Synchronized Measurement Concept for Failure Handling in Software-Defined Smart Grid Communications

In 2017 IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communications (SmartGridComm), Dresden, Germany, October 2017.

Abstract:

Future power grids - due to the ongoing development towards distributed, renewable generation - depend heavily on reliable real-time monitoring and control. Thus appropriate Information and Communication Technologies are crucial to guarantee stable grid operation. Software-Defined Networking is being considered for handling the diverse requirements of Smart Grid communications. In particular, simultaneous failures of power and communication systems need to be addressed nearly instantaneously (sub 10 milliseconds) to secure timely operation of critical protection functions. To evaluate such scenarios the exact time and sequence of events, in case of communication failures, need to be determined. Hence, a Smart Grid Software-Defined Networking testbed is introduced. It comprises a purpose-built hardware platform that synchronizes networking devices, allowing for highly accurate delay measurements. The platform also enables the precise interruption of communication links. It mimics the characteristics of physical link disruptions, facilitating the study of triggered effects and their time of occurrence. The resulting measurement set-up enables a conclusive comparison of different recovery approaches based on Software-Defined Networking. Finally the need for advanced failure detection mechanisms, such as Bidirectional Forwarding Detection or controller heartbeats, is shown.