A Device-Level Service-Oriented Middleware Platform for Self-Manageable DC Microgrid Applications Utilizing Semantic-Enabled Distributed Energy Resources

Dynamic and adaptable integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into novel power system assets, such as microgrids, is one of the key prerequisites for accelerated Smart Grid deployment. By using standardized network interfaces and semantic descriptions for remotely controllable DERs, it is possible to develop intelligent microgrid applications capable of dealing with dynamic loads and intermittent DER power production. IEC 61850 standard has been accepted as one of the prime movers of successful and interoperable Smart Grid communication and integration. Although primarily being applied to the substation automation, IEC 61850 now provides semantic definitions for DER devices allowing it to be applied to expert microgrid application development. The current IEC 61850 middleware definition cannot cope with certain Smart Grid requirements such as support for autonomous microgrid applications with DER plug-and-play capability. These issues could be solved by integrating the device-level Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) paradigm into IEC 61850 applications. Developing a device-level SOA middleware platform based on IEC 61850 principles could significantly facilitate standards-compliant DER integration and accelerate microgrid deployment. A new middleware platform for microgrid applications is proposed. It is based on integrating device-level SOA design principles into IEC 61850 applications in order to fulfil dynamic microgrid management requirements.