Smart Grid
The Role of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) in Smart Grid Implementation
As electric utilities across North America, Europe, and the world begin to implement Smart Grid technologies, there is a growing need for complementary monitoring tools. Initial Smart Grid efforts are focused on the “nodes” of the system - primarily the management of power generation and storage elements. However, with the shift from distant to localized renewable power generation and the need for the grid to accept power injections from all energy resources, the reliability, efficiency, and capacity of the cables connecting the nodes is core to realizing the benefits of Smart Grid. The retooling of the electricity infrastructure in major markets is likely to occur over a span of 20 – 30 years. Such a large changeover comes with a unique set of challenges such as standardization of technologies and protocols, synchronization of cross-border regulations, and major decisions regarding interfaces between old and new systems. Continuous, cost-effective monitoring of these interfaces within the new grid structure are essential to the successful implementation of Smart Grid.