EMI Concerns, Measurements and Standards for Smart Grid

Abstract

An existing electrical grid is being transformed at a very rapid pace. Smart Grid comprises of heterogeneous and complex infrastructure. An integration of various communication technologies is inevitable for sensing, automation, control and metering applications in Smart Grid. Power electronic interface has a vital role to play in the deployment of Smart Grid. Therefore, the sources of radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) must be identified and their effects can be mitigated for the prevention of EMI-related hazards. The safe operation of devices and components operating in the electromagnetic environment is must be ensured in terms of their electromagnetic compatibility according to various standards. EMI issues must be rigorously addressed as there are multiple causes and effects of these interferences. Moreover, the existing standards for measurement and prevention of EMI effects are based on primitive power grid infrastructure. Smart Grid is itself a developing technology which demands painstaking research endeavors. Safety of Smart Grid infrastructure is a crucial issue to be addressed due to its heterogeneous infrastructure. In this paper, the possible electromagnetic interferences are classified and analyzed for future interference mitigation research endeavors. This paper is anticipated to serve as an extensive survey of EMI issues, impacts, measurement procedures and standards in the framework of Smart Grid technology.