Sustainable Networks in Smart Grid

Sustainable Networks in Smart Grid presents global challenges in smart metering with renewable energy resources, micro-grid design, communication technologies, big data, privacy and security in the smart grid. Providing an overview of different available PLC technologies and configurations and their applications in different sectors, this book provides case studies and practical implementation details of smart grid technology, paying special attention to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) scenarios with the presence of Distribution Grid (DG) and Electric Vehicles (EV).

Covering regulatory policies for energy storage, management strategies for microgrid operation, and key performance indicators for smart grid development, this reference compiles up-to-date information on different aspects of the Internet of Smart Metering. In addition, innovative contributions on Data Analytics, Energy Theft Detection, Data-Driven Framework, Blockchain–IoT-enabled Sensor Networks, and Smart Contacts in the Blockchain are also included.

• Includes case studies and practical implementation examples of different smart grid applications, their benefits, characteristics and requirements
• Provides a SWOT analysis of the impact of recent regulatory changes on the business case for energy storage (ES)
• Presents a comprehensive survey of privacy-preserving schemes for smart grid communications

• Language: English
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Release date: Mar 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9780323856270

Book preview

Chapter 1

Smart Grid communication and information technologies for cyber security, data privacy, and policy issues

G.V.S. Raj Kumar¹, A.V.H. Sai Prasad¹, B. Padma² and B. Raj Koti¹,    ¹GITAM Institute of Technology, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam, India,    ²Gayatri Vidya Parishad College for Degree and PG Courses (A), Visakhapatnam, India

Abstract

The Smart Grid (SG) domain especially props up the flow of electricity and operational information flow via a robust and well-founded communications network. This fully digitalized, two-way communication domain furnishes substantial asset optimization and efficacy-fortuity for engaging entities. Smart-Grid uses digital technologies and IoT-solutions to wisely respond to and transform changes in the grid. Infusing energy intelligence is the key to anchoring the data in the grid that allows grid operation to be authentic, cost-effective, pliable, and prudent. This technique can act far-flung on network events and ameliorate our supply and relationship with the territory. End-users’ privacy is a significant concern when collecting energy usage data to deploy and adopt Smart Grid technologies. Smart Grids integrate the conventional electrical power grid with Information and Communication Technologies, Intelligent Information processing and Future-Oriented Techniques. Such integration empowers the electrical-utility providers and end-users to improve the power system’s coherence and bareness while continually monitoring, controlling, and managing customers’ demands.

Cyber security should be an intrinsic part of the drafting and design process involved with Smart Grid initiatives’ deployment. They are deploying a Smart Grid without ample sanctuary that might affect the outcome in severe outcomes, such as grid instability, expediency deception, user information, and energy-consumption data loss. Cyber security is a serious problem of the Smart Grid. Cyber security and data privacy questions have provided inherent keyholes since large-scale communication networks will be needed to connect numerous devices from geographically spread sites to a Control center. Organizations need to display intramural privacy policies and supporting procedures for their individual to follow to bring forth behests to effectively and consistently protect consumer and energy usage data, energy-consumption data, and energy-preferring data.

Therefore, this chapter describes in detail those seclusion strategies and focuses on new privacy challenges on Smart Grids, while discussing an all-inclusive draw breath privacy amplifying technologies that can be engineered within the many technologies of the Smart Grid to support data-privacy. This chapter presents recent advances and countermeasures on Smart Grid cyber security and discusses some of the current cyber security matters in Smart Grid networks, explains some of the brand-new solutions, and puts forward a state-of-the-art security model based on the IoT archetype. This chapter also spotlights different Smart Grid privacy solutions and identifies their solidity and fragility in their enactment, convolution, potency, toughness, and transparency.

Keywords

Cyber security; cyber attacks; data privacy; IoT; Information and Communication Technologies; Smart Grid Communication

1.1 Introduction to Smart Grids

A Smart Grid is famed as a Power grid that utilizes data and communication automation to collect and work on data like data about the practices of suppliers and consumers within an automatic vogue to enhance the fiscal and defensible of the assembly and dispensation of power.

