Testing and Verification of an Intelligent Sensor Platform for Distribution System Monitoring and Control

With the continued integration of grid-edge devices, grid architecture for monitoring and control requires transformation as well. Large scale deployment of intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs) has introduced new challenges in planning and operation of distribution systems. High-fidelity monitoring and distributed intelligence allow for full utilization of benefits with high penetration of DERs. Availability of high-resolution voltage and current measurements with an enhanced accuracy level across the distribution system is a prerequisite for high-fidelity monitoring of DERs. This paper presents field installation and demonstration of an intelligent measurement platform called SIMPLE (Sensors with Intelligent Measurement Platform and Low-cost Equipment). The objective of the project is to demonstrate distributed monitoring and control capabilities and peer-to-peer communication between distributed nodes outside the substation. The SIMPLE platform can facilitate both high-fidelity monitoring of DERs and distributed intelligent control in operation of electric distribution systems.