2011The International Conference on Advanced Power System Automation and Protection

Research on technical framework of smart distribution network

LI JianFang, MENG XiaoLi, SONG XiaoHui
China Electric Power Research Institute, Beijing 100192, China

Abstract: The future development trend of electric power grid is smart grid, which include such features as flexible, clean, secure, economic, and friendly and so on. Smart grid involves power generation, transmission, transformation, distribution, consumption and dispatching. Distribution network locates at the end of power system, and due to its direct connection with consumers, the quality and ability of power supply is guaranteed by it. In this paper, the connotation, characteristics and the development goals of smart distribution network in China are expounded firstly. Secondlythe technical framework of smart distribution network, which include network infrastructure, information communication system and intelligent application system, is put forward. The main technical compositions of the framework are briefly discussed in succession. Lastly, the suggestion on development path of smart distribution network in china is proposed, in the hope of providing reference to the further research and implementation of smart distribution network. Keywords: smart distribution network, technical framework, information and communication system, intelligent application, development path

Introduction

With the increasing global pressure on resource and environment, social improving the requirement for environment protection, energy conservation and emission reduction, sustainable development day by day. Meanwhile, the process of power market is promoting and the requirement of the consumers for power supply reliability and power quality is increasing, the power industry is facing unprecedented challenges. To provide more safe, reliable, clean and efficient power supply become the common goal of the power industry. In the future, the power grid will produce more data and information, support bidirectional flow of load and information, adapt to the access of various kinds of distributed energy resource, meet the demands of consumers, and the efficiency and social economic benefits of grid assets is improved significantly. The United States and some European Union countries put forward the concept of smart grid, and consider it the future development trend of electric power grid [1-4]. Due to the different development environment and driving factors, there are differences in development path and emphasis among different countries. Based upon national conditions, every country gives its own definition of smart grid. The core of the smart grid is to conserve energy, reduce emission, improve efficiency and reliability. Smart grid has become a vision for power industry all over the world, and it will promote changes and improvements of the power industry. Smart grid involves power generation, transmission, transformation, distribution, consumption and dispatching [5-6]. Distribution network locates at the end of power system, and
*Corresponding author (email: lijianfang@epri.sgcc.com.cn)

due to its direct connection with consumers, the quality and ability of power supply is guaranteed by it. Therefore, the construction of smart distribution network plays an important role of the smart grid.

2 The connotation and characteristics of smart distribution network

2.1 The connotation of smart distribution network Compared with distribution automation (DA), smart distribution network covers all the content of distribution automation and even more, it nearly covers all the technology in primary side and secondary side. Smart distribution network is enhanced in performance, adapt to the access of large-scale distributed energy resource and interacting with consumers. Smart distribution network covers a wide range, and there is no generally accepted definition of smart distribution network so far. The core components, necessary systems and equipments in smart distribution network are introduced in paper[7]. The goal of the smart distribution network is to extend equipment life, determine the priority of grid asset replacement, reduce the cost of network reconstruction and avoid fault in advance and so on [8]. It is noted that the smart distribution network is the extension of advanced distribution automation (ADA), and the main differences between traditional distribution network and smart distribution network are: adapt to the access of various kinds of distributed energy resource and micro-grid operation, encourage interaction with consumers [9].
APAP2011 www.apap2011.org

___________________________________ 978-1-4244-9621-1/11/$26.00 2011 IEEE



2011The International Conference on Advanced Power System Automation and Protection

At present, many countries have formed a consensus during the construction of smart distribution network based upon national conditions. The connotation of smart distribution network can be summarized as such aspects: based on physical entity grid, includes various kinds of distribution facilities such as switches, distribution terminals, sensors; integrates a variety of modern advanced technology such as sensor measurement, automation technology, communication technology, information technology, control technology; adapt to the access of various forms of distributed energy resource, energy storage device and electric vehicle. Compared with traditional distribution network, smart distribution network is more flexible and adjustable, significantly improves the security, reliability, quality of power supply and the social economic benefits of energy resource. 2.2 The characteristics of smart distribution network Smart distribution network performances well in power supply security, power quality and efficiency of grid assets. The characteristics of smart distribution network can be summarized as: informationization, automation and interaction(abbreviated as Three-tions). Informationization is the basis for the realization of smart distribution network. Informationization means the ability of highly integrated, multi-share, deeply excavation of the real-time and non real-time information, and it can be classified into two categories: the informationization of power production and control, the informationization of power management. Automation is the visual representation of the development level of the smart distribution network, not limited to distribution automation, but include optimization of network control strategy, monitor of operation and fault restoration. Interaction is the inherent requirement of smart distribution network. Interaction has two meanings: firstly, adapt to the access of various forms of distributed energy resource; se-