1.1.1 What is a Smart Grid?

An intelligent grid eases the switch from traditional energy to renewable energy. The grid permits easy access to integrate it into the grid by obtaining a renewable energy source in the environment. The Smart Grid aids higher performance of highly changeable renewable sources of energy, such as wind generation power and solar power energy. The detailed interpretation of communication construction in SG as depicted in Fig. 1.1.

Figure 1.1 An interpretation of a communication construction in Smart Grid.

1.1.2 Motivations/objectives of the Smart Grids

1.1.2.1 The rationale for Smart Grid technology

Smart Grid technologies manifest ways to confront these challenges and develop a cleaner energy supply that is more methodical, cheaper, and highly tenable. Fig. 1.2 shows the SG stakeholders involved in electricity system.

Figure 1.2 Smart Grids tie up electricity system stakeholder intentions.

Benefits of the Smart Grid

Coalesced outlying technologies: Smart Grid empower better energy management.

Progressive insistence, supply/insistence retaliation

Stronger power caliber

Minimize carbon emanations.

Pitfalls of Smart Grid

1. Privacy stumbling blocks

The immense concern is safety with security in a Smart Grid system.

2. Grid fickleness

Smart Grid network has more detail at its edges, which is related to the arrival point and the end user’s meter.

1.1.2.2 Main triggers of the development of Smart Grids

The main four reasons why developing countries require and need Smart Grids are:

Windup power theft: Not such an issue in progressed nations; however, in India, with higher poverty, power stealing is highly practices.

Excessive grade/genuine of power: If homes in progressing nations tie up to the grid, often, the connection is low, and users can only ingress electricity amid a specific period.

Maturation accounts for the cost: The most challenging scenario towards utilities is making the economics of Smart Grids work, but several added customers can assist with the return on investment in China.

Continual energy needs a Smart Grid: Progressive countries were highly fortunate by adding more good power than progressive nations. Utilities will require a Smart Grid to manage bottlenecks caused by intermittency.

1.1.2.3 Power industry enabled by digital technologies

Overlay disruption in the sector, many electric power companies are looking to technological innovations that can sustain their business for the long-drawn-out.

The electric power sector has witnessed an unrivaled change in the former decade, with renovation energy sources being included in the mix. In contrast, digital technologies have alternated the routing energy is generated, supplied, and consumed by businesses and consumers.

A rising number of electric power companies recognize their digital transformation approaches as their precedence. Around the summit, Huawei and manufacturing heads identified the benefits of ‘5G, A.I., Big data and cloud computing, those exemplified at the online occasions.

1.1.2.3.1 Putting the smarts into energy

One such specimen of change is the Smart Grid. Instead of manually investigating transmission lines, which is costly and ineffectual, the energy community can use smart technologies to monitor their transmission lines remotely.

1.1.2.3.2 New technologies come into play

For example, the ‘State Grid Corporation of China’ collaborated with Huawei to develop digital and IoT structures and cloud that reduced the period it inputs to gather and store data.

1.1.2.3.3 Leap now

This sector has relied on old technology for quite some time. That can no longer be the plan of action in the future now, with interference coming to the sector. A change could mean leaping forward; for others, it may deepen their already ongoing transformation efforts.

1.1.2.4 Objectives and motivations addressed across Smart Grids

1.1.2.4.1 Motives and objectives of Smart Grid

The overall aims of Smart Grid are intended to secure a vibrant, continual, and biodegradable system potency that is value and fuel-efficacious.

The aims of originating the Smart Grid are dissimilar from nation to nation for their varying claims and entry points.

Nevertheless, the familiar objectives of a Smart Grid are clear and given below:

Soundness: The Smart Grid will ameliorate durability to interference to bring forth constant and sturdy electricity flow, circumvent expansive flare-up mishaps.

Defended operation: The Smart Grid shall inflate communication networks and the electricity-grid data reliability.

Blended system: The Smart Grid shall greatly amalgamate and distribute facts and data of an electricity grid, make use of the sustained rostrum and replica to impart regulated and purified administration.

Accession: The Smart Grid shall revamp holdings, lower outlays and drive precisely.

Bio-energy: The Smart Grid shall work out issues of vitality safety, vitality thrift, carbon dioxide emanation etc.

