A layered architecture for control functionality implementation in smart grids

Facing immense challenges for which they have not been originally engineered, current power grids are transitioning into what is increasingly being known as smart grids. In order to make a smarter grid a reality, there is a need to re-engineer some aspects of the conventional grid. Estimation of such re-engineering efforts, therefore, becomes a key issue for the implementation of smart grids. In this paper, we first show that functionally conventional power grids follow a layered architectural style that includes: generation, transmission, distribution and utilization. Next, we identify the control and optimization functionalities that are specific to smart grids. Finally, we propose a 8-layer architecture to implement the control and optimization functionalities intended for, and expected from, smart grids. This layered architecture provides a re-engineering framework for power grids to transform them into smart grids from a control perspective.