Implementation and validation of decentralized smart grid functions using distributed measurement acquisition devices

Ever since power transmission was invented, the energy demand has been always on the increase. The availability of protection and control systems in medium and low voltage systems are comparatively less when compared to high voltage systems. Because of the conglomerate advantages of renewable energy sources, more and more distributed generators are added to the distribution networks extensively. As the number of distributed generators will only increase from here on and escalate the grid complexity, an extensive and flexible control system has to be harnessed in a smart grid. The voltage profile becomes increasingly convoluted because of the infeed from the distributed generators. Traditional control algorithms could not be useful when it comes to voltage regulation, which is one of the major concerns in a smart grid system. This paper deals with implementing and validating a smart grid function in a decentralized medium and low voltage grid set up within a power quality measurement device. Winsock communication setup is used for the information transfer between the master and slave devices. Based on the voltage control algorithm implemented, the master power quality measurement device processes the measured values and gives out corresponding outputs according to the capabilities and configurations of the device, upon which the voltage profile is controlled in the grid system.