The determinants of reliable smart grid from experts’ perspective

Abstract

A smart grid integrates communication networks with the conventional electrical grid. Due to their potential, smart grids are anticipated to achieve widespread deployment. A key component of the success and adoption of smart grids is reliability. Without knowing users’ impressions of the reliability of the smart grid, users will not easily accept and participate in it or its services. However, very few studies address smart grid reliability from the perspective of users. Thus, there is a urgent need to identify key factors that affect smart grid reliability from the user’s viewpoint. The goal of this paper is to examine user perceptions of smart grid reliability and assess their success factors in an effort to close the gap in the literature. This paper propose a model to investigate and determine the most crucial factors that affect the smart grid's reliability based on the Multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. Firstly, a comprehensive literature analysis was conducted to determine the criteria and sub-criteria used to construct the model; then, the model is constructed using fifteen sub-criteria covering big data, network systems, and grid efficiency criteria; finally, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Approach (FAHP) and fuzzy triangular numbers are used to evaluate and prioritize the criteria. Twenty smart grid experts were consulted to collect data. The results indicate the significance of the ‘Big Data’ criterion, closely followed by ‘Grid Efficiency’ criterion. Additionally, it is discovered that the sub-criteria of ‘Privacy’ and ‘Interoperability’ had a significant impact on the reliability of the smart grid. The sensitivity analysis shows the variation of factors ranking and the stability and robustness of the model and the results. The research presented in this study has practical applications for academics, engineers, decision-makers, and stakeholders.