2014 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2014)
2014
Research on model system architecture of Smart Distribution Grid
Dongli Jia, Xiaohui Song, Xiaoli Meng
(China Electric Power Research Institute, Haidian District, Beijing 100192, China)
Abstract
In order to solve the problem of optimizing operation and
control under complicated network connections in distribution
grid, and to provide better support for the distribution network
running economically and efficiently, the paper constructs an
model system structure which includes three model types,
six kinds of business models and three levels. The paper
also designs a distribution network model library. It includes
six sub-model libraries, has functions of scheduling control
for each model, input and output, model analysis, user
interaction,and can provide user interface for other modules.
Model system structure and distribution network model
library provide basic support for smart distribution network
development of planning, operation, and control. And they
have important theoretical and practical significance too.
Index Terms-model system; model library; distribution
network; smart distribution system
I. INTRODUCTION
Smart distribution network is a complex system. It is different
from a simple system in qualitative and quantitative. From
a qualitative perspective, it has characteristics such as
nonlinear, uncertainty,volatility,strong disturbances and so on.
From a quantitative perspective,it has characteristics such as
higher order, multi-dimensional, multi-loop, multi-input, multi­
output, hierarchy and so on. For the above characteristics, it
is hot issues that how to establish a rational smart distribution
network model and how to effectively analyze in order to
ensure the system's security, reliability, high quality and
efficient operation. Whether the model is rational will directly
affect the accuracy and reliability of simulation experiments
and system analysis results which are based on the model [1-
7].
At present,traditional distribution network model is based on a
device or component model. With the increasing complexity of
research problems and scope of the study, models involved
by distribution network simulation are becoming more and
more complex. Different research institutions, universities
and power companies have developed different models
and algorithms. But there is no a good way to solve optimal
operation and control issues under complicated network
connection.They can't support for distribution network running
economically and efficiently. In order to provide a technical
support for the design and development of distribution network
simulation model, there is an urgent need to sort out these
models and algorithms, construct an effective model system,
and establish a comprehensive, specialized and scalable
distribution network model library.
II . OVERVIEW OF SMART DISTRIBUTION
NETWORK MODEL
Model is a description of structure and behavior information
about a real system. It is an abstraction and simplification
between real objects and real relationship which are interested
by people. Model of the whole process is called modeling
[8]. Smart distri bution network modeling is a simplified
description of the nature of smart distribution networks.
(CICED 2014 Session5) Paper No. CP0465
Shenzhen,23-26 Sep.
Domestic and foreign scholars have done a lot of research
in this area. Distribution network model can be divided into
three categories by model form: physical model,mathematical
model and simulation model.
Physical model is also known as physical or entity model. It
is based on similar principles in accordance with the working
mechanisms and shape characteristics of physical facilities,
and constructs a physical simulation having the same working
characteristics or similar input I output characteristics with
physical facilities [9, 10]. The purpose of physical model is to
succinctly research the rules of prototype system. Physical
model has the advantages of clear physical concept and
naturally contains a variety of complex physical factors. But
it has the disadvantages of much higher cost of experiments
and time-consuming. It is difficult to simulate large and
complex distribution system.
There is no standard definition of mathematical model. It is
generally acknowledged that mathematical model is a set of
mathematical formulas, logical criteria and specific algorithms
which reflect physical facilities' internal relationships [11].
Mathematical model is used to describe and study the
movement laws of objective phenomenon. Although it is
difficult that mathematical model contains all of the physical
factors, with the rapid development of computer technology
digital simulation analysis research based on mathematical
model has advantages of simplicity, flexibility, cost less and
so on.
Simulation model has become an indispensable means in
design, operation and control of distribution network. And
people about the accuracy of simulation have become much
higher. However it is based on physical model and mathematic
model. Simulation model is physical or digital model which is
used to simulation experiment. And the digital model can be
understood as mathematical model implemented by computer.
Distribution network involves a lot of complex and diverse
equipment I components. It is hard to say that one equipment
I component model is physical model, mathematical model or
simulation model. Each model is different from the other, but
there is an interrelation among them. The relationship among
them is shown in Fig.1. Smart distribution network modeling in
the paper means building its mathematical modeling.
Simulation
Model
4 , .�
1 RealSystem
, "­
Physical Mathematical
Model Model
Fig.1 Smart distribution system model form
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 2014 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2014)
III. SMART DISTRIBUTION NETWORK MODEL
HIERARCHY STRUCTURE
A. Business analysis of smart distribution network
Smart distribution network is based on physical power
network, merges with a variety of modern and advanced power
electronic technology, and supports various forms of energy
to access and use, such as distribution generation (DG), user­
owned electricity supply, energy storage, electric vehicles,and
so on. Smart distribution network covers the entire content of
distribution automation. It covers almost all the technical fields
of primary side and secondary side in distribution system. It
