The ideal IED for smart distribution applications

Distribution system equipment controllers are a fundamental building block in the development of Smart Grid applications. As a corollary to standardization efforts in communication protocols and object models, there are significant benefits that can be achieved through the standardization of controllers. While SG applications will certainly be piloted using existing products, over the long term this approach will undoubtedly result in stalling large-scale deployment of smart distribution system applications. This paper describes an initiative aimed at the development of a standardized, modular intelligent electronic device (IED). The authors present the rational behind the project, work to date, and the vision as it relates to a flexible smart distribution network.