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Abstract— The SMART GRID (SG) is an all encompassing term reflecting the broad objective of applying the latest technology to the overall power system. As designed to do, the SG philosophy and government backing has prompted an avalanche of ideas to be generated in every aspect of power system operation. The subject feature discussed in this paper is the VVMS (volt/var management system).

The objectives of a coordinated VVMS include reducing system-wide losses, minimizing distribution system and customer voltage variation, reducing maintenance costs, reducing operating costs, reducing/deferring capital spending and increasing the power delivery capacity of existing equipment. In case of the CVC (conservation voltage control) application, an added objective is to maintain customer voltage levels to minimize power consumption on the system.

This SG interest should also prompt comprehensive review of the present system’s equipment, integrating the SG into the present systems and evaluating innovative application of present equipment. These reviews will assist in forming the basis for the algorithms used in controlling the SG. They will also form the basis for local backup operation for many contingency cases which will occur, even in an SG system.

This paper will also discuss the need to retain much of the local intelligence (locally) for those broader operational contingencies which will inevitably occur. Not only must the SG meet objectives as an overall system but it must continue to meet those objectives for isolated areas for all contingency conditions.

A distribution system example will include some presently available hardware capabilities that are not universally being used to the fullest advantages towards the SG goals. The industry must be careful not to lose the local intelligence and operational capabilities that have been developed over many years of experience.

About Beckwith Electric

Founded in 1967, Beckwith Electric introduced the first solid state tapchanger control in 1968, and was the first to develop the microprocessor protective relay in 1981. Today, Beckwith Electric has thousands of protection and control units in service worldwide, with a reputation for cutting-edge technology, defined by its customers and refined by Beckwith. This success starts with Beckwith Electric Employees and their commitment to quality in the products, all 100% designed and manufactured in Largo, Florida, U.S.A.

Beckwith’s field-proven smart distribution automation controls for transformers, regulators and capacitor banks incorporate unique control strategies, advanced microprocessor architecture and cyber security compliant communications. Power systems protection solutions include generator, transformer, feeder, recloser and distributed generation applications. Specialized synchronizing and motor bus transfer systems are also offered.

Beckwith Electric’s customers include power utilities, heavy industrial and large institutional markets, and their consultants.

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