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GCC Smart Grid Integration Practical Guide

Regarding the integration of smart grids in the GCC region (Gulf Arab Cooperation Committee) – it is to combine the traditional power grids of power generation, transmission and distribution with the current fashionable technologies of Internet of Things, big data, and automation to operate – now more and more people are asking, after all, this region is so hot that it is very hot in summer, and it is always said that it is going to transform energy other than oil! Mastering the core points of smart grid integration can help power companies effectively reduce the line loss rate by more than 30%, and can also make people's electricity use more stable, and the cost may be reduced . But what should I do? Don't worry, I'll tell you one by one.

The basic concepts and core objectives of GCC smart grid integration

First of all, we must understand that GCC smart grid integration is not just about buying a few smart meters. It is a big project – from how to connect renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy at the power generation end to the grid, to intelligent patrol during the transmission process (such as using a drone to see if there are any problems with the line), to the automatic switches in the distribution link, and finally to the user's home that can communicate in two directions, all of which must be stringed together, connected to the Internet, and the data can be communicated interchangeable.

It mainly wants to do some big things:

1. High reliability power supply : reduce power outages, especially during peak electricity consumption in summer, do not always trip;

2. Improve energy efficiency : Don’t waste too much electricity when generating, transmitting and distributing power;

3. Consuming renewable energy : send the electricity generated by the solar power station to the power grid safely;

4. Support demand response : For example, if the power grid is almost unable to withstand it, it can automatically notify large users of large power or text messages to temporarily use less power;

5. Lay the foundation for future smart cities : there will be more electric vehicles in the future, and charging piles will all rely on the dispatch of smart grids. Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products! But it is challenging to implement it. For example, most of GCC countries have desert climates, and equipment protection against sand and sun protection is a big problem!

Disassembly and implement steps for key modules for GCC smart grid integration

This big project has to be broken into small pieces to do, just like building blocks, one piece is firmly built before another! Let me tell you about several modules:

Module 1: Intelligent Metering and User Interaction (AMI)

This is the part that ordinary people feel most easily, which is to replace the smart meter. Install this in the GCC area, pay special attention to:

Selection of meter : The desert is hot, the sun is very poisonous, and the outdoor temperature can sometimes reach more than 50 degrees Celsius, so the meter must be able to withstand high temperatures (at least -25℃ to +70℃), prevent sandstorms (the protection level or above IP65 is relatively safe), and corrosion-resistant. There is also a lot of salt in the air of the seaside countries!

Communication method : GCC countries are vast and sparsely populated, and different communications must be used in cities and remote areas. If urban optical fiber is convenient, use optical fiber. Remote places may use power line carrier (PLC) or wireless communication technologies such as LoRa and NB-IoT. GPRS/4G can also be considered in places with good coverage of mobile phone signal towers, but the traffic fee must be included.

The implementation steps must not be messed up:

1. Start piloting in a small range, such as choosing a community or commercial area to try the waters, and see how the meter and system compatibility are;

2. Then train the installation workers and not to use the advanced power meter, but it will be useless if it is not installed properly, connected with the wrong wire, or data cannot be transmitted;

3. Change and install tables in batches, and the replaced old tables must be registered and returned to the warehouse;

4. The user data platform must be well built so that the data can be stored and read out, and users must also check the power consumption and when to use more electricity from the APP.

Module 2: Advanced Distribution Management System (DMS)

This is like the "traffic control center" on the distribution network, which directs how the current flows smoothly and which section of the line has a large load. DMS is the focus of dealing with load prediction – the air conditioner is turned on much in summer and slightly better in winter, but the peak of electricity consumption will also change during Ramadan, so the prediction model must take into account these local special circumstances! During implementation, the protection and control equipment in the substation are generally upgraded first so that they can upload real-time data, then go to the DMS main system, and finally do simulation tests – for example, simulating that a certain place suddenly breaks, to see if the system can automatically and quickly send the power from other routes.

Module 3: Renewable energy grid-connected and microgrid control

There is so much sunshine in GCC countries that it is too late to use, so solar photovoltaic power stations are under construction one by one. However, solar power generation is unstable, and there are no during the day and at night. When the cloud comes, the power generation will drop. Such power will be directly connected to the grid, making the power grid shaking and unsafe. Therefore, there must be a new energy grid-connected control system (part of SCADA/EMS), and energy storage systems (such as lithium battery energy storage and pumped storage if conditions permit) to be used together – if there is too much solar energy, it will store energy, and if there is less power, it will be discharged at night, so that the power grid can be stable. It is also quite common for some small islands by the sea or remote oil field communities to build a microgrid with wind and light plus energy storage to supply power by yourself and connect it to a large power grid as a backup.

Module 4: Data communication network construction

All smart devices (meters, switches, sensors, drones) have to rely on the network to transmit data back and then send control commands. This network is like the "blood vessels" of the smart grid. When building this network in GCC area, the choice of options is dazzling:

1. Fiber Optical Network : The network speed is fast, stable, and can transmit a lot of things, but it is expensive to lay out. It is easy to dig in the city, but it is difficult to get sand or stones underground in the desert.

2. Wireless private network (such as 3G/4G/LTE-M/NB-IoT) : Speed and tariffs must be balanced. It is necessary to negotiate a good price with local telecom operators for a long-term cooperation, otherwise the data traffic fee will be eaten up! Mainly used to connect distributed smart meters and monitoring points in remote areas.

3. Power Line Carrier (PLC) : Run data directly on the power line without additional wiring savings. However, whether the power system in the GCC area will have strong electromagnetic interference affect the communication quality, it will take actual testing to know!

FAQs (Q&A) and experience sharing

Q1: What should I pay special attention to in laws and regulations when GCC countries are building smart grids?

A: Every country is different. For example, Saudi Arabia may have to contact the Saudi Electric Power Company (SEC) to submit technical standards for approval, and the UAE may require equipment to comply with local ESMA certification or something. It is best to find a local experienced consulting company to give you some advice! There is also data privacy protection. User electricity usage data is sensitive information and must comply with GDPR similarly, but it may be the local version of the Data Protection Law. Anyway, the string of compliance is tight!

Q2: In a place like GCC, where there are hot and dry and sandy, how can I choose the equipment to last for a long time?

A: This is so important! I'll list a few Tips for you:

It is best to have air conditioning or strong cooling fan outdoor cabinets/equipment to ensure that the internal temperature is not too high to burn the circuit board;

All wiring ports and module insertion ports must have dehumidification and dust prevention measures, and the sealing ring and dustproof net must be selected with a higher level;

Solar photovoltaic panels regularly clean up sand and dust, otherwise the power generation efficiency will drop significantly, and the power generation volume will be less money!

I personally think that the integration of GCC smart grid seems complicated, but as long as you understand the local climate characteristics, user habits, laws and regulations thoroughly, and then find a reliable equipment supplier (hardware such as smart meters, DTUs, industrial switches, etc., you can provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products! Look for software that has successful cases), and you will definitely succeed in doing it step by step! After all, this is a great thing to really solve the local power stubborn problem and move towards sustainable development!