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Showing papers on "Smart grid published in 2011"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview and a taxonomy for DSM is given, the various types of DSM are analyzed, and an outlook on the latest demonstration projects in this domain is given.
Abstract: Energy management means to optimize one of the most complex and important technical creations that we know: the energy system. While there is plenty of experience in optimizing energy generation and distribution, it is the demand side that receives increasing attention by research and industry. Demand Side Management (DSM) is a portfolio of measures to improve the energy system at the side of consumption. It ranges from improving energy efficiency by using better materials, over smart energy tariffs with incentives for certain consumption patterns, up to sophisticated real-time control of distributed energy resources. This paper gives an overview and a taxonomy for DSM, analyzes the various types of DSM, and gives an outlook on the latest demonstration projects in this domain.

2,647 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The main objective of this paper is to provide a contemporary look at the current state of the art in smart grid communications as well as to discuss the still-open research issues in this field.
Abstract: For 100 years, there has been no change in the basic structure of the electrical power grid. Experiences have shown that the hierarchical, centrally controlled grid of the 20th Century is ill-suited to the needs of the 21st Century. To address the challenges of the existing power grid, the new concept of smart grid has emerged. The smart grid can be considered as a modern electric power grid infrastructure for enhanced efficiency and reliability through automated control, high-power converters, modern communications infrastructure, sensing and metering technologies, and modern energy management techniques based on the optimization of demand, energy and network availability, and so on. While current power systems are based on a solid information and communication infrastructure, the new smart grid needs a different and much more complex one, as its dimension is much larger. This paper addresses critical issues on smart grid technologies primarily in terms of information and communication technology (ICT) issues and opportunities. The main objective of this paper is to provide a contemporary look at the current state of the art in smart grid communications as well as to discuss the still-open research issues in this field. It is expected that this paper will provide a better understanding of the technologies, potential advantages and research challenges of the smart grid and provoke interest among the research community to further explore this promising research area.

2,331 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Of the flow battery technologies that have been investigated, the all-vanadium redox flow battery has received the most attention and has shown most promise in various pre-commercial to commercial stationary applications to date, while new developments in hybrid redox fuel cells are promising to lead the way for future applications in mechanically and electrically "refuelable" electric vehicles.
Abstract: The past few decades have shown a rapid and continuous exhaustion of the available energy resources which may lead to serious energy global crises. Researchers have been focusing on developing new and renewable energy resources to meet the increasing fuel demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A surge of research effort is also being directed towards replacing fossil fuel based vehicles with hybrid and electric alternatives. Energy storage is now seen as a critical element in future "smart grid and electric vehicle" applications. Electrochemical energy storage systems offer the best combination of efficiency, cost and flexibility, with redox flow battery systems currently leading the way in this aspect. In this work, a panoramic overview is presented for the various redox flow battery systems and their hybrid alternatives. Relevant published work is reported and critically discussed. A comprehensive study of the available technologies is conducted in terms of technical aspects as well as economic and environmental consequences. Some of the flow battery limitations and technical challenges are also discussed and a range of further research opportunities are presented. Of the flow battery technologies that have been investigated, the all-vanadium redox flow battery has received the most attention and has shown most promise in various pre-commercial to commercial stationary applications to date, while new developments in hybrid redox fuel cells are promising to lead the way for future applications in mechanically and electrically "refuelable" electric vehicles.

1,248 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The architecture described in this paper is a roadmap for a future automated and flexible electric power distribution system that is suitable for plug-and-play of distributed renewable energy and distributed energy storage devices.
Abstract: This paper presents an architecture for a future electric power distribution system that is suitable for plug-and-play of distributed renewable energy and distributed energy storage devices. Motivated by the success of the (information) Internet, the architecture described in this paper was proposed by the NSF FREEDM Systems Center, Raleigh, NC, as a roadmap for a future automated and flexible electric power distribution system. In the envisioned “Energy Internet,” a system that enables flexible energy sharing is proposed for consumers in a residential distribution system. The key technologies required to achieve such a vision are presented in this paper as a result of the research partnership of the FREEDM Systems Center.

