Fariba Aalamifar

Bio: Fariba Aalamifar is an academic researcher from University of British Columbia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Smart grid & Power-line communication. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 8 publications receiving 245 citations. Previous affiliations of Fariba Aalamifar include Queen's University.

Viability of powerline communication for the smart grid

Abstract: There is currently an ongoing debate surrounding what would be the best choice for smart grid communication technology. One of the promising communication technologies for smart grid realization is Powerline Communication (PLC). However, because of its noisy environment and the low capacity of Narrowband Powerline Communication, its viability for smart grid realization is being questioned. To investigate this issue, we studied smart grid communication network requirements. We categorize smart grid data traffic into two general traffic classes including home area network data traffic and distribution automation data traffic. Then using network simulator-2, we simulate powerline communication and a smart grid communication network. To have a better understanding of the viability of powerline communication for smart grid realization, some future smart grid advanced applications are considered. Latency and reliability are considered to be the main smart grid communication network requirements. In this paper, the delay of different traffic classes under different network infrastructures and traffic applications have been calculated. Furthermore, a viable powerline communication network infrastructure for smart grid communication network is proposed.

Modelling power line communication using network simulator-3

Abstract: Power line communications (PLC) plays an important role in the blend of communication technologies considered for enabling the smart grid vision. However, different from, e.g., wireless communications, for which ready-to-use modules are included in several simulation packages, there are no freely available software tools to simulate PLC networks. In particular, software modules which emulate the PLC channel are needed to capture the specifics of PLC in a communication network simulation. In this paper, we aim at closing this gap and present a PLC channel simulator written using the network simulator-3 (ns-3) library and made available for free use.

Optimized WiMAX Profile Configuration for Smart Grid Communications

Abstract: Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) is one of the wireless communication technologies adopted for communication in smart grids. Due to the inherent differences between smart grid and mobile broadband applications, it is important to adjust planning and deployment of wireless technologies, including WiMAX. To this end, WiMAX is being amended to feature a smart grid system profile known as WiGrid. In this paper, we investigate the optimized configuration of this WiGrid profile, i.e., the choice of frame duration, type-of-service to traffic mapping, scheduling strategies, as well as the system architecture, such that smart grid communication requirements are met. The simulation-based evaluation of WiGrid networks with optimized configurations is facilitated through a newly developed WiGrid module for the network simulator-3 environment. Our results indicate that a priority-based scheduler is an appropriate solution for scheduling time-critical smart grid applications. Furthermore, schedulers should be implemented in such a way that grant sizes smaller than the packet size are avoided, and adjusting the uplink/downlink bandwidth ratio to favor uplink traffic is important to achieve the required latency defined for smart grid applications.

Cost-efficient data aggregation point placement for advanced metering infrastructure

Abstract: This paper investigates the problem of placement of data aggregation points (DAPs) in advanced metering infrastructures (AMIs). The specific constraints are that DAPs are to be located on utility poles and that communication is done over wireless links. While the resulting optimization problem is an integer program, we propose to adapt the K-means algorithm to obtain an efficient and less-complex method to solve the DAP placement problem. Simulations of the developed optimization method illustrate the effects of smart-meter density and communication range on the selection of DAP locations.

WiMAX technology in smart distribution networks: Architecture, modeling, and applications

Abstract: WiMAX technology is widely considered to be a mature solution for many smart grid applications. Several utilities around the world have deployed WiMAX networks to upgrade or expand their communications infrastructure. This paper is focused on the the applications and use cases of WiMAX technology in smart grid communications networks (SGCN). We provide an overview of WiMAX desirable features including standardization, interoperability, and classified quality of service (QoS) options and we present a multi-service simulation model for SGCN including substation, distribution automation, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) traffic. Through simulations, we evaluate the performance of WiMAX technology considering both direct and aggregated architectures in urban, suburban, and rural environments.

Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network: A Survey

Abstract: Space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN), as an integration of satellite systems, aerial networks, and terrestrial communications, has been becoming an emerging architecture and attracted intensive research interest during the past years. Besides bringing significant benefits for various practical services and applications, SAGIN is also facing many unprecedented challenges due to its specific characteristics, such as heterogeneity, self-organization, and time-variability. Compared to traditional ground or satellite networks, SAGIN is affected by the limited and unbalanced network resources in all three network segments, so that it is difficult to obtain the best performances for traffic delivery. Therefore, the system integration, protocol optimization, resource management, and allocation in SAGIN is of great significance. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to present the state-of-the-art of the SAGIN since existing survey papers focused on either only one single network segment in space or air, or the integration of space-ground, neglecting the integration of all the three network segments. In light of this, we present in this paper a comprehensive review of recent research works concerning SAGIN from network design and resource allocation to performance analysis and optimization. After discussing several existing network architectures, we also point out some technology challenges and future directions.

DC Microgrid Technology: System Architectures, AC Grid Interfaces, Grounding Schemes, Power Quality, Communication Networks, Applications, and Standardizations Aspects

Abstract: To meet the fast-growing energy demand and, at the same time, tackle environmental concerns resulting from conventional energy sources, renewable energy sources are getting integrated in power networks to ensure reliable and affordable energy for the public and industrial sectors However, the integration of renewable energy in the ageing electrical grids can result in new risks/challenges, such as security of supply, base load energy capacity, seasonal effects, and so on Recent research and development in microgrids have proved that microgrids, which are fueled by renewable energy sources and managed by smart grids (use of smart sensors and smart energy management system), can offer higher reliability and more efficient energy systems in a cost-effective manner Further improvement in the reliability and efficiency of electrical grids can be achieved by utilizing dc distribution in microgrid systems DC microgrid is an attractive technology in the modern electrical grid system because of its natural interface with renewable energy sources, electric loads, and energy storage systems In the recent past, an increase in research work has been observed in the area of dc microgrid, which brings this technology closer to practical implementation This paper presents the state-of-the-art dc microgrid technology that covers ac interfaces, architectures, possible grounding schemes, power quality issues, and communication systems The advantages of dc grids can be harvested in many applications to improve their reliability and efficiency This paper also discusses benefits and challenges of using dc grid systems in several applications This paper highlights the urgent need of standardizations for dc microgrid technology and presents recent updates in this area

Prosumer based energy management and sharing in smart grid

Abstract: There is huge expectation from smart power grid to provide sustainable energy services using bi-directional flow of data and power enabled by advanced information, communication and control infrastructure. An important element of such a smart grid is prosumers i.e. the consumers who also produce and share surplus energy with grid and other users. Prosumers are not only an important stakeholder of the future smart grids but also have a vital role in peak demand management. Therefore, it is needed to investigate and review the Prosumers based Energy Management and Sharing (PEMS) along with associated challenges. It will help in understanding and analyzing the impact of prosumers in future smart grids. In order to achieve these objectives, this paper presents a comprehensive review of PEMS in smart grid environment and associated impact on power system reliability and energy sustainability. The process of energy sharing among prosumers involves two key elements: information and communication technologies and optimization techniques. These two elements have been discussed in detail to cover the PEMS implementation requirements. The relevant communications technologies presented in the paper include wired, wireless, short and long range options while linear and nonlinear optimization techniques, in context of PEMS, are described. Various technologies, methodologies and mechanisms adopted for PEMS are comprehensively discussed in order to enhance readers’ intuition. Challenges and issues faced by prosumer communities and energy sharing have also been elaborated in detail.