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Smart grid technology has enhanced the ability to monitor numerous aspects of the distribution system for improving system performance and reducing system losses. One benefit is the continuous assessment of insulation degradation within distribution transformers, which is commonly referred to as a loss of life assessment. Calculating the expended life of a transformer consists of determining its winding hotspot temperature, which fluctuates with customer demand, ambient temperature, and cooling characteristics. Most residential transformers in service today do not possess the ability to connect to a smart grid communication system for continuous monitoring; therefore, they rely upon fusing for protection against extreme loading conditions. Smart meters can provide utility companies with the information required to identify distribution transformers that are experiencing higher than rated losses that can ultimately reduce their expected life. The research presented in this paper defines the smart meter functions required to accurately assess the aging of distribution transformers according to IEEE Std C57.91 and C57.110. To establish general accuracy guidelines, transformer loading indices were developed to evaluate acute excessive loading, long-term excessive loading, and excessive loading due to harmonics. Metering functions evaluated included power factor, harmonic demand, and ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper discusses historical and technical events in the U.S. and Europe over the last few years that are aimed at modernizing the electric power grid. The U.S. federal government has ratified the “smart grid initiative” as the official policy for modernizing the electricity grid including unprecedented provisions for timely information and control options to consumers and deployment of “smart” technologies. European countries are unified in researching and developing related technologies through various structures supported by the European Union. This paper presents the development of smart grids and an analysis of the methodologies, milestones, and expected evolutions of grid technologies that will transform society in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of smart grids will fundamentally change the approach of assessing and mitigating system voltage deficiencies on an electric distribution system. Many distribution companies have historically identified customer level voltage deficiencies utilizing a reactive approach that relies upon customer complaints. The monitoring capabilities of a smart grid will allow utilities to proactively identify events that exceed the voltage threshold limitations set forth by ANSI Std. C84.1 before they become a concern to end-users. This proactive approach can reduce customer complaints and possibly operational costs. This paper describes an approach for determining voltage threshold limits as a function of duration for proactive voltage investigations utilizing smart grid monitoring equipment. The described approach was applied to a smart grid located in Boulder, Colorado. This paper also describes the results of this two-year study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]