Power quality and electrical energy losses as a key drivers for smart grid platformdevelopment

This paper presents how the problems of power quality and electrical energy losses in distribution systems led to the development of an interoperable smart grid platform being implemented in several electrical utilities in Serbia through various pilot projects. With practical examples of solving the problem of power quality and of locating the source of electrical losses in distribution network, using different types of Measuring Information Systems, evolution of smart grid development in Serbia is shown. Through the demands raised in the exploitation of these systems, it is presented how a flexible smart grid platform, enabling the use of all available information and communication technologies and interoperability with intelligent electronic devices and systems of different manufacturers, is developed. Beside the platform description, which allows the inclusion of all smart grid stakeholders, few examples of its practical use by different users are given. At the end, appropriate conclusions are drawn and directions for further research are clearly outlined.