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A smart grid is a complex system consisting of a wide range of electric grid components, entities controlling power distribution, generation and consumption, and a communication network supporting data exchange. This paper focuses on the influence of imperfect network conditions on smart grid controllers, and how this can be counteracted by utilizing Quality of Service (QoS) information from the communication network. Such an interface between grid controller and network QoS is particularly relevant for smart grid scenarios that use third party communication network infrastructure, where modification of networking and lower layer protocols are impossible. This paper defines a middleware solution for adaptation of smart grid control, which uses network QoS information and interacts with the smart grid controller to increase dependability. In order to verify the methodology, an example scenario of a low voltage grid controller is simulated under imperfect network conditions.

The integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid requires added control intelligence which imposes new communication requirements onto the future power grid. Since large scale implementation of new communication infrastructure is infeasible, we consider methods of increasing dependability of existing networks. We develop models for network delays and information dynamics, and uses these to model information quality for three given information access schemes in an event triggered control scenario. We analyse the impact of model parameters, and show how optimal choice of information access scheme depends on network conditions as well as trade-offs between information quality, network resources and control reactivity.

Abstract-The expected growth in distributed generation will significantly affect the operation and control of today's distribution grids. Being confronted with fast fluctuating power from distributed generations, the assurance of a reliable service (grid stability, avoidance of energy losses) and the quality of the power may become costly. In this light, Smart Grids may provide an answer towards a more active and efficient electrical network. The EU project SmartC2Net aims to enable smart grid operations over imperfect, heterogeneous general purpose networks, which poses a significant challenge to the reliability due to the stochastic behaviour found in such networks.

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