1,237 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
16 May 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of what PLC can deliver today by surveying its history and describing the most recent technological advances in the area and discuss the main conclusions one can draw from the literature on these subjects.
Abstract: Are Power Line Communications (PLC) a good candidate for Smart Grid applications? The objective of this paper is to address this important question. To do so, we provide an overview of what PLC can deliver today by surveying its history and describing the most recent technological advances in the area. We then address Smart Grid applications as instances of sensor networking and network control problems and discuss the main conclusions one can draw from the literature on these subjects. The application scenario of PLC within the Smart Grid is then analyzed in detail. Because a necessary ingredient of network planning is modeling, we also discuss two aspects of engineering modeling that relate to our question. The first aspect is modeling the PLC channel through fading models. The second aspect we review is the Smart Grid control and traffic modeling problem which allows us to achieve a better understanding of the communications requirements. Finally, this paper reports recent studies on the electrical and topological properties of a sample power distribution network. Power grid topological studies are very important for PLC networking as the power grid is not only the information source but also the information delivery system-a unique feature when PLC is used for the Smart Grid.

1,084 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper proposes a novel load management solution for coordinating the charging of multiple plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in a smart grid system based on real-time (e.g., every 5 min) minimization of total cost of generating the energy plus the associated grid energy losses.
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel load management solution for coordinating the charging of multiple plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in a smart grid system. Utilities are becoming concerned about the potential stresses, performance degradations and overloads that may occur in distribution systems with multiple domestic PEV charging activities. Uncontrolled and random PEV charging can cause increased power losses, overloads and voltage fluctuations, which are all detrimental to the reliability and security of newly developing smart grids. Therefore, a real-time smart load management (RT-SLM) control strategy is proposed and developed for the coordination of PEV charging based on real-time (e.g., every 5 min) minimization of total cost of generating the energy plus the associated grid energy losses. The approach reduces generation cost by incorporating time-varying market energy prices and PEV owner preferred charging time zones based on priority selection. The RT-SLM algorithm appropriately considers random plug-in of PEVs and utilizes the maximum sensitivities selection (MSS) optimization. This approach enables PEVs to begin charging as soon as possible considering priority-charging time zones while complying with network operation criteria (such as losses, generation limits, and voltage profile). Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of SLM for the modified IEEE 23 kV distribution system connected to several low voltage residential networks populated with PEVs.

1,027 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
24 Jul 2011
TL;DR: This paper considers households that operate different appliances including PHEVs and batteries and proposes a demand response approach based on utility maximization, which proposes a distributed algorithm for the utility company and the customers to jointly compute this optimal prices and demand schedules.
Abstract: Demand side management will be a key component of future smart grid that can help reduce peak load and adapt elastic demand to fluctuating generations. In this paper, we consider households that operate different appliances including PHEVs and batteries and propose a demand response approach based on utility maximization. Each appliance provides a certain benefit depending on the pattern or volume of power it consumes. Each household wishes to optimally schedule its power consumption so as to maximize its individual net benefit subject to various consumption and power flow constraints. We show that there exist time-varying prices that can align individual optimality with social optimality, i.e., under such prices, when the households selfishly optimize their own benefits, they automatically also maximize the social welfare. The utility company can thus use dynamic pricing to coordinate demand responses to the benefit of the overall system. We propose a distributed algorithm for the utility company and the customers to jointly compute this optimal prices and demand schedules. Finally, we present simulation results that illustrate several interesting properties of the proposed scheme.

1,014 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
16 May 2011
TL;DR: This paper focuses on DER-based distribution, the basics of microgrids, possibility of smart distribution systems using coupled microgrid and the current state of autonomous microgrid technology.
Abstract: The distribution system provides major opportunities for smart grid concepts. One way to approach distribution system problems is to rethinking our distribution system to include the integration of high levels of distributed energy resources, using microgrid concepts. Basic objectives are improved reliability, promote high penetration of renewable sources, dynamic islanding, and improved generation efficiencies through the use of waste heat. Managing significant levels of distributed energy resources (DERs) with a wide and dynamic set of resources and control points can become overwhelming. The best way to manage such a system is to break the distribution system down into small clusters or microgrids, with distributed optimizing controls coordinating multimicrogrids. The Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTSs) concept views clustered generation and associated loads as a grid resource or a “microgrid.” The clustered sources and loads can operate in parallel to the grid or as an island. This grid resource can disconnect from the utility during events (i.e., faults, voltage collapses), but may also intentionally disconnect when the quality of power from the grid falls below certain standards. This paper focuses on DER-based distribution, the basics of microgrids, possibility of smart distribution systems using coupled microgrid and the current state of autonomous microgrid technology.

