# A Review of Edge Computing Technology and Its Applications in Power Systems
## 4 Review of Edge Computing in Power Systems
### Introduction of Smart Grids and Grid Edge  
Smart grids are advanced supply-to-demand networks that automate and decentralize power flow [77], constituting a cyber-physical system that integrates computation, communication, and control (3C) technologies [78]. The IEEE [79] defines smart grids as \"_self-sufficient systems which allow integration of any type and any scale generation sources to the grid that reduces the workforce targeting sustainable, reliable, safe and quality electricity to all consumers_\", while the U.S. Department of Energy [80] defines the grid edge as \"_The grid edge is where buildings, industry, transportation, renewables, storage, and the electric grid come together. More specifically, it's the area where electricity distribution transitions between the energy utility and the end user_\". The transition to smart grids provides numerous benefits, including more efficient electricity transmission, quick and more accurate detection and restoration from power disturbances, reduced cost for power utility management, lower electricity rates, and better integration of large-scale renewable energy sources [81]. The general structure of the smart grid can be classified into three layers: the user layer, the information system layer, and the physical system layer [78]. The user layer serves as an interface for system operators to interact with the system. The information system layer handles transmission, receives data from the physical system layer, and processes it. The physical system layer consists of multiple sensors, executors, and transmission lines. Smart grids encompass a vast array of components, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumer interface components. It can be further partitioned into different function components. The smart device interface component is responsible for managing smart devices connected to the electronic devices. The storage component is related to the energy storage capability, improving reliability in cases of inconsistency from renewable energy sources and mismatches between peak consumption. The transmission component is the backbone of the power system connecting main substations and load centers. The monitoring and controlling components are used for surveillance, prediction, and handling of reliability issues, instability, and congestion. Finally, the demand-side management component aims to modify consumer demand to reduce costs by reducing the use of expensive generators and delaying capacity addition. While the emergence of the smart grid brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. The increasing number of smart meters and other smart equipment results in growing communication demands, potentially leading to high latency issues as end devices communicate with the central system. Edge computing can help mitigate these challenges by leveraging its advanced features. As redundancy of the elements increases in a smart grid, a comprehensive Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) can help determine how to design edge computing deployed smart grid architecture. A well-designed architecture is the base of edge computing-enabled smart grids [82]. In recent years, a more complex and comprehensive concept known as the grid edge has emerged. The grid edge encompasses various technologies implemented near the customer side or at the ends of power grids, involving building electrification, distributed power generation and storage [83], data storage and transmission, demand-side management [84], power transmission, and distribution, among others. Typical research topics include connected utilities and infrastructure, energy storage, virtual power plants, distributed energy resources, cybersecurity and data privacy, and more. These emerging topics indicate that the grid edge will be studied more extensively, with both academia and business energy companies updating their strategies to adapt to disruptive solutions such as smart meters and smart grids becoming increasingly prevalent in the market.