Information and Communication Systems

This chapter covers the information and communication systems requirements for the microgrids. The focus of the systems is on supporting seamless exchange of data and commands between participants in various transactions across the microgrid and the rest of the electric power system (EPS). Home area networks (HANs) provide a network for the non‐aggregated atomic nodes devices and enable communications within a home or end‐customer environment. Local area networks (LANs) provide a network backbone for the aggregated HANs via gateway applications and protocols like advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart meters. The chapter classifies the available communication technologies into the physical media available for communications and then the technologies that can be implemented on the media. Several of the most common and applicable technologies for microgrid applications are discussed with their features, advantages, and disadvantages.