949 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A determinist energy management system for a microgrid, including advanced PV generators with embedded storage units and a gas microturbine is proposed, which is implemented in two parts: a central energy management of the microgrid and a local power management at the customer side.
Abstract: The development of energy management tools for next-generation PhotoVoltaic (PV) installations, including storage units, provides flexibility to distribution system operators. In this paper, the aggregation and implementation of these determinist energy management methods for business customers in a microgrid power system are presented. This paper proposes a determinist energy management system for a microgrid, including advanced PV generators with embedded storage units and a gas microturbine. The system is organized according to different functions and is implemented in two parts: a central energy management of the microgrid and a local power management at the customer side. The power planning is designed according to the prediction for PV power production and the load forecasting. The central and local management systems exchange data and order through a communication network. According to received grid power references, additional functions are also designed to manage locally the power flows between the various sources. Application to the case of a hybrid supercapacitor battery-based PV active generator is presented.

905 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The smart grid model offers the best potential for maximum utilization of RESs to reduce cost and emission from the electricity industry.
Abstract: The electricity and transportation industries are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions on Earth. Renewable energy, mainly wind and solar, can reduce emission from the electricity industry (mainly from power plants). Likewise, next-generation plug-in vehicles, which include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) and EVs with vehicle-to-grid capability, referred to as “gridable vehicles” (GVs) by the authors, can reduce emission from the transportation industry. GVs can be used as loads, energy sources (small portable power plants), and energy storages in a smart grid integrated with renewable energy sources (RESs). Smart grid operation to reduce both cost and emission simultaneously is a very complex task considering smart charging and discharging of GVs in a distributed energy source and load environment. If a large number of GVs is connected to the electric grid randomly, peak load will be very high. The use of traditional thermal power plants will be economically and environmentally expensive to support the electrified transportation. The intelligent scheduling and control of GVs as loads and/or sources have great potential for evolving a sustainable integrated electricity and transportation infrastructure. Cost and emission reductions in a smart grid by maximum utilization of GVs and RESs are presented in this paper. Possible models for GV applications, including the smart grid model, are given, and results are presented. The smart grid model offers the best potential for maximum utilization of RESs to reduce cost and emission from the electricity industry.