1.1.3 Smart Grid applications and characteristics

1.1.3.1 Requisitions of a Smart Grid

Deploying digital technology in smart grids summons the trust, efficacy, and readiness of the end-users concerning all amenities that count towards the nation’s economic tenacious.

The rudimentary oppositions of Smart Grids are:

• They facilitate the adequacy of transmission lines.

• Brisk reclamation in the wake of any unforeseen wreckage in lines-and-feeders.

• Cost depletion.

• Depletion of peak hours.

1.1.3.2 Smart Grid characteristics

The important attributes of Smart Grids are described below:

• Enables informed participation by customers.

• A Smart Grid lodges immense, centralized power-plants and increases the array of customer-centric distributed energy resources.

• Entitles new brands, services, and trade.

• Rightly outlines and manages markets to generate good fortune for consumers to choose between competing services.

• Managers, operators, and consumers entail the pliancy to amend business rules to outfit operating, and market set-up brings forth the power caliber for the range of needs.

1.1.4 Smart Grid infrastructure and challenges

1.1.4.1 Communication network in Smart Grids

This part inspects the communication infrastructure framework in usage in Smart Grids.

Fig. 1.3 manifests an outline of the standard classic architecture of a Smart Grid. Customer- Premises-Network (CPN).

Figure 1.3 Complete Smart Grid Communication architecture.

It was owing to the unalike essences of these sites, three discrete networks would-be flourish to outfit: Home-Area-Networks (HAN), Business/Building Area Networks (BAN), and Industrial Area Networks (IAN).

The HAN adequately superintends the quest power requirements of the end-customers. This network is contemplated to conjugate elegant electric devices, namely television sets, washing machines, or energy conservation rostrums.

The BAN, or Commercial Area Network, is a communication framework deliberate to prop up the needs of well-ordered businesses.

Lastly, the IAN can be defined as the communication infrastructure that permits the interdependence and abutment of all machines and appliances are depicted in Fig. 1.4.

Figure 1.4 Basic network architecture.

1.1.4.1.1 Architectonics and technologies used in CPN

Confide in on the end-user campus network type HAN, IAN, or BAN various modern technologies may be employed.

1. Communication networks in the distribution-grid

Under the advent of the Smart Grids, dispersive systems have radically shifted. Prior accost by paramount market players "diffusion networks are underneath excessive oppression to meet needs for transmuting regular static grids into contemporary and effectual Smart Grids.

2. Architectonics and technologies in the distribution-grid

Smart Grids have brought many modifications to regular power grids, building the latest technologies and devices to entitle new trademarks that concede finer communication, dispensation and all-inclusive competence.

3. Communication networks in the transmission-grid

Transferal comes about the vast devolve of electrical power from peer group authorities to the dispensation grid via multiple substations, which TSOs usually handle. The prime intent of TSO is to keep going the firmness of the electric grid by weighing up peer group (Endow) and load (Behest) via the transmission network.

4. Communication network unification between generation, transmission and distribution grids

Though copious custody and extemporary trade-off protocols are outlined to reciprocate data amid these elements, it is widespread for actors to reciprocate data with everyone using assimilate standards, as it is typically simpler and more authentic.

1.1.4.2 Demand response applications

Demand response set forth a fortune for end-users to take part in a substantial chunk in the electric grid potency, thereby lowering or transferring their energy consumption during peak periods in retribution to time-dependent tariff or other shapes of monetary inducements.

1.1.4.3 Smart Grid intelligent information processing

Towards this, the aim of omnipresent data and crop up Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) infrastructure is essential towards awareness of SGI-4.0. In SGI-4.0, the critical objective of ICTs is to erect an excessive authentic and pliable communication infrastructure. The pivotal transmission and utilities architectonics for Smart Grids near the backdrop of Industry 4.0 is depicted in (Fig. 1.5).

Figure 1.5 The pivotal transmission and utilities architectonics for Smart Grids near the backdrop of Industry 4.0.

1.1.4.4 Microgrid and integration of energy sources

Electric-Power can bring out at a dispensation magnitude in a microgrid. It typically embraces various tiny power-producing sources and power storehouse systems such-as Fig. 1.6.

