Smart Grid Self-Healing:
Functions, Applications, and Developments
M. A. Elgenedy A. M. Massoud
Electrical Dept., Electrical Dept.,
Alexandria University, Egypt Qatar University and Alexandria
University, Egypt
Abstract—Although the power system grid growth pace was
slow, the load demand was not. Yet, there are some challenges
that impeding the power grid to cope with the load pace, namely:
renewable energy integration; energy efficiency; vulnerability to
faults; and complexity of the power grid. Such challenges reveal
the concept of smart grids (SG). In SG concept, secured, efficient,
economic, and intelligent grid was sought in order to face the
aforementioned challenges. One of the important tasks of an SG
is self-healing. In this paper, the self-healing concept will be
illustrated in the context of the SG. The self-healing functions,
applications and developments will be explored. The major
developments made in the transmission and distribution grid
thanks to power electronics converters will be shown. Then, the
employed communication technologies, measurements and
software agents which can be used for taking critical SG self-
healing decisions will be reviewed.
Keywords—Communications technology; power converters;
protection; self-healing, smart grid; software agents.
I. INTRODUCTION
Delivering electrical power from the generating station to
consumption loads is the classical task for the power grid.
However, a power grid and any other network’s infrastructure
share some difficulties in operation, control, efficiency, and
reliability, namely [1]:
 Numerous interconnected distributed components.
 Any component/operation failure can easily affect
other components/operations instantaneously.
 Several interconnections and dependencies between
the network variables. Thus, network mathematical
modelling is a difficult challenge.
Moreover, the power system grid growth pace was slow,
while the load demand was not. It is expected that the
consumption rate of electricity will be twice the overall
consumption rate of all other energy resources next decade
[2]. Thus, using the electric power efficiently and reliably are
crucial. This raises the need of autonomous power grid
operation by deploying hardware and software all over the
power grid. Hence, the grid response to disturbances and
malfunctions can be improved while obtaining efficient
electrical power operation [3]. Doing so, the smart grid (SG) is
obtained. The US Department of Energy (DOE) defines SG as:
“A grid that is intelligent, efficient, accommodating,
motivating, opportunistic, quality-focused, resilient and green
[5]. The American electric power research institute (EPRI)
978-1-4673-6765-3/15/$31.00 ©2015 IEEE
S. Ahmed
ECE N Dept.,
Texas A&M University
at Qatar
established an SG structure and project assessment indicator
based on the DOE’s SG system [6]. Generally, EPRI makes
the grid’s self-healing one of the keystones of the SG, hence
EPRI put emphasis on the importance of its functions [7].
Mainly, there are four fields that the smart grid focuses on
as summarized in Fig. 1.
Although the classical power grids have a unidirectional
power flow, the SG, by deploying several hardware and
software in the grid, has two-way of information and
electricity flows. Thus, the grid power distribution and
monitoring are automated regardless the grid size. The four
main blocks of SG are summarized in Fig. 2 [8].
It is obvious that SG has several involved factors,
containing all stakeholders who can cooperate with or be
incorporated in the system vision of the SG concept [9].
Stakeholders can be summarized as in Fig. 3
Although, SG is a hot topic that can be addressed from
different perspectives, this paper focuses on the self-healing
functionality of an SG. The main aim of this paper is to clarify
the self-healing functions, applications, and developments.
Moreover, the most recent self-healing functions in
transmission and distribution grids as well as the concept of
microgrid are reviewed. The tools that are used for SG self-
healing (e.g communication technologies, software agents, and
measurements) are explored.
II. FUNCTIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF SELF-HEALING GRIDS
According to Ghosh, et al. [10], self-healing function is the
ability of a system to distinguish automatically between
operating properly or not, then it can apply the required
settings in order to retain its normal case of operation. Thus,
the desired goals of self-healing systems can be summarized
as shown in Fig. 4.
In a self-healing, not only acting against grid disturbances is
required, but securing the grid against disturbances spread is a
main goal too [11]. This necessitates the following
requirements [12]:
 Fast and proper detection of grid disturbances.
 Redistribution of grid resources to avoid adversative
impacts.
 Assuring the continuity of service under any
conditions.
 Minimization of service restoration time.
 Self-Healing
Integration of Systems Goals
renewables

Reliable systems: Systems that are generally dependable

with respect to their ability of service delivery.