762 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This survey attempts to summarize the current state of research efforts in the communication networks of smart grid, which may help to identify the research problems in the continued studies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter and discuss various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure.
Abstract: Smart meter is an advanced energy meter that measures consumption of electrical energy providing additional information compared to a conventional energy meter. Integration of smart meters into electricity grid involves implementation of a variety of techniques and software, depending on the features that the situation demands. Design of a smart meter depends on the requirements of the utility company as well as the customer. This paper discusses various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter. In fact, deployment of smart meters needs proper selection and implementation of a communication network satisfying the security standards of smart grid communication. This paper outlines various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure. In addition, several applications and advantages of smart meter, in the view of future electricity market are discussed in detail. This paper explains the importance of introducing smart meters in developing countries. In addition, the status of smart metering in various countries is also illustrated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: iHEM reduces the expenses of the consumers for each case, and packet delivery ratio, delay, and jitter of the WSHAN improve as the packet size of the monitoring applications, that also utilize theWSHAN, decreases.
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) will play a key role in the extension of the smart grid towards residential premises, and enable various demand and energy management applications. Efficient demand-supply balance and reducing electricity expenses and carbon emissions will be the immediate benefits of these applications. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of an in-home energy management (iHEM) application. The performance of iHEM is compared with an optimization-based residential energy management (OREM) scheme whose objective is to minimize the energy expenses of the consumers. We show that iHEM decreases energy expenses, reduces the contribution of the consumers to the peak load, reduces the carbon emissions of the household, and its savings are close to OREM. On the other hand, iHEM application is more flexible as it allows communication between the controller and the consumer utilizing the wireless sensor home area network (WSHAN). We evaluate the performance of iHEM under the presence of local energy generation capability, prioritized appliances, and for real-time pricing. We show that iHEM reduces the expenses of the consumers for each case. Furthermore, we show that packet delivery ratio, delay, and jitter of the WSHAN improve as the packet size of the monitoring applications, that also utilize the WSHAN, decreases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most reliable technology to facilitate M2M communication in the SG home area network is pointed out, and its shortcoming is noted, and a possible solution to deal with this shortcoming to improve SG communications scalability is presented.
Abstract: The advanced metering infrastructure of the smart grid presents the biggest growth potential in the machine-to-machine market today. Spurred by recent advances in M2M technologies, SG smart meters are expected not to require human intervention in characterizing power requirements and energy distribution. However, there are many challenges in the design of the SG communications network whereby the electrical appliances and smart meters are able to exchange information pertaining to varying power requirements. Furthermore, different types of M2M gateways are required at different points (e.g., at home, in the building, at the neighborhood, and so forth) of the SG communication network. This article surveys a number of existing communication technologies that can be adopted for M2M communication in SG. Among these, the most reliable technology to facilitate M2M communication in the SG home area network is pointed out, and its shortcoming is also noted. Furthermore, a possible solution to deal with this shortcoming to improve SG communications scalability is also presented.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: A new operating paradigm, called risk-limiting dispatch, is proposed, which treats generation as a heterogeneous commodity of intermittent or stochastic power and uses information and control to design hedging techniques to manage the risk of uncertainty.
Abstract: The drastic reduction of carbon emission to combat global climate change cannot be realized without a significant contribution from the electricity sector. Renewable energy resources must take a bigger share in the generation mix, effective demand response must be widely implemented, and high-capacity energy storage systems must be developed. A smart grid is necessary to manage and control the increasingly complex future grid. Certain smart grid elements-renewables, storage, microgrid, consumer choice, and smart appliances-increase uncertainty in both supply and demand of electric power. Other smart gird elements-sensors, smart meters, demand response, and communications-provide more accurate information about the power system and more refined means of control. Simply building hardware for renewable generators and the smart grid, but still using the same operating paradigm of the grid, will not realize the full potential for overall system efficiency and carbon reduction. In this paper, a new operating paradigm, called risk-limiting dispatch, is proposed. It treats generation as a heterogeneous commodity of intermittent or stochastic power and uses information and control to design hedging techniques to manage the risk of uncertainty.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the critical scientific challenges facing the development of advanced batteries, various unique attributes of nanostructures or nano-architectures applicable to lithium-ion and lithium-air batteries, the latest developments in novel synthesis and fabrication procedures, the unique capabilities of some powerful, in situ characterization techniques vital to unraveling the mechanisms of charge and mass transport processes associated with battery performance, and the outlook for future-generation batteries that exploit nanoscale materials for significantly improved performance to meet the everincreasing demands of emerging technologies.
Abstract: The urgency for clean and secure energy has stimulated a global resurgence in searching for advanced electrical energy storage systems. For now and the foreseeable future, batteries remain the most promising electrical energy storage systems for many applications, from portable electronics to emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and smart grids, by potentially offering significantly improved performance, energy efficiencies, reliability, and energy security while also permitting a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The energy and power storage characteristics of batteries critically impact the commercial viability of these emerging technologies. For example, the realization of electric vehicles hinges on the availability of batteries with significantly improved energy and power density, durability, and reduced cost. Further, the design, performance, portability, and innovation of many portable electronics are limited severely by the size, power, and cycle life of the existing batteries. Creation of nanostructured electrode materials represents one of the most attractive strategies to dramatically enhance battery performance, including capacity, rate capability, cycling life, and safety. This review aims at providing the reader with an understanding of the critical scientific challenges facing the development of advanced batteries, various unique attributes of nanostructures or nano-architectures applicable to lithium-ion and lithium-air batteries, the latest developments in novel synthesis and fabrication procedures, the unique capabilities of some powerful, in situ characterization techniques vital to unraveling the mechanisms of charge and mass transport processes associated with battery performance, and the outlook for future-generation batteries that exploit nanoscale materials for significantly improved performance to meet the ever-increasing demands of emerging technologies.

