Smart grid communication and co-simulation

The smart power grid will extensively rely on networked control to increase efficiency, reliability, and safety; to enable plug-and-play asset integration, such as in the case of distributed generation and alternative energy sources; to support market dynamics as well as reduce peak prices and stabilize costs when supply is limited. In turn, network control requires an advanced communication infrastructure with support for security and real-time communication. This paper reviews the major challenges in smart grid communication, and proposes PowerNet, a system of heterogeneous yet interoperable networks that provides adequate levels of realtime performance, reliability, and security, and that exploits current investments in software and hardware. Smart grid communication involves disparate designs and complex issues, and it can be effectively evaluated through co-simulation. The paper describes a co-simulator that combines extensive support for power device models and for communication models, and highlights current work in the area.