IoT and Power Grids

To many professionals in the field of power generation and distribution, the Internet of Things (IoT) is single handedly leading the evolution of conventional electrical grids into smart grids. Cities of the future are now tied to the concept of "Smart Cities", where a 24/7 consistent supply of power is key to the smart aspect of the city. IoT related technologies help increase the robustness of transmission and distribution networks. One of the most interesting features of IoT application in distribution networks is the ability to reroute power in the case of line failures or maintenance works. Weather phenomenon are one of the unexpected factors which lead to blackouts in the case of overloading lines or debris damaging grid components. Through IoT in smart grids, sensors would detect and isolate the areas of interest, meanwhile the system would simultaneously reroute the power averting the damage using "best fit" algorithms which choose the best route for the power to travel along the grid until the damaged components are identified and repaired thus providing power where a conventional grid would experience a black out.