Smart Grid Telecommunication Challenges

New Energy Horizons Opportunities and Challenges

Communications – a mission critical enabler for the smart distribution network

Wim D’Hondt

Accenture

[email protected]


Focus of Talk

The talk outlines the role of communications as a key enabler to the smart distribution network. It makes the case that innovation in grid capabilities is increasingly dependent on communication capabilities. Required capabilities are briefly explained and key challenges outlined. It concludes with a clear need for integrating power engineering systems, communications and IT and recommendations on how utilities should skill up, collaborate with industry and regulators, educate suppliers on utility needs and lead the way towards standardization.


• Increased demand because of more innovative uses (electric vehicles, smart cities, high resolution synchrophasors) will require more capable, reliable, efficient and affordable 2-way data communication

• The search for increased efficiencies in Grid operations and distributed generation requires the communications architecture to become increasingly more agile in supporting distributed a distributed architecture

Power Engineering innovation requires increasingly more cost-effective and capable Communications


Challenges with existing communications paradigm

Historically Challenges

Communication links purpose-build and exclusive for each application

Building purpose build links for new applications is not cost effective and existing links are rapidly becoming unsupportable

Limited network connectivity especially in distribution networks

Cost of communications was holding back deployment of comms in distribution.

Existing SCADA systems create trickles of Data

Next Generation SCADA / control schemes will require high resolution data create a Data Tsunami

Limited integration of utilities with neighbors.

Interconnection required to enhance situational awareness between utilities


Key Challenges that need to be addressed

Business Requirements Approach

Cost effective solutions that support Plug and Play Applications

Integrated communications network that can support multiple applications

Ubiquitous coverage including hard to reach and hazardous locations

Complement wired and wireless technologies

Support expected Data Tsunami Efficient datatransfer mechanisms that support realtime communications/monitoring

Support for high availability throughout the grid (up to 99,999+%)

Combine technologies and architectures to suit requirements

Support long 10-15 year lifecycle Select standard technologies that are mature with strong eco systems

Provide secure and efficient interconnectivity with neighbors

Create standardised architecture that support Plug and Play (e.g. WECC)


Actors to Address the challenge

To solve this the telecommunications industry, regulatory bodies and Power engineering need to work together

Telecommunications industry

• The Telecommunication Industry can offer significant experience, knowledge and technology to support the build out of the smart grid.

Regulatory bodies

• Need to recognize the challenge and importance and support with funding, access to spectrum and ecosystem creation.

Utilities

• But Utilities have unique needs that will test typical design principles and technologies


But each actor is wrestling with concrete challenges

Telecommunications industry • Do they understand the utility industry challenge and requirements? • How do they balance their priorities with they existing consumer business? Regulatory • How do I balance different requirements for spectrum (commercial

networks, Public Safety, Utilities) Utilities • Do they have the tools/process/people/skills to support complex

communication networks? • Do they have access to funding and to build or own the communications

network? • Is deploying Smart Metering an asset or hindrance for smart grid • How can I keep the network secure?


7

Smart Grid

Communications

Blueprint

Substation Automation:

• Real Time communication to RTUs, breakers, relays, and other

equipment.

• Video Surveillance will drive up

data speed requirements.

Corporate Applications:

•Very high speed and low latency

•Carry Telecom Traffic for Utility

•Carry Video and Security data

from critical assets back to

control Center

Distribution Automation:

•Monitor capacitor banks controls, regulators, switches,

reclosers, fault circuit indicators and sensors

• Low throughput, very low latency < 1 second for

messaging

AMI :

• Coverage across entire service territory

• Capacity to support meter reading, demand response and HAN devices

• Reliable, secure and cost-effective backhaul

• Security for data and integration

Need for integrated vision, blueprint, strategy and Plan


Key focus areas

Key Areas of innovation required • Need for cost effective communications that can be deployed fast,

secure and efficient. • Suitability of IP to support integrated networks and power

engineering applications (teleprotection, monitoring etc…) • Adapted distributed control mechanisms to increase survivability and

restoration • Wireless technologies that support white space, unlicensed, semi-

licensed spectrum bands • Security policies and mechanisms that provide multiple layers of

protection • Control mechanisms to reliable support engineering applications over

commercial and public safety networks

Technology

Smart Grid Telecommunication Challenges