The key to grid-wide resilience: end-to-end layers of automation

In brief

The article argues that grid resilience should be built through end-to-end layers of automation rather than one-off upgrades at isolated weak points. It says utilities need to treat the distribution grid as a unified system, from substations and feeders to laterals and the grid edge, and deploy coordinated technologies such as reclosers, sensors, sectionalizers, fault interrupters and automated switches. These tools can help isolate faults quickly, restore power to unaffected areas and turn aging distribution networks into more flexible systems.

The piece also stresses that different parts of the grid need different automated solutions. Substations and feeders may require intelligent reclosers, switches or fault interrupters, while single-phase lateral lines can benefit from self-resetting reclosers that clear temporary faults and reduce outage duration. For underground lines, automated self-healing systems can improve fault location and service restoration during storms. The author concludes that utilities can modernize incrementally, using proven devices with familiar interfaces and largely autonomous operation, gaining resilience without a full replacement of existing infrastructure.

Source: Renewable Energy World

‍