Modern communications infrastructure to enable flexible management of network constraints and increased levels of distributed generation

The `Flexible Plug and Play Low Carbon Networks´ (FPP) project aims to facilitate the acceleration, growth and expansion of distributed generation connections onto the distribution electricity network without the need for conventional network reinforcement. Rather, the approach seeks to achieve this by, managing network constraints and maximising network utilisation. The project will do this through the integration of smart devices, smart applications and smart commercial arrangements. This paper encapsulates and presents the associated work carried out to design and deploy a modern communications infrastructure: the IP communications platform that is capable of carrying the open standard protocol defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC 61850. Also discussed is the functional verification tests undertaken on the communications network equipment, using IEC 61850 simulators, to demonstrate its ability to successfully pass IEC 61850 traffic. Furthermore, further work to be performed is outlined.