IEEE

SMART GRID
RESEARCH

IEEE VISION FOR SMART GRID COMMUNICATIONS:

2030 AND BEYOND

IEEE 3 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016-5997 USA

 IEEE Vision for Smart Grid
Communications: 2030 and Beyond

Editors:
Dr. Sanjay Goel
Dr. Stephen F. Bush
Dr. David Bakken

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Table of Contents

Foreword ................................................................................................................. xi

Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................................. xiii

PART I
Introduction and Background ........................................................................1
Chapter 1
Smart Grid of the Future: Vision for Year 2030 ...........................................................3
1.1 Abstract......................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Overview of how the power grid works today ............................................................... 4
1.4 Drivers for enhancing communication in the electric grid ............................................. 8
1.5 Smart Grid communications: Impediments and realities .............................................. 8
1.6 Current and future visions of the Smart Grid ................................................................ 9
1.7 The objectives of the Smart Grid ................................................................................ 11
1.8 Role of communication in the Smart Grid................................................................... 14
1.9 Communications vision............................................................................................... 15
1.10 Layout of this document ............................................................................................. 16
1.11 Summary .................................................................................................................... 21
1.12 Citations ...................................................................................................................... 22
Chapter 2
How Power Grids Operate ..........................................................................................24
2.1 Abstract....................................................................................................................... 24
2.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 24
2.3 System overview ........................................................................................................ 26
2.4 Synchronous generator .............................................................................................. 27
2.5 Interconnected grids ................................................................................................... 29
2.6 Transmission and distribution ..................................................................................... 31
2.7 The substation ............................................................................................................ 33
2.8 Operating principles of an interconnected grid ........................................................... 35
2.9 Managing the network ................................................................................................ 37
2.10 Protective relaying ...................................................................................................... 38
2.11 The control center ....................................................................................................... 39
2.12 Planning (operational and long-term) ......................................................................... 41
2.13 Learning from blackouts ............................................................................................. 41
2.14 Regulatory framework in the United States ................................................................ 43
2.15 New technologies ....................................................................................................... 44
2.16 Citations ...................................................................................................................... 45
Chapter 3
Control, Communications, and Signal Processing ...................................................46
3.1 Abstract....................................................................................................................... 46
3.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 46

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 3.3 Control technology...................................................................................................... 49
3.4 Vision .......................................................................................................................... 62
3.5 Challenges and issues ............................................................................................... 68
3.6 Chapter summary ....................................................................................................... 70
3.7 Citations ...................................................................................................................... 71

PART II
Enabling Technologies for Smart Grid Communications ........................ 75
Chapter 4
Smart Grid Communication Technologies ................................................................77
4.1 Abstract....................................................................................................................... 77
4.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 77
4.3 Technologies for Smart Grid communications systems ............................................. 78
4.4 Power line communication.......................................................................................... 85
4.5 Power lineborne optical fiber .................................................................................... 92
4.6 Wireless media ......................................................................................................... 101
4.7 Other media .............................................................................................................. 119
4.8 Summary .................................................................................................................. 123
4.9 Recommendations and the future ............................................................................ 123
4.10 Citations .................................................................................................................... 125
Chapter 5
Information Theory and Network Science for Power Systems............................... 128
5.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 128
5.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 129
5.3 Relevance of the theory to the Smart Grid ............................................................... 134
5.4 Information theory and network science................................................................... 141
5.5 Vision ........................................................................................................................ 151
5.6 Challenges and issues ............................................................................................. 157
5.7 Summary .................................................................................................................. 159
5.8 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 161
5.9 Citations .................................................................................................................... 161

PART III
Networking Support of Smart Grid ........................................................... 167
Chapter 6
Networking Technologies for Smart Grid ................................................................ 169
6.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 169
6.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 170
6.3 Smart microgrid communication scenario ................................................................ 172
6.4 Communication paradigms and architectures .......................................................... 174
6.5 Communication technologies ................................................................................... 180
6.6 Smart Grid communication technology evolution ..................................................... 186
6.7 The role of future Smart Grid communication .......................................................... 189
6.8 Conclusions .............................................................................................................. 191
6.9 Citations .................................................................................................................... 192
Chapter 7
Quality of Service Mechanisms and Traffic Characteristics................................... 195
7.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 195
7.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 195
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 7.3 Smart Grid model ..................................................................................................... 196
7.4 Data traffic sources in the Smart Grid ...................................................................... 197
7.5 Quality of service metrics ......................................................................................... 199
7.6 Quality of service mechanisms ................................................................................. 201
7.7 Trends and vision ..................................................................................................... 212
7.8 Summary .................................................................................................................. 217
7.9 Citations .................................................................................................................... 217

