SECTION A
(2 × 10 = 20 | Very Short Answers)
a. Why do we need Smart Grid technology?
Smart Grid technology is needed to improve reliability, efficiency, power quality, integration of renewable energy, real-time monitoring, and to reduce outages and energy losses.
b. Concept of Resilient and Self-Healing Grid
A resilient and self-healing grid can automatically detect faults, isolate affected areas, and restore power quickly without human intervention.
c. Real-Time Pricing in Smart Grid
Real-time pricing is a tariff mechanism where electricity prices vary based on real-time demand and supply conditions.
d. Role of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs act as flexible loads and energy storage units, supporting load balancing and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations.
e. Purpose of Smart Substation
Smart substations enhance automation, monitoring, protection, and control using digital communication and intelligent devices.
f. Application of PMUs
Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) provide synchronized real-time measurements of voltage and current for power system monitoring.
g. One issue related to microgrid interconnection
Synchronization with the main grid is a major issue during microgrid interconnection.
h. Role of fuel cells in microgrid
Fuel cells provide clean, reliable, and continuous power generation within microgrids.
i. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
EMC ensures electrical equipment operates correctly without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference.
j. Web-based vs traditional power quality monitoring
Web-based monitoring enables remote, real-time access and data analytics, unlike traditional local monitoring systems.
SECTION B
(Attempt any THREE | 3 × 10 = 30 Marks)
2(a) Differences between Conventional Grid and Smart Grid
The conventional grid is centrally controlled, one-way communication based, and reactive in nature. In contrast, the smart grid uses two-way communication, advanced sensors, automation, real-time monitoring, self-healing capabilities, and supports renewable energy integration.
2(b) Outage Management System (OMS)
An Outage Management System detects, locates, and manages power outages using smart meters, sensors, and GIS data. OMS improves response time, fault isolation, crew dispatch, and service restoration, enhancing customer satisfaction.
2(c) Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs)
PMUs measure synchronized voltage and current phasors using GPS signals. They help in real-time monitoring, stability analysis, fault detection, and wide-area control of power systems.
2(d) Captive power plants in microgrid systems
Captive power plants generate electricity for specific consumers or industries. When integrated into microgrids, they enhance reliability, energy independence, and reduce dependence on the main grid.
2(e) Impact of renewable energy sources on power quality
Renewable sources like solar and wind introduce power quality issues such as voltage fluctuation, harmonics, frequency variation, and flicker. Smart Grid technologies mitigate these issues using advanced control and compensation techniques.
SECTION C
3(a) Smart Grid Roadmap for India
India’s Smart Grid Roadmap focuses on improving grid reliability, reducing losses, integrating renewable energy, deploying smart meters, strengthening communication infrastructure, and enhancing consumer participation.
3(b) Opportunities and barriers in Smart Grid implementation
Opportunities include improved efficiency, renewable integration, energy security, and smart consumer services. Barriers include high initial cost, cybersecurity risks, regulatory challenges, and lack of skilled manpower.
4(a) Real-Time Pricing and demand-side management
Real-time pricing encourages consumers to shift usage during off-peak hours. It improves demand-side management, reduces peak load, and enhances grid stability.
4(b) Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
AMR improves metering accuracy by enabling remote data collection, reducing human error, detecting energy theft, and enabling real-time billing.
5(a) Smart Substation vs traditional substation
Smart substations use digital sensors, IEDs, communication networks, and automation, while traditional substations rely on manual operation and analog systems.
5(b) Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
IEDs are microprocessor-based devices used for protection, monitoring, control, and communication in modern power systems.
6(a) Components of solar PV integration with utility grid
Components include solar panels, inverters, DC-DC converters, protection devices, grid synchronization units, and energy storage systems.
6(b) Microgrid concept and modes of operation
A microgrid is a localized power system that can operate independently or with the main grid.
Modes include:
Grid-connected mode
Islanded mode
7(a) Issues in power quality monitoring
Challenges include harmonic distortion, voltage sag/swell detection, data accuracy, synchronization, and communication delays.
7(b) Role of power quality conditioners
Power quality conditioners reduce voltage sags, swells, harmonics, and improve power factor, ensuring stable and reliable power supply.
