IEEE Std 1854-2019 pdf download – IEEE Trial-Use Guide for Smart Distribution Applications
Communication protocols and overall smart grid architecture should be in place to take advantage of smart grid applications that utilize DA devices. There are a number of communications protocols that enable communication between DA devices and a central control system or between each other (peer to peer communication systems or decentralized control). These include Area Network System Segmentation (PAN, LAN, MAN, etc.), other protocols behind-the-meter (SunSpec, IEEE 2030.5, Open Field Message Bus (OpenFMB), etc.), and the convergence of operations technology (OT) and information technology (IT). Some of these protocols are proprietary and are very likely to limit communication to devices of the same manufacturer. In the last two decades or so, there has been a larger industry push toward the use of standardized protocols such as DNP3 (IEEE Std 1815TM) [B64] and IEC 61850 [B54]. A decision on centralized versus decentralized control can significantly impact the overall system architecture. These decisions are based on the size of utility, its service territory, and overall operating environment. Many utilities are, however, deploying hybrid systems such as decentralized control for areas where high reliability and minimization of restoration times are required and use centralized control for normal operation. Some areas typically requiring high reliability are portions of the distribution circuit serving emergency services, hospitals, police and fire services, and other critical services.
Remote terminal units (RTUs) can also facilitate the DA deployment strategy. While supporting remote monitoring and control capabilities, an RTU supports the expansion of the SCADA capabilities along the distribution feeder when used in concert with other RTU-enabled devices or with centralized logic schemes. Programmable logic capability within an RTU supports the development of automated switching schemes between DA sites, including returning the system to its normal configuration without operator intervention afer the distribution system returns to normal. Automated switching schemes that use embedded or centralized logic can also perform the tasks as they continuously monitor the state of the system and can return it to its normal configured state when necessary. An RTU can also simultaneously support dynamic system reactive requirements by enabling switching capacitors either on a three-phase basis or on an independent per-phase basis, as well as monitoring and reporting fault detection on a per-phase basis. The versatility of the modern RTU has enhanced and improved DA deployment strategies.