Smart Grid Technologies: Communication Technologies and Standards

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
\nstructure of the electrical power grid. Experiences have shown
\nthat the hierarchical, centrally controlled grid of the 20th Century
\nis ill-suited to the needs of the 21st Century. To address the
\nchallenges of the existing power grid, the new concept of smart
\ngrid has emerged. The smart grid can be considered as a modern
\nelectric power grid infrastructure for enhanced efficiency and
\nreliability through automated control, high-power converters,
\nmodern communications infrastructure, sensing and metering
\ntechnologies, and modern energy management techniques based
\non the optimization of demand, energy and network availability,
\nand so on. While current power systems are based on a solid
\ninformation and communication infrastructure, the new smart
\ngrid needs a different and much more complex one, as its dimension
\nis much larger. This paper addresses critical issues on
\nsmart grid technologies primarily in terms of information and
\ncommunication technology (ICT) issues and opportunities. The
\nmain objective of this paper is to provide a contemporary look
\nat the current state of the art in smart grid communications as
\nwell as to discuss the still-open research issues in this field. It is
\nexpected that this paper will provide a better understanding of the
\ntechnologies, potential advantages and research challenges of the
\nsmart grid and provoke interest among the research community
\nto further explore this promising research area.