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IP/Ethernet
Substation Networks:
The Cornerstone of a Smart Grid
Smart
grids use decentralization to create grids that are
more intelligent, responsive, and adaptable than today's
power grids. Information gathering and decision making
occur at the substation level, the electricity dispatching
control center handles the strategic management of grid
intelligence, whereas automated management takes care
of transmission and distribution. The intelligent substation
reports electricity consumption, switchboard operation,
information gathering, and station decision making back
to the electricity dispatching control center. In addition,
smart grid substations will play a larger role in AMI
backhaul and distribution automation initiatives to
secure private networking for advanced metering.
An intelligent grid requires a smart backbone that includes
a strong network and communications infrastructure.
The requirements of the communications network are inextricably
tied to those of the smart grid itself, encompassing
issues such as scalable bandwidth, robust security,
high network reliability and availability, and cost-effectiveness.
There is an ongoing and gradual convergence of power
transmission systems towards a common IP and Ethernet
infrastructure at both the local substation LAN level
and in wide area substation WAN connectivity. Ethernet-based
substation networks are sure to become an indispensable
tool in the power system communications revolution.
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