Communication infrastructure and data management for operating smart distribution systems

The enhancement of distribution networks into smart grids is based on three pillars: • Energy management on distribution level, • Distribution system automation, • Involvement of the consumers into the market for electricity by smart metering All these functions require an intensive exchange of data. As a consequence, the information and communication technology (ICT) will penetrate the distribution level down to the end customers. (consumers and/or producers) at the low voltage networks. Today, the information exchange requires a data conversion between the levels of power system control what causes high engineering efforts. Furthermore, the data base systems of the various control levels are normally installed by different vendors. Consequently, the data formats are not compatible and not easily exchangeable. Within the European lighthouse project WEB2Energy (W2E) www.web2energy.com, all three pillars of SmartDistribution will be performed based on the common communication standard IEC 61850 and the Common Information Model CIM for data management accordingly IEC 61968/70 for the active operations in the 20 kV networks of the HSE AG The project is funded by the European Union. • Advanced solutions have to be developed for this new field of applications: • Architecture, security and performance of the complete ICT system • Mapping of IEC 61850 layer 7 to various physical and link layers used in the infrastructure, • Development of remote terminal units (RTU) "speaking" IEC 61850 for distribution functions, • Integration of the available meter technology using different communication protocols, • Design and operation of the control center for the 3 pillars in the 20 kV distribution network, • Data base systems applying IEC 61968/70 CIM for the control center, • Converter for IEC 61850 data models into the CIM format and reverse, • Strategies for virtual power plants (VPP) with power producers, storage and switchable loads, • Concept for a dynamic pricing and WEB presentation for consumer market participation, • Adaptation and extension of the IEC 61850 data models to the needs of distribution systems, • Consideration of the new models in the IEC working groups to enhance the standards accordingly. The experiences of these complex development targets are considered and presented in detail.