The Role of Control Systems Research in Smart Grids

A Smart Grid is an end-to-end cyber-enabled electric power system that includes power generation, transmission, distribution, and end use. It has the potential to (i) enable a large-scale integration of distributed and intermittent renewable energy sources and help decarbonize power systems, (ii) allow reliable and secure two-way power and information flows, (iii) enable energy efficiency, effective demand management, and customer choice, (iv) provide self-healing capability from power disturbance and interruption events, and (v) operate resiliently against physical and cyber-attacks. Central to the achievement of all of these goals is a control-centric approach.