Abstract
The adoption of the distributed generation paradigm is introducing several changes in the design and operation of modern distribution networks. Modern grid codes are becoming more and more complex, and the adoption of smart protection systems is becoming mandatory. However, the adoption of newer and smarter units is only half of the story. Proper communication networks must be provided as well, and the overall costs may become critical. In this work, the adoption of the Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology is suggested as a viable approach to implement the coordination of Interface Protection Systems. A proper communication architecture based on the LoRaWAN Class B technology was proposed and evaluated in order to assess its feasibility for the considered application. A scalability analysis was carried out, by computing the number of devices that can be handled by a single LoRaWAN Gateway (GW) and the maximum expected time of response between a triggering event and the arrival of the related coordination command. The results of the study showed that up to 312 devices can be managed by a single GW, by assuring a maximum response time of 22.95 s. A faster maximum response time of 6.2 s is also possible by reducing the number of managed devices to 12.
Highlights
The increasing penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) from Renewable Energy Resources (RESs) is heavily affecting the design and operation of modern power grids [1,2]
A scalability analysis on the application of the proposed Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) architecture was proposed, by computing the number of devices that can be handled by a single LoRaWAN gateway and the maximum expected time of response between a triggering event and the arrival of the related coordination command
A proper communication architecture based on the LoRaWAN Class B technology was proposed for the coordination of interface protection systems in smart grids
Summary
The increasing penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) from Renewable Energy Resources (RESs) is heavily affecting the design and operation of modern power grids [1,2]. Two main research topics can be identified in the scientific literature concerning the evolution of IPSs mechanisms and devices: (1) the study of advanced mechanisms for the effective detection of undesired islanding events, and (2) the application of innovative communication systems enabling low-cost solutions for the coordination of distributed IPSs. the anti-islanding mechanisms defined by current regulatory frameworks proved to be effective in most cases, recent studies demonstrated that, under the different stabilizing functions required by national and international grid codes, the measurement techniques implemented in current IPSs could be inadequate [9]. The development of innovative protection mechanism and of the related Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) may be not sufficient, and proper communication infrastructures must be deployed to provide the required coordination capabilities In this case, very different solutions have been proposed by the scientific literature, from high-performing systems (e.g., fiber optic), to Power-Line Communication (PLC) and wireless solutions [13]. For the sake of completeness, the list of the abbreviations and the nomenclature adopted in the manuscript have been reported in Abbreviations and Nomenclature
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