09 February, 2024

Objective of the Session:

The Department of Electrical Engineering organized an expert lecture on “Smart Grid Implementation in India: Industry Perspective” on 9th February 2024 for undergraduate students. The session was delivered by Mr. Ravi Patel, Production Engineer at Trans Electro, Gundlav, who has rich industrial experience in power systems, smart grid technologies, and grid automation.

Mr. Patel started the lecture by introducing the concept of a Smart Grid, highlighting its role in modernizing the Indian power sector. He explained how Information and Communication Technology (ICT), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and automation are transforming traditional power networks into smarter, more reliable, and more efficient grids.

Key insights shared during the session included:

• The need for smart grids in India due to rising electricity demand and renewable integration.
• Practical industry challenges such as load balancing, peak demand management, and grid resilience.
• Case studies of smart grid pilot projects implemented in India under the Ministry of Power and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL).
• Importance of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), SCADA systems, and Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS).
• Role of energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand-side management in shaping the future of interconnected grids.

Mr. atel also discussed the industrial practices at Trans Electro, focusing on production challenges, real-world implementation barriers, and solutions adopted by the industry.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students raised queries about smart grid job opportunities, new technologies like IoT and AI in power systems, and the government’s roadmap for smart grid deployment in India.

Outcome

• Students gained practical knowledge of smart grid implementation from an industry viewpoint.
• They learned about the current challenges and opportunities in India’s transition to smart grids.
• The session inspired students to explore projects, internships, and careers in the area of smart grid and power system automation.

The Department of Electrical Engineering sincerely thanks Mr. Ravi Patel for sharing his valuable industrial insights and delivering an enriching lecture. The department also appreciates the efforts of the faculty coordinators and student volunteers for organizing the event successfully.