Smart Grid software applications as an ultra-large-scale system: Challenges for evolution

Abstract

Abstract-Software applications play a major role to support the smartness in Smart Grid. Such applications are in a neverending state of flux due to rapidly changing expectations from the users and stakeholders. Hence, evolution is an important matter for development of Smart Grid software applications and the challenging factors of software evolution in Smart Grid should be identified. This position paper presents a discussion on the Smart Grid software applications as an ultra-large-scale system, focusing on the possible challenges that need to be addressed for an effective and efficient evolution of the area.Index Terms-Smart Grid, software applications, software evolution, systems of systems, ultra-large-scale system.

Challenges on software defect analysis in Smart Grid applications

“…The latter means that in ULSS the consumers are not only users of the system, but a part of the system and contribute in the system activities. In Smart Grid, by considering the substantial role of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and solar panels, people are a part of the system [1].…”

“…Smart Grid refers to the application of information and communication technology to evolve the traditional electric power grid to a two-way digitized grid [1]. Such a grid employs different software applications at different domains from generation to transmission, distribution and consumption.…”

“…Such a grid employs different software applications at different domains from generation to transmission, distribution and consumption. Although Smart Grid software applications would be single monolithic software by themselves, when they function together in the whole grid they become a kind of ultra-large-scale system (ULSS) [1]. ULSS have the following characteristics [24]:…”

Can Reused Components Provide Lead to Future Defective Components in Smart Grid Applications?

“…A discussion of evolution complexity and challenges of Smart Grid applications as compared to monolithic software is given in Anvaari et al [4]. Our motivation for the choice of this case study is that, as a critical infrastructure, the availability and reliability of the Smart Grid is crucial to its safety and security.…”

A Bibliographical Survey on Software Architectures for Smart Grid System

“…They are suitable to smart grid architectures due to these attributes: Intelligent and Autonomous, Distributed control, Act flexibly to the changes in environment, co-operates each other towards a common goal. Malik et al analysed various aspects of Agents usage in Smart Grid environment [32]. This paper evaluates the agents' application in smart grid functional areas: Control, Fault management, Self-healing, energy balance management and distribution side management.…”