Smart Grid Communication System Research Articles

Aggregation Points Planning in Smart Grid Communication System

Aggregation Point (AP) in neighborhood area network (NAN) plays a key role on smart grid communication. The AP stores and forwards data stream between home area network (HAN) and wide area network (WAN) in the smart grid. In this letter, we study how to plan the APs in the smart grid to minimize the total deployment cost of the opening APs and the connecting cost between the APs and the HANs while considering the capacity of the APs and the traffic demands of the HANs. Our general formulation leads to an NP-hard problem and an approximation algorithm is developed to address it. Numerical results show that our proposed algorithm has great advantages over other heuristic methods. Furthermore, our proposal gives a performance-guaranteed planning scheme of the APs for smart grid communication.

Smart-Grid Backbone Network Real-Time Delay Reduction via Integer Programming.

This research investigates an optimal delay-based virtual topology design using integer linear programming (ILP), which is applied to the current backbone networks such as smart-grid real-time communication systems. A network traffic matrix is applied and the corresponding virtual topology problem is solved using the ILP formulations that include a network delay-dependent objective function and lightpath routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength continuity, flow routing, and traffic loss constraints. The proposed optimization approach provides an efficient deterministic integration of intelligent sensing and decision making, and network learning features for superior smart grid operations by adaptively responding the time-varying network traffic data as well as operational constraints to maintain optimal virtual topologies. A representative optical backbone network has been utilized to demonstrate the proposed optimization framework whose simulation results indicate that superior smart-grid network performance can be achieved using commercial networks and integer programming.

Survey on Application of Wireless Sensor Network in Smart grid

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a promoted technology applied in the communication system of smart grid, which enjoys low cost, low power dissipation, self-organization, and strong flexibility. This paper presents the applications of WSN in condition-based maintenance, smart metering, smart-home, fault location, distributed bus protection of power networks, as well as some other application in disaster prevention with the main technical characteristics of WSN. It not only proposes the basic design philosophy of WSN's applications in areas, but also summarizes the superiority of the communication systems using WSN in smart grid.

Intruder Detection and Prevention in a Smart Grid Communication System

Smart Grid is an electrical network that uses digital and other advanced technology to monitor and manage the transport of electricity from all generating sources to meet the varying demand of the end-users. The important nodes of the Smart Grid are the phasor measurement unit(PMU),Smart meter(SM) and phasor data concentrator(PDC). All PMU's within substation will form a communication network with a gate-way node called phasor data concentrator which updates data from PMU's within the cluster range. Proper management of data exchange between PMU's and PDC's are an essential thing to meet in the concept of Smart Grid. In this paper we are considering PMU as a sensor node and PDC as a central node and the data is exchanged between this nodes. Proposed intrusion detection algorithm, Packet loss avoidance using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol and security algorithm improves system security in response to malicious attacks. Network simulator NS2 is used to create simulation scenario for detecting attacks. Hardware is tested using LPC2148 microcontrollers and Zigbee.

Applications of New Power Line Communication Model for Smart Grids

A new grid system structure requirement would be irresistible in the near future. That system should be able to provide remote controls for the development of more efficient, more convenient and more reliable systems. In the smart grids, data transmission and its communication infrastructure in order to better control will be an important function. Therefore, control requirements and communication structures of electrical grids are examined in this paper. The power line communication (PLC) system is discussed for the smart grid system. Then new PLC system model is created, which is used in smart grid communication system, is simulated by Matlab Simulink ®. The simulation results have been achieved then tested to applicability of smart grid communication system.

Toward More Efficient and More Secure Last Mile Smart Metering and Smart Lighting Communication Systems with the Use of PLC/RF Hybrid Technology

This paper describes the last mile communication system solutions realized in PLC/RF hybrid technology, which is dedicated to Smart Grid communication subsystems, mainly for Smart Metering and Smart Lighting applications. The use of hybrid technology makes the system more efficient and more secure (still being of low cost, in terms of both implementation and operation). This paper proposes a novel parameter, PDR, to describe the performance of the communications in the last mile network. The communications are realized with the use of the narrowband power line communications technique, the low power wireless communications technique, and the combination of them. The cost analysis for the proposed solution is also done. Theoretical considerations, contained in the paper, are the result of the author’s experience in the design, implementation, and operation of the last mile Smart Grid communication systems, realized in the narrowband PLC or 433/868 MHz radio technology. These communication systems were developed for data acquisition and distribution between specific terminals, which are Smart Meters or Smart Lanterns. The aim of this paper is to outline superiorities of the hybrid technology, from which the most important is a low layer protection of the sensitive critical infrastructure, which undoubtedly is a last mile Smart Grid communication network.

