Smart meter communication and control in an IEC 61850 based environment

Abstract

The rapid evolution of energy systems has driven the need for advanced communication and management technologies within the power grid. The technological developments and advancements have resulted in a complex power system requiring protection, automation, monitoring and control strategies and methodologies to ensure its efficient, safe and continued operation. The various devices required for the protection, automation, monitoring and control are generally from different manufacturers and are all required to function together in this system known as the Smart Grid (SG). Challenges of interoperability between these devices have necessitated the development of communication standards such as the IEC 61850 standard that have interoperability and future proofing as its primary drivers. This thesis focuses on integrating the IEC 61850 standard into smart metering systems to address the critical challenges of interoperability, scalability, and efficient data exchange in distributed energy environments. The research explores the potential of the Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) protocol to standardize communication frameworks and enhance the reliability of SG operations. The study employs a modular design approach, incorporating open-source tools, Raspberry Pi hardware, and Dockerized environments to develop a scalable and adaptable smart metering solution. The methodology spans planning, implementation, and testing phases, with rigorous evaluations conducted to validate the system’s performance under various conditions. Key findings demonstrate the system's ability to achieve seamless communication between diverse devices while maintaining high levels of efficiency and reliability. The results contribute to the field by providing a practical framework for applying the IEC 61850 standard outside of traditional substation environments. It highlights the advantages of standardized protocols in reducing operational complexities by eliminating communication interoperability issues and supporting sustainable energy practices. The study also identifies limitations, such as scalability in larger deployments and security considerations, and proposes directions for future research to further optimize the system. The results also contribute to advancing the SM design by combining existing technologies with the IEC 61850 standard, thus providing a comprehensive framework for modern smart metering systems that extend beyond traditional substation applications. The results additionally contribute to the integration of IoT and Web Services within an IEC 61850 environment and demonstrating new pathways for integrating diverse technologies into the SG. Finally, the thesis findings contribute to device standardization and interoperability thus reducing complexity and enabling seamless device integration in distributed energy networks. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the transformative potential of integrating standardized communication protocols into SG technologies, paving the way for more resilient and efficient energy systems.