condly, interact with consumers, consumers can choose the time of power consumption based on real-time price and have own distributed energy resource interacted with the power system[10-14]. 2.3 The development goals of smart distribution network in China Generation, transmission, transformation, distribution, consumption and dispatching are the six application areas of strong smart grid. The development goals of the smart distribution network in China are: a strong frame structure with the characteristics of efficient and flexible, have a good performance in reconfiguration, power flow optimization and acceptance of distributed energy, compatibility and unified control of the distributed energy resource and energy storage device, high reliability and quality of power supply.

3 The technical framework of smart distribution network

The construction of smart distribution network in China needs to start with the basic areas and make the technical framework in line with the development in China clear. Smart distribution network, which combine modern advanced technology with traditional distribution technology and focus on the improving of the overall performance and saving of the overall cost, makes revolutionary changes in network structure, relay protection and operation control mode and so on. The technical framework, which covers planning, construction, operation and management of the distribution network, can be divided into physical entity layer, data layer and application layer logically. The framework includes network infrastructure, information communication system and intelligent application system, just as figure 1 show.



2011The International Conference on Advanced Power System Automation and Protection

Figure 1 The technical framework of smart distribution network.

As the physical basis of the smart distribution network, the physical entity layer locates at the bottom of the framework; the data layer is the tremendous database of smart distribution network and it can provide data for the application layer; the intelligence of distribution network is well embodied in the application layer. 3.1 Strengthen the network infrastructure A strong and flexible network and intelligent distribution equipments of safety and reliability are the basis of smart distribution network. (1) Strong and flexible network. Strong network is the primary goal of the smart distribution network construction in China. Grid-connection of various kinds of distributed energy has a great impact on network planning. The ability against natural disasters and other emergencies is necessary in future. Innovation in planning process, planning modeling and planning method is indispensable. (2)Intelligent distribution equipments. Intelligent distribution equipments include monitoring devices, protection devices, control devices in secondary side and static compensators, solid-state switches, distributed generation and energy storage devices in primary side. 3.2 Construction of information and communication system It is necessary to acquire various kinds of meter data, which with the characteristics such as large amount, plenty of the information points, higher requirement of real-time. The

requirements above-mentioned cant be satisfied in traditional information communication system, therefore advanced sensing technology, unified information model and open communication platform should be enhanced. (1)Advanced sensing technology. Based on sensing technology, power system planners and operators can acquire a lot of data such as load, voltage, current, power factor, phase relation, temperature, and monitor the healthy state of equipment, recognize the operation condition, evaluate the security and stability of power system. (2)Open communication platform. Existing communication system, which based on the one-way flow of information, cant meet the requirement of bi-direction flow in smart distribution network. A high-speed, bi-direction, real-time and integrated communication system is needed. The construction of communication system needs to focus on the following: open communication architecture, in order to form a plug and play environment; unified technique standards, in order to achieve seamless communication among equipments and systems. (3)Unified information platform. The problems of existing information systems are as follows: lack of unity of data source, lack of data maintenance in time and lack of coordination. A unified information platform with the characteristics of a wide-range of information source, support bi-direction information flow and data sharing should be developed.



2011The International Conference on Advanced Power System Automation and Protection

3.3 Develop intelligent application At present the data application of network in China is still in the basic level. Intelligent application should be enhanced in order to meet the requirements of smart distribution network. (1)Fast simulation and modeling. The achievement of fast simulation and modeling is to offer decision-making support for relay protection, network reconfiguration, fault isolation and restoration by means of state estimation, power flow calculation, load forecasting, security evaluation and predictive contingency analysis. (2)Operation optimization. To minimize the line loss under normal condition, optimize operation mode under overhaul condition and realize fast restoration under fault condition in order to keep the distribution network operate in security and economy. (3)Intelligent dispatch. With the development of advanced sensing technology, wide-area measurement system (WAMS) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), observability of network is strengthened. Its probable to achieve real-time state estimation and precise control of the whole network. Dispatch in smart distribution network is more complicate and difficult due to the grid-connection of distributed energy and the bi-direction flow of energy. (4)Intelligent control. Deep interaction between consumers and power system make intelligent control a multi-objective problem. Besides security, reliability and economy, which are considered in traditional network, energy conservation and emission reduction as well as improvement of efficiency should be taken account of. (5)Grid-connection of distributed energy resource. After the distributed energy resource connected to the traditional distribution network, the configuration of relay protection and safety automatic devices become more complicate and should be reset to satisfy the bi-direction flow of load and information. The power output of distributed energy changes now and again, with the characteristics of fluctuation and intermittence, and is prone to bring shock to power system. Besides network infrastructure, intelligent distribution equipments, communication technology and information technology as mentioned above, standard systems are also indispensable[15]. Based on the unified standard, information interaction, communication and resource sharing among equipments and systems become more convenient.