PART IV
Data-Level Communication Technologies for the Smart Grid ............... 221
Chapter 8
Overlay Networks for Smart Grids ........................................................................... 223
8.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 223
8.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 224
8.3 Technology ............................................................................................................... 226
8.4 Vision ........................................................................................................................ 232
8.5 Challenges and issues ............................................................................................. 238
8.6 Summary .................................................................................................................. 240
8.7 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 241
8.8 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 244
8.9 Citations .................................................................................................................... 244
Chapter 9
Espousing Peer-to-Peer Communication for the Smart Grid ................................. 250
9.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 250
9.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 250
9.3 Communication requirements for the Smart Grid: the Internet of Energy (IoE) ....... 252
9.4 P2P technologies ...................................................................................................... 256
9.5 A proposed architecture for a P2P-enabled Smart Grid ........................................... 257
9.6 Related approaches ................................................................................................. 263
9.7 Summary .................................................................................................................. 264
9.8 The future P2P-enabled Smart Grid: challenges, opinions, and suggestions for its
rollout 264
9.9 Citations .................................................................................................................... 266

PART V
Security, Standards, and Regulation ....................................................... 269
Chapter 10
Smart Grid Security ...................................................................................................271
10.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 271
10.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 271
10.3 Understanding the risks ............................................................................................ 282
10.4 Vision ........................................................................................................................ 287
10.5 Citations .................................................................................................................... 296
Chapter 11
Standards for the Smart Grid....................................................................................299
11.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 299
11.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 299
11.3 Current state of standardization ............................................................................... 301
11.4 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 306

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 11.5 Citations .................................................................................................................... 307

PART VI
Emerging Technologies and Applications (Disruptive Technologies) . 309
Chapter 12
The Emerging Solid State Transformer and its Impact on the Electric Power Grid311
12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 311
12.2 Solid state transformer ............................................................................................. 312
12.3 Communications aspects ......................................................................................... 318
12.4 DC Distribution networks and stability ...................................................................... 322
12.5 Citations .................................................................................................................... 323
Chapter 13
Wireless Beamed Power ...........................................................................................327
13.1 Abstract..................................................................................................................... 327
13.2 Introduction to wireless beamed power .................................................................... 327
13.3 Preview of implications for Smart Grid communications .......................................... 328
13.4 The technology of wireless power beaming ............................................................. 329
13.5 Expected evolution of millimeter wave power beaming ........................................... 331
13.6 Summary: Smart Grid implications ........................................................................... 334
13.7 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 337
13.8 Citations .................................................................................................................... 339
Chapter 14
Quantum Key Distribution for the Smart Grid ......................................................... 345
14.1 The need for quantum key distribution ..................................................................... 345
14.2 Quantum key distribution basics .............................................................................. 346
14.3 Quantum key distribution schemes .......................................................................... 348
14.4 Limitations................................................................................................................. 350
14.5 The future of quantum key distribution on the Smart Grid ....................................... 350
14.6 Citations .................................................................................................................... 351

PART VII
Author Biographies .................................................................................... 353

viii
Foreword

This document provides a vision of the communications-related aspects of the Smart Grid in
the year 2030 and lays out the technology roadmap that will lead us to the vision.
The basic premise behind the Smart Grid is to improve the stability, efficiency, and
robustness of the nations power grid through an integrated information network.
Conceptually, the Smart Grids communication network would overlay the electricity
distribution and delivery network, with a tightly controlled core and a more relaxed
periphery. The Smart Grid is slated to provide new functions, such as demand response, two-
way power delivery, and more precise phase synchronization, all of which will develop after
the network is in place.
The document starts with some basic knowledge of the power grid and follows up with
fundamental building blocks for the communication infrastructure that will accompany the
Smart Grid. Subsequently, network architectures, including overlays, are discussed at length.
We also discuss important issues such as standards, regulations, security, and disruptive
technologies. The last part of the document discusses emerging technologies such as the solid
state transformer, wireless beamed power, and quantum key distribution. Throughout the
document, a careful distinction is made between communications capabilities and the specific
technologies that are required to support those capabilities.