Patent
02 May 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a system for dynamically managing and controlling distributed energy resources in a transmission/distribution power grid is disclosed, where a plurality of regions within a transmission and distribution power grid are autonomously managed using regional control modules.
Abstract: A system for dynamically managing and controlling distributed energy resources in a transmission/distribution power grid is disclosed. A plurality of regions within a transmission/distribution power grid is autonomously managed using regional control modules. Each regional control module oversees the management and control of the transmission/distribution power grid and is further associated with a plurality of local control modules that interface with distributed energy resources within a region. Power production and power consumption are monitored and analyzed by the enterprise control module which, upon determining that power consumption within a region does not match power producing capability, dynamically reallocates distributed energy resources throughout the grid keeping the system balance. Power flow at key nodes within the network are monitored and analyzed by the local control modules, regional control modules, and enterprise control modules with compensating actions taken in the event that system parameter risks violating safety, stability, or operational thresholds.

Journal ArticleDOI
24 Jul 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a multi-period AC optimal power flow (OPF) is used to determine the optimal accommodation of (renewable) distributed generation in a way that minimizes the system energy losses.
Abstract: The problem of minimizing losses in distribution networks has traditionally been investigated using a single, deterministic demand level. This has proved to be effective since most approaches are generally able to also result in minimum overall energy losses. However, the increasing penetration of (firm and variable) distributed generation (DG) raises concerns on the actual benefits of loss minimization studies that are limited to a single demand/generation scenario. Here, a multiperiod AC optimal power flow (OPF) is used to determine the optimal accommodation of (renewable) DG in a way that minimizes the system energy losses. In addition, control schemes expected to be part of the future Smart Grid, such as coordinated voltage control and dispatchable DG power factor, are embedded in the OPF formulation to explore the extra loss reduction benefits that can be harnessed with such technologies. The trade-off between energy losses and more generation capacity is also investigated. The methodology is applied to a generic U.K. distribution network and results demonstrate the significant impact that considering time-varying characteristics has on the energy loss minimization problem and highlight the gains that the flexibility provided by innovative control strategies can have on both loss minimization and generation capacity.

Journal ArticleDOI
16 May 2011
TL;DR: This paper analyzes factors, their rate of acceleration and how they may synergistically align for the electrification of vehicles to help achieve greater adoption of EVs and PHEVs.
Abstract: Concern for the environment and energy security is changing the way we think about energy. Grid-enabled passenger vehicles, like electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) can help address environmental and energy issues. Automakers have recognized that electric drive vehicles are critical to the future of the industry. However, some challenges exist to greater adoption: the perception of cost, EV range, access to charging, potential impacts to the grid, and lack of public awareness about the availability and practicality of these vehicles. Although the current initial price for EV's is higher, their operating costs are lower. Policies that reduce the total cost of ownership of EVs and PHEVs, compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, will lead to faster market penetration. Greater access to charging infrastructure will also accelerate public adoption. Smart grid technology will optimize the vehicle integration with the grid, allowing intelligent and efficient use of energy. By coordinating efforts and using a systems perspective, the advantages of EVs and PHEVs can be achieved using the least resources. This paper analyzes these factors, their rate of acceleration and how they may synergistically align for the electrification of vehicles.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A lightweight message authentication scheme features as a basic yet crucial component for secure SG communication framework and can satisfy the desirable security requirements of SG communications.
Abstract: Smart grid (SG) communication has recently received significant attentions to facilitate intelligent and distributed electric power transmission systems. However, communication trust and security issues still present practical concerns to the deployment of SG. In this paper, to cope with these challenging concerns, we propose a lightweight message authentication scheme features as a basic yet crucial component for secure SG communication framework. Specifically, in the proposed scheme, the smart meters which are distributed at different hierarchical networks of the SG can first achieve mutual authentication and establish the shared session key with Diffie-Hellman exchange protocol. Then, with the shared session key between smart meters and hash-based authentication code technique, the subsequent messages can be authenticated in a lightweight way. Detailed security analysis shows that the proposed scheme can satisfy the desirable security requirements of SG communications. In addition, extensive simulations have also been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of low latency and few signal message exchanges.