Evaluating Content-centric Communication Over Power Line Communication Infrastructure for Smart Grids

Abstract Electricity management systems are being in the center of a major research effort aiming at developing its new generation known as SMART GRID. The novelty in smart grids is a two-way data flow added on top of the classic electricity flow. This information traffic is the reason behind the smartness of the new power management system qualified to be more efficient, more secure and more reliable than its predecessor. In consequence, well-tailored communication architecture with particular necessary characteristics for smart grids is needed. Our motivation behind this work is to assess the adequacy of an emergent communication paradigm referred to as content-centric networking to smart grids. Our first contribution is confronting smart grid communication system requirements with content-centric networking principles in order to theoretically justify our position. Our second contribution is a simulation of smart grid communications using smart grid network topology and data traffic. A content-centric communication solution is deployed to achieve data networking and is compared to the Internet protocol stack allowing us to witness packet delivery delay reduction and better congestion control ability in addition to an increased throughput.

On Reliability of Smart Grid Neighborhood Area Networks

With the integration of the advanced computing and communication technologies, smart grid system is dedicated to enhance the efficiency and the reliability of future power systems greatly through renewable energy resources, as well as distributed communication intelligence and demand response. Along with advanced features of smart grid, the reliability of smart grid communication system emerges to be a critical issue, since millions of smart devices are interconnected through communication networks throughout critical power facilities, which has an immediate and direct impact on the reliability of the entire power infrastructure. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of reliability issues posted by the smart grid with a focus on communications in support of neighborhood area networks (NAN). Specifically, we focus on network architecture, reliability requirements and challenges of both communication networks and systems, secure countermeasures, and case studies in smart grid NAN. We aim to provide a deep understanding of reliability challenges and effective solutions toward reliability issues in smart grid NAN.

General Smart Meter Guidelines to Accurately Assess the Aging of Distribution Transformers

Smart grid technology has enhanced the ability to monitor numerous aspects of the distribution system for improving system performance and reducing system losses. One benefit is the continuous assessment of insulation degradation within distribution transformers, which is commonly referred to as a loss of life assessment. Calculating the expended life of a transformer consists of determining its winding hotspot temperature, which fluctuates with customer demand, ambient temperature, and cooling characteristics. Most residential transformers in service today do not possess the ability to connect to a smart grid communication system for continuous monitoring; therefore, they rely upon fusing for protection against extreme loading conditions. Smart meters can provide utility companies with the information required to identify distribution transformers that are experiencing higher than rated losses that can ultimately reduce their expected life. The research presented in this paper defines the smart meter functions required to accurately assess the aging of distribution transformers according to IEEE Std C57.91 and C57.110. To establish general accuracy guidelines, transformer loading indices were developed to evaluate acute excessive loading, long-term excessive loading, and excessive loading due to harmonics. Metering functions evaluated included power factor, harmonic demand, and ambient temperature.

A CR Spectrum Allocation Algorithm in Smart Grid Wireless Sensor Network

Cognitive radio (CR) method was introduced in smart grid communication systems to resolve potential maladies such as the coexistence of heterogeneous networks, overloaded data flow, diversity in data structures, and unstable quality of service (QOS). In this paper, a cognitive spectrum allocation algorithm based on non-cooperative game theory is proposed. The CR spectrum allocation model was developed by modifying the traditional game model via the insertion of a time variable and a critical function. The computing simulation result shows that the improved spectrum allocation algorithm can achieve stable spectrum allocation strategies and avoid the appearance of multi-Nash equilibrium at the expense of certain sacrifices in the system utility. It is suitable for application in distributed cognitive networks in power grids, thus contributing to the improvement of the isomerism and data capacity of power communication systems.