entity network of sufficient power supply capability and high reliability. (2)Upgrade distribution automation and self-healing control in order to keep power system operate in security, reliability, economy and efficiency. (3)Construction of information and communication system. Besides electric power technology, smart distribution network needs information and communication system with the characteristics of high-capacity, high-speed, real-time and extensibility as supporting platform. (4)Strengthen the interaction with consumers. It is necessary to develop further research on grid-connection of distributed energy, energy storage technology and charging management of electric vehicle in order to provide solution for consumers. (5)Development of exploratory research. Smart grid means important technological innovation; we should make every effort to exploratory research. Smart distribution network is a systemic project and needs a wide range of support: policy support and financial support of the government in order to provide a good external environment, combination research of research institutes, power industry and equipment manufacturer.

Conclusion

The construction of smart distribution network in China will be a long and arduous process. Further research on network infrastructure, information and communication system, intelligent application and unified standard system are necessary. Smart distribution network needs support of government and cooperation of research institute, power industry and equipment manufacturer. Along with the development and the further research of the smart distribution network, the technical framework and its development path will become more clear.
This work was supported by the Science and Technology Projects of State Grid Corporation of China (Grant No. ND71-10-005, No. ND71-11-002). 1 Zhang Wenliang, Liu Zhuangzhi, Wang Mingjun, Yang Xusheng. Research status and development trend of smart grid. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(13): 1-11. Hu Xuhao. Smart GridA development trend of future power grid. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(4): 1-5. Wang Xiuli. Brief discussion on the smart grid. Water Resources and Electric Power, 2009, 35(4): 13-20. Han Feng, Yin Ming, Li Jun, Zhang Yibin, Sun Qiang. Discussions on related issues of smart grid development in China, 2009, 33(5): 47-53. Wang Zhidong, Li Hui, Li Jun, Han Feng. Assessment index system for smart grid. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(17): 14-18. Zhong Jin, Zheng Ruimin, Yang Weihong, Wu Fuli. Construction of smart grid at information age. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(13): 12-18. Yu Yixin. Intelli-D-Grid for the 21st century. Southern Power System Technology Research, 2006, 2(6): 14-16.

4 Development path of smart distribution network

The development path of smart distribution network in China should be based on the development status and combined with the development concept in China as well as oversea experience. (1)Strengthen the construction and optimization planning of distribution network to form a strong and flexible physical

3 4 5 6



2011The International Conference on Advanced Power System Automation and Protection

9 10

11 12 13 14

15

Zhang Tiefeng, Wang Jiangtao, Yuan Jinsha. Research of intelligent distribution network. Telecommunications for Electric Power System, 2007, 28(181): 49-52. Ma Qiyan, Qin Lijun. Key technologies of smart distribution grid. Modern Electric Power, 2010, 27(2): 39-44. Liu Wei, Peng Dong, Bu Guangquan, Su Jian. A survey on system problems in smart distribution network with grid-connected photovoltaic generation. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(19): 1-6. Wang Mingjun. Some highlights in relation to smart grid. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(18): 9-16. Chen Shuyong, Song Shufang, Li Lanxin, Shen Jie. Survey on smart grid technology. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(8): 1-7. He Guangyu, Sun Yingyun. Smart grid foundation[M]. Beijing: China Electric Power Press, 2010. Wang Chenshan, Li Peng. Development and challenges of distributed generation,the micro-grid and smart distribution system. Automation of Electric Poewr Systems, 2010, 34(2): 10-14, 23. Lin Yufeng, Zhong Jin, Wu Fuli. Discussion on smart grid supporting technologies. Power System Technology, 2009, 33(12): 8-14