In recent years it has become increasingly apparent that conventional electrical networks cannot meet the requirements of the 21st century. These include reliability, efficiency, liberalisation of electricity markets, as well as effective and seamless integration of various types of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and customers as players. The emergence of new technologies such as distributed control, monitoring devices, and tremendous advances in information and communication technology have paved the way to realize the Smart Grid concept. This book identifies and discusses the tools required to ensure the interoperability among the various digitally-based components of the Smart Grid. Topics covered include an introduction to the smart grid concept; smart grid versus conventional electric networks; smart grid infrastructure; interoperability standards; communication system and its cyber security; international standard IEC 61850 and its application to smart grids; power system protection under smart grid environment; application of smart grid concept to distribution networks; integration of electric vehicles; energy storage systems; and the smart transmission grid. Introduction to the Smart Grid: Concepts, technologies and evolution is essential reading for researchers, engineers and advanced students working in energy engineering.

Electric power systems have become much more complex in the past years, due to the integration of distributed generation including renewable energy sources and the challenges caused by intermittency of renewables. This complexity makes power systems potentially more vulnerable. However, use of computer-based protection methods (i.e., digital protection relays) supported by communication technology have helped in protecting electrical networks from faults to which they are subjected to. This second edition of the book covers a comprehensive introduction to the protection of electrical power systems using digital protective relays. The new edition offers a thorough revision and update, and comprehensive additional material. Chapters treat the mathematical background of protection algorithms including, sinusoidal-wave-based algorithms, Walsh function and S-Transform-based techniques, least squares and differential equation-based techniques, travelling wave-based protection, protection of transformers, digital line differential protection, a comparison between digital protection algorithms, and importantly, protection of networks with distributed generation including renewable energy resources. The book is written for researchers in electrical engineering and power engineering, in industry, utilities and universities, and for advanced students. The treatment is logically structured, covering mathematics and principles for the development and implementation of the major algorithms underlying different protection techniques. These techniques can be applied to protection of generator transformers, lines, switchgear and cable circuits: the main components of transmission and distribution systems with and without integrated distributed energy sources including renewables.