allows a large number of distribute generation access to it and
allows them to have a depth of penetration. And it can achieve
interaction with users. Considering the connotation of smart
distribution network, it can be divided into physical power
network, telecommunications, information, control, analysis
and interactivity.
(1)Physical power network
Physical power network is the carrier of smart distribution
network. It is one of the bases for smart distribution network
coming true. Physical power grid includes various distribution
network infrastructures, switches,power distribution terminals,
smart power distribution equipments, sensors, DG I energy
storage, and so on. Smart power distribution equipments
include traditional secondary side of m onitoring, control,
protection, security and stability control devices. It also
includes static compensation devices, solid state switches,
and distributed energy storage devices of traditional primary
side of distribution system.
(2)Communication
Communication is the carrier of transmitting all types of
information. It has many applications in distribution network,
for example substation aut omation, automatic meter
reading technology and users demand response. And they
are important applications in smart distribution network.
Communication technology is one of the bases for smart
distribution network coming true [12, 13]. Without advanced
communication network, any advantage of smart distribution
network can't be reflected. Building a high-speed, two-way,
real-time, integrated communications system is a basis for
smart distribution network.
(3)lnformation
There is a lot of data in smart distribution network, included
in SCADA, distribution automation, GIS, MIS, distribution
m anagement information syste ms and other system
data. These data contain specific information about each
subsystem, and also contain a lot of information that is
c ommon to a number of subsystems. Thus data inter­
related phenomenon has been formed. Moreover, with
the construction of smart grid, the lever of automation of
distribution is higher and higher, and advanced application
software based on various types of algorithms are used
by more and more power companies. There are a lot of
heterogeneous data as the software developed by different
manufacturers. So it is hard to achieve data and information
sharing. In order to provide more data for all aspects of
distribution network business, building massive distribution
network database is an inherent requirement.
(4)Analysis and calculation
As distribution network must be safe, economical and reliable
operation, it is required to do a lot of analysis and calculation
when d esigning and operating of distribution network.
(CICED 2014 Session5) Paper No. CP0465
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Analysis and calculation of distribution network is also a
basis and means of studying distribution network planning
and operational issues. With a lot of DG, micro-grid, large­
scale energy storage devices and electric vehicles access to
distribution network, it becomes into active distribution network
from inactive distribution network. And its composition,
structure, operation and management are more and more
complex. Its optimizing operation and control are more and
more difficult. Its analysis and calculation are more complex.
(5)control
Distribution network can't run securely, st eadily and
economically without the supporting of control technology.
Broadly speaking, it can be called a control to distribution
network as long as something bringing to distribution network
and its components for whatever purpose [14]. The purpose of
distribution network control is to provide effective management
and control methods for dispatchers, see the system's
operating status, take appropriate measures to improve the
safety and reliability of the system, and realize the system
running securely, steadily and economically. Distribution
network control means taking concrete measures to adjust
distribution system to another operational state. When the
system is running normally,technical means must be taken to
meet the needs of high quality power supply and economical
efficiency. To some extent, the system has a strong capacity
for load fluctuation and can reduce the probability of system
overload after doing control. When the system fails, technical
means must be taken to restore power rapidly in order to
reduce fault losses.
(6)lnteraction
Interaction is an inherent requirement of smart distribution
network. Through real-time communication, it can achieve
interaction and efficient coordination among power source,
power grid and user source. And it can promote the safe,
efficient, and clean application of power energy. The
interaction of smart distribution network contains two means.
The first is that smart distribution network allows a large
number of DG to access. The second is the interaction
between power grid and power users [15].
One of the most important features, which smart distribution
network is different from traditional distribution network
is that it allows a large number of DG to access. Smar t
distribution network is no longer the same as traditional grid
which limits the access locations and capacity of DG. From
the perspective of optimal allocation of resources, it allows
DG to "plug and play". By self-adaption of protection control
system and standardizing system interface, it can achieve
the optimization use of various energies and loss reduction of
power energy.
Another important feature, which smart distribution grid is
different from traditional distribution grid, is that it allows
power grid and power users to interactive. Interaction between
power grid and power users can be reflected in two aspects.
The first is the application of smart meters. By using smart
meters, Time of Use (TOU) and dynamic real-time pricing can
be implemented, and users can choose their own electricity
time under real-time pricing. The second is that it actively
creates conditions for users of DG, energy storage devices
and electric vehicles and allows them to provide power for grid
during peak periods. So they can participate in load shifting.
In this case, users becomes from single passive consumers of
electricity to active participants in grid operation control.
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 2014 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2014) Shenzhen,23-26 Sep. 2014

