Smart Grids in Canada: Case study with EQUS and Schneider Electric

Microgrids, Mini-grids, Nanogrids… Oh my!

Attempting to navigate the world of smart electricity distribution can be confusing. While many versions of smart grid systems exist, there is no consensus yet as to standardized definitions. That said, the electricity community has accepted baseline characteristics for each, as outlined below.

Smart Grids, also known as “electricity with a brain,” are a specialised grid that use information technology to deliver electricity reliably, securely, and efficiently. Unlike current grid technology, which delivers electricity in a single direction, smart grids support bidirectional flow of electricity and communication. Smart grids have optimised performance of multiple networks of electricity generation, storage, and loads.

Microgrids are a subset of smart grids that have a set geographical boundary (i.e., a community, campus, town, or city). Microgrids produce a limited amount of electricity, and often rely on decentralised energy sources and remote energy storage. They can be connected to the larger regional grid or they can operate autonomously through intelligent energy management systems (known as "islanding"), depending on conditions.

Mini-Grids are a self-contained smart power system with sophisticated software and controls. They are disconnected from the larger grid system, and deliver electricity to relatively concentrated settlements (i.e., a community, campus, town, or city).

Nanogrids are a very small smart grid system that are disconnected from the larger grid and are often confined to one building or primary load. Some examples include batteries, electric vehicles, and off-grid buildings.

Why are smart grids important?

Over 700 million people in the world do not have reliable access to electricity, with over 80% of these people living in rural communities. As global populations grow, it is critical to accommodate the electricity needs of all populations to ensure social welfare and sustainable development.

Smart grids are a viable solution in that they are highly compatible with different energy sources - including decentralised energy, such as solar arrays and wind turbines. The systems are typically equipped with smart energy storage, reducing intermittency. Off-grid rural communities use them to increase energy sovereignty, and reduce emissions. Additionally, with more frequent and severe weather events anticipated in the future, urban smart grids with ‘islanding’ abilities are expected to provide a reliable source of electricity when the conventional power system fails – for example, due to hurricanes, monsoons, or snowstorms.

Smart grids and their smaller-scale siblings communicate with various parts of the grid to optimize energy flow and efficiency. They help address rural and urban electrification challenges by being more resilient, affordable, and reliable.

How is Canada involved in the movement?

Canada produces some of the world’s top electrical engineers and computer scientists – many of whom are working in Canada’s smart grid labs. Canadian utilities are stepping up as well, working to deliver smart grid technology to the nearly 20% of Canada’s population that live in rural communities. The initiatives are demonstrated through the following case studies by DEC members - EQUS and Schneider Electric Canada.

A rural example: EQUS Rural Alberta Smart Grid

EQUS is a Rural Electrification Association in Alberta. It is the largest member-owned utility in Canada, serving nearly 12,000 members. EQUS provides electrical distribution services throughout rural areas of the province, from commercial developments, to telecommunication towers, to farms. Recently, the organization has branched into smart grid technology through Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which creates operational efficiencies, and provides data that can support consumers in managing their consumption.

AMI allows two-way communication between remote meters and the system hub thanks to smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems. The system is widespread across the province, and is a solution for connecting ultra-rural meters that are separated by large distances. It also means that EQUS staff no longer need to manually monitor remote meters, leading to savings in time and costs. The two-way communication between the meters and the hub means that EQUS is notified immediately in case of a grid outage. The innovative system represents the first member-owned rural smart grid in Canada, and acts as a valuable example to other rural communities.

EQUS has also demonstrated an aptitude for innovation at their Corporate Office in Innisfail, Alberta. The building, constructed in 2020, has a near net-zero energy system characteristic of a small-scale microgrid. The system is fed by a solar array, a combined heat and power system, and a battery to store excess electricity. With smart building management technology, the system integrates generation, storage, and usage of electricity and heat to maximize efficiency. The system is anticipated to result in a 95% reduction in grid power used, as well as 59% cost savings on utilities, and a 31% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. It is an example of the strides being made towards integrating smart technology and efficient energy generation into contemporary building design in rural settings.

Smart grid systems have countless benefits, such as reduced costs and emissions through energy efficiency and monitoring. EQUS’ operations are a step towards bringing smart electricity technology to rural regions across Canada, ensuring no community is left behind.

EQUS Innisfail Office Energy Dashboard (February 24, 2021)

An urban example: The Schneider Electric Smart Grid Lab

In Ontario, the Schneider Electric Smart Grid Lab is a joint initiative with Schneider Electric and Ryerson University. It is at the forefront of Canadian smart grid research. Beyond the basic capacities of a smart grid unit, it also allows experts to physically duplicate microgrid infrastructure.

The Smart Grid Lab is a collaborative facility that acts as a microgrid ‘sandbox.’ The lab engages customers in how to manage their electricity usage, while also allowing developers to test and demonstrate smart grid ideas and products. It is the central hub for educating future smart grid engineers, scientists, planners and operators on how to build and manage the Canadian electrical grid as it evolves.

The lab has cutting-edge energy solutions and highly-trained experts in utility transmission and smart grid development, such as the City of Toronto, Toronto Hydro, Alectra and Hydro One. Some of its applications include: microgrid operation, energy management systems, outage management systems, automated meter reading and distributed generation control.                               

The Smart Grid Lab was founded on the concept that future urban systems will rely more heavily on interconnected, smart, and flexible energy distribution systems. When paired with decentralised energy sources urban centers will benefit from better power reliability and quality. The lab harnesses the impact of global interest and the need for automated and efficient electricity distribution – especially in the face of growing populations, and more frequent and severe weather events.

“When the world is more electric, there will be a greater impact on greenhouse gas emissions. That means optimization and smart energy will play a role […]. The lab allows us to do some practical experimentation that has real-life, tangible applications, like renewables, energy storage and electric vehicles,” says Dr. Venkatesh, the head of the Centre for Urban Energy at Ryerson University, “we need to adapt to a new energy society– and we can get there in 20 years.”

Smart Grid Lab schematic. Source: Schneider Electric

Smart grids are a key player in achieving sustainable development. They are in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 7 (clean energy), 9 (innovation and infrastructure), and 11 (sustainable cities and communities). With more communities harnessing them going forward, we are on our way to a more sustainable and equitable global society.

What is DEC doing?

DEC is busy facilitating collaborations between smart grid companies. Last month, DEC hosted a Global Matchmaker Series, which focused on connecting Canadian and Nigerian companies working in energy generation, grid modernisation, and energy integration and optimisation. The series created countless mutual business opportunities, and was facilitated through a webinar (with over 115 participants!) and a successful B2B matchmaking event.