Massively Digitized Power Grid: Opportunities and Challenges of Use-inspired AI

TL;DR

This paper discusses how data, computing power, and AI algorithms enable digitization in power grids, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and research directions amid decarbonization efforts.

Contribution

It provides a use-inspired analysis of digitized power grids, emphasizing the interplay of data, computing, and AI, supported by industrial case studies.

Findings

Key factors driving digitization: data, computing, AI

Illustrated with industrial case studies

Identified open challenges and research opportunities

Abstract

This article presents a use-inspired perspective of the opportunities and challenges in a massively digitized power grid. It argues that the intricate interplay of data availability, computing capability, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm development are the three key factors driving the adoption of digitized solutions in the power grid. The impact of these three factors on critical functions of power system operation and planning practices are reviewed and illustrated with industrial practice case studies. Open challenges and research opportunities for data, computing, and AI algorithms are articulated within the context of the power industry's tremendous decarbonization efforts.