3 1 communication dhondt

7/31/2019 3 1 Communication DHondt

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New Energy Horizons

Opportunities and Challenges

Communications a mission critical enabler for the

smart distribution network

Wim DHondt

Accenture

[email protected]


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New Energy Horizons


Focus of Talk

The talk outlines the role of communications as a key enabler to the smart distribution

network. It makes the case that innovation in grid capabilities is increasingly

dependent on communication capabilities. Required capabilities are briefly explained

and key challenges outlined. It concludes with a clear need for integrating power

engineering systems, communications and IT and recommendations on how utilities

should skill up, collaborate with industry and regulators, educate suppliers on utilityneeds and lead the way towards standardization.


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New Energy Horizons


Increased demand because of more innovative uses (electric

vehicles, smart cities, high resolution synchrophasors) will

require more capable, reliable, efficient and affordable 2-way

data communication

The search for increased efficiencies in Grid operations and

distributed generation requires the communications

architecture to become increasingly more agile in supporting

distributed a distributed architecture

Power Engineering innovation requiresincreasingly more cost-effective and capableCommunications


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New Energy Horizons


Challenges with existing

communications paradigm

Historically Challenges

Communication links purpose-build and

exclusive for each application

Building purpose build links for new

applications is not cost effective and

existing links are rapidly becoming

unsupportable

Limited network connectivity especially

in distribution networks

Cost of communications was holding

back deployment of comms in

distribution.

Existing SCADA systems create trickles of

Data

Next Generation SCADA / control

schemes will require high resolution data

create a Data Tsunami

Limited integration of utilities with

neighbors.

Interconnection required to enhance

situational awareness between utilities


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New Energy Horizons


Key Challenges that need to be

addressed

Business Requirements Approach

Cost effective solutions that support

Plug and Play Applications

Integrated communications network that can

support multiple applications

Ubiquitous coverage including hard to

reach and hazardous locations

Complement wired and wireless technologies

Support expected Data Tsunami Efficient datatransfer mechanisms that

support realtime communications/monitoring

Support for high availability throughout

the grid (up to 99,999+%)

Combine technologies and architectures to

suit requirements

Support long 10-15 year lifecycle Select standard technologies that are maturewith strong eco systems

Provide secure and efficient

interconnectivity with neighbors

Create standardised architecture that support

Plug and Play (e.g. WECC)


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New Energy Horizons


Actors to Address the challenge

To solve this the telecommunications industry, regulatory bodiesand Power engineering need to work together

Telecommunications industry

The Telecommunication Industry can offer significantexperience, knowledge and technology to support the buildout of the smart grid.

Regulatory bodies

Need to recognize the challenge and importance and support

with funding, access to spectrum and ecosystem creation.Utilities

But Utilities have unique needs that will test typical designprinciples and technologies


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New Energy Horizons


But each actor is wrestling with

concrete challenges

Telecommunications industry

Do they understand the utility industry challenge and requirements?

How do they balance their priorities with they existing consumer business?

Regulatory

How do I balance different requirements for spectrum (commercial

networks, Public Safety, Utilities)Utilities

Do they have the tools/process/people/skills to support complexcommunication networks?

Do they have access to funding and to build or own the communicationsnetwork?

Is deploying Smart Metering an asset or hindrance for smart grid

How can I keep the network secure?


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New Energy Horizons


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Smart Grid

Communications

Blueprint

Substation Automation:

Real Time communication to RTUs,breakers, relays, and other

equipment.

Video Surveillance will drive up

data

speed requirements.

Corporate Applications:

Very high speed and low latency

Carry Telecom Traffic for Utility

Carry Video and Security data

from critical assets back to

control Center

Distribution Automation:

Monitor capacitor bankscontrols, regulators, switches,

reclosers, fault circuit indicatorsand sensors

Low throughput, very lowlatency < 1 second for

messaging

AMI :

Coverage across entire serviceterritory

Capacity to support meter reading,demand response and HAN devices

Reliable, secure and cost-effectivebackhaul

Security for data and integration

Need for integrated vision, blueprint, strategy

and Plan


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Key focus areas

Key Areas of innovation required Need for cost effective communications that can be deployed fast,

secure and efficient.

Suitability of IP to support integrated networks and powerengineering applications (teleprotection, monitoring etc)

Adapted distributed control mechanisms to increase survivability andrestoration

Wireless technologies that support white space, unlicensed, semi-licensed spectrum bands

Security policies and mechanisms that provide multiple layers ofprotection

Control mechanisms to reliable support engineering applications overcommercial and public safety networks

3 1 communication dhondt

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