Configuring DDS features for communicating components in smart grids

A key success factor for a smart grid lies on reliable data exchange between components across domains in the grid. However, a smart grid involves various types of devices and equipment having different quality concerns and computing capability, which requires a flexible communication platform that can accommodate heterogeneous devices. The Data Distribution Service (DDS) is a standard for data-centric communication based on a publish-subscribe protocol for distributed applications. It enables reliable data communication through various features such as quality-of-service (QoS) and dynamic discovery. In this paper, we present configuring DDS features to support different types of components in smart grids. First, we describe communicating components, requirements, and challenges in smart grids. Then, we describe how DDS features can be configured to a specific component. Based on the configuration, we demonstrate modeling and tailoring DDS specifically for the component type. This work uses the term component to refer to any software system or hardware device with computing and communication capabilities in smart grids.