Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things-Based Smart Grid Technologies for Intelligent Energy Management Systems: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The traditional power grid model is no longer viable; with the increasing use of variable renewable sources, electric vehicles, and heating systems combined with an aging infrastructure and increasing peak demand the power grid is being stretched to the limit. To address these challenges, a new cyber-physical system  called the "smart grid" is emerging. Smart grids will monitor the flow of electricity through the grid using sensor networks and smart meters. In addition to monitoring the flow of electricity, smart grids will also enable two-way communications between utility companies and customers. These two-way communications will allow utility companies to automatically control customer side loads based on changing grid conditions. As a result of these changes, there will be increased opportunities for utility companies to better manage their electrical distribution assets. Therefore, utility companies need to understand what smart grid technologies exist today, how they work together, and how they can be used to improve the performance of the utility company's distribution assets. One of the key drivers of smart grids is the widespread adoption of advanced wireless sensor networks. Advanced wireless sensor networks are a type of "Internet of Things" (IoT). IoT enables the connection of physical objects to a network so that the object may send or receive information. Sensor networks may consist of thousands of nodes that are dispersed throughout a geographic area. Each node may include multiple sensors that measure different environmental factors. For example, a node might include temperature, humidity and light sensors. Advanced wireless sensor networks are a technology enabler for smart grids because they provide the means by which utility companies can collect large amounts of data about the current operating state of their distribution assets.