Smart Grid Implementation Research Articles

Top-k query framework in wireless sensor networks for smart grid

The smart grid has caught great attentions in recent years, which is poised to transform a centralized, producer-controlled network to a decentralized, consumer-interactive network that's supported by fine-grained monitoring. Large-scale WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks) have been considered one of the very promising technologies to support the implementation of smart grid. WSNs are applied in almost every aspect of smart grid, including power generation, power transmission, power distribution, power utilization and power dispatch, and the data query processing of `WSNs in power grid? become an hotspot issue due to the amount of data of power grid is very large and the requirement of response time is very high. To meet the demands, top-k query processing is a good choice, which performs the cooperative query by aggregating the database objects' degree of match for each different query predicate and returning the best k matching objects. In this paper, a framework that can effectively apply top-k query to wireless sensor network in smart grid is proposed, which is based on the cluster-topology sensor network. In the new method, local indices are used to optimize the necessary query routing and process intermediate results inside the cluster to cut down the data traffic, and the hierarchical join query is executed based on the local results. Besides, top-k query results are verified by the clean-up process, and two schemes are taken to deal with the problem of node's dynamicity, which further reduce communication cost. Case studies and experimental results show that our algorithm has outperformed the current existing one with higher quality results and better efficiently.

Quantitative modelling and analysis of a Chinese smart grid: a stochastic model checking case study

Cyber-physical systems integrate information and communication technology with the physical elements of a system, mainly for monitoring and controlling purposes. The conversion of traditional power grid into a smart grid, a fundamental example of a cyber-physical system, raises a number of issues that require novel methods and applications. One of the important issues in this context is the verification of certain quantitative properties of the system. In this paper, we consider a specific Chinese smart grid implementation as a case study and address the verification problem for performance and energy consumption. We employ stochastic model checking approach and present our modelling and analysis study using PRISM model checker.

Probability of adequacy evaluation considering power output correlation of renewable generators in Smart Grids

Smart Grids implementation is mainly intended to reduce the negative impact of distributed generators’ (DGs) high penetration (especially renewable DGs), and to optimally manage distributed resources in order to improve overall efficiency and power quality. In terms of service continuity, this implies being able to reduce average outages rate and duration. A possible solution is to operate in intentional islanding some portions of the distribution network when faults occur. To this aim local DGs’ adequacy must be evaluated.This paper presents a new analytical expression useful to assess the ability of local DGs to meet a potential island load. Such an expression accounts for both load shedding and curtailment policies and it encompasses the correlation among loads’ power demand, the correlation among renewable DGs’ power outputs for generators of the same technology, the correlation among renewable DGs’ power outputs for generators of different technologies, and, finally, the correlation among loads’ power demands and renewable DGs’ power outputs.

Frequency-Shift Filtering for OFDM Signal Recovery in Narrowband Power Line Communications

Power line communications (PLC) has been drawing considerable interest in recent years due to the growing interest in smart grid implementation. Specifically, network control and grid applications are allocated the frequency band of 0-500 kHz, commonly referred to as the narrowband PLC channel. This frequency band is characterized by strong periodic noise which results in low signal to noise ratio (SNR). In this work we propose a receiver which uses frequency shift filtering to exploit the cyclostationary properties of both the narrowband power line noise, as well as the information signal, digitally modulated using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. An adaptive implementation for the proposed receiver is presented as well. The proposed receiver is compared to existing receivers via analysis and simulation. The results show that the receiver proposed in this work obtains a substantial performance gain over previously proposed receivers, without requiring any coordination with the transmitter.

Energy-theft detection issues for advanced metering infrastructure in smart grid

With the proliferation of smart grid research, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has become the first ubiquitous and fixed computing platform. However, due to the unique characteristics of AMI, such as complex network structure, resource-constrained smart meter, and privacy-sensitive data, it is an especially challenging issue to make AMI secure. Energy theft is one of the most important concerns related to the smart grid implementation. It is estimated that utility companies lose more than $25 billion every year due to energy theft around the world. To address this challenge, in this paper, we discuss the background of AMI and identify major security requirements that AMI should meet. Specifically, an attack tree based threat model is first presented to illustrate the energy-theft behaviors in AMI. Then, we summarize the current AMI energy-theft detection schemes into three categories, i.e., classification-based, state estimation-based, and game theory-based ones, and make extensive comparisons and discussions on them. In order to provide a deep understanding of security vulnerabilities and solutions in AMI and shed light on future research directions, we also explore some open challenges and potential solutions for energy-theft detection.

DC microgrid power flow optimization by multi-layer supervision control. Design and experimental validation

Urban areas have great potential for photovoltaic (PV) generation, however, direct PV power injection has limitations for high level PV penetration. It induces additional regulations in grid power balancing because of lacking abilities of responding to grid issues such as reducing grid peak consumption or avoiding undesired injections. The smart grid implementation, which is designed to meet these requirements, is facilitated by microgrids development. This paper presents a DC microgrid (PV array, storage, power grid connection, DC load) with multi-layer supervision control which handles instantaneous power balancing following the power flow optimization while providing interface for smart grid communication. The optimization takes into account forecast of PV power production and load power demand, while satisfying constraints such as storage capability, grid power limitations, grid time-of-use pricing and grid peak hour. Optimization, whose efficiency is related to the prediction accuracy, is carried out by mixed integer linear programming. Experimental results show that the proposed microgrid structure is able to control the power flow at near optimum cost and ensures self-correcting capability. It can respond to issues of performing peak shaving, avoiding undesired injection, and making full use of locally produced energy with respect to rigid element constraints.

Adoption of smart grid technologies: An analysis of interactions among barriers

Abstract Global electricity demands are increasing at rapid pace. Energy supply, their usage and technologies involved need to be more economical, environment friendly and socially sustainable. Efforts are being done all over the globe to reduce this greenhouse effect; and renewable energy technologies to combat climate changes, which require extensive changes to the current electricity generation and distribution systems. To meet this goal, it is required to optimize the grid operations and available resources to meet the ever increasing energy demands in an efficient, effective and environment sustainable way. It has been found that smart grid technologies have not been so popular due to some obstacles that are hindering its maturation and rapid deployment. An attempt has been made to identify and analyze the barriers to implement smart grid technologies adoption. Twelve relevant barriers towards implementation of smart grid technologies have been identified from extensive literature review and duly validated with experts׳ (from academia and industry) opinions. Also, valuable experts׳ opinions have been utilized to identify contextual relationships among these important barriers and a hierarchical model has been developed based on Interpretive Structural Modeling methodology. Matrice d׳Impacts Croises-Multipication Applique´ an Classment (MICMAC) analysis has also been used to: classify the barriers based upon dependence and driving power; and validate developed ISM based model. “Lack of Regulatory Framework” barrier has been identified as driver or independent level barrier i.e. most important bottom level barrier hindering adoption of smart grid technologies. The developed structured model will help to understand interrelationships and interdependencies among the identified barriers to implement smart grid technologies. Different solutions for handling these identified barriers have also been suggested in the paper. Organizations involved in power generation and distribution may be benefited by understanding of these barriers, their interactions and suggested mitigation solutions towards effective adoption of smart grid technologies.

Developing Educational Smart Grid Laboratory for the UAEU

The goal of this paper is to present the first stage of developing an educational laboratory to teach smart grid design and implementations for both under graduate and graduate levels. Hampden 180 simulator that represents conventional generation, transmission, and distribution power system is integrated with intelligent electronic devices and tied together in an architecture that provides reliable and fault-tolerant protection, control and monitoring. The upgraded laboratory will demonstrate high level of functionality and satisfying the design and operation objectives of smart grid metering, protection, control, monitoring and communication. Part 2 of this paper will discuss and present the implementation stage.

Power to the People!: European Perspectives on the Future of Electric Distribution

Implementing smart grids is central to the transition to a low-carbon economy, and DSOs are key players in this transition. A far-reaching change-one could say a revolution-in power systems is indeed ongoing; designing and implementing smart grids is not an option but an absolute necessity. If we do not do it, or if we do it too slowly, we will face major problems. To prepare, European DSOs are massively investing in R&D and demonstration projects in cooperation with the information communications technology (ICT) industry, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and lead. Smart grids have the potential to benefit the whole value chain, but the market model must be defined. Whatever the preferred model, DSOs will have a key role to play as market enablers. DSOs will be responsible for setting up the playing field for retailers and aggregators so that it works for the benefit of customers. DSOs will increasingly act as local system operators. Well-organized active distribution system management will make it possible to reduce the investments needed to host renewable energy sources and electric vehicle charging stations and will guarantee security and quality of supply. Enhancing the “smartness” of distribution grids is not free of charge. It will require significant capex on the DSO side, while the benefits from those investments will accrue throughout the entire value chain. The development of business models, with the strong support of policy makers and regulators, is necessary to ensure that all parties share the risks, costs, and benefits of smart grids. Bringing smart grids from vision to reality will only happen if smart regulation is introduced. Last but not least, a key objective of European DSOs is to make sure that the new solutions that will be implemented are designed to benefit all customers.

Seven Steps to a Smarter Grid

Smart grid technologies can ease the transition to a sustainable electricity system. A flexible and thoughtful smart grid implementation strategy that balances risk and reward, coupled with openness to private sector direct investment in the electricity system, is the most promising approach.

Principles of Smart Grids on the generation electrical and thermal energy and control of heat consumption within the District Heating Networks

One part of the process of development and application of methods and principles of Smart Grids in electricity and heat production is numerical modeling and simulation of Power and Heating Plants, Power Systems, and also District Heating Networks. Due to the venue of the IFAC Congress this paper deals with the comparison between Czech and South Africa. Similarity is given by the fact, that basic fuel is coal. In the Czech Republic, it is produced 64% of its electricity from coal, mostly lignite (brown), in the heat generation the coal has an even larger share of 90%. In South Africa, it is produced 85% of its electricity from coal (heat is insignificant due to climatic conditions). From this perspective, the Czech Republic and South Africa dealt with similar problems, e.g. using of coal mills, combustion chambers and equipment, whole powdered steam boilers and their optimal intelligent Smart Control. The power and heat source is controlled according to the Daily Consumption Diagrams, which are corrected by the current and predicted weather conditions (air temperature, solar irradiation, wind, rain and frost). For predicting consumption are used methods of classical and artificial intelligence control. Control of electricity and heat is carried out using advanced methods of optimal control, including the different configurations of machine room equipments and the Main Heat Exchangers Station - MHS The developed Information and Control System serves as an on-line support system for the operators and dispatchers and is part of the operating procedures in the implementation of Smart Grid.

A conceptual solution for integration of EV charging with smart grids

Coordinated charging of electric vehicles (EVs) represents one of important aspects of future smart grid implementation. The main focus of the present work is on designing a conceptual architecture as a solution for managing (mobile) electric storages utilization. The solution requires holistic approach which takes into consideration all actors in power system management. Requirements and use-cases are specified, structural and behavioral models are developed and presented. The ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) model of the architecture that supports smart charging with dynamic pricing is developed using systems engineering methods. Results are verified by means of system level simulations.

Electricity Economics and Integrated Resource Strategic Planning (Gustav Ranis Lecture)

Electricity supply economics and electricity demand economics are the two major components of electricity economics. This paper discusses the production functions with electricity, a core principle of electricity demand economics. In this paper, production functions with electricity are introduced at the firm level, sectoral level, industrial level, and national level. This paper also discusses integrated resource strategic planning (IRSP). As a part of electricity supply economics, it is a useful tool for policy study on low-carbon electricity. During the national economic development, low-carbon electricity can be recognised as the IRSP and the implementation of smart grid. The low-carbon electricity would be a great roadmap to Pakistan’s economic development. Pakistan’s economy is in an early phase of industrialisation. China’s economy is in the late phase of industrialisation. Experiences and lessons from China’s economic development would provide references to Pakistan. Keywords: Electricity Economics, Production Functions with Electricity, Integrated Resource Strategic Planning (IRSP), Low-carbon Electricity, Pakistan, China

Smart Grid Innovation Strategy for Low-Carbon City Administration

Governments and scientists are concerned about the negative impacts of climate change on humanity in the foreseeable future, especially for the city sustainable development. Smart Grid is an important infrastructure service for developing the energy efficiency and low carbon society. The reliability and efficiency of our electrical grid can be enhanced by implementing smart grid technology; however this would require modifications to the current electrical system. The objective of this paper is to find out the innovation strategy for future smart grid by investigate, analyze and evaluate the related technologies and competitive information of different nations and industries. We presented the key information about smart grid development in the world. We also proposed four practical smart grid innovation strategies and innovation model for smart-green city policy making, construction and administration.

