Design and implementation of communication architecture in a distributed energy resource system using IEC 61850 standard

Abstract

A distributed energy resource (DER) system uses renewable generation and energy storage to provide power and ancillary services directly to users in the distribution system, and benefits the power grid by offering a solution to the energy crisis and mitigating the waste pollution to the environment. A key challenge in implementing a DER system is how to ensure the standardization of its communication network. The goal of this paper is to study and propose a common approach to standardize the communication network in the DER system using IEC 61850 and includes a design and implementation of the communication architecture. Two prototypical testbeds for the DER system have been developed in the SMERC laboratory and at KIER, with the aim to demonstrate a case study using the proposed approach. The testbeds contain various DERs such as photovoltaics, energy management systems, and electric vehicles. The procedure of integrating the IEC 61850 standard includes the system architecture configuration, data set design, test file write-up, and deployment of the gateway/client for communication. In the data set design, the specification of logical nodes, data object names, data attributes and common data classes are explained in detail. The research results and data collected from the current testbeds indicate a quality integration of the IEC 61850 standard with stable power flow and unified communication architecture in the DER system.

Security Impacts Assessment of Active Distribution Network on the Modern Grid Operation—A Review

“…Ref. [147] achieved the interfacing of the distributed energy sources' testbed in the smart grid energy research center (SMERC) from the USA with the Korean institute of energy research (KIER) testbed. The interface aims to develop a communication-supported microgrid digital protection relay for fast fault detection across the two testbeds.…”

On IEC 61850 communication networks in smart grids system: Methodology of implementation and performances analysis on an experimental platform

“…In order to facilitate standard communication in the smart grid/microgrid scenarios, various approaches have been reported. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] But most of these approaches present challenges of feasibility, flexibility, and interoperability. In the effort of standardizing the communication for smart grids/microgrids, IEC 61850 is emerging as one of the most promising solutions, since it is based on the object-oriented abstract data modeling and interoperability approach.…”

Stochastic distributed optimization of shapeable energy resources in low voltage distribution networks under limited communications

“…Firstly, active control employs real‐time control and communication system to effect a better integration of DERs in a LVDN. This normally relies on powerful communication infrastructures that are expensive in both construction and maintenance, especially when users are numerous 3,4 . Secondly, limited by infrastructure, LVDN is not affluent in computational capability, while from the perspective of computation, more users implies more nodes in optimization problem, which normally leads to high computational complexity.…”