A communication system architecture for regional control of power distribution networks

A large and increasing number of distributed generators connected to the existing UK distribution networks brings enormous challenges to network operation and management. The regional network management system is suggested to tackle these industrial challenges through ubiquitous deployment of autonomous regional controllers with reliable and flexible communication among them. Such regional power network control requires a more advanced communication infrastructure than the existing SCADA system. In this paper, we present a conceptual communication infrastructure for regional control of power distribution networks in the context of an autonomous regional active network management system, and highlight the key communication system requirements. A case study of communication infrastructure supporting radial distribution network regional control is provided with the performance evaluation. Our study shows that TCP/IP based communication would need to be introduced into the communication infrastructure design to support regional network management system.