Modern ICT/Automation Approaches for Smart Grids and Industrial Environments

There is a continuously growing demand for electricity, which must be satisfied by the electric energy systems worldwide. At the same time, a stable supply must be guaranteed. The current situation with CO2 emissions and global warming has created an obvious trend towards a sustainable electric energy system. The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is an important requirement. Such renewable sources, but also energy storage systems and flexible loads provide enhanced possibilities but power system operators and utilities have to cope with their fluctuating nature, limited storage capabilities and the typically higher complexity of the whole infrastructure. Additionally, due to changing framework conditions, like the liberalization of the energy markets and new regulatory rules, as well as technology developments (e.g., new components), approaches for design, planning, and operation of the future electric energy system have to be restructured. Sophisticated component design methods, intelligent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) architectures, automation and control concepts as well as proper standards are necessary in order to manage the higher complexity of intelligent power systems (i.e., smart grids). Therefore, this training course provides an overview of ICT and automation-based approaches, concepts, methods and related standards which are important for the realization of smart grid systems.