ICT reliability modelling in co-simulation of smart distribution networks

The evolution towards smart distribution grids requires distributed intelligence and sophisticated information and communication technology (ICT) with distributed intelligent devices to be spread along the power system. ICT devices will be not a simple add-on of the electrical system, but their availability and efficiency will be essential to the operation of the entire power distribution system as support of network management and protection. The paper is focused on modeling of ICT devices in a co-simulation platform for smart distribution networks, which permits an integrated study of the power distribution network and the ICT network. The co-simulation platform developed allows highlighting the level of detail necessary in ICT modelling to assess the efficiency of the control algorithms, the effects of the loss of control signals, and the consistence of simulation to reality in future smart distribution network.