Fault-tolerant systems: When a fault occur the system

performance is not affected.
Efficiency Key Elements Integration
and of Smart of electric
Reliability Grids vehicles Resilient systems: Systems that could be reconfigured to
cope with disturbances.

Fig. 4. Goals of self-healing system.

Demand For further exploration of the self-healing concept, the

response
power system in the SG can be viewed as, if omitting the
generation stage, three main grids. These grids namely are
Fig. 1. Key elements of SG. transmission grid, distribution grid, and microgrid.

A. Transmission grid self-healing

In order to monitor the performance of transmission lines,

circuit breakers, and transformers in a smart transmission
network; advanced sensors, signal processors, and
communication networks will be deployed all over the
transmission grid [13]-[14]. This comprises continuously
determining transmission line parameters and observing their
status. Accordingly, sensors will provide data that are critical
for the operation of the transmission grid such as: overhead
conductors mechanical sag; conductors temperature;
conductors current carrying capacity versus thermal capacity;
estimation of probable insulators and towers failure;
determining the location of line faults; discovering the ice on
overhead lines as well as forest in near vicinity [15]. On the
other hand, the smart transmission substation should be able to
regain its normal state after disruptions, natural disasters,
power failure or network component failures [15].
Several solutions have been suggested for transmission grid
self-healing. In [16], the authors suggest a self-healing
strategy for smart grid by employing unified power flow
Fig. 2. The four blocks of SG. controller (UPFC) such that a continuous power flow is
maintained under transmission lines contingencies. While in
Consumers Standardization [17], the authors explored the possibility of transmission line
(residentail, commercial
and Industrial)
organizations fault-location for a multi-generator system using wavelet
multi-resolution analysis (MRA) and computational
System operators Regulation intelligence techniques in conjunction with the global
(Economical dispatching) authorities positioning system (GPS). The author suggested to take the
Manufacturers of Education and
advantage of phase measurement unit (PMU) deployment
Smart grid along with GPS to determine the fault locations in [18].
electrical training
Stakeholders
equipment institutions Multi Agent systems (MAS) illustrated in [19] are utilized
ICT service in [20] to present the perception and system configuration of
Research and
providers innovation centers urban power grid’s self-healing using four control modes,
(Hardware and Software)
namely: contingency control; healing control; remedial
Centralized and
Energy and service control; and defensive control. While in [21], the MAS are
decentralized
energy producers
providers used along with electronic current and voltage transformers to
Fig. 3. Stakeholders involved in SG concept implementation.
build a strategic power infrastructure defense system.
 Increasing MW distributed generations (DGs) not only has
challenges in grid integration, but also put the grid security in
danger [22]. In the presence of a grid-connected MW-DG,
when a fault occur at a certain point in the grid, both the DG
as well as the power grid fault currents flow to the faulted
location. Enlarged fault current levels may pose problems,
particularly when the fault current level surpasses the
interrupting ratings of the protective devices. In [23], the fault
currents level can be regulated via a smart fault current
controller (FCC). The FCC uses a full bridge thyristor based
rectifier, by controlling the thyristors delay angle a desired
fault current level can be reached.
The increased penetration of the DG poses two challenges
during faults; the fault current increase rate as well as the
decrease in the fault ride through capability of the DGs [24].
As a result, of these challenges, several fault current limiter
(FCL) topologies are developed aiming to limit the fault
current to a pre-defined value. In [25] a FCL was connected
between a microgrid and the main grid in order to reduce the
fault current resulted from adding a new generator in the
microgrid. While in [26] it was used with the energy storage
devices added to the grid in order to keep the energy storage
devices connected during faults, to support the grid.
Bulk power can be transmitted not only by HVAC lines but
also via HVDC lines. However, DC fault protection is a
challenge that impedes the development of HVDC grids. In
[27] the authors tested and evaluated four topologies of semi-
conductor based DC-circuit breakers (CB), aiming to provide
a suitable yet fast fault isolation for HVDC grids. In [28] the
recent available topologies for the mechanical-static CB, or
the hybrid CB, has been surveyed. While in [29], the authors
proposed a new protection scheme for HVDC when faults
occurred in DC side by segregating the HVDC converter from
the ac side by turning on the suitable thyristors.
B. Distribution grid self-healing
The existing protection of the distribution grid is based on
