Communication Systems for Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Resources

Abstract: There is growing interest in renewable energy around the world. Since most renewable sources are intermittent in nature, it is a challenging task to integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid infrastructure. In this grid integration, communication systems are crucial technologies, which enable the accommodation of distributed renewable energy generation and play extremely important role in monitoring, operating, and protecting both renewable energy generators and power systems. In this paper, we review some communication technologies available for grid integration of renewable energy resources. Then, we present the communication systems used in a real renewable energy project, Bear Mountain Wind Farm (BMW) in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, we present the communication systems used in Photovoltaic Power Systems (PPS). Finally, we outline some research challenges and possible solutions about the communication systems for grid integration of renewable energy resources.

• The paper examines communication systems, including PLC and various wireless technologies, critical for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar into power grids.
• It highlights interoperability challenges and discusses practical applications in case studies like wind farms and photovoltaic systems, emphasizing real-time monitoring and control needs.
• The authors identify research challenges such as standardization and reliability, suggesting future work on wireless networks and synchronized measurement systems to improve grid stability.

Communication Systems in the Integration of Renewable Energy Resources into the Power Grid

The paper, "Communication Systems for Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Resources," authored by F. Richard Yu et al., presents a detailed examination of communication systems critical in integrating renewable energy sources into power grid infrastructure. The research underscores the significance of communication technologies in managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources, thus ensuring efficient grid operations and enhancing system reliability.

Overview of Communication Technologies

The integration of renewable energy into traditional power systems necessitates robust communication infrastructures to handle the bi-directional flow of information and electricity essential for smart grid functionality. The paper details several communication technologies employed in grid integration:

1. Power Line Communications (PLC): PLC technology uses existing electrical wires for data transport, offering considerable bandwidth possibilities up to 200 Mb/s. While PLC leverages existing infrastructure, issues like electromagnetic interference and higher costs compared to wireless solutions remain challenges.
2. Wireless Home Area Networks: Technologies like ZigBee and Wi-Fi facilitate energy management and monitoring at consumer levels, enabling direct communication between utilities and end-users. Despite the widespread utility of Wi-Fi, the concern regarding its energy consumption in network applications is notable.
3. Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWAN): Although utilizing public cellular networks for direct smart meter communication presents cost advantages, meeting utility-specific requirements poses challenges. Alternatives like WiMAX offer secure licensed spectrum options but are associated with higher costs.
4. Interoperability Challenges: The paper highlights the critical need for a standardized communication framework to support interoperability, addressing fragmented protocols and promoting scalable solutions.

Case Study: Bear Mountain Wind Farm

The study extends its exploration into practical implementations, exemplified by the Bear Mountain Wind Farm in British Columbia, showcasing communication systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The SCADA system at BMW facilitates extensive monitoring and control capabilities critical for optimizing wind farm operations amidst variability in wind conditions. The research also discusses remedial action schemes essential for system-level protection.

Photovoltaic Power Systems (PPS)

The paper further explores the communication systems utilized in photovoltaic power systems, emphasizing the evolution from utility-scale applications to wider implementations, including residential scales. Here, wireless communication proves invaluable, enabling comprehensive real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis at module, string, and system levels. Challenges such as power consumption and maintaining reliability under dynamic conditions are articulated.

Research Challenges and Future Directions

Several research challenges are identified, including the standardization of communication protocols to streamline operations across different renewable energy systems. The need for synchronized phasor measurement systems and advanced applications within SCADA infrastructures are proposed to bolster grid stability. The authors suggest further exploration into wireless communication technologies to enhance reliability and reduce costs.

Future research trajectories involve increasing the reliability of communication networks, optimizing energy consumption balances, and addressing islanding detection with improved methodologies. As the infrastructure for renewable energy integration advances, the paper calls for rigorous investigation into resolving existing technical limitations.

Conclusion

The authors offer a comprehensive overview of communication systems pivotal in renewable energy resource integration, spotlighting practical applications and outlining areas for further exploration. The implications of this research underscore the necessity of evolving communication infrastructures within emerging smart grids, ensuring not only efficient operational control but also facilitating broader adoption of distributed renewable energy generation.