Digitally-Signed Distribution Power Lines: A Solution Which Makes Distribution Grid Intelligent

Based on broadband over power line (BPL) infrastructure and transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), we propose a novel system, which can cover many of the existing challenges in distribution power systems and make distribution grid more intelligent. This solution offers a unified and efficient data exchange platform for many distribution power system applications such as access to up-to-date distribution power system map, fault location, on-demand query of device information and maintenance facilities. Since implementing such a system demands unanimous agreement of power utilities and manufacturers, in this paper, we focus on the principles of the idea. We also present the simulation for response time of the system in a small-sized grid. The simulation results show that communication traffic of the system is practically reasonable for real-time applications.