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

AAR American Association of Railroads

AC alternating current
ACE area control error
ADSS all-dielectric self-supporting
ADR automated demand response
AES advanced encryption standard
AGC automatic generation control
AI artificial intelligence
AIS application interworking specification
AM amplitude modulation
AMI advanced metering infrastructure
AMR automatic meter reading
AP access point
API application programming interface
ARIB Association of Radio Industries and Businesses
ASIC application-specific integrated circuits
ATM asynchronous transfer mode
BACnet building automation and control network
BAN building area network
BB broadband
BD big data
BGP border gateway protocol
BSCCO bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (bisco)
C2C consumer-to-consumer
CB circuit breaker
CDN content distribution network
CECED European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers
CHP combined heat and power
CIM common information model
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CMOS complementary metaloxidesemiconductor
CoAP constrained application protocol
CoRE constrained and restful environment
CPP critical peak pricing
CSMA/CA carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance
CT current transformer
CV continuous variables
CVR conservation voltage reduction
CWDM coarse wavelength division multiplexing
DA distribution automation
DAG directed acyclic graphs
DC direct current
DER distributed energy resource
DESD distributed energy storage device
DG distributed generation
DGI distributed grid intelligence
DHT distributed hash table
DLC distribution line carrier
DME disturbance monitoring equipment
DOE Department of Energy (U.S.)
DP dynamic pricing
DPWS devices profile for web services
DQ data quality
DR demand response
DRER distributed renewable energy resource
DSF dispersion shifted fiber
DSO distribution system operator
DSSS direct sequence spread spectrum
DTC distributed TCP caching
DWDM dense wavelength division multiplexing
EDFA erbium-doped fiber amplifiers

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EMS energy management system
ESP energy service provider
ESS energy storage systems
EV electric vehicle
FACTS flexible alternating current transmission system
FAN field area network
FAP femto access point
FCC Federal Communication Commission (U.S.)
FDIR fault detection, isolation, and recovery
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FID fault isolation device
FIFO first-in/first-out
FM frequency modulation
FRA fiber Raman amplifier
FSO free space optics
GMPLS generalized multiprotocol label switching
GPRS general packet radio service
HAN home area network
HEMS home energy management system
HetNet heterogeneous network
HR high reliability
HSDPA high speed downlink packet access
HSPA high speed packet access
HSUPA high speed uplink packet access
HUB home utility box
HV high voltage
IAN industrial area network
ICT information and communication technologies
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IED intelligent electronic device
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force

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IFSF European petrol station control
IGBT insulated gate bipolar transistor
IGCT integrated gate commutated thyristor
IoE Internet of energy
IoT Internet of things
IP Internet protocol
ISDN integrated services digital network
ISM industrial, scientific, and medical radio bands
ISO independent system operator
ISP Internet service provider
IVVC integrated volt-VAR control
KF Kalman filter
LAN local area network
LDPC low-density parity-check
LEM local energy market
LMC last mile communication
LMR land mobile radio
LOS line of sight
LV low voltage
M2M machine-to-machine
MAC media/medium access control
MAN metropolitan area network
MBC model-based control
MDL minimum description length
MGM microgrid management
MIMO multi-input multi-output
ML machine learning
MLF marginal loss factors
MMIC monolithic microwave integrated circuit
MOSFET metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
MPC model-predictive control

