Exploring energy grid resilience: The impact of data, prosumer awareness, and action

Abstract

The transition of energy grids toward future smart grids is challenging in every way: politically, economically, legally, and technically. While many aspects progress at a velocity unthinkable a generation ago, one aspect remained mostly dormant: human electricity consumers. The involvement of consumers thus far can be summarized by two questions: ''Should I buy the eco-friendly appliance? Will solar pay off for me?'' However, social and psychological aspects of consumers can profoundly contribute to resilient smart grids. This vision paper explores the role of active consumer-producers (prosumers) in the resilient operation of smart energy grids. We investigate how data can empower people to become more involved in energy grid operations, the potential of heightened awareness, mechanisms for incentives, and other tools for enhancing prosumer actions toward resilience. We further explore the potential benefits to people and system when people are active, aware participants in the goals and operation of the system.

Assessment of Energy and Heat Consumption Trends and Forecasting in the Small Consumer Sector in Poland Based on Historical Data

“…Enabling flexible consumption involves access to price signals and incentives such as lower tariffs for reduced consumption during network congestion [20][21][22][23]. Decentralization of the energy market leads to reduced generation-consumption distance, and the microgrid sector is witnessing strong growth worldwide [24]. The decentralized model employs a 'peer-topeer' principle [25].…”

Demonstration of Resilient Microgrid with Real-Time Co-Simulation and Programmable Loads

“…Equation (11) shows the voltage of the DC link V DC as an output voltage as a function of the PV panel V PV input voltage.…”

“…This interconnectedness means that every sector is negatively affected when part of the grid needs to be repaired [10]. That is why it is important to design resilient energy systems; to prevent power disruptions or restore electricity quickly if an outage occurs [11]. Additionally, the increase in advanced energy loads, such as smart appliances and electric vehicles, leads to another concern in the electric sector: the volatility and the asynchrony between demand and load, resulting in a struggle to provide a stable energy flow.…”

A Simplified Approach to Estimate EV Charging Demand in Urban Area: An Italian Case Study

“…However, a wide EV diffusion can lead to a deep impact on the existing electric grid infrastructure with overloads, voltage instabilities, and increased power losses [8]. For this reason, the estimation of EV charging demand is fundamental to evaluate these impacts and to identify possible strategies and solutions for improving the grid reliability to support the EV and renewable energy source (RES) diffusion [8][9][10]. For instance, grid reinforcement can increase the hosting capacity and consequently satisfy the increasing energy demand due to the electrification of the transport sector.…”