Smart gird communications

Smart grid is a new concept to design and operate power generation, transmission, distribution and other related systems in an integrated environment with emerging services. There are a number of challenges in smart grid systems. One of the challenges is low-latency communications for real-time smart grid applications in wide area networks (WANs) such as wide area control, neighbourhood area networks (NANs) such as real-time demand response, and home area networks (HANs) such as home energy scheduling.

The existing standards for smart grid communications are based on IP networks, which were not designed for real-time control systems and thus do not provide real-time performance guarantee. New network protocols and technologies need to be developed in WANs, NANs, and HANs to complement existing smart grid network technologies to enable real-time communications for real-time QoS performance.

We have collaborations with our university power engineering discipline, and have also established a big data lab for experimental HPC and networks at the university, facillitating excellent research in this area.

Research activities

We aim to develop new network architecture, protocols and technologies for WANs, NANs, and HANs to complement existing smart grid network technologies. This will enable real-time communications for smart grid applications with low-latency requirement.

Outcomes

Expected outcomes include new network architecture, protocols and technologies for real-time smart grid communications.

Skills and experience

·         Skills in computer networks are essential.

·         Some experience in computer networks and communications is desirable.

·         A basic understanding of power grid will be helpful but not essential.