Protection Approach against SRLG Failure for Survivable Long-Reach Passive Optical Network in Smart Grid

Long-Reach Passive Optical Network (LR-PON) is widely acknowledged as a promising solution for communication system in smart grid. Survivability is one of the key issues in the planning of LR-PON because massive high-rate traffic flows may be interrupted in case of network component failure. However, the survivability issue of LR-PON is addressed in few works. Most of previous works focus on single distribution fiber failure and remain untouched the simultaneous failure of multiple distribution fibers. In this paper, we focus on the survivability of LR-PON against single Shared-Risk Link Group (SRLG) failure. A reliability model is proposed to represent the probability of reliable connection for each Optical Network Unit (ONU). Based on this reliability model, we propose a novel Backup Fibers Protection (BFP) approach, aiming at the optimization of joint allocating backup capacity and deploying backup fibers. Through extensive simulation, we investigate the performance of BFP and demonstrate its effectiveness in different scenarios.

Toward Unified Security and Privacy Protection for Smart Meter Networks

The management of security and privacy protection mechanisms is one fundamental issue of future smart grid (SG) and metering networks. Designing effective and economical measures is a nontrivial task due to the following: 1) the large number of system requirements; and 2) the uncertainty over how the system functionalities are going to be specified and to evolve. This paper explores a unified approach for addressing security and privacy of smart metering (SM) systems. In the process, we present a unified framework that entails the analysis and synthesis of security solutions associated with closely interrelated components of a typical SM system. Ultimately, the proposed framework can be used as a guideline for embedding cross-domain security and privacy solutions into SG communication systems.

Single-Board-Computer-Based Traffic Generator for a Heterogeneous and Hybrid Smart Grid Communication Network

In smart grid communication implementation, network traffic pattern is one of the main factors that affect the system's performance. Examining different traffic patterns in smart grid is therefore crucial when analyzing the network performance. Due to the heterogeneous and hybrid nature of smart grid, the type of traffic distribution in the network is still unknown. The traffic that popularly used for simulation and analysis no longer reflects the real traffic in a multi-technology and bi-directional communication system. Hence, in this study, a single-board computer is implemented as a traffic generator which can generate network traffic similar to those generated by various applications in the fully operational smart grid. By placing in a strategic and appropriate position, a collection of traffic generators allow network administrators to investigate and test the effect of heavy traffic on performance of smart grid communication system.

Performance Testing Framework in a Heterogeneous and Hybrid Smart Grid Communication Network

Heterogeneous and hybrid smart grid communication network is comprised of different communication mediums and technologies. Performance evaluation is one of the main concerns for smart grid communication system. In any smart grid communication implementation, to determine the performance factor of the network, a testing of an end-to-end process flow is required. An effective and coordinated testing procedure plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of smart grid communications. Therefore, this study proposes a testing framework which specifies the types of communication mediums and technologies, the evaluation criteria and software tools to carry out the testing. The proposed testing scheme is used as a guideline to analyze and assess the performance of smart grid communication system.

Performance testing framework for smart grid communication network

Smart grid communication network is comprised of different communication mediums and technologies. Performance evaluation is one of the main concerns in smart grid communication system. In any smart grid communication implementation, to determine the performance factor of the network, a testing of an end-to-end process flow is required. Therefore, an effective and coordinated testing procedure plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of smart grid communications. In this paper, a testing framework is proposed as a guideline to analyze and assess the performance of smart grid communication network.

A Heuristic Approach for Coordination of Plug-In Electric Vehicles Charging in Smart Grid

In this paper, a heuristic load management algorithm (H-LMA) is proposed for Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) charging coordination. The proposed approach is aimed to minimize system losses over a period T (e.g., 24 hours) through re-optimizing the system at time intervals (e.g., 15 minutes) while regulating bus voltages through future smart grid communication system by exchanging signals with individual PEV chargers. Scheduling is performed based on the allowable substation transformer loading level and taking into account PEV owner preference/priority within three designated charging time zones. Starting with the highest priority consumers, H-LMA will distribute charging of PEVs within the selected priority time zones to minimize total system losses over a period T while maintaining network operation criteria such as power generation and bus voltages within their permissible limits. Simulation results are presented for different charging scenarios and are compared to demonstrate the performance of H-LMA for the modified IEEE 23 kV distribution system connected to several low voltage residential networks populated with PEVs. The main contribution of this paper lies in the detailed simulations / analyses of the smart grid under study and highlighting the impacts of and T values on the performance of the proposed coordination approach in terms of accuracy and coordination execution time.

