Integrated Two-Level Computer Network Architecture For Open-Access Distribution Systems

Recently increased use of network-enabled devices in power systems, rapid development of distributed generations from alternate energy resources, and government-imposed open access competition have resulted utilities in greater reliance on computer networks for proper power grid operations. The focus of this paper is to propose a new two-level architecture for power-grid computer networks and to strength the network security. A new network access control strategy and a new role-based access model are presented for strengthening the power-grid network security. The new model extends general network access controls for a single security domain to multiple domains in interconnected microgrids. A security policy managing method using XML is proposed to simplify the network security administration. This paper shows the significance of the proposed two-level architecture and role-based network access security for the protection, control and monitoring operations in distribution systems supplied with centralized bulk electricity generations and dispersed generations under open access environment.