Smart Grids

The papers in this special section focus on the topic of smart grids. Smart Grids are an essential component of future energy systems, which are characterized by distributed, volatile energy production (solar, wind) and entirely new components (electric vehicles) and operation concepts (virtual power plants). Smart Grids are also a prominent example of Cyber Physical Systems, as they combine wide-area control, computation, and communications. While traditional automation of the power grid makes use of wireline communications (copper, fiber), Smart Grids require wide-area coverage with flexible, cost-efficient, but also very reliable communications networks. Therefore, wireless communication technologies will play an increasingly important role in future deployment scenarios. The investigated options range from cellular networks over satellite systems to wireless mesh networks. Also, the ongoing discussion of future 5G systems is driven by the requirements of Smart Grids as one major use case. Particular challenges for wireless communication options include availability, real-time capabilities for incident mitigation, and resilience. The performance evaluation of Smart Grids calls for new methods, such as the interdisciplinary hybrid simulation of energy and communication networks.