AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE SMART GRID SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ADDRESS NIGERIA'S POWER DEFICIT PROBLEM

Abstract

Nigeria's power grid has been plagued with challenges such as epileptic power supply due to the increase in population without an expansion of the grid. Therefore, decentralizing the national power grid system and incorporating a smart grid system that interconnects regional power resources in different locations is a solution. This paper presents a composite design of a smart grid system that incorporates automation control systems to detect faults in the system, absorb electromagnetic interference, and provide infrastructure for grid expansion to accommodate the increasing population. The smart grid system includes a central monitoring system and a mini-grid automation control system to distribute power adequately according to demand. Additionally, it enables active participation from consumers in demand response and includes the characteristics of self-healing from power disruption events. The paper outlines the history and current state of power grids worldwide and discusses Italy's successful adoption of smart grid technology. Smart grid systems' potential to address energy problems globally is showcased in this paper.