Book ChapterDOI
27 Jul 2011
TL;DR: Protocols that can be used to privately compute aggregate meter measurements over defined sets of meters, allowing for fraud and leakage detection as well as network management and further statistical processing of meter measurements, without revealing any additional information about the individual meter readings are presented.
Abstract: The widespread deployment of smart meters for the modernisation of the electricity distribution network, but also for gas and water consumption, has been associated with privacy concerns due to the potentially large number of measurements that reflect the consumers behaviour. In this paper, we present protocols that can be used to privately compute aggregate meter measurements over defined sets of meters, allowing for fraud and leakage detection as well as network management and further statistical processing of meter measurements, without revealing any additional information about the individual meter readings. Thus, most of the benefits of the Smart Grid can be achieved without revealing individual data. The feasibility of the protocols has been demonstrated with an implementation on current smart meters.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An investigation of the application of M2M communications in the smart grid with numerical results show that the proposed optimal traffic concentration can minimize the cost of HEMS.
Abstract: Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications have emerged as a cutting edge technology for next-generation communications, and are undergoing rapid development and inspiring numerous applications. This article presents an investigation of the application of M2M communications in the smart grid. First, an overview of M2M communications is given. The enabling technologies and open research issues of M2M communications are also discussed. Then we address the network design issue of M2M communications for a home energy management system (HEMS) in the smart grid. The network architecture for HEMS to collect status and power consumption demand from home appliances is introduced. Then the optimal HEMS traffic concentration is presented and formulated as the optimal cluster formation. A dynamic programming algorithm is applied to obtain the optimal solution. The numerical results show that the proposed optimal traffic concentration can minimize the cost of HEMS.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
15 Dec 2011
TL;DR: This paper explores automatically creating site-specific prediction models for solar power generation from National Weather Service weather forecasts using machine learning techniques, and shows that SVM-based prediction models built using seven distinct weather forecast metrics are 27% more accurate for the authors' site than existing forecast-based models.
Abstract: A key goal of smart grid initiatives is significantly increasing the fraction of grid energy contributed by renewables. One challenge with integrating renewables into the grid is that their power generation is intermittent and uncontrollable. Thus, predicting future renewable generation is important, since the grid must dispatch generators to satisfy demand as generation varies. While manually developing sophisticated prediction models may be feasible for large-scale solar farms, developing them for distributed generation at millions of homes throughout the grid is a challenging problem. To address the problem, in this paper, we explore automatically creating site-specific prediction models for solar power generation from National Weather Service (NWS) weather forecasts using machine learning techniques. We compare multiple regression techniques for generating prediction models, including linear least squares and support vector machines using multiple kernel functions. We evaluate the accuracy of each model using historical NWS forecasts and solar intensity readings from a weather station deployment for nearly a year. Our results show that SVM-based prediction models built using seven distinct weather forecast metrics are 27% more accurate for our site than existing forecast-based models.

Journal ArticleDOI
Yichi Zhang1, Lingfeng Wang1, Weiqing Sun1, Robert C. Green1, Mansoor Alam1 
TL;DR: Simulation results demonstrate that this is a promising methodology for supporting the optimal communication routing and improving system security through the identification of malicious network traffic.
Abstract: The advent of the smart grid promises to usher in an era that will bring intelligence, efficiency, and optimality to the power grid. Most of these changes will occur as an Internet-like communications network is superimposed on top of the current power grid using wireless mesh network technologies with the 802.15.4, 802.11, and WiMAX standards. Each of these will expose the power grid to cybersecurity threats. In order to address this issue, this work proposes a distributed intrusion detection system for smart grids (SGDIDS) by developing and deploying an intelligent module, the analyzing module (AM), in multiple layers of the smart grid. Multiple AMs will be embedded at each level of the smart grid-the home area networks (HANs), neighborhood area networks (NANs), and wide area networks (WANs)-where they will use the support vector machine (SVM) and artificial immune system (AIS) to detect and classify malicious data and possible cyberattacks. AMs at each level are trained using data that is relevant to their level and will also be able to communicate in order to improve detection. Simulation results demonstrate that this is a promising methodology for supporting the optimal communication routing and improving system security through the identification of malicious network traffic.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
02 May 2011
TL;DR: This paper introduces a novel model of a Decentralised Demand Side Management mechanism that allows agents, by adapting the deferment of their loads based on grid prices, to coordinate in a decentralised manner and demonstrates that, through an emergent coordination of the agents, the peak demand of domestic consumers in the grid can be reduced.
Abstract: Central to the vision of the smart grid is the deployment of smart meters that will allow autonomous software agents, representing the consumers, to optimise their use of devices and heating in the smart home while interacting with the grid. However, without some form of coordination, the population of agents may end up with overly-homogeneous optimised consumption patterns that may generate significant peaks in demand in the grid. These peaks, in turn, reduce the efficiency of the overall system, increase carbon emissions, and may even, in the worst case, cause blackouts. Hence, in this paper, we introduce a novel model of a Decentralised Demand Side Management (DDSM) mechanism that allows agents, by adapting the deferment of their loads based on grid prices, to coordinate in a decentralised manner. Specifically, using average UK consumption profiles for 26M homes, we demonstrate that, through an emergent coordination of the agents, the peak demand of domestic consumers in the grid can be reduced by up to 17% and carbon emissions by up to 6%. We also show that our DDSM mechanism is robust to the increasing electrification of heating in UK homes (i.e., it exhibits a similar efficiency).

