Power Grids of the Future: Why Smart Means Complex

The paper presents an analysis of the possible evolution of the power grids in the near future. In particular, we expect Distribution Networks to significantly evolve. Currently, Distribution Networks are rather simple systems with very limited active control. The growing presence of Distributed Generation and in particular the introduction of renewable sources is expected to significantly change the scenario. Furthermore, utilities are considering a more active involvement of the customers through the features of Smart Metering. This new infrastructure, briefly called Smart Grid, presents an interleaved connection of power, control and communication. While the platform for the Smart Grid is still under development, it is hard to predict the level of complexity that the system may reach in the future. Many experts, though, foresee the Power System being operated like the Communication Networks, by a group of providers within the same infrastructure. At this point it is safe to say that the power system will represent an interesting confluence of technologies from classical Power Systems to Power Electronics, Digital Control and Communications. How is such system going to be designed? How is it protected? How is overall system stability assessed and assured? These questions are up to now still open. This paper presents an overview of these challenges and of some of the current research on-going efforts.