Utilizing network QoS for dependability of adaptive smart grid control

Abstract

A smart grid is a complex system consisting of a wide range of electric grid components, entities controlling power distribution, generation and consumption, and a communication network supporting data exchange. This paper focuses on the influence of imperfect network conditions on smart grid controllers, and how this can be counteracted by utilizing Quality of Service (QoS) information from the communication network. Such an interface between grid controller and network QoS is particularly relevant for smart grid scenarios that use third party communication network infrastructure, where modification of networking and lower layer protocols are impossible. This paper defines a middleware solution for adaptation of smart grid control, which uses network QoS information and interacts with the smart grid controller to increase dependability. In order to verify the methodology, an example scenario of a low voltage grid controller is simulated under imperfect network conditions.