Theme 3 Communications and Control in Smart Microgrids David G. Michelson (UBC) Tho Le-Ngoc (McGill) Julian Meng (U New Brunswick) Hassan Farranghi (BCIT) Presented by: David G Michelson

Introduction The Next Generation Smart Grid is the convergence of Information and Communication Technology with Power Systems Engineering. Extending command and control into the distribution grid and accommodating the requirements of microgrids in a cost effective manner is a significant challenge. New deployment strategies, architectures, devices and data management strategies are required. The use cases are superficially similar to those encountered in traditional applications; many of the requirements are much different. Communications and power systems engineers must learn to speak each other’s language and understand each other’s design methodologies.

The Four Projects of Theme 3 Project 3.1 – Connectivity and Coexistence – Dave Michelson (UBC) Project 3.2 – Grid Integration Require- ments and Standards – Tho Le-Ngoc (McGill) Project 3.3 – Smart, Remotely Reconfigurable Sensors – Julian Meng (UNB) Project 3.4 – Integrated Data Management and Portals – Hassan Farhangi (BCIT)

Outcomes Connectivity and Coexistence – Nature and impact of shadow fading in power utility environments – Assessment of coexistence in heterogeneous networks – Impact of angular dispersion on choice of terminal antenna: Industry Canada SRSP – Planning tool for communications over MV power lines Grid Integration Requirements and Standards – Architectures and essential characteristics of wireless networks that support the integration of microgrids. – Role and applicability of the IEC standards and powerline communications in microgrids. – Evaluation of Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing for microgrids. – Implementation specification of the Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) for microgrids.

Outcomes Smart, Remotely Reconfigurable Sensors – Prototype of a smart and reconfigurable wireless module. – Physical test bed for effects of EMI on the ZigBee platform. – Modeling and testing of the ZigBee Physical Layer against AWGN and impulsive noise Integrated Data Management and Portals – Study of different techniques suitable for Volt/VAR optimization and impact of different loads. – Study of transformer losses in power line communication networks. – A predictive algorithm based on global attributes of energy management systems, daily and seasonal factors.

Industry Partners Industry partners have played a critical role in many Theme 3 activities by: Posing research questions. Supplying measurement data. Mentoring of students. Donating or loaning equipment. Providing access to specialized expertise. Providing introductions. Providing funding. Project 3.1 – Cisco, BC Hydro and Rohde & Schwarz engineers work with NSMG researcher Sina Mashayeki to solve a difficult test and measurement problem – Fall “Posing a research question that really matters to a graduate student researcher can have remarkable impact.”

Outreach and Dissemination Project Presentation at UTC Canada 2012 Theme 3 results have been disseminated through a variety academic conferences, industry meetings and industry briefings. Our ultimate goal is to impact both Industry Practice and Government Policy. A close relationship between researchers and industry/government partners is essential. The 50/50 Rule Only half of our research outcomes should be anticipated. The other half should be opportunistic. “It’s surprising how often a chance remark or minor comment by an industry partner can lead to some very significant research outcomes.”

Looking Forward Strengths – Multidisciplinary strength in SmartGrid communications. Opportunities – Demonstrations, field trials and policy initiatives. Challenges – We need to build stronger linkages to Themes 1 and 2 so that we can have greater impact on SmartMicroGrid communications. Workshops and Events – October 2013 – Huawei workshop on LTE – Agilent workshop on EMC – World Wireless Research Forum 31