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MV medium voltage
MVS linear multivariable systems
MW megawatts
NAN neighborhood area network
NB narrow band
NERC North American Electric Reliability Council
NFC near field communication
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
NLOS non-line-of-sight
NZ-DSF nonzero dispersion shifted fiber
OADM optical add/drop multiplexers
OFDM orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
OLT optical line terminal
OLTC on-load tap changer
OPF optimal power flow
OPPC optical phase power cable
OPGW optical ground wire
OSI open system interconnection
OXC optical cross-connect switch
P2P peer-to-peer
P&C protection and control
PBS pico base station
PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
PHY physical layer of the OSI model
PID proportional-integral-derivative
PKI public key infrastructure
PLC power line communication/carrier
PMD polarization-mode dispersion
PMU phasor measurement unit
POI point of interconnect
PPDR public protection and disaster relief

xvii
PQ power quality
PSTN public switched telephone network
PT potential transformer
PV photovoltaic
PWM pulse width modulation
QBER quantum bit error rate
QC quantum communications
QIS quantum information science
QKD quantum key distribution
QoE quality of experience
QoP quality of power
QoS quality of service
REMPLI real-time energy management over power lines and Internet
RF radio frequency
RFID radio frequency identification
RM&D remote monitoring and diagnostics
RMS root-mean-square
RMT random matrix theory
ROLL routing over low-power and lossy networks
RPL routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks
RS reserve service
RSVP resource reservation protocol
RTO regional transmission organizations
RTP real-time pricing
RTPB real-time power balance
RTU remote terminal unit
SBS stimulated Brillouin scattering
SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition
SDO standards developing organization
SDR software defined radio
SEMI semiconductor equipment manufacturing

xviii
SiC MOSFET silicon carbide power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
SIP session initiation protocol
SIPS system integrity protection scheme
SLA service level agreement
SLL side lobe level
SM smart meter or smart metering
SMF single-mode fiber
SMS short message services
SNMP simple network management protocol
SOAP simple object access protocol
SP separation principle
SPM self-phase modulation
SRS stimulated Raman scattering
SSP space solar power
SST solid state transformer
STATCOM static synchronous compensator
SUN smart utility networks
SVC static VAR compensator
T&D transmission and distribution
TCP transmission (transport) control protocol
TDMA time division multiple access
TOU time of use
TSS TCP support for sensor networks
TWACS two-way automatic communications system
UBB ultra high broadband
UDP user datagram protocol
UHV ultra high voltage
UPFC unified power flow controller
UPnP universal plug and play
USN ubiquitous sensor networks
UWB ultra wideband

xix
VAR volt-ampere reactive
VLCC Visible Light Communication Consortium
VoIP voice over IP
VPN virtual private network
VSI voltage source converter
VVO voltage/VAR optimization
W3C World Wide Web Consortium
WAMS wide-area measurement system
WAMS-DD wide-area measurement system for data delivery
WAN wide-area network
WDM wavelength-division multiplexing
WFQ weighted fair queuing
WPT wireless power transmission
WRN wavelength routed networking
WSAN wireless sensor and actuator network
XML extensible markup language

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 Part I

Introduction and
Background

1
Chapter 1
Smart Grid of the Future: Vision for
Year 2030

Dr. Sanjay Goel, University at Albany, SUNY

Dr. David Bakken, Washington State University

1.1 Abstract
This chapter lays out the vision of the Smart Grid for the year 2030 from a communication
perspective. It discusses the imperatives of the different stakeholders in this endeavor and the
impediments to realizing this vision. First, we discuss how the current power grid works, including
the role of generation, transmission, and distribution. Subsequently, we discuss the issues with the
current grid and impediments to realizing the Smart Grid communications vision. This discussion is
followed by the goals of the Smart Grid for different stakeholders and how communication should
evolve to enable the functions slated to be supported in the Smart Grid.

1.2 Introduction
Electricity is the lifeline of civilization. In most parts of the world, almost all facets of life depend
heavily on electric power so that it is hard to imagine modern life without it. Electricity is also the
most fundamental of infrastructures, because all other critical infrastructures such as water and
transportation rely heavily on it. Large-scale blackouts in the recent past have demonstrated the
critical role that electricity has played in maintaining our quality of life and productivity. More
importantly, these blackouts have confirmed the increasing strain on the grid and its consequent
brittleness when faced with such perturbations.
Fundamental electricity grid operations have not changed much since the 1930s, and their supporting
data communications largely resemble the methods and means introduced in the 1970s. Although the
general infrastructure remains the same, some technologies have changed since then, and the pace of
change has greatly increased in recent decades.
An important and nontrivial engineering issue is the integration of renewable energy, such as wind,
water, and the sun, into the grid. These sources of power are typically subject to the vagaries of
environmental conditions, which introduce significant variability in supply. Further, they have