e, Model Hierarchy structure characteristics for equipments I components in distribution

Combined with smart distribution grid business scope, smart system. Object modeling is the process of building models
distribution system model can be divided into six kinds. They of equipments I components in power grid. And it has the
are object model, communication model, information model, characteristics of a smaller scope, only one component
analysis and calculation model, control model and interaction and a clear mechanism. Object model as the base layer of
model. The relationship among them is shown in Fig.2. distribution grid is located in the bottom of smart distribution
grid model system. Object model system is shown in Fig.4.
Information
Model

.A.nalysis
,nd
Calculato
Model
i n
r � Communi-
cato
i n
Model

o
P wer
Grid

j 1
/ " FigA Object model system
Users
Power
Source (2)support layer
There are two types of model in support layer. They are
Distrb
i uto
i n Syste communication model and information model. Communication
Power Grd
i

Control
/ Object
Model
model is used to define the transmission mode of information
among nodes in distribution grid. Information model is used
Model
to define information needed and collected among nodes and
physical information in distribution grid. Communication model
and information model are located in the middle of smart
Interaction
distribution grid model system.
Model
It is needed to construct a sound communication system in
Fig2 Diagram of relationship a mon g models distribution grid. Self-adaption management of running mode,
loss reduction of power energy, optimization of performance
In consideration of the different function of six kinds of models, indicators,coordinated operation between distribution network
these six kinds of models can be divided into base layer, and new energy storage device, "plug and play" of DG, real­
support layer and application layer, where object model is time interaction with users and providing value-added service
located in base layer, communication model and information must depend on communication system. Building of smart
model are located in support layer, analysis and calculation communication system must be based on communication
model, control model and the interactive model are located in models. The transmission mode of information among nodes,
application layer. The logic diagram level of them is shown in defined by communication model, contains data format,
Fig.3. synchronization method, transmission speed, transmission
procedure, inspection of error correction, and definition of
control characters. Communication model can be divided into
Comrol Model Interaction I'.fodel structure model and transmission model. Communication
Applicatiotl
La,... model system is shown in Fig.5.
Analy-si'S atld Cslc.uLation Model
i n Model System
Communicato I
I Transmission Model � Structure
L--,�r==='--
Model l
-
r-u::C6l850 Model 1- PO
t 10 - - in- - o- ----.I
in-
o t M del
P

Suppon Layer
IEC61968 Model L � Ring Comnmnication Model I
IEC6l970 Model=-oJ � Cellular Communication Model l
L I
I
Communicato
i n Po
r tocol Client I Ser1ier Model
Model
I
�bli.h I Subscribe Model I
Object lorfDdel
Fig. 5 Communication model system

De'l.ric.e Load Node DG S}'5te-m Information model is an abstract model and it adopts a
1-fode.! 1.1ode! J!..fDdel Model :Model
comprehensive object-oriented modeling technique which
Io.fathemati.cBl. Model SinrulatiOll I'.fodel uses unified modeling language to describe real-world
Fig.3 Mod el level logic diagram objects. Power system information model is an abstract
model of power system. It includes equipment object models
Smart distri bution grid model system is around planning, such as transformers object model, circuit breakers object
construction, operation and management of distribution grid. model, and lines object model and so on. It also includes
And it plays a different role for each of them. All of them logical object models such as power generation plan logical
service smart distribution grid construction. object model, spare ca pacity logical object model, and
financial information logical object model and so on. Power
(1 ) Base layer system uses uniformly Common Information Model (CIM) to
Object model is a description of structure information and describe power system device objects and logical objects.

