Smart Grid: Integrating Renewable, Distributed & Efficient Energy

"The term 'smart grids' is widely referred to as a concept, but exactly what it means, how it might work and what the benefits are not always so clear. In this collection of contributions from a diverse range of international authors the idea and its applications are held up and examined from many different perspectives. The book covers four main areas; setting the context for smart grids; the growing role of renewable and distributed generation; smart infrastructure, prices and devices; and a section looking at case studies, applications and pilot projects..Sioshansi's own conclusion is a little downbeat. While smart grids offer exciting opportunities, saving, benefits and a host of features and functionalities, they are simply beyond the capabilities of the existing grid. 'It is abundantly clear that many remaining obstacles have to be overcome and pitfalls avoided--technical, regulatory, financial and behavioural to name a few--if we are to achieve the full potential benefits of smart grids', he concluded."--Energy Spectrum "A brisk and wide-ranging introduction by Sioshansi sets the scene. The 19 chapters that follow, despite being by 19 different groups of authors, are readable and stylistically consistent, a tribute to Shioshansi's editorship. All of the chapters also include copious references, valuable resources for anyone seeking deeper immersion in the topics."--Modern Power Systems "This is an excellent coverage of a sometimes misunderstood subject matter area - the so called 'smart grid'. The approach in this book is to invite 54 co-authors- subject matter experts in various power systems fields - and create a definitive and practical reference. This is a book about the grid itself, and the transformations needed to deliver energy to customers in today's world and tomorrow. It is not just a book for power engineers; it is for all types of practitioners and policy makers who are involved in this industry revolution."--EnergyNews, Volume 30, No. 1, March 2012, page 28