Infrastructure and forecasting models for integrating Natural Gas Grid within smart grids

Almost all the current literature is focused on smart grids as a neat way to manage power generation and its delivery. This trend was acceptable in the period of idea generation and development; however in the delivery phase, we will have to further extend the concept and broaden its application. The smart grids should consider more energy related applications, e.g., including and monitoring the Natural Gas Grid and enhancing their role in supporting peak load shifting applications within the smart grid. This paper shares the current efforts for promoting smart grid concept by investigating integration of gas grid into smart power grids. Three ways for potential integration; in addition to PHEVs, and possible energy grid architecture, were presented. The importance of forecasting models on the energy grid infrastructure development and its infrastructure requirements were elaborated.