Figure 1.6 The theoretical impression of a microgrid.

The conventional power supply system is not delineating to subsume power origination and storage at the dispersal level. It also does not disseminate energy sources to impart the customers head-on.

In synopsis, microgrids can be escalating the genuine power supply nearby via agile control of intramural loads and generations. In addition, it can subsume sustainable energy sources that help out to bring down contaminations.

1.1.4.5 Technical challenges in Smart Grids

1.1.4.5.1 Technical challenges

1. Paucity in grid infrastructure: The subsist grid network lacks to serve the requirements of eco-clean energy and dispensed generation, which may throw various demands in design, elevation, operation, and perpetuation.

2. Cyber security: Connecting the grid to a cyber-network brings about various susceptibilities in the system, and acutely, we are unaware of them. Confess and obliterate such omissions before any security breaking takes place is vital.

3. Data-management: SG pervades power networks with vast amounts of meters, sensors-and-controllers. The facts from these segments and other sources such as weather-forecast, safety cameras, etc., inflate the aptness of operators. Figs. 1.7 and 1.8 depicts SPV process behind and way of battery aid.

4. Communication issues: We go through a wide range of communication technologies for disposition in SG, but they all possess their impediments. One-off technology has minimal bandwidth while the second works in a finite distance, the third has excessive data loss, and the other has minimal triumph in concealed installations.

5. Energy management and electric vehicle: Make use of electric vehicles (EVs) as storage forthcoming is along with the manifesto. Research towards the coherent exertion of electric cars in the course of intervals of peak hour is in progress.

Figure 1.7 SPV Process besides no battery aid.

Figure 1.8 SPV Process by way of battery aid.

1.2 Evolution of the Power Grid

1.2.1 The Power Grid

An electrical grid is an electrical power system network that consists of the generating plant, transformers, transmission lines, the substation, distribution lines and consumers. The Power Grid is a network meant for bringing electricity to users. The Power Grid comprises generator stations, towers, transmission lines, and distinct consumer distribution lines. The generator yields energy and converts energy into a high power for distribution (Amarsingh, Latchman, & Yang, 2014). The electrical grid comprises three major components:

• Generation—There are two modes of generation: one is centralized and decentralized. Rooftop solar is an example of decentralized generation. Centralized generation includes natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, large solar arrays, and wind farms. The grid is responsible for connecting centralized power to users.

• Transmission and distribution—Transmission comprises substations, transformers, and power lines that carry current to the consumption points. When there is a high voltage of electricity, transmission problems are less for long distances. Transmission is realized through powerlines and occurs either underground or overhead.

• Consumption—There are different types of consumers, such as residential, manufacturing, and commercial. All these consumers have diverged needs, but electricity delivers vital energy services such as power and light for appliances.

The Power Grid began as an isolated energy generation system in the 1870s. In 1882, Thomas Edison invented the primary central power station in New York City. There exist different types of power plants, and their classification depends on the fuel used. In the initial period of the 20th century, over 4000 individual power utilities were existing, each operating individually. These utilities are functioning with low-voltage power plants which served the local customers via short distribution lines. By way of the demand for electric power improves, especially in the post-World War II era, electric efficacies found that it is more important and efficient to connect their transmission systems (Gelazanskas & Gamage, 2014). They might gain the advantages of building jointly-owned and larger generators to serve the combined electricity demands at the lowest prices while evading duplicate energy plants.

The Smart Grid is a natural development of the Power Grid in advanced countries. It is important for making power more accessible and improving the economy of developing countries since the technology enables consistent power quality for commercial industries and factories. Smart Grid was first implemented by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA-2007) and was approved in Jan 2007 by the U.S. Congress. Substantial industry-wide revolution is also taken place on account of greater interest in distributed energy resources.

The microgrid is the driving change is the third emerging technology. They are completely built out as smaller-scale versions of old grid systems and they are precisely focused on delivery and localized power generation for smaller communities and military bases. Present microgrids are naturally connected to the main power grid. They have enough on-site self-generated power to disconnect from the grid in the context of a key disruption (Alsaidan, Alanazi, Gao, Wu, & Khodaei, 2017).

