Smart grid is an innovating solution for the electrical systems that consists in an integrated architecture for all system components, including generation, transmission, distribution, and users. This architecture is strongly based on...
moreSmart grid is an innovating solution for the electrical systems that consists in an integrated architecture for all system components, including generation, transmission, distribution, and users. This architecture is strongly based on telecommunications networks with potential and inherent advantages such as greater overall eficiency and system-wide reliability, providing communication among intelligent devices. This short-course explains the main smart grid concepts and challenges and explores the IEC 61850 standard which, in turn, standardizes the communications among devices. The IEC 61850 and other relevant protocols are the basic building blocks of a communication network in a smart grid style. The challenges discussed include a new generation of telecommunications network for the smart grid together with security, management, control, quality of service, and migration issues.