. Additionally, physical security measures, including surveillance systems and secured access to critical facilities, should be enhanced to protect against vandalism and terrorism.
Another aspect of system security is the capability of a power system to maintain reliable power supplies using its existing resources in the face of unexpected events and sudden disruptions in real time, such as short circuit faults, the unanticipated loss of key generation or network components, changing weather conditions affecting the renewable energy resources or rapid changes in demand. Using continuous monitoring of the state of the electric power grid, as well as system integrity protection schemes allows us to achieve this goal.
Reliability refers to the power system’s ability to provide continuous electricity supply without interruptions. It is particularly important as power outages can have severe consequences, ranging from inconveniences for households to significant economic losses for businesses. Improving reliability involves regular maintenance and upgrading of power equipment, implementing redundancy in the system design, and improving operational procedures.
Advanced technologies, such as IEC 61850 based smart grid technologies, can greatly improve reliability. For instance, synchrophasor measurements and advanced metering infrastructure provide real-time information on the state of the power system, allowing for quick response to system disturbances. At the same time the widespread acceptance of digital substations allows continuous monitoring of all their primary, secondary and communication components which supports early detection of any potential problems thus also improving the reliability of the system.
Efficiency in the power grid refers to the optimal use of resources to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Improving efficiency can result in significant energy and cost savings and reduce environmental impact. One way to enhance efficiency is through the implementation of digitalization, advanced automation and demand response programs. These programs incentivize consumers to reduce their electricity usage during peak demand periods, thereby reducing the need for peaking power plants, which are often less efficient and more polluting. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, can improve efficiency by reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.
Another avenue to improve efficiency is the use of energy storage systems. Energy storage, such as batteries or pumped hydro storage, can store excess electricity during periods of low demand and release it during periods of high demand. This not only improves the efficiency of the power grid but also enhances its reliability and security by providing a buffer against power outages and fluctuations in renewable energy generation.
The transition to a smarter and more decentralized power grid can further enhance security, reliability, and efficiency. A smart grid uses digital technology and advanced communication systems to monitor and manage electricity supply and demand in real-time. This allows for better integration of renewable energy resources, more effective demand response programs, and quicker response to power outages. Additionally, decentralized power generation, such as rooftop solar panels and local wind turbines, can reduce the risk of widespread power outages and increase the resilience of the power grid.
Improving the efficiency of the engineering process and the configuration management of the protection, automation and control systems through remote access based on secure communications is another tool available to the industry.
Last, but not least, automating all aspects of the engineering, operation and maintenance of the electric power grid is the key for achieving the complex task of improving its security, reliability, and efficiency.

“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”

Bill gates