The fourth industrial uprising, also termed Industry 4.0, has obtained wide discussion and huge consideration from manufacturers and researchers. Industry 4.0 supports smart production procedures and achieves complete automation. It addresses enhancing the manufacturing procedures, enabling the advancement of industrial demand and supply integration. IoT, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Big Data Analytics and Automation remain the main elements of Industry 4.0, a major turning point in the energy field considered the important point of all revolutions. The objective is that energy transmission, generation, and distribution are more organized and reliable with the next-generation hardware and software, which is a consequence of this idea.

1.2.2 Traditional Power Grid and energy management

In the present world of high energy demand, power generation must be increased to fulfill the user’s needs and improve their regular life. However, since more consumers exist and the unpredictable nature of the electric load, power demand causes more challenges to the system operator and electric utilities. To solve this issue, system operators have two available choices:

• Augment the size of the network, which requires time to implement and is costly.

• Employ energy management to decrease the opportunity of high demand during peak time.

Energy management is useful for a smarter grid for the following reasons:

• It does not need direct intervention from human beings as it is automated and provides predictions and accurate results.

• It supports the electric utility in optimizing the working of its units and reduces the generation cost.

• It helps the users in managing their load demand and reduces the cost of electricity.

• Increases the load factor and energy efficiency so that the power profile becomes less fluctuating and smoother (Portelinha Júnior, Zambroni de Souza, Castilla, Queiroz Oliveira, & Ribeiro, 2017).

• It conserves resources and reduces pollution and protects the climate.

The main powerful factors to improve current power supply grids are classified into three categories:

1. Increasing reliability, safety, the efficiency of the grid by decreasing demand at peak time.

2. Augmenting flexibility of energy consumption.

3. Permitting consumers to turn either as electrical energy clients while consuming or as electrical power suppliers while producing.

The overall load connected to the power grid can oscillate considerably with time about the first driving factor. For example, when a television program starts, a million watchers switch on their televisions simultaneously, resulting in a rapid upsurge of power consumption. This may result in grid disruption and blackouts. Because of this reason, mathematical and scientific algorithms have been designed to forecast the increase in power consumption, to make correct decisions. Electricity blackouts, power outages and brownouts are very expensive and very painful for users. So, it is beneficial for end-users and energy suppliers to reduce the count and time-span of the high demand periods. To decrease grid maintenance costs, the need for standby generators would be significantly reduced. Also, a reliable and quality service can be offered to the users. Smart grids boost the energy proficiency of the power grid for end-users by scheduling and coordinating the low-priority home devices.

Also, an improved electrical grid reduces CO2 releases by dropping user energy consumption in peak hours, where electricity generated through power plants emits a huge amount of CO2 (Uribe-Pérez, Hernández, de la Vega, & Angulo, 2016). The second driving factor minimizes maintenance, operation costs and also optimizes the capital assets. End-users can gain profits from lower-cost generation sources and renewable power sources like wind turbines. Matching I.T. (Information Technology) with renewable energy sources can produce new ways of achieving energy savings and reducing CO2 releases.

1.2.3 Environmental issues in traditional Power Grids

The traditional power grid was undergoing many issues and challenges, along with a changing generation situation with an increase in remote and renewable generation, an old A.C. transmission set-up, and a worldwide electricity demand (Jerin et al., 2018). When electricity lines on the roads are placed in immature areas, they can distract wetlands, forests, and other green areas. Many pollutants are released into the atmosphere from a coal power plant. These contain Carbon Monoxide (C), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and finally, Ozone (O3). Lead, Suspended Particulate Matter, and Non-Methane Hydrocarbons are also emitted. Power plants release mercury, a neurotoxin found in all waterways, and carbon dioxide, which is the most substantial greenhouse gas and causes climate change. These plants also release arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, cadmium, and nickel. Pre-processing coal can reduce the undesirable compounds in burning gases. The burning of low-sulfur coal reduces SO2 releases. An electric device, lokes such as a refrigerator, a vacuum cleaner or a computer monitor, is a source of ELF radiation. Electric blankets also expose individuals to extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation. Electrocution on current lines is supposed to be a major danger to bird species around the world. A new study emphasizes avoiding bird electrocution by identifying and correcting high-risk