I. Intelligent Power Generation
The development goals for building a robust and smart grid in the power generation sector are: guided by the "One Special and Four Major" development strategy (i.e., ultra-high voltage power, large-scale coal-fired power, large-scale hydropower, large-scale nuclear power, and large-scale renewable energy bases), to guide the intensive development of power sources and coordinate the development of large-scale coal-fired power, large-scale hydropower, large-scale nuclear power, and large-scale renewable energy bases; to strengthen plant-grid coordination and improve the safe operation of the power system; to implement energy-saving power dispatching and improve the utilization efficiency of conventional power sources; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the power generation sector and mitigate the impact on climate change; and to optimize the power source and grid structure, promoting the scientific and rational utilization of new energy sources such as large-scale wind power and photovoltaic power generation. During the construction of the smart grid, distributed power sources such as wind power, solar power, and large-capacity energy storage devices will account for a significant proportion of the system. It is necessary to focus on solving issues related to the grid connection planning, operation, control, and forecasting of distributed power sources, and to improve the coordinated operation of renewable energy. In terms of information transmission, to achieve two-way interaction of information between plants and the grid, to improve the grid's control over the power generation side, to improve energy utilization efficiency, and to promote energy conservation and emission reduction. To optimize unit operation modes, improve plant-grid coordination, ensure the safe and stable operation of the power system, reduce the impact on the environment and climate, and achieve sustainable energy development.
With increasing environmental awareness and the implementation of national energy policies, new energy power generation and distributed power sources will have significant development potential and will account for a considerable share of installed capacity, leading to a significant change in the composition of power sources.
II. Intelligent Power Transmission
Achieving intelligent operation of the power transmission network is a crucial aspect of smart grid construction. Wide-area measurement and protection systems have been established in various regional power grids across China, initially realizing dynamic monitoring of the grid. Some regional power grids have even begun implementing advanced dispatch centers, all of which create conditions for realizing intelligent transmission. In the transmission sector, efforts should be accelerated to build a robust grid structure with ultra-high voltage (UHV) lines as the backbone and coordinated development of power grids at all levels. Comprehensive implementation of condition-based maintenance and full life-cycle management of transmission lines is essential. This can be achieved through the construction of transmission line condition monitoring centers, enabling centralized monitoring and disaster early warning of environmental and operational parameters for UHV lines, important transmission corridors, and disaster-prone areas. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) technology will improve line transmission capacity and the flexibility of voltage and power flow control, achieving international leading levels in both technology and equipment.
By coordinating the development of UHV AC 1000kV and DC ±800kV with power grids at all levels, a robust physical grid foundation is constructed. As can be seen from my country's UHV power grid development plan, under smart grid conditions, UHV will be the basic backbone of the power grid, used to connect large regional power grids, while extra-high voltage (UHV) will be the core component of these regional power grids. Utilizing advanced FACTS technology, rapid transmission simulation and modeling technology, and advanced protection and control technology, the transmission capacity of the transmission system can be greatly improved, and power oscillations between regional power grids can be effectively suppressed, enhancing the steady-state and dynamic operating performance of the transmission system.
III. Intelligent Substation
In the construction of smart grids, the substation sector requires the development of technical standards and specifications for smart substations and intelligent equipment. By adopting communication network technology, intelligent electrical equipment, and automated operation management systems, key substations will be fully constructed or upgraded into smart substations, enabling the digitalization and intelligentization of data acquisition, transmission, and processing. A complete, accurate, and real-time information acquisition system should be built in the substation to achieve comprehensive collection and real-time sharing of grid operation data, serving as the data foundation for real-time grid control, intelligent regulation, and various advanced applications. The status early warning capabilities and fault self-diagnosis capabilities of various intelligent devices should be actively built and improved. Smart substations should possess intelligent maintenance capabilities, constantly monitoring and analyzing the status of various substation equipment (such as transformers, circuit breakers, busbars, instrument transformers, surge arresters, and disconnect switches) to achieve condition-based maintenance, thereby optimizing usage and saving labor costs.
IV. Intelligent Power Distribution
The intelligentization of distribution networks is a crucial component of smart grids, especially in developed countries like those in Europe and America, where intelligent distribution networks are a core element of smart grid construction. Currently, my country's distribution network structure is relatively weak, with a low level of automation and incomplete technical standards and specifications. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen basic information management of the distribution network, construct an intelligent distribution technology architecture, and build a flexible, efficient, and rational distribution network. To meet the demands of smart grid construction, the distribution network should possess flexible reconfiguration and power flow optimization capabilities, enabling compatible access and unified control of energy storage devices and distributed power sources. In emergency situations, it should be able to support the safe and stable operation of the main grid, significantly improving power supply reliability and power quality. Furthermore, it is essential to actively complete the comprehensive construction of distribution automation systems, fully promote the application results of smart grid distribution demonstration projects, and strive to bring major technical equipment to an internationally leading level.
V. Smart Electricity Use
Establish an intelligent, two-way interactive system to achieve active interaction between the power grid and users, improve user service quality, and meet diverse electricity demands. Smart meters enable comprehensive monitoring of electrical equipment, reading various metering values from users in real-time or at set intervals, such as power consumption, electricity usage, voltage, current, and other information, effectively acting as sensors for the power grid. Establish a metering data management system (MDMS) as a database with analytical capabilities, interconnecting with advanced metering devices such as smart meters to collect, process, and store smart meter readings. Actively promote networked management, connecting smart meters to controllable appliances or devices in users' homes through gateways or user portals, enabling users to actively participate in demand response and the electricity market according to the needs of the power company. Actively promote the construction of smart electricity demonstration parks, with policy support from power grid companies or the government, driving technological innovation in areas such as smart buildings and smart home appliances to change end-user electricity consumption patterns and improve user electricity efficiency.
VI. Intelligent Scheduling
Intelligent dispatching is the core manifestation of a smart grid, a key component of building a robust smart grid, and the nerve center of smart grid operation and control. To meet the needs of a smart grid, the dispatching system should possess a more comprehensive and accurate data acquisition system, powerful intelligent safety early warning capabilities, and a focus on coordinating system safety and economy in dispatching decisions. In the event of a system failure, it should be able to quickly diagnose the fault and provide fault recovery decisions; and it should be able to utilize visualization technology to provide dispatchers with a comprehensive and intuitive view of the grid's real-time operation.
In the process of building a smart grid, the dispatching process should, based on existing dispatching technologies, focus on solving the problem of safe and stable operation of the large power grid and achieving large-scale optimized resource allocation; research effective access and control technologies for wind farms and distributed power sources to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction; develop intelligent dispatching technical support systems, backup dispatching, emergency command and control centers, and dispatching communication data networks; gradually build intelligent dispatching decision support systems in dispatching centers at all levels; and develop application functions such as real-time monitoring and early warning, safety verification, dispatching planning, and dispatching management to comprehensively improve the dispatching and control capabilities, resource optimization capabilities, and flexible and efficient dispatching capabilities of the large power grid, ensuring the safe, stable, economical, and high-quality operation of the power grid.
