1. Norbert Bigirimana1, Dr. Hantao Cui2, Dr. Kevin Tomsovic2
The Development of Continental Communication Network Topologies on the CURENT Large-Scale Testbed
Norbert Bigirimana1, Dr. Hantao Cui2, Dr. Kevin Tomsovic2
1 The University of North Florida, 2 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
CURRENT US POWER GRID COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
Real time synchro-phasors are only available to small utility regions.
Delay in data communication from utility regions. Data goes through many stages before it reaches the national grid control center.
Only some information from utilities is shared. Data is lost on the way to the national control center.
Delay in response to catastrophic events in the power grid.
Fig.1. Overview of the existing US grid communication system
THE DESIGN PROCESS AND BENEFITS OF A CENTRALIZED POWER GRID COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Acquire information about fiber optic communication nodes and links in North America.
Use python programming language to create a communication network by making three assumptions:
One phasor measurement unit (PMU) per node.
One switch per state
One link between the switches.
Use python to create a function that returns the closest communication nodes to all power system PMUs.
Map both power and communication networks and implement the design on the Curent hardware testbed.
A centralized communication system will read synchronized data directly from PMUs and PDCs with fewer intermediate medium.
Fig. 2. Expected centralized grid
Communication model operation.
BENEFITS OF A CENTRALIZED GRID
MONITORING SYSTEM
Enables real-time control of the grid by reading synchronized data.
Fast control across wide area of the grid.
Fast response to catastrophic events that might cause a blackout.
RESULT OF THE DESIGNED COMMUNICATION NETWORK
Python programming language was used to create a csv(comma separated value) file to be run onto CURENT ltbnet (large scale test bed network emulator) to visualize the links and nodes.
All PMUs are then mapped to their closest communication node to transfer data to the control center as fast as possible.
CONCLUSION
Using the closest communication nodes to transmit PMU and PDC synchro-phasors from the North American power grid to the centralized control center will enable real-time control and protection of the grid due to fast response.
Fig. 3. Communication network switches, links, and nodes created to
model the entire North American communication topology and
PMU connections.
This research was supported primarily by the ERC Program of the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy under
NSF Award Number EEC
Other US government and industrial sponsors of CURENT research are also gratefully acknowledged.
Dr. Hantao Cui, Dr. Kevin Tomsovic, Dr. Chen-fei Chen, Dr. Anne Leslie Skutnik, and all UTK CURENT staff and faculty members are gratefully acknowledged for their assistance in this research.