Figure 1.7 Common Smart Grid components.
Source: [GAO 2011]. Public Domain.
To deliver electricity more cost effectively in response to consumer needs and at the same time with less damage to the climate, the Smart Grid uses distributed energy resources (DERs), advanced communication, and control technologies.
1.2.4 Smart Grid Communication Infrastructure
Communication infrastructure is the backbone of the communication system upon which various broadcasting and telecommunication services are operated. The infrastructure is the core component that connects upstream production, such as voice, data, and audiovisual services, with downstream consumers. In basic terms, communication infrastructure involves technology, products, and network connections that allow for the transmission of communications over large distances. According to [P2030 2011], the facilitation of Smart Grid consists of these following aspects: power engineering, communication technology, and information technology. A Smart Grid is characterized by the bidirectional connection of electricity and information flows to create an automated, widely distributed delivery network.
A communication infrastructure is an essential part to the success of the emerging Smart Grid [Yan 2013]. Through a communication infrastructure, a Smart Grid can improve power reliability and quality to eliminate electricity blackout.
As described in [Chen 2010], Smart Grid supports two‐way power flow and information flow to reach optimal electric power operation. Smart Grid shall consequently collect all kinds of information of electricity generation (centralized or distributed), consumption (instantaneous or predictive), storage (or conversion to energy in other forms), and distribution through the communication infrastructure. Then, the optimization of electricity utilization can be realized through appropriate information technology such as grid or cloud computing to allow appropriate actions in the entire Smart Grid through communication infrastructure again.
Communication infrastructure is a complex ecosystem of separate yet interconnected systems. It consists of a variety of networks, including the broader Internet, cellular networks, optical backhaul networks, and local area networks. A scalable and pervasive communication infrastructure is crucial in both construction and operation of a Smart Grid [Yan 2013].
For the purpose of planning and organization of the diverse, expanding collection of interconnected networks that will compose the Smart Grid, NIST adopted the approach of dividing the Smart Grid into seven logical domains, known as Smart Grid Conceptual Reference Model. The model includes the following domains [NIST SP1108r1]:
Generation – Includes traditional generation sources and DERs; may also store energy for later distribution; generation includes coal, nuclear, and large‐scale hydrogeneration usually attached to transmission; DERs are associated with customer and distribution domains providing generation and storage and with service provider aggregated energy resources.
Transmission – Carriers of bulk electricity over long distances; may also store and generate electricity.
Distribution – Distributors of electricity to and from customers; may also store and generate electricity.
Customers – End users of electricity (residential, commercial, and industrial); may also generate, store, and manage the use of energy.
Operations – Managers of the movement of electricity.
Markets – Operators and participants in electricity markets.
Service providers – Organizations providing services to electrical customers and to utilities.
Figure 1.8 illustrates the interaction of roles in different Smart Grid domains through secure communication. It shows communications (blue lines) and energy/electricity flows (yellow lines) connecting each domain and how they are interrelated. Each individual conceptual domain is itself composed of important Smart Grid elements that are connected to each other through two‐ way communications and energy/electricity paths. These connections are the basis of the future, intelligent and dynamic power electricity grid.
Figure 1.8 NIST conceptual reference model.
Source: [NIST SP1108r1].
Public Domain.
Each domain and its subdomains encompass Smart Grid actors and applications (see description in Table 1.1). Actors include devices, systems, or programs that make decisions and exchange information necessary for performing applications; smart meters, solar generators, and control systems represent examples of devices and systems. Applications, on the other hand, are tasks performed by one or more actors within a domain. For example, corresponding applications may be home automation, solar energy generation and energy storage, and energy management (see more information in [NIST SP1108r3]). Appendix D includes more information about each domain including graphical representation of interactions with other domains.
Table 1.1 Domains and actors in the Smart Grid conceptual model.
Source: [NIST SP1108r1]. Public Domain.
| Domain | Roles/services in the domain | |
| 1 | Customer | The end users of electricity. May also generate, store, and manage the use of energy. Traditionally, three customer types are discussed, each with its own domain: residential, commercial, and industrial |
| 2 | Markets | The operators and participants in electricity markets |
| 3 | Service providers | The organizations providing services to electrical customers and to utilities |
| 4 | Operations | The managers of the movement of electricity |
| 5 | Generation |
The generators of electricity. May also store energy for later distribution. This domain includes traditional generation sources (traditionally referred to as
|