Applications of emerging communication trends in automation

Energy plays a major role in global economic landscape. The modernization of energy infrastructure otherwise called Power Grid, with integration of renewable energy sources like Solar, Wind have emerged as a key focus area across the world. The Smart grid vision generally describes a power system that is more intelligent, more decentralized and resilient, more controllable and better protected than todays grid. Integrated Communications becomes one of five key technologies for Smart Grid. In the SmartGrid evolution Microgrid enjoys major significance. Microgrid comprises of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including Solar, Wind and tidal etc. on one side and a set of loads serviced by this energy generation on the other side. By using Microgrids and integrating renewable sources, we can satisfy the needs of residential, campus or community wide energy needs and since it is intended for local consumption, involves reduced capital. Microgrids being an emerging scenario,significant exploration on the use of new technologies is applied on these systems. In order to satisfy the reach and ability of communication in these networks including rural areas, it becomes a necessity to consider the Internet and Telecom based wireless networks. There are two specific trends in this area which are of interest, which are Internet Of Things (IoT) and Software Defined Networks. The Purpose of this Study is to explore these technologies in the context of Automation Systems considering the use cases from Microgrid Systems.