Journal ArticleDOI
16 May 2011
TL;DR: This paper addresses the new types of storage being utilized for grid support and the ways they are integrated into the grid.
Abstract: The adoption of Smart Grid devices throughout utility networks will effect tremendous change in grid operations and usage of electricity over the next two decades. The changes in ways to control loads, coupled with increased penetration of renewable energy sources, offer a new set of challenges in balancing consumption and generation. Increased deployment of energy storage devices in the distribution grid will help make this process happen more effectively and improve system performance. This paper addresses the new types of storage being utilized for grid support and the ways they are integrated into the grid.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: 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 are focused on.
Abstract: 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.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
20 Mar 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter and discuss various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure.
Abstract: Smart meter is an advanced energy meter that measures consumption of electrical energy providing additional information compared to a conventional energy meter. Integration of smart meters into electricity grid involves implementation of a variety of techniques and software, depending on the features that the situation demands. Design of a smart meter depends on the requirements of the utility company as well as the customer. This paper discusses various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter. In fact, deployment of smart meters needs proper selection and implementation of a communication network satisfying the security standards of smart grid communication. This paper outlines various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure. In addition, several applications and advantages of smart meter, in the view of future electricity market are discussed in detail. This paper explains the importance of introducing smart meters in developing countries. In addition, the status of smart metering in various countries is also illustrated.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
24 Jul 2011
TL;DR: An open-source distribution system simulator has been developed for distributed resource planning, harmonic studies, neutral-earth voltage studies, volt-var control studies, and other special applications.
Abstract: An open-source distribution system simulator has been developed for distributed resource planning, harmonic studies, neutral-earth voltage studies, volt-var control studies, and other special applications. The software includes several means of interfacing user code, including compiled dynamic link library, COM automation, and text scripting. Co-simulation interfaces are under development for interfacing with proprietary vendor-supplied models, and communication system overlays. The simulator, called OpenDSS, has been used to conduct several smart grid research projects, including advanced automation, electric vehicle penetration, state estimation, and green circuits. The software architecture and solution methods are described, in the effort to foster more collaborative research.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that the communication architecture is versatile enough to serve as a generic solution for smart grids and a combination of gateway and tunneling solutions is proposed which allows a semitransparent end-to-end connection between application servers and field nodes.
Abstract: Smart grids heavily depend on communication in order to coordinate the generation, distribution, and consumption of energy-even more so if distributed power plants based on renewable energies are taken into account. Given the variety of communication partners, a heterogeneous network infrastructure consisting of IP-based and suitable field-level networks is the most appropriate solution. This paper investigates such a two-tier infrastructure and possible field-level networks with particular attention to metering and supervisory control and data acquisition applications. For the problem of network integration, a combination of gateway and tunneling solutions is proposed which allows a semitransparent end-to-end connection between application servers and field nodes. The feasibility of the approach and implementation details are discussed at the example of powerline communication and IP-based networks investigated in the European research project on real-time energy management via powerlines and internet. Nevertheless, it is shown that the communication architecture is versatile enough to serve as a generic solution for smart grids.