local measurements only where an overcurrent relay measures
the magnitude of the current and compares this with a time
current curve. When the current exceeds a certain current
threshold for a specific time threshold, the relay sends a signal
to the local circuit breaker to open. This clears the fault, as
well as interrupting the supply to all network users
downstream of the circuit breaker. The threshold settings
(current and time values) are determined during a “protection-
coordination study” for all relays in the distribution network.
Only when major changes are made in the distribution
network, these settings are updated [30].
Several other advanced methods for distribution grid
protection have been proposed and research is ongoing
towards others [31]. In [32], adaptive over current protection
has been proposed. In this scheme, for any change in the load-
level, network topology or amount of generated power; the
relay settings will automatically updated to cope with the
system modifications. Also, in [33], the authors address the
adaptive overcurrent relay adjustment of an islanded
distribution system. When the distribution network has DG
and the grid upstream has some disturbances, islanding is
applied to improve the power supply reliability.
In [34], a multi-agent system is suggested for fault location
and isolation, then a proper switching operation is applied in
order to reconnect the disconnected loads. In [35], the authors
propose a new protection philosophy using wireless token ring
protocol (WTRP) which acts as a wireless local area network
(LAN) protocol technology; hence it facilities the sharing of
data between relays, which helps in taking the suitable
switching operation and increases the system reliability.
Also, in [36]-[37] the authors suggested to apply islanding
when the power system faces a crisis situation. In such
scheme, the system is divided to several small islands that
allow fast restoration to normal situation. After that, load
shedding is applied according to the decline of the system
frequency.
C. Microgrids for self-healing SG
A microgrid can be defined as group of localized
generators, storage devices, and loads [3]. The microgrid can
play an important role in the context of SG, since it can be
integrated to the grid as well as feed its connected loads during
islanding situation. Generally, the microgrid sources of
electricity generation are DGs namely: solar panels; fuel cells;
as well as wind turbines. In normal operation the microgrid is
connected to the conventional power grid. Although,
disconnection from the power grid will result in an islanded
microgrid, the DGs will continue to feed the microgrid
connected loads independently from the power grid [38].
Accordingly, if proper utilization of the microgrid features is
applied, a reliable supply of electricity will be obtained. This
supply has the ability of feeding its loads continuously
regardless its exposure to disturbances. Hence, local reliability
to have a continuous supply increased by intentionally
islanding the microgrid from the power grid and utilizing its
DGs. Nevertheless, the microgrid users will still be able to
exchange information with the power grid [39]. It is important
to monitor the power grid status, such that if the disturbance
vanished the microgrid can be reconnected to the power grid
[40].
Integrating microgrids into the distribution network is
useful as they facilitates the application of many SG functions.
Accordingly, the overall system reliability will be enhanced,
system efficiency will be increased, and large renewable
energy penetration will be allowed. The net result is the ability
of a SG to switch the microgrid from/to the islanding mode
according to what makes the overall power grid performance
better, yet the microgrid connected users are not affected [41].
III. TOOLS FOR SELF-HEALING GRIDS
Software agents at all grid levels (control, management,
instrument, electrical equipment…etc.), synchronized
measurements of electrical variables, and communication
channels between different equipment with each other and
 PMUs
can enhance the
grid performance
through
By Coordinating a number
of local controllers of
different types of power
Control
system stabilizers, dc lines,
and FACTS .
Monitoring
Real-time grid frequency-
deviation measurement, thus
the amount of loss of
generation can be predicted.
Requires
placement.
N.B. A common compromise is that
the min. number of PMUs is usually
33.3% of total buses number.
Fig. 5. Applications of PMUs in power systems.
with the main station are all the essential tools of the smart
grid self-healing.
A. Software agents
Software agents not only can perform their tasks
independently, but also they can communicate with each other
and other grid devices [42].
In a simple description, they are complicated computer
programs. These agents can be categorized as follows [43]:
 Grid Component Agents: Such agents control the
grid components performance, as protective relays,
transformer tap changers, and circuit breakers.
 Distributed Resource Agents: These agents are in
charge of controlling the power flow from the
microgrid to/from the utility grid.
 End-User Agents: Their task is to let the end-users
