Role of Joint 5G-IoT Framework for Smart Grid Interoperability Enhancement

The ever-growing development in communication technology and very fast advances in data science are transferring the power systems in a new era. The level of autonomy is improving by means of Internet-of-Things (IoT), while the level of intelligence is improving through artificial intelligence. The applications of big data analytics and cloud computing techniques in smart grids are also new topics, which have been paid particular attention recently. These paradigms can be used in both grid-scale and local-scale, while the central grid operation center has interoperability with an abundant number of sub-controllers, and aggregators in a wide variety of scales. On the one hand, the system operator must deal with multiple parameters with different kinds of uncertainties. On the other hand, the new structures are evolving toward transactive energy trading models in microgrids. In such a circumstance, a myriad of elements is producing critical data, which should be acquired, transferred, stored, analyzed, and finally, proper controlling actions must be sent. These data are producing at different intervals, even in a fraction of a second. This matter makes it possible to maintain grid security and better real-time operation as well as to get better demand responsiveness. A smart grid consists of many embedded or interconnected systems that are linked to each other through various communication platforms in the cyber layer. A flexible, highly-autonomous, and intelligent smart grid entails an agile communication system, whether wired or wireless. However, cellular networks have prominent benefits. Hence, 5G technology, which is state-of-the-art technology in this field, can be deployed. The communication infrastructure links many components to each other in cyber-physical smart grids. The velocity of data exchange has a profound importance for some purposes, while 5G technology can be the best solution. The joint integration of IoT and 5G procures more reliability, resiliency, security, and economy.