A Systemic Approach for Assessment of Advanced Distribution Automation Functionalities

The lack of information regarding the systemic behavior of new software and hardware before introducing them for controlling and operating power networks consists of a major challenge for power distribution utilities towards a smart grid implementation. In this context, this paper describes an innovative and cost-effective test platform for advanced distribution automation (ADA) functionalities. The platform integrates a steady-state power system simulator, intelligent electronic devices, smart meters, communication infrastructure, and typical operation systems, using a cyber-physical system approach. The development of such platform originated a novel smart grid emulator, aiming at the execution of systemic tests and validation of ADA functionalities in a controlled environment, allowing systemic analysis rarely found in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbeds. Through such an approach, it is possible to predict and solve typical issues that would be typically noticed only in field implementation. The study case presents tests of a specific algorithm for downed conductor location, considering the environment that the power distribution utility would have through the deployment of a smart grid infrastructure. The paper also discusses the robustness of the event-driven synchronization as an interface technique for HIL and software-in-the-loop environment, which is responsible for integrating operation systems, field equipment, and the power system simulator.