Dissertation on resource-efficient communication in distributed energy systems – successfully completed

On June 26, 2017, one could congratulate Stefan Feuerhahn on his passed doctoral examination. The IEC 61850 specification defines a communication standard for the automation of energy systems and provides a powerful data model and various services for monitoring and navigating components of energy systems. While the initial focus was on the automation of high and medium voltage networks and their substations, the IEC 61850 standard is also an option for navigating decentralized and distributed energy resources – such as photovoltaics. Feuerhahn addresses the question of whether this standard is eligible and which alternatives – like OPC UA – could be considered additionally. His motivation for this investigation developed while he was working on practical research projects at the Fraunhofer Institute ISE in Freiburg. Considering the long investment cycles, it is of major importance that the "right" protocols are selected; since a specific system landscape will be set for years to come.