Grid architecture is an emerging discipline concerned with grid structure and the development of coherent grid designs.
October 29, 2019
minute read time
Both regulators and utilities are interested in the development of rational technology implementation plans that provide prudent but necessary approaches for meeting their grid modernization needs over time. To do so requires holistic strategies for the deployment of advanced grid capabilities to effectively address the increased level of complexity and uncertainty presented by technological evolution, policy shifts, and changing customer expectations.
Grid architecture is an emerging discipline concerned with grid structure and the development of coherent grid designs. When applied early in the planning process it can help to address system complexity and minimize unwanted consequences. In the latest issue of IEEE’s Power & Energy Magazine, I authored an article describing how the U.S. Department of Energy is working with state regulators and utilities to apply grid architecture in their grid modernization planning processes in a way that provides a consistent set of expectations across their respective domains.
The article highlights the three key principles of grid architecture: coordination, scalability, and layering. Coordination is the process that enables a set of decentralized elements to cooperate to solve a common problem. It leads to an understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of all participants in grid operations, including an understanding of their information sharing requirements. Scalability is the ability of a system to accommodate an expanding number of endpoints without the need to undertake significant rework of the grid design. When implemented properly, it can lead to the effective management of local and system optimization requirements. Finally, layering involves putting to use fundamental system capabilities to serve a variety of applications through well-developed interfaces. Grid architecture shows how to layer core system components, such as information management, sensing, and communications systems, that can then serve as a platform to enable current and envisioned functions. Layering aims to remove the traditional siloes that present significant system integration challenges.
Click the link to the full article, which expands on grid architecture as an approach to consider the set of structural requirements fundamental to the proper planning of the future electric grid, https://www.ieee-pes.org/about-the-power-and-energy-magazine.
Joseph Paladino
Joe Paladino is a former Senior Advisor within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (OE) where he collaborated with many organizations across the electric power industry to advance decision-making practices for effective electric grid transformation. He served in both the private and public sectors during his career to apply technologies and best practices that address energy and environmental issues.
He served within the Department for more than 30 years in program development and management roles. He worked with state organizations and utilities to advance integrated distribution system planning practices to enable the formulation of grid investment strategies that address policy priorities and evolution at the grid edge. Notable past efforts include establishing the technology maturation decision process for the DOE Office of Environmental Management, the consortium strategy for the Solid-State Lighting Initiative within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the metrics and benefits program within OE for conveying the impact of grid-related technologies deployed via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Before joining the Department, Mr. Paladino worked at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he was involved in technology development and commercialization efforts to address nuclear waste management issues domestically and abroad. He was also the Sales Manager of a joint venture between Westinghouse and a biotech firm to advance the application of antibody technology for chemical analysis applications.
Mr. Paladino has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds a patent for a design for a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility.