Smart Grid Architecture Research Articles

Prospects and barriers for microgrids in Switzerland

Energy transitions usually imply the integration of large shares of renewables in the grid. Microgrids have been put forward to address the intermittency of such sources while managing privacy and control complexity. For instance, in Switzerland, the regulatory framework for “self-consuming groups” has been softened as to facilitate the implementation of such solutions. However, the implications of these deployments for entrants and incumbents have not been thoroughly studied.We conducted a Micro-Delphi survey to explore these implications. It unveiled two benchmark business models for microgrids. Incumbent operators could shift to energy services provision through microgrid implementations, benefitting, namely, from efficiency improvements, but they face significant regulatory barriers. Entrants could also provide energy services or directly sell turnkey microgrid products, which face little regulatory barriers but lack exemplary business cases.All respondents underlined the uncertainty in the sector, with active research on business models and technologies making disruptions possible. To anticipate the threat of new entrants, incumbents could shift to a system based on hierarchical smart-grid architectures: besides the technical implementation of such a smart-grid, regulations and markets should be adapted for the coordination of privately-owned microgrids, enhancing the extraction of value propositions for both their owners and the overall system.

Integrated railway smart grid architecture based on energy routers

Railway power system is an inseparable part of the power system, therefore, the intelligent architecture of the railway power system should also be focused on. The unique power supply characteristics of the railway power system are analyzed and integrated railway smart grid architecture based on energy routers is proposed. Importantly, three corresponding resilient mode control methods are suggested for the proposed architecture. In the fourth section, a simulation model corresponding to the resilient control mode is built and the simulation results prove the feasibility of the proposed control mode. Equally, for the novel network-connected backbone router (NCBR), a 1 000 kVA, 27.5/10 kV NCBR engineering prototype is used to prove its effectiveness in practical applications. Finally, a differentiation analysis is given, followed by conclusions regarding the traditional power system and proposed system.

Standardization of the Distributed Ledger Technology cybersecurity stack for power and energy applications

The global trend toward integration of distributed energy resources is opening doors to advanced, complex, and distributed marketplaces. Such advanced ecosystems, where utility-owned and non utility-owned assets can contribute toward grid operations, generally require distributed communication and grid architectures. We posit the potential of using Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) in supporting such applications, although their full potential has not been fully used, for example in designing long-term scalable solutions in operational technology applications. This is partly due to the lack of standardization across and between different DLTs, as well as other supporting building blocks (e.g., communication protocols). This paper attempts to address this gap by proposing a DLT cybersecurity stack specifically designed for researchers, DLT technology developers, and end users (such as utilities). The DLT cybersecurity stack has been notionally mapped to related cybersecurity components, namely the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, and existing Smart Grid architecture frameworks. In addition, the paper discusses several cybersecurity implications, and demonstrates the potential uses of the DLT cybersecurity stack through multiple power and energy use cases. It is important to note that the stack can be also applied to the DLT use cases that are outside the power and energy domain. This work was performed by the Cybersecurity Task Force under the IEEE P2418.5 Blockchain for Energy Standard working group that part of the IEEE Power and Energy Society’s Smart Buildings, Loads, and Customer Systems (SBLC) technical committee.

FLEXGRID - DEVELOPMENT AND COMPARISON OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FLEXIBILITY MARKET ARCHITECTURES

The goal of FLEXGRID [3] is to facilitate energy sector stakeholders (DSOs, TSOs, producers, retailers, flexibility providers) to: i) easily and effectively create advanced Energy Services (ESs), ii) interact in a dynamic and efficient way with their environment (electricity grid) and the rest of the market stakeholders, and, iii) automate and optimize the planning and operation of their ESs. In this way, FLEXGRID envisages secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable ESs. In order to facilitate bottom-up investments, modern smart grids have to cope up with the challenging distribution network management. Thus, FLEXGRID develops flexibility market architectures, which allow DSOs (which it considers as the core of the future smart grid architecture) to: a) integrate through an open market Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in a scalable way and, b) efficiently interact with energy sector stakeholders. More specifically, in this paper we present the predominant flexibility market architectures that FLEXGRID develops. In addition, we discuss their requirements, their advantages, their disadvantages and their compatibility with today's smart grids.

IEC 62559-2 USE CASE TEMPLATE-BASED SMART GRID ARCHITECTURE ANALYTICS

The usage of the IEC 62559-2 Use Case Template yields several benefits beyond the standardized and structured descriptions of Smart Grid-related Use Cases. Correctly applied and combined with complementary methodologies, it allows additional analysis of the Smart Grid Architecture in order to assess, compare and, consequentially, to improve architectural decisions.

PERSPECTIVES ON THE SOCIAL EMBEDDEDNESS OF THE SMART GRID ARCHITECTURE MODEL IN INNOVATION PROJECTS

This research paper considers perspectives on the social embeddedness of the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM), which is an established tool to depict standardisation in the Smart Grid (SG) development. The architecture not only supports different stakeholders to agree on common IEC standards for the establishment of the SG, but also aims at achieving a joint strategy for the development of interoperability between heterogeneous and decentralised actors. Although the SGAM is widely applied and used in joint SG projects, it can be stated that the SGAM and the corresponding Use Case methodology represent highly formalised processes that focus particularly on the technical level and little on the collaboration between the involved stakeholders at the organisational level. The paper therefore presents perspectives on why social embeddedness of SGAM is significant for the innovation and interaction process of the stakeholders in the SG. This is particularly necessary since standardisation is a technical challenge, which depends primarily on the agreement of all stakeholders in a cooperation and is therefore also an organisational challenge.

FLEXGRID – A novel smart grid architecture that facilitates high-RES penetration through innovative flexibility markets towards efficient stakeholder interaction

The FLEXGRID project develops a digital platform designed to offer Digital Energy Services (DESs) that facilitate energy sector stakeholders (i.e. Distribution System Operators - DSOs, Transmission System Operators - TSOs, market operators, Renewable Energy Sources - RES producers, retailers, flexibility aggregators) towards: i) automating and optimizing the planning and operation/management of their systems/assets, and ii) interacting in a dynamic and efficient way with their environment (electricity system) and the rest of the stakeholders. In this way, FLEXGRID envisages secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable smart grids. A key objective is the incentivization of large-scale bottom-up investments in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) through innovative smart grid management. Towards this goal, FLEXGRID develops innovative data models and energy market architectures (with high liquidity and efficiency) that effectively manage smart grids through an advanced TSO-DSO interaction as well as interactions between Transmission Network and Distribution Network level energy markets. Consequently, and through intelligence that exploits the innovation of the proposed market architecture, FLEXGRID develops investment tools able to examine in depth the emerging energy ecosystem and allow in this way: i) the financial sustainability of DER investors, and ii) the market liquidity/efficiency through advanced exploitation of DERs and intelligent network upgrades.

Technological Perspective of Cyber Secure Smart Inverters Used in Power Distribution System: State of the Art Review

The purpose of smart grid architecture as compared to the conventional grid is to ensure more stability, reliability and bi-directional communication between the utility and the consumer. The deployment of the same has succeeded in improving the efficiency of the distribution systems and effective co-ordination and interoperability among the different components of the grid. Smart inverters play a major role in seamless grid integration, control and conversion of power when the renewable energy sources are present. However, they come with several security challenges as well, which are of considerable concern. Certain cyber threats include physical and cyber attacks, natural phenomena which in turn can lead to grid failure, blackouts, commercial energy losses, privacy and safety issues, etc. Therefore, there is a need for critical examination of all these issues which must be considered for designing cyber secure smart inverters at the distribution level. In this comprehensive review, keeping the technological perspective in mind, the existing gaps and the necessity for the same are highlighted. The various topologies, IEEE protocols and the control strategy are presented in detail. This will enable prospective researchers to address the design issues of smart inverters with greater focus on security and reliability aspects.

Wireless Network and Communication in Smart Grid Technology

In this century where everyone is talking about making machine smart, intelligent, it is need of technology to go two steps ahead and make smarter systems upon which humans can rely. Smart Grid is nothing but making the systems at home intelligent so as to make life easy without spending lot of money. This paper will help you understand what actually smart grid is, how it can be implemented and mainly focus upon the wireless communication in Smart Grid. The paper will present the architecture of Smart Grid using wireless connectivity and explain the importance of Home Area Networks. Security is the measure concern in case of wireless communication which is explained with some of the protocols to be used and Methods to avoid security threats. Wireless Technologies like Wi-Max, Wi-Fi, Zig-Bee and their use in the Smart Grid architecture is covered. Today, we are searching for a solution with less efforts and maintenance required and for the complicated electrical system, Smart Grid is the best solution to be implemented. Conventional Grid could not solve the problem of peak loads where users/consumers were unable to receive a proper service, it is complicated for the central system to manage large amount of load alone. Smart Grid solves this problem by distributing the management of energy and how it does, we will see in some of the chapters in this report. Smart devices like smart meters, Electric Vehicles can be used to make homes smarter. Smart Grid technology does not solve the problem of electricity only but also for water, gas etc. This technology is most suitable for smart city/village projects helping in making smarter devices and using communication between the devices, making human life more reliable and comfortable.

Novel Gaussian flower pollination algorithm with IoT for unit price prediction in peer-to-peer energy trading market

In order to enhance the operational cost and efficient management of all the power system equipment in a micro grid requires proper forecasting of energy and scheduled power dispatch. Due to the uncertainties in the load demand and the interconnection of intermittent source of energy, the operational cost becomes high. The traditional grid also requires accurate prediction of per unit price in the electricity trading market. Electricity price forecasting plays a vital role. Time series based machine learning algorithm are generally used to calculate unit price in lieu of power loss in a smart grid architecture. However, while dealing with large data set, generated in every 15 s, it is very challenging and time consuming and at the same time large data set may create curve over fittings. In this paper, a novel approach has been made by combining both flower pollination algorithm and machine learning for forecasting the unit price. The proposed model comprises of three basic models such as feature selection, principal component analysis and novel hybrid model for optimization and regression. Three different sigma value such as 0.8,0.9 & 0.94 with Gaussian surface has been used to test the algorithm Finally, the algorithm has been tested with IoT architecture for robustness evaluation.

Methodology for identifying technical details of smart energy solutions and research gaps in smart grid: an example of electric vehicles in the energy system

Simulations, especially agent-based simulation, are able to facilitate the investigation of smart energy solutions and business models, and their impacts on the energy system and involved stakeholders. Technical details, alternatives, and multiple options for what-if scenarios influence simulation quality, but no methodology available to support the investigation. This paper proposes a method for identifying technical details of smart energy solutions in the energy system and identifying research gaps in the smart grid context with EV solutions as an example. The method includes the investigation of the state-of-the-art EV solutions by scoping review and the allocation of the scoping review results into the Smart Grid Architecture Model framework with three dimensions (Domains, Zones, and interoperability layers). The quantitative scoping review results in a total number of 240 references and 10 references match the criteria based on the qualitative scoping review. The results show that the most popular EV use case within the targeted scope is the V2G concept, and 6 out of the 10 references discuss the EVs’ potentials to work as energy storage. Seventeen features are identified by mapping the EV use cases (solutions and business models) into the three dimensions (domain, zone, and interoperability layers) of the SGAM framework. The process at the Zone layer is the most popularly covered (mentioned 64 times), and enterprise at the Zone layer and communication in the interoperability layer are the least covered (mentioned 4 times each).

A Data Analytics/Big Data Framework for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Data.

The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data represent a source of information in real time not only about electricity consumption but also as an indicator of other social, demographic, and economic dynamics within a city. This paper presents a Data Analytics/Big Data framework applied to AMI data as a tool to leverage the potential of this data within the applications in a Smart City. The framework includes three fundamental aspects. First, the architectural view places AMI within the Smart Grids Architecture Model-SGAM. Second, the methodological view describes the transformation of raw data into knowledge represented by the DIKW hierarchy and the NIST Big Data interoperability model. Finally, a binding element between the two views is represented by human expertise and skills to obtain a deeper understanding of the results and transform knowledge into wisdom. Our new view faces the challenges arriving in energy markets by adding a binding element that gives support for optimal and efficient decision-making. To show how our framework works, we developed a case study. The case implements each component of the framework for a load forecasting application in a Colombian Retail Electricity Provider (REP). The MAPE for some of the REP’s markets was less than . In addition, the case shows the effect of the binding element as it raises new development alternatives and becomes a feedback mechanism for more assertive decision making.

A Survey on Computational Intelligence Applications in Distribution Network Optimization

This paper aims to present carefully selected scientific papers that have pushed the boundaries in the application of advanced computational intelligence–based methods in power engineering, mainly in optimal power system management. Contemporary development of the Smart Grid and detailed framework for power grid digitalization enabled the real and efficient application of advanced optimization algorithms presented in this paper. Papers that are not directly related to Smart Grid management are also considered, since they solve the partial challenges of planning and development with metaheuristic procedures, and according to the authors, they are highly applicable and represent a fundamental starting point for wider application. This paper covers papers and research whose results are reproducible and can be realized in production-grade software. The emphasis of the paper is on the considerate and impartial way of providing a concise overview of the methods for solving technical challenges within the accepted Smart Grid architecture. The paper is the result of many years of research and commitment to this field and represents the foundation for present research and development.

Quality Control and Communication in Smart Grid Using IED & PLCC

In the era of growing power demand and power networks, continuous supply of power and data exchanges is inevitable nurturing the implementation of smart grid technology. The smart grid is a self-healing technology which promises the electricity consumers to be an active participant. However, Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) supports the SG as the backbone for operation imparting the functionalities such as protection and monitoring the power networks. But the limitations of the common IED are its finite allocation of functions without modifying its hardware. Moreover, these IEDs confront the communication problems during natural calamities and other network failures as it adopts the cellular communication topology. The limitations mentioned above can be overcome by adopting the flexible IEDs integrated with signal conditioning, filtering and discretization functions along with the implementation of Power Line Carrier communication. The flexible IED and the PLCC extends the scalability of the most reliable and highly efficient smart grid architecture.

Optimal battery utilization for energy management and load scheduling in smart residence under demand response scheme

Smart residences that could optimally integrate the actions of all their components are essential in the smart grid architecture. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) based model of a single residence that optimally operates the residential appliances and manages the energy received from the Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) apart from the utility grid according to the day-head Time of Use prices. To achieve this, an Energy Management and Load Scheduling System (EMLSS) has been incorporated into the residence. Further, the user thermal comfort was maintained by optimally operating the air conditioner in coordination with a dehumidifier to keep the indoor temperature and relative humidity within the desired limits. For observing the EMLSS’s operation under the intermittent weather conditions, the simulation of the MILP model was conducted for 26 different days of the year. Using these days’ results, an annual study was conducted whose results were input into the Rainflow Cycle Counting algorithm for assessing the capacity degradation of the residential Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) until its End of Life (EoL). The energy expenditure evaluation conducted until the BESS’s EoL, confirmed the effectiveness of the EMLSS in reducing the replacement costs of the old BESS battery. • Residential expenditure over multiple years evaluated until the battery’s End of Life. • Capacity degradation of the battery assessed using Rainflow Cycle Counting algorithm. • EMLSS optimally manages the DERs and loads in a single residence. • EMLSS found effective in reducing the replacement costs of the old BESS battery.

A polymorphic heterogeneous security architecture for edge-enabled smart grids

The emergence of edge computing alleviates the network congestion, delay, and packet loss of cloud computing enabled smart grid architecture in big data scenarios, greatly improving the operation efficiency and communication quality of the smart grid. However, edge computing architecture also brings great security risks to the smart grid. This paper proposes a Polymorphic Heterogeneous Security Architecture (PHSA) for edge enabled smart grid, to assure the key services in the smart grid. Based on the dynamic heterogeneous redundancy architecture, the proposed architecture introduces intelligent scheduling of executors, intelligent arbitration of multi-state service response, cleaning and reconstruction of executors, and attack surface management. We establish a closed-loop core control process of decision and processing, adjustment and scheduling, cleaning reconstruction, migration, and recovery. Furthermore, a dynamic scheduling algorithm based on executor credit and heterogeneity is proposed. The simulation results show that, compared with the traditional smart grid security architecture, the PHSA has better defense ability and system reliability, significantly improving the security of edge enabled smart grid system. Besides, compared with the random scheduling strategy, the proposed dynamic executor scheduling algorithm can further improve the security of the system.

An Innovative Smart Grid Framework for Integration and Trading

Smart Grids (SGs) are at the forefront of the renewable resources transformative change for power generation. Due to its decentralised energy generation approach and potential reduction of the cost of power, its relevance for the energy sector is insurmountable. However, new business models and processes are necessary, and they come with integration, implementation, and operation-specific challenges. This work offers a broad analysis of SG’ main architectural aspects concerning security issues, integration bottlenecks and standardisation shortcomings in the development of an efficient platform for local energy (generation and storage) surplus trading. Through a multi-layered smart grid architecture description, this work develops an in-depth depiction of the interoperability between these layers (from top business layer passing through information and communications layers, and down to generation and storage layers). Therefore, this paper encompasses a comprehensive framework to address central smart grids design aspects and suggests a path to integrate the smart grid components into a cohesive and manageable trading platform. Finally, this work demonstrates how the proposed framework can be applied to real market study cases to highlight its solutions, provide a critical evaluation of potential implementation pitfalls, and identify opportunities for further stateof-the-art research.

Monitoring and analysis of low-voltage network with smart grid architecture model by developing use cases

Abstract The objective of this paper is to show the characteristics of smart meters enabling to monitor and analyze the low-voltage (LV) network. This is achieved by developing use cases, where power quality and outage data are transferred from smart meters through distribution network to the control center. To visualize the monitoring process of LV network, the use cases are mapped into smart grid architecture model. The paper proposes a solution to analyze the LV network interruption and power quality problems (over-voltage, under-voltage, voltage sags, and swells). Thus, this paper provides a smart platform for monitoring LV network.

Toward a Reference Architecture Model for Industrial Edge Computing

In the context of the digital transformation of the industry, whole value chains get connected across various application domains as long as economic, ecological, or social benefits arise to do so. Under the umbrella of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), traditional operational technology (OT) approaches are replaced or at least augmented by information and communication technology (ICT) systems to facilitate this development. To meet industrial requirements, for example, related to privacy, determinism, latency, or autonomy, established cloud computing mechanisms are being moved closer to data sources and actuators. Depending on the context, this distributed cloud computing paradigm is named edge computing or fog computing, and various challenges have been subject to several publications. However, a proper reference model that describes the multi-dimensional problem space, which is being spanned by this paradigm, seems still to be undefined. Such a model should provide orientation, put work in relation, and support the identification of current and future research issues. This article aims to fill this gap with a focus on industrial automation and follows analog models that have been developed for specific domains such as the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) and the Reference Architecture Model Industrie 4.0 (RAMI4.0). The proposed Reference Architecture Model Edge Computing (RAMEC) identifies 210 views on the edge computing paradigm in the manufacturing domain. Future iterations of this model might be used for the classification of relevant research, standardization, and development activities.

A secure and privacy preserving lightweight authentication scheme for smart-grid communication using elliptic curve cryptography

Abstract In last few decades, smart-grid architecture has evolved as a new power service provider that can accomplish regulations of power generation with significant capabilities to monitor power consumption behaviour of the consumers and help in stabilization of the power system. With the huge progress of the delay sensitive smart grid network, it has to encounter various challenges. One of them is cyber-threats to the transmitted messages, control information of the smart-grid, and privacy-preservation of the consumers over smart-grid environment that leave annihilate consequences in real word. One of the key solutions of these cyber-threats is mutual authentication and setting up safe communication between the consumer and the utility-provider. In this paper, we have addressed novel mutual authentication scheme between consumer and substations formed on elliptic curve cryptography with trifling operations for smart-grid environment that is robust against all possible security threats. This scheme also provides a session key negotiation phase to provide secure communication with significantly less communication and computation overheads. The mathematical security testingand formal security testing using broadly-accepted BAN-logic has established that our scheme is robust against all relevant security threats. Further, the simulation result of the proposed schemethrough well-known AVISPA confirms that our scheme is well secure.Finally, to validate the practical ability, the proposed scheme is evaluated using well-accepted network simulator tool NS-2, that shows the proposed scheme is efficient to be implemented in realistic scenario.