Marcel Mampaey

An Information-Centric Communication Infrastructure for Real-Time State Estimation of Active Distribution Networks

The evolution toward emerging active distribution networks (ADNs) can be realized via a real-time state estimation (RTSE) application facilitated by the use of phasor measurement units (PMUs). A critical challenge in deploying PMU-based RTSE applications at large scale is the lack of a scalable and flexible communication infrastructure for the timely (i.e., sub-second) delivery of the high volume of synchronized and continuous synchrophasor measurements. We address this challenge by introducing a communication platform called C-DAX based on the information-centric networking (ICN) concept. With a topic-based publish-subscribe engine that decouples data producers and consumers in time and space, C-DAX enables efficient synchrophasor measurement delivery, as well as flexible and scalable (re)configuration of PMU data communication for seamless full observability of power conditions in complex and dynamic scenarios. Based on the derived set of requirements for supporting PMU-based RTSE in ADNs, we design the ICN-based C-DAX communication platform, together with a joint optimized physical network resource provisioning strategy, in order to enable the agile PMU data communications in near real-time. In this paper, C-DAX is validated via a field trial implementation deployed over a sample feeder in a real-distribution network; it is also evaluated through simulation-based experiments using a large set of real medium voltage grid topologies currently operating live in The Netherlands. This is the first work that applies emerging communication paradigms, such as ICN, to smart grids while maintaining the required hard real-time data delivery as demonstrated through field trials at national scale. As such, it aims to become a blueprint for the application of ICN-based general purpose communication platforms to ADNs.

Using TINA concepts for IN evolution

This article proposes solutions that use TINA concepts for the future evolution of IN. It focuses on the specific need to provide a software architecture for the IN service control function which controls the transport network through INAP. After giving an overview of the TINA architecture, the article examines how it can be applied to IN. Several aspects are considered, such as architectural modeling, application of software technology and methodology, and definition of sets of standard open interfaces. The article concludes with a view on related activities in industrial fora.

Development and Deployment of a Heterogeneous Set of Services Challenging a TINA-Based Telecommunication Architecture

The objective of the ACTS VITAL project is to demonstrate and validate the development, deployment, management, and use of complex heterogeneous service features on an Open Distributed Telecommunication Architecture (ODTA) defined in terms of reusable components. The project refines, extends and implements the Telecommunication Information Networking Architecture (TINA). The focal point of the paper is reporting on the services provided by the second release of the VITAL demonstrator, how they are supported by the ODTA and the conclusions from the trial at the end of the 2nd project phase. The paper also presents an overview of the plans for the final phase of the VITAL project. The reader is assumed to be familiar with the TINA business model [1] and to have at least a high-level overview of the TINA service [2] and network resource architecture [3] concepts.

Specification and development of a multimedia conferencing call model using distributed object oriented techniques

This paper reports on the specification and development of an advanced, feature rich call handling mechanism. The conferencing call model, referred to as the service session graph, is heavily influenced by, and has significantly contributed to, the TINA service architecture informational viewpoint. It is shown that two new features of the model, implicit stream binding and control mechanisms, allow telecom services to incorporate advanced conferencing features in a very efficient way. A number of implementations are described, where the call model is extended with a series of end-user services and runs on top of ATM networks.