A laboratory prototype of a smart grid based demand side management

Smart grid is a multidisciplinary area that integrates various aspects of power monitoring and control with wireless communication. One of these aspects is data analysis and decision making based on load management strategies. In this paper, a load management scheme is implemented by selective switching of loads in every consumer premises without shedding the entire load on the feeder. A lab prototype for load management using iPac 9302 (.NET technology) and ZigBee Wireless Technology is developed. The loads are switched on and switched off on a priority basis for optimum load management. The prototype is developed using an embedded development kit (EDK) which supports Microsoft .NET Micro Framework technology. The standard IEEE protocol 802.15.4 is used for Wireless control which is implemented using ZigBee technology. The iPac 9302 is a single board computer (SBC) which acts as a client. The Embedded Development Kit for .NET Micro Framework (EDK) provides the foundation for writing C# applications for the .NET MF.