The Smart Transformer: Impact on the Electric Grid and Technology Challenges

The increasing proliferation of renewable energy resources and new sizeable loads like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has posed many technical and operational challenges to distribution grids 1. Encouraged by attractive tax incentives and promotion policies, local grid end consumers are becoming not only consumers of electricity but, in many cases, also producers. The actual electric distribution system limits the use of renewable energy resources, offers poor EV infrastructure, and is based on a unidirectional information flow from sources to control centers.