IEC 61850 for micro grid automation over heterogeneous network: Requirements and real case deployment

Micro grids are localized groups of electricity generators, energy storage systems, and loads with the possibility of operating both connected and disconnected from the distribution grid. This paper is focused on the automation of micro grids using heterogeneous communication networks; the new approach takes into account the need of reusing existing wired and wireless technologies and assets when planning and deploying new renewable power sources or energy storage systems into traditional (old) grids. The proposed system uses the IEC 61850 in order to guarantee the interoperability with the distribution grid. In addition, the possible synergies with industrial and building automation have been investigated using well-known automation protocols (such as PROFINET and Modbus TCP). The proposed system has been installed and tested in a real micro grid inside the campus of the University of Brescia. Design description, deployment report and result analysis are given, showing that the performance of the real system (i.e. reaction time less than 30 ms at grid level network over heterogeneous links) is in line with the application requirements.