Smart Grid Applications

We use an application-centric approach to develop a communication network architecture for the Smart Grid. The Smart Grid network will be an integrated network supporting all existing utility applications as well as Smart Grid applications that will be introduced in the future. We present a comprehensive description of the new utility applications that can be attributed to the Smart Grid evolution: Advanced Metering Infrastructure, distribution automation, distributed generation (DG), distributed storage, electric vehicles (EVs), microgrids, home area networks, retail energy markets, automated demand response, wide area situational awareness and synchrophasors, Flexible AC Transmission System, and Dynamic Line Rating (DLR). Traffic for these and other evolving Smart Grid applications as well as for the conventional applications of Chap. 4 will be carried over the Smart Grid network. Contributions of each of these applications to one or more of the four broad characteristics of the Smart Grid are summarized.