# Sensor Technologies for Transmission and Distribution Systems: A Review of the Latest Developments
## 4 Outlook
To transition into smart grids [143] in the future, the existing power grids must dynamically configure themselves in accordance with the demand side changes for which they require instantaneous and simultaneous data from multiple nodes on the power grid. This calls for advanced sensing structures that would provide the real-time information on the status of a multitude of parameters of the power grid. This real-time information is not only essential for controlling the direction of power flow and information about energy consumption and production but also helps in the prediction or at least faster remediation of sudden events such as device failures, demand drops, etc. and forms a big part of the distribution automation and outage management system. It is also required to help with the synchronization within the grid as well as outside the grid. This is conducted by employing smart sensors at multiple pivotal points on the grid constituting the wireless sensor network. Currently, smart sensors are being developed by taking into consideration the above features so that they could be deployed in the upcoming power grids and smart grids. These smart sensors have features of high speed, high accuracy and high sensitivity for data sensing and data processing. They have multiple sensing capabilities and intelligent sensing capabilities such as self-identification, self-localization, self-awareness, self-diagnostics, self-calibration, and self-compensation [6; 70]. The general model of a smart sensor [6] employed in smart grids essentially consists of four modules as depicted in Figure 5. The sensing module includes a set of sensors for data acquisition along with memory for data storage. The processing module includes an internal clock and an external time reference for synchronized data processing by means of A/D conversions and data processing algorithm-based microprocessors along with internal memory. It can also contain independent  
Figure 4: Pervasive sensing network framework in a power system. modules for signal processing at the edge such as signal conditioning modules, signal conversion modules and intelligent data processing algorithm modules. The network and communication module with a radio module for transmission and a switching module is used for data networking and communication to the master centers via wired (serial or ethernet) or wireless cellular networks through standard communication protocols. Finally, the battery management module consists of an energy source and switching module that powers the sensing, processing, and communication module. These advances in smart sensors lead to the evolution of advanced metering infrastructures and smart IoT devices that in the future could have the capability of addressing the variable and unpredictable load profiles and enable system-wide coordination and protection. Along with this, the greater deployment of distributed generation, the use of aggregated demand response for the deployment of microgrids and smart grids, greater customer participation in power markets with dynamic pricing, and the integration of electric vehicles, smart buildings, smart industries, etc. on a larger, commercial scale can be realized [144]. Thus, the smart sensors of the future hold tremendous potential not only in their development but also in the development and functionality of future smart grids.