Performance Analysis of Smart Grid Communication Networks Using Co-Simulation

The power system network is moving towards a smarter grid with increasing deployment of distributed generators, and prosumers, embedded with distributed control. An evolving active distribution network will require a distribution system operator (DSO) which will utilize information and communication technology to perform optimization and control of distributed energy resources (DERs). There are two major challenges in performing simulation and analysis of a distribution system. The first one is the detailed modelling and integration of a large number of distributed generators and the second one is the integration of communication and power layers in real-time simulation. In this paper, a co-simulation framework is proposed, which facilitates the performance monitoring of both layers simultaneously. A CIGRE benchmark system is used to investigate the performance of the communication layer along with the detailed modelling of distributed generators. A network topology with different network scenarios is used to analyze the impact of the network performance. This analysis helps in determining network scenarios for the optimal operation of the distribution system. The simulation study has utilized Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), Typhoon, and OpalRT real-time simulators for the power layer, and NetSim for designing a communication layer between all the simulators and emulating the actual communication.