Applying IEC standards for communication and data management as the backbone of smart distribution

The enhancement of distribution networks into smart grids is accompanied by new functions and technologies like network automation, smart metering and de-centralized energy management. Consequently, the information and communication technology (ICT) must penetrate the distribution systems down to the end consumers on the low voltage network what is not the case in today system. Also on the different control levels of electric networks various communication protocols and information systems are applied which do not allow seamless information exchange. Resulting, there is a strong need for uniformity of the data models and the services of the communication system for the overall network control and data acquisition. This uniformity can be achieved by the application of IEC 61850. Additionally, there is a need for harmonizing IEC 61850 with the standards for gateways in home automation and smart meters and also with data base systems using Common Information Models (CIM / IEC 61968). A pilot application in the framework of the European lighthouse project Web2Energy is demonstrated.