국내 전력부문의 스마트그리드 시장의 현주소와 활성화 방안

Abstract Prior to full-scale implementation of smart grid, the Korean government is conducting a smart grid testbed in Jeju island. However, the participants of the ongoing program are skeptical about the success of the expansion of smart grid. The concern rises from various reasons; the limits of the Korean electricity market mainly led by both the government and KEPCO, high stability and reliability of the existing electricity grid, insufficient utilization of renewable energy, and public fear of raised electricity bills. Five key issues in regards to facilitating the Korean smart grid market are extracted and evaluated. The issues are conflict of interest among participants, the effect of introducing real-time pricing, lack of customer participation of demand response, and absence of business models. Key Words : Power SmartGrid, Real-Time Pricing, Demand Response, Business Model, City-wide Testbed Received 3 September 2013, Revised 10 October 2013Accepted 20 November 2013Corresponding Author: Suk-Jae Jeong(Business School, Kwangwoon University)Email: sjjeong@kw.ac.krⒸ The Society of Digital Policy & Management. All rights reserved. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.otg/licenses/by-nc/3.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is ISSN: 1738-1916 properly cited.

Smart Grid Implementation Strategies and Practices in Smart City

With the in-depth studies of smart grid and the promotion of their engineering practices, lots of smart grid technologies have been applied in urban development. Smart grid is becoming an important part of the development of smart city. This paper focuses on construction and development of smart city, and proposes the basic strategies for smart grid implementation in urban areas in the context of smart city development with regard to its basic characteristics. The smart grid implementation carried out by SGCC (State Grid Corporation of China) is introduced including a large number of integrated smart grid projects in local region.

SECURE AND RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY WITH CHALLENGES- SMART GRID

Smart Grid implementations will certainly increase the quantity, quality and use of information available from advanced sensing, computing and communications hardware as well as software. There is virtually universal agreement that it is necessary to upgrade the electric grid to increase overall system efficiency and reliability. Many technologies currently in use by the grid is outdated and in many cases unreliable. The reliance on old technology leads to inefficient systems, costing unnecessary money to the utilities, consumers and taxpayers. To upgrade the grid and to operate an improved grid will require significant dependence on distributed intelligence and broadband communication capabilities. The access and communications capabilities require the latest in security technology which are reliable for extremely large, wide-area communications networks. This paper discusses features, reasons of development, barriers and their solutions for a smart grid system.

Optimal redundant placement of PMUs in Indian power grid — northern, eastern and north-eastern regions

Effective utilization of renewable energy sources and efficient management of electric energy are essential for any developing countries like India. This can be envisioned through the implementation of concepts of smart grid (SG). One of the key requisites for SG implementation is that the grid should be completely observable. Renovation of conventional Indian power grid to a SG necessitates incorporation of the phasor measurement units (PMUs) in the present power grid measurement and monitoring system. Since the cost of PMU is high and any bus containing a PMU makes the neighboring connected buses observable, optimal placement of PMUs is very important for complete observability of the grid. This paper proposes optimal redundant geographical locations in the northern, eastern and north-eastern regions of Indian power grid for PMU placement. The PMUs installed in these geographical locations will make the grid completely observable and maintain the observability under the conditions of failure of some PMUs or branch outages. Integer linear programming has been used for finding the optimal PMU locations. The results proposed in this paper can be a stepping stone for revamping the Indian power grid to a SG ensuring complete observability during different contingency conditions.

Customer-Centric Leadership in Smart Grid Implementation: Empowering Customers to Make Intelligent Energy Choices

Utilities across the country are beginning to deploy a variety of behavior-based energy efficiency programs in order to realize the significant utility, customer, and environmental benefits that these programs offer. Salt River Project, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Commonwealth Edison have adopted pioneering programs to incentivize customers to use less energy while better aligning their consumption patterns with the needs of the electric system and society at large. These utilities’ efforts provide important lessons regarding behavior-based energy efficiency program implementation.

Optimal placement of PMUs for the smart grid implementation in Indian power grid—A case study

Efficient utilization of energy resources is essential for a developing country like India. The concept of smart grid (SG) can provide a highly reliable power system with optimized utilization of available resources. The present Indian power grid requires revolutionary changes to meet the growing demands and to make the grid smarter and reliable. One of the important requirements for SG is the instantaneous monitoring of the voltage, current and power flows at all buses in the grid. The traditional monitoring system cannot satisfy this requirement since they are based on nonlinear power flow equations. Synchro-phasor-measurement devices like phasor measurement units (PMUs) can measure the phasor values of voltages at installed buses. Consequently, the currents passing through all branches connected to that bus can be computed. Since the voltage phasor values at the neighboring buses of a bus containing the PMU can be estimated using Ohm’s law, it is redundant to install PMUs at all the buses in a power grid for its complete observability. This paper proposes the optimal geographical locations for the PMUs in southern region Indian power grid for the implementation of SG, using Integer Linear Programming. The proposed optimal geographical locations for PMU placement can be a stepping stone for the implementation of SG in India.