Analysis of hybrid communication for smart grids

The smart grid (SG) is a new and modern design for electric power systems (EPSs), leading to highly efficient, reliable, and safe electric power infrastructures. In addition, it provides a harmonious integration of renewable and alternative energy sources by means of modern communication technologies and automated control systems [1]. In the SG context, secure and real-time information becomes the key factor for the reliable energy supply from the generation units to the end users. Furthermore, the information can have decisive characteristics to provide self-healing abilities [2,3]. The SG also enables new power system-management strategies that provide effective grid integration for distributed generation (DG), demand side management (DSM), and energy storage (ES) [4]. There is a large variety of research results showing that more active market participation by the demand side could significantly benefit the whole market.