Performance evaluation of information and communications technology infrastructure for smart distribution network applications

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Current electrical networks require secure, scalable and cost-effective Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions to facilitate the novel functionalities required by Smart Grids. Countries around the globe are investigating alternative energy sources to mitigate the current energy crisis and environmental issues experienced by many countries due to global warming, rapid growth of population, inefficient energy management, dwindling fossil fuel resources, etc. Therefore, alternative or renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, combined heat and power, etc., are required to mitigate such a crisis and such sources will also need to be integrated in to the power grid in a distributed manner. Such distributed energy sources are mainly connected to the distribution networks and introduce huge challenges to the distribution network operator (DNO). Many of these challenges cannot be dealt with effectively using existing network operation mechanisms therefore the research and development of novel ICT solutions to support smart distribution network operation is required. This research investigated suitable ICT solutions to enable the Smart Grid to tackle these challenges and proposes ICT infrastructure models that can be used for simulation studies in order to investigate cost-effective, scalable and secure solutions for the DNOs. Initially, a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring test-bed was proposed to evaluate the performance of bandwidth intensive applications, such as smart meter data transmission. Simulation studies for different communication technologies, cellular and Power Line Communication (PLC), were also carried out and the simulation models were verified using experimental test results. Finally, the modelling and analysis of smart metering infrastructure was carried out using simulation and extensive studies were performed to evaluate the data transmission rate performance for different configurations of smart meters and concentrators

Real time control and monitoring of grid power systems using cloud computing

The use of grid power systems based on the combinations of various electrical networks, information technology, and communication layers called as Smart Grid systems. The technique of smart grid suppressed the problems faced by conventional grid systems such as inefficient energy management, improper control actions, grid faults, human errors, etc. The recent research on smart grid provides the approach for the real-time control and monitoring of grid power systems based on bidirectional communications. However, the smart grid is yet to improve regarding efficiency, energy management, reliability, and cost-effectiveness by considering its real-time implementation. In this paper, we present the real-time design of efficient monitoring and control of grid power system using the remote cloud server. We utilized the remote cloud server to fetch, monitor and control the real-time power system data to improve the universal control and response time. The proper hardware panel designed and fabricated to establish the connection with the grid as well as remote cloud users. The authenticated cloud users are provisioned to access and control the grid power system from anywhere securely. For the user authentication, we proposed the novel approach to secure the complete smart grid system. Finally, we demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time monitoring and control of the grid power method with the use of structure of practical framework

Decentralized Energy Management of Networked Microgrid Based on Alternating-Direction Multiplier Method

With the ever-intensive utilization of distributed generators (DGs) and smart devices, distribution networks are evolving from a hierarchal structure to a distributed structure, which imposes significant challenges to network operators in system dispatch. A distributed energy-management method for a networked microgrid (NM) is proposed to coordinate a large number of DGs for maintaining secure and economic operations in the electricity-market environment. A second-order conic programming model is used to formulate the energy-management problem of an NM. Network decomposition was first carried out, and then a distributed solution for the established optimization model through invoking alternating-direction method of multipliers (ADMM). A modified IEEE 33-bus power system was finally utilized to demonstrate the performance of distributed energy management in an NM

Smart Grid based Wireless Communication in 5G Network for Monitoring and Control Systems in Renewable Energy Management

Wireless networks are becoming ubiquitous and as the cost of equipment decreases and performance increases, it becomes both economically and technologically feasible to deploy wireless networks in power systems and industrial environments for a wide range of applications. They have advantage of providing diverse controlling features through a unified communication platform. Application of such networks in the smart grid/industrial environments is under active research and expected to become an integral part of the power system. This research propose novel technique smart grid communication in wireless 5G networks for monitoring and controlling management. Here the smart grid designing has been done based on wireless communication networks. The smart grid network for renewable energy has been controlled using Stackelberg equilibrium based SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) method. The control method based collected data has been monitored for detection of malicious activities in the network using supervised radial basis fuzzy systems. The experimental analysis has been carried out based on control system and network malicious activities. Here the control system based parameters analysed are Scalability of 65%, QoS of 71%, Power consumption of 41%, Network Efficiency of 92%. Then machine learning based malicious activities detection in terms of accuarcy of 96%, network security of 88%, throughput of 94%, Network delay of 41%. Proposed method supports interoperability of multiple types of inverters, is scalable and flexible, and transmits data over a secure communication channel

A survey on cyber security for smart grid communications

A smart grid is a new form of electricity network with high fidelity power-flow control, self-healing, and energy reliability and energy security using digital communications and control technology. To upgrade an existing power grid into a smart grid, it requires significant dependence on intelligent and secure communication infrastructures. It requires security frameworks for distributed communications, pervasive computing and sensing technologies in smart grid. However, as many of the communication technologies currently recommended to use by a smart grid is vulnerable in cyber security, it could lead to unreliable system operations, causing unnecessary expenditure, even consequential disaster to both utilities and consumers. In this paper, we summarize the cyber security requirements and the possible vulnerabilities in smart grid communications and survey the current solutions on cyber security for smart grid communications. © 2012 IEEE

Smart Grid Communications: Overview of Research Challenges, Solutions, and Standardization Activities

Optimization of energy consumption in future intelligent energy networks (or Smart Grids) will be based on grid-integrated near-real-time communications between various grid elements in generation, transmission, distribution and loads. This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of communications research in the areas of smart grid and smart metering. In particular, we focus on some of the key communications challenges for realizing interoperable and future-proof smart grid/metering networks, smart grid security and privacy, and how some of the existing networking technologies can be applied to energy management. Finally, we also discuss the coordinated standardization efforts in Europe to harmonize communications standards and protocols.Comment: To be published in IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorial

Towards a Secure Smart Grid Storage Communications Gateway

This research in progress paper describes the role of cyber security measures undertaken in an ICT system for integrating electric storage technologies into the grid. To do so, it defines security requirements for a communications gateway and gives detailed information and hands-on configuration advice on node and communication line security, data storage, coping with backend M2M communications protocols and examines privacy issues. The presented research paves the road for developing secure smart energy communications devices that allow enhancing energy efficiency. The described measures are implemented in an actual gateway device within the HORIZON 2020 project STORY, which aims at developing new ways to use storage and demonstrating these on six different demonstration sites.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figure