Optimal