Nicola Panzavecchia

A New Solution for Low-Voltage Distributed Generation Interface Protection System

In this paper, a new solution is proposed for the remote monitoring and control of distributed generators (DGs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) connected to low-voltage distribution networks. The proposed system fulfills the in-force standard requirements for the connection of DGs to the utility grid. Moreover, it allows implementing some enhanced functions for the remote control of inverters of DGs and ESSs, not only in terms of disconnection but also in terms of voltage regulation and power shuttering. The proposed solution is based on a new interface protection system and a dedicated secondary substation concentrator, which allows the communication between the distributed system operator and the inverters of DGs or ESSs. The proposed system was tested on field in the electrical network of the island of Ustica. An experimental characterization was carried out to find the best communication conditions, i.e., the frequency band with the lowest noise and attenuation, considering the signal amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio constraints, as well as the desired transmission data rate and transfer time.

A Prototypal Architecture of a IEEE 21451 Network for Smart Grid Applications Based on Power Line Communications

This paper deals with the development of reliable measurement and communication devices and systems and their integration on a prototypal network architecture for smart grid applications, based on the use of narrowband power line communications (PLCs). The proposed solution is presented and discussed in the framework of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 family of Standards. Currently, PLCs are not properly addressed by the aforesaid Standards; on the other hand, by including such issue, their guidelines could represent a common platform for the integration and interoperability of the proposed systems and devices. This would allow to exploit the benefits of the IEEE 21451 approach also for PLC-based smart grid applications, not only for the known functions of the smart metering, but also for sensing, automation, protection, and control functions and advanced system operation and management.

Narrowband power line communications for medium voltage Smart Grids

The aim of the paper is to show how narrowband power line communications (NB-PLCs) can be a valid solution for medium voltage grids. Advantages and drawbacks of this solution are analyzed, starting from some experimental communication results, which were carried out on the medium power system networks of the islands of Ustica and Favignana, in the presence of the net voltage. Furthermore, some communication architectures and hardware prototypes based on NB-PLCs are proposed for different smart grids applications.

An interface protection system with power line communication for distributed generators remote control

The aim of this work is to present a narrow band power line communication (NB-PLC) interface protection system (IPS) for distributed generators (DGs); it has been developed according to the current standard CEI 0-21 and the requirements for smart grid applications. For such applications, the new IPSs have to implement new intelligent functions such as remote monitoring and control of DGs and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) inverters, not only in terms of disconnection but also of voltage regulation and power modulation by the utility control. The main feature of the developed IPS is the ability to interact with both the grid and the DGs and ESSs inverters. In fact, it can communicate with the Utility using a Power Line Communication (PLC) and with the DGs and ESSs inverter via Modbus over RS232 communication.

Experimental investigation on PLC signal crossing of power transformers

In this work the use of PLC in MV-LV networks is investigated, by means of experimental tests in the case of a two-ways MV/LV communication between two secondary substations. The two substations are connected by a MV overhead power line. Moreover each substation has a by-pass connection at MV bus-bars and a MV/LV power transformer. A ST7580 transceiver is used to inject the communication signal. The transceiver is embedded in a new interface device developed by the authors. In the paper the communication issues are introduced and some experimental tests are presented and discussed. Such tests have been carried out in the presence of voltage net, i.e. 24 kV, with the aim to verify the possibility of power transformer crossing.

Smart Interface Devices for Distributed Generation in Smart Grids: The Case of Islanding

With the increasing presence of distributed generators (DGs), the implementation of a smart sensors and actuators network in distribution grids has become crucial for different monitoring, management, and protection functionalities. For DGs monitoring and control, sensors and actuators are usually embedded in so-called interface devices (IDs) or interface protection systems. Existing IDs lack in communication interfaces both to the electrical energy distribution system operators (DSOs) and to the DGs inverter. In this framework, the authors have developed a new ID solution and a proper communication architecture, which allow implementing new smart functionalities based on the interaction with the DSO, such as remote control of DG power production or islanding detection. Regarding this last aspect, a new islanding algorithm is proposed, based on both local measurements and communications with DSO. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is shown on the real case study of Ustica Island’s distribution network.

Experimental evaluation of an hybrid communication system architecture for smart grid applications

In this paper a new communication system architecture is proposed for the development of a SCADA system which can remotely monitor and control intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) connected to the low voltage distribution networks, i.e low voltage smart meter (SM), interface protection devises (IPS). New distributed metering systems and interface devices, together with a proper communication infrastructure (HiperLAN and narrowband power line communication (NB-PLC) on low voltage network), have been developed to allow monitoring the whole power system and controlling the distributed generators of a Smart Grid also in the presence of harmonic distortions. In this way, the electrical energy distribution operator (DSO) would be able to monitor the distribution network and to take decisions to maintain the stability and the power quality of the electrical system. Experimental tests have been carried out in the pilot smart grid of the island of Favignana.

A new low cost power line communication solution for smart grid monitoring and management

Modern smart grids require the improvement of measurement and communication infrastructures of distribution networks, at both medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) levels. Distributed sensing and measurement systems are needed to provide all necessary data for grid monitoring, control and management, as well as for the implementation of a number of smart functionalities, such as remote control of distributed generators (DGs), real time analysis of power flows, automatic meter reading (AMR), demand side management (DSM), grid automation and so on [1]-[6]. Acquired network data include typical electrical network quantities and status variables (such as powers, voltages, currents, switches status, DGs power production, and remote commands) and also environmental and other parameters (temperatures, security or safety warning signals, etc.).

NB PLC and Software Defined Networking for Smart Grid Applications

During the last years, the installation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the expected diffusion of Electrical Vehicles (EVs), is increasing the complexity of the distribution grid, making the management of the grid operated by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) more difficult. The Smart Grid approach tries to provide a response to these troubles, by means of a strong interaction between the power grid and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructures. The drawback of this approach is an increase in the management effort of the ICT infrastructures, for which the DSO are not prepared. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is an approach developed to manage complex ICT infrastructures of datacenters, and its main target is to simplify the network configuration and management. The Smart Grid could benefit from the use of an SDN approach for the management of the communication infrastructure, as highlighted from previous research works. The target of this paper is to present a real case application of the SDN technology for the management of DERs over the distribution grid. The communication between electrical devices placed along the power grid and the secondary substations is provided by using Modbus RTU protocol over narrowband power line communication (NB-PLC). The preliminary characterization highlights that the Round Trip Time (RTT) on NB-PLC segment is affected by the used frequency band and by the modulation scheme. In the worst case (i.e., transmission at 72 kHz and a BPSK coded modulation, for a total data rate of 4.9 kb/s), the RTT is in the order of 140 ms, compatible with the requirements of the application.

A simplified approach for load flow analysis in MV smart grids based on LV power measurements

This paper presents a simplified approach for load flow analysis in medium voltage (MV) distribution networks. It is a power summation Backward/Forward (B/F) algorithm, based on measurements of active and reactive powers at low voltage (LV) side of MV/LV distribution substations. The proposed solution allows achieving good accuracy, computational efficiency and fast convergence. In order to verify the algorithm performances, simulation studies are carried out in the case of a real test system, i.e. the distribution grid of Favignana Island (Mediterranean Sea, Italy). The compatibility between simulations results and power measurements at the MV bus bars of the generating substation shows the effectiveness of the proposed solution.