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 2014 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2014) Shenzhen,23-26 Sep. 2014

CIM contains a detailed description of public class interfaces,

attributes, and interrelation of power system objects. It is a
logical expression of power system. Information model system
of smart distribution system is shown in Fig.6.

Fig.6 Information model system

Fig.7 Overall structure of smart distribution grid mocellibrary

(3)Application layer
Analysis and calculation m odel is used to define the
relationship among all information and the relationship
between information and target. Control model is used to
maintain voltage, current, power, power factor, etc. within
reasonable limits. Interaction model is used to define the
interaction relationship between power companies and
users. These three models are a comprehensive reflection
of smart application in smart distribution power system. By
these three models, optimize operation and intelligent control
of distribution grid can be achieved. It can allow distribution
generation I micro-grid I energy storage devices to access
to distribution network, and it can achieve an interaction with
users. All of these ensure the security, reliability, stability, and
economic running of distribution grid.
IV. MODEL LIBRARY DES IGN OF SMART
DISTRIBUTION GRID
Currently, software system has achieved universal application
around worldwide, and a variety of features needed by people
can be perfectly realized by modern software engineering
methods and good practice rule of thumb. But there was no
mature commercial software of distribution network model
library. On the base of depth study of distribution grid model
system, the paper teases out and integrates the various
models in distribution grid. and designs a smart distribution
grid model library, by which general staff can choose the
best model meeting their needs to improve the efficiency and
accuracy of simulation.
A. Overall st ru cture of the model library
Smart distribution grid model library is used to centrally
manage each model. It includes device model of sub-model
library, load model of sub-model library, node model of sub­
model library, DG model of sub-model library, common
examples model of sub-model library and typical wiring model
of sub-model library. Each sub-model library is constituted by
different models. The structure of model library is shown in
Fig.7.
Smart distribution grid model library has the functions of
B. Composing of model libraries
Smart distribution model system has the function of managing
models and their parameters. It is made up of four parts,
which are system main function module, Model library and
parameter library, data base,and interface.
System main function module is mainly responsible for
sched uling control, input I output, model analysis and
interaction with users. It can provide users interface for other
modules.
Model library and parameter library are responsible for
management of model, scheduling of model, implementation
of model. managing and amending of parameters.
Dat a base is responsible f o r organiz a t i o n , stor age,
relationships maintenance of a variety of data required.
Interface is responsible for data interaction and function block
scheduling. It includes model library access interface and
database access interface.
Model library system structure is shown in Fig.S.
i-------------l
I I
'------',.. I
Di5tribunonNetwmk
Slnru.larion])ev�lopi!r
1...- _____________ ....1
FigS System structure of Smart distribution grid model l i brary
V. CONCLUSION
Modeling and analysis is an important way to solve scientific
and technical problems and is the base and eternal theme of
,

model modification editor, model adding editor,model material

conducting scientific research and technology applications.
library, model debugging and testing modules, and system
There are two ways to solve scientific and technical problems.
management.
The first way is to build model and use adapted method to
get result. The second way is to find an algorithm and build
adapted model to get result. Based on in-depth study of
the theory and methods of smart distribution grid, the paper
constructs an effective model system of smart distribution grid,
and establishes a comprehensive, specialized and scalable

(CICED 2014 Session5) Paper No. CP0465 4/5 Page /576

 2014 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CICED 2014) Shenzhen,23-26 Sep. 2014

distribution network model library. They provide basic support

for smart distribution grid development of planning, operation,
and control. And they have important theoretical and practical
significance.

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Dongli Jia received the B.S. degree from the Electrical

Engineering Department, Hebei University of Technology
(HEBUT), Tianjin, China in 2006, the M.S. degree in Power
System from Tianjin University (T JU),Tianjin, China in 2008.
Now she is working in the Power Distribution Department of
China Electric Power Research Institute. Her fields of interest
include power system planning, analysis and simulation, and
operation control technology of power grid.

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