Produzione e trasformazione di energia primaria 
Produzione e distribuzione di elettricità e calore 
Tecnologie per i trasporti 
Tecnologie per il residenziale e i servizi 
Tecnologie per l'industria e l'agricoltura Produzione e distribuzione di elettricità e calore
Electricity Transmission and Distribution
Autors: Giorgio Graditi
up-tr5.php;Electrical Power Systems are networks of electrical components that produce electrical energy and transmit this energy to consumers. Electric power system comprises mainly following components: 1) power plants which generate electric power, 2) transformers which raise or lower the voltages as needed, 3) transmission lines to carry power, 4) substations at which the voltage is stepped down for carrying power over the distribution lines, 5) distribution lines, and 6) distribution transformers which lower the voltage to the level needed for the consumer equipment. The production and transmission of electricity are relatively efficient and inexpensive technologies, although unlike other forms of energy, electricity is not easily stored, and thus, must be produced based on demand. [1]
The electricity transmission and distribution networks are currently changing and evolving due to the massive presence of renewable sources, the growing presence of power plants directly connected to the distribution networks and the energy production in places very far away from bulk loads. The centralized one-way model, on which are based world power grids, is now being turned on its head by massive distributed generation, generally positioned at the distribution edges of the grid. Therefore, innovative technologies and mechanisms are needed to improve security and smartness of electric networks. A lot of solutions are currently investigated to this aim. Some of the most investigated areas are: materials (innovative material for equipment such as transformers, cables and switches in order to improve the efficiency, safety and performance), cables and switches (new components to improve the efficiency, safety and performance), electronic devices (new devices to improve the flexibility of the networks); automated control systems to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the electric grid; technologies for mitigation of peak demand and increase in use of renewable energy (e.g. storage and battery management systems). [2]