meet their demanded electricity. Hence, these agents
continuously monitor and estimate the end-user
power consumption. Also, they communicate with
the distributed resource agents, to assure continuous
power availability.
 Failure Control Agents: These agents are
responsible for monitoring and forecasting the grid
devices states. Thus, if a state can lead to a device
failure, a report was submitted via these agents to
their supervisor agents. Hence, the supervisor agents
will take a proper decision in order to prevent the
occurrence of failure.
By providing a real-time
measurements of positive
Protection sequence voltages, hence swing
angles can be calculated for
stability determination.
Data for state-
estimation analysis
Non-linear State-estimation Linear State-estimation
optimal PMU
Requires a large numbers of
PMU placed in a lot of points in
Power system.
 Data Analyse Agents: These agents collects the grid
devices state data, the load demand data, and the
generated power amount. Then, they report it to
supervisor agents such that optimal system
performance is achieved. In case of component
failure, the supervisor agents, based on the analyzed
data, can determine the best reconfiguration method
for the power grid.
 Graphical Visualizations Agents: They provide a
visualization of the analyzed, monitored and
forecasted performance of the system.
B. Synchronized phase measurement unit (PMU)
Synchronized PMU is a digital device that measures the
phasor value at a time tag, the time tag is referenced at
multiples of the power system rated frequency [44]. In wide
area measurements, many phasor values are required
simultaneously, that necessities synchronization of their
corresponding PMUs time tag. The block diagram shown by
Fig. 5 summarizes the applications of PMUs in electrical
power systems.
C. Information communication technology (ICT)
Smart communications are an essential part in the SG
structure. As previously shown, a precise yet effective
decision is based on analyzing the power grid data, hence
collecting and exchanging information, transferring results,
executing decisions, and monitoring real-time device states in
 Communication
technologies
Wired Wireless
Fiber Power Cognitive
Cellular Satellite
Optics Lines Radio
Fig. 6. Categories of communication technologies.
all power grid sectors are the responsibility of the smart
communications subsystem. In [38], the communication
technologies are divided into wired and wireless as shown in
Fig. 6.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) has
been used for more than three decades in electricity
infrastructure to remotely monitor processes and gather data.
Unlike SCADA, the SG has been used in the customer space
through smart meters [45].
Smart meters are advanced meters, which are capable (a) of
collecting data on end-users power consumption, (b) of
exchanging this data with other local power grid participants,
and (c) of getting pricing data from distribution system
operators to turn on/off home appliances [43].
It should be noted that power line communications (PLC) is
currently prevailing and claimed as a better way for smart grid
communications [46]. The argument on what is the actual PLC
role in the SG exists and will continue to be. Although some
researchers believe that PLC can effectively be employed in
several applications, others believe that wireless technology is
a more suitable and robust opponent. Nevertheless, there are
two aspects that could hinder the domination of PLC in the
market. First is the commercial push to cope with SG
applications using improper PLC technology. The second is
due to the PLC standardization status [46].
IV. CONCLUSION
In this paper, the SG self-healing concept is introduced
through a categorized three grids, namely: transmission grids,
distribution grids, and microgrids. The role of software agents,
the PMU as well as the communication technology is
explored. Interesting yet challenging developments have been
achieved in the SG roadmap. The main challenges are
adapting the power grid to the penetration of DG, and
involving the consumers to be active toward the SG concept.
Also, a huge development in the communications technology
used, between different parts of the SG with each other and
with the SG, make the concept of SG self-healing feasible.
Thanks to the advancement in power electronic converters,
they can be employed to achieve and fulfill the goals of SG
self-healing. Efficient power system restoration is a major step
to develop a self-healing SG. In the future energy paradigm,
with a high penetration of renewable resources and responsive
demands, variability and uncertainty will affect power system
operation and recovery technologies. Smart restoration
provides an adaptive and optimized strategy with which to
make restoration process, one that aim to reduce restoration
time whereas preserving system reliability.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This publication was made possible by NPRP grant [4 -
941 - 2 - 356] from the Qatar National Research Fund (a
Micro-
member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are
waves
solely the responsibility of the authors.
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