Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
grid vs. network
English answer:
grid vs. network
Added to glossary by
Jonas Teixeira (X)
Feb 26, 2009 10:32
15 yrs ago
51 viewers *
English term
grid vs. network
English
Tech/Engineering
Energy / Power Generation
Is there an engineer or equivalent in this crowd who could explain a consistent rule when to use "grid" and "network" in the gas (energy) sector? The question just pops up and I can't give any further context, except that my readings seem to indicate that "networks" are private and "grids" are more like supra-networks.
Responses
| 4 +1 | grid vs. network |
Jonas Teixeira (X)
|
| 5 | In simple terms |
Gary D
|
| 3 | Grid is the bigger structure |
Shai Navé
|
Change log
Feb 28, 2009 17:48: Jonas Teixeira (X) Created KOG entry
Responses
+1
1 hr
Selected
grid vs. network
To draw a picture, grid refers to the interconnected system for distribution of electricity over a wide area -- i.e., it is almost like the virtual, software side of the business as masterminded by planners in the energy sector; network, on the other hand, is the array of cables and power stations designed and put into work by engineers -- i.e., the latter is the physical portion, the hardware.
As far as I know, the term grid is never applicable to gas distribution, because that energy source is delivered straight through a pipeline. In one's eyes, that system does not resemble a mesh, a grid, as in the case of electricity, where a number of power stations and cables crisscross over a large expanse for its effective distribution.
As far as I know, the term grid is never applicable to gas distribution, because that energy source is delivered straight through a pipeline. In one's eyes, that system does not resemble a mesh, a grid, as in the case of electricity, where a number of power stations and cables crisscross over a large expanse for its effective distribution.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Phong Le
: grid is used for overall view, not exactly where is the source where is the end use. Net work is about pipeline, from, to
19 hrs
|
|
Hi, Phong Le, thanks!
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks to everybody, not a single contribution has gone off the mark, but sadly one must take the points for the others..."
2 hrs
Grid is the bigger structure
As far as I know Grid refers to the more bigger structure - not in size - but in functionality. The grid of a certain organization may include many sub-networks, may include some other components (for example in the electricity context the Grid may include production unit as well as transmission unit, and other sub networks).
Network on the other hand, by that logic, refers to the more small components - a single distribution network for example - that might be part of the "bigger" Grid.
Again if we relate to the electricity context, Grid is the entire infrastructure of a certain utility, including plants, transmission, sub station, etc. whereas network refers mostly to the transmission network,
Than said, I must admit that I am not sure about that, and I also don't really know the gas industry too well. However, this may point you in the right direction.
Network on the other hand, by that logic, refers to the more small components - a single distribution network for example - that might be part of the "bigger" Grid.
Again if we relate to the electricity context, Grid is the entire infrastructure of a certain utility, including plants, transmission, sub station, etc. whereas network refers mostly to the transmission network,
Than said, I must admit that I am not sure about that, and I also don't really know the gas industry too well. However, this may point you in the right direction.
12 hrs
In simple terms
A grid,
A grid has starting points where you input, and all the rest are outputs, outputs are never inputs.
A network,
In a network all points are inputs and outputs
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day22 mins (2009-02-27 10:54:47 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
another way to think of it is you plug into a grid (to take something out of it) and you hook up to a network (to allow a flow of information etc in and out)
This is where the term "Networking" comes from, Meeting people to share information and business prospects. (you could never call it gridworking)
A grid has starting points where you input, and all the rest are outputs, outputs are never inputs.
A network,
In a network all points are inputs and outputs
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day22 mins (2009-02-27 10:54:47 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
another way to think of it is you plug into a grid (to take something out of it) and you hook up to a network (to allow a flow of information etc in and out)
This is where the term "Networking" comes from, Meeting people to share information and business prospects. (you could never call it gridworking)
Discussion
See here for example - http://www.babylon.com/definition/gas_grid/English
This is just a terminology. Grid comprised of several networks (distribution, transmission) and might also include the production unit, and other units