Guest editorial: Special section on asset management in smart grid

Abstract

Electric power system and its components, most of which developed based on the rising electricity demand during economic growth periods of 1970s and 1980s, have aged and some are not being replaced quickly. In addition, the integration of variable sources of energy has changed the way assets are being managed for optimal operation. Aging assets and uncertainty in power system load profile and demand management create a challenge for the optimal operation and maintenance of the electricity grid. This special section aims at addressing the challenges and opportunities in deployment of smart grid technologies such as wireless sensors for condition monitoring and intelligent electronic devices to improve transmission and distribution asset maintenance and repair strategies, asset management in microgrids for enhancing power system sustainability, reliability, and efficiency, and further bring together the state-of-the-art technologies and best practices in asset management in the smart grid era. Through a careful peer review process, 14 papers representing diverse topics on asset management and aging infrastructure are included in this special section. Based on the various aspects of contributions, these papers are categorized into five groups.