1. Ross Baldick, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
EE379K/EE394V Smart Grids: A new course on smart grids at The University of Texas at Austin
Ross Baldick, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
April 24, 2017

2. Outline Definition of smart grid. Course overview. Work in progress.
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3. Definition of smart grid.
Various definitions in the literature say something like: “The application of information processing and communications to the power grid.”
Smart grid discussions in practice often focused on distribution system and end-use.
Took an expansive definition of “grid:”
Include transmission and generation,
Include end-use of electricity.
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4. Why include generation and transmission?
Generation and transmission not usually included in standard definitions:
Are part of “grid”!
Are already quite “smart”!
Included description of Independent System Operator functions and technologies.
Ensure awareness of these very sophisticated systems:
contextual information for understanding addition of analogous technologies to distribution system.

5. Definition of smart grid.
Avoid hype and clarify various concepts:
smart grid,
self-healing grid,
microgrid,
digital grid.
Evaluate costs and benefits.
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6. Course overview. Architecture of smart grid.
Generation and transmission system:
Smart operations of existing system.
Renewables.
Human factors.
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7. Course overview, continued.
Distribution systems:
Advanced metering and other hardware.
Storage.
Residential power quality.
Retail rates and pricing.
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8. Course overview, continued.
End-use:
Residential electricity and gas.
Distributed solar.
Electric vehicles.
Contrarian view to provide perspective.
Course material presented by industry experts volunteering their time to prepare material and teach classes.
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9. Work in progress. Semester still ongoing!
Lectures all available from:
Future offerings will likely add and subtract.