Towards a common modeling approach for Smart Grid automation

Currently, the electric energy system is experiencing major changes. Higher penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) create problems and challenges which have not been reported in the past. New and advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as well as innovative control concepts are often seen as key enablers to manage and optimize the future electric energy infrastructure. This applies also to the development of corresponding standards and information models. However, until now the focus was mostly towards the unification of communication and modeling standards, e.g., power utility automation addressed by IEC 61850 and Common Information Model (CIM). This paper focuses on the first steps towards a common modeling approach for automation concepts in Smart Grids. It proposes an automation model based on the IEC 61499 reference model for distributed automation highly integrated with the well accepted IEC 61850 interoperability approach.