Priority-Based Traffic Scheduling and Utility Optimization for Cognitive Radio Communication Infrastructure-Based Smart Grid

Smart grid can be visualized as an intelligent control system over sensors and communication platforms. Recently, wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have shown its advantages for smart grid by providing rich surveillance information for grid failure detection and recovery, energy source monitoring, asset management, security, etc. On the other hand, cognitive radio (CR) networks have been identified as a key wireless technology to reduce the communication interferences and improve the bandwidth efficiency for smart grid communication. There is an essential need to use the CR communication platform to support large-size and time-sensitive multimedia delivery for future smart grid system. In this paper, we consider the heterogeneous characteristics of smart grid traffic including multimedia and propose a priority-based traffic scheduling approach for CR communication infrastructure based smart grid system according to the various traffic types of smart grid such as control commands, multimedia sensing data and meter readings. Specifically, we develop CR channel allocation and traffic scheduling schemes taking into consideration of channel switch and spectrum sensing errors, and solve a system utility optimization problem for smart grid communication system. Our solutions are demonstrated through both analyzes and simulations. This research opens a new vista of future smart grid communications.

Smart grid cooperative communication with smart relay

Many studies have investigated the smart grid architecture and communication models in the past few years. However, the communication model and architecture for a smart grid still remain unclear. Today's electric power distribution is very complex and maladapted because of the lack of efficient and cost-effective energy generation, distribution, and consumption management systems. A wireless smart grid communication system can playan important role in achieving these goals. In thispaper, we describe a smart grid communication architecture in which we merge customers and distributors into a single domain. In the proposed architecture, all the home area networks, neighborhood area networks, and local electrical equipment form a local wireless mesh network (LWMN). Each device or meter can act as a source, router, or relay. The data generated in any node (device/meter) reaches the data collector via other nodes. The data collector transmits this data via the access point of a wide area network (WAN). Finally, data is transferred to the service provider or to the control center of the smart grid. We propose a wireless cooperative communication model for the LWMN. We deploy a limited number of smart relays to improve the performance of the network. A novel relay selection mechanism is also proposed to reduce the relay selection overhead. Simulation results show that our cooperative smart grid (coopSG) communication model improves the end-to-end packet delivery latency, throughput, and energy efficiency over both the Wang et al. and Niyato et al. models.

Research of Reliable Design of Printed Circuit Board Suited for Smart Grid

Electric utilities faced with the prospect of increasing customer rates are seeking solutions to challenges presented by rising global energy demand, aging infrastructure, increasing fuel costs and renewable portfolio standards in light of climate change. Many consider Smart Grid to be one such solution. The most two significant characteristics of Smart Grid are self-healing ability and high reliability. As the bottom stage of development of Smart Grid communication system, the signal quality and self reliability of PCB design directly influence the entire performance of the communication system. This article focuses on analyzing reliable PCB design suited for Smart Grid communication system from power supply, thermal dispersion and trace routing.

Secure wireless communication system for smart grid with rechargeable electric vehicles

Current transportation systems are emitting a considerable amount of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. The recent advances in the fuel cell battery is making the zero-carbon electric vehicle (EV) increasingly practical for the commercial market. However, mass use of EVs requires support from a powerful and robust power grid that can efficiently generate, aggregate, and distribute a large amount of energy in real time with low carbon emission. Such a system calls for the application of modern communication technologies that inherently suffer from various cyber attacks. Attacks against the communication system in smart grid can cause catastrophic damage to the highly interdependent smart grid users. In this article, we first propose a smart grid model for supporting mass EV use, then introduce some typical security issues in the communication system, especially for the wireless security in such a smart grid. We mainly introduce two types of security protocols: key agreement from wireless channel estimation and jamming-resilient communication.