An information infrastructure framework for smart grids leveraging SDN and cloud

Smart grids are recognized as the next-generation power grid that uses digital information and communications technology to create an advanced, automated, and efficient energy network among a wealth of electronic appliances, meters, and energy producing and distributing devices. As more complex and distributed interactions among these different components are envisioned, an open, scalable, and manageable framework is needed to support the communication and computing needs. This paper proposes an innovative method to derive scalable information infrastructure for smart grids. The framework well aligns with the emerging micro-grid operational model of the smart grid. A prototype framework is being developed consisting of CloudLab [1], GENI [2] wired and wireless networks, and real-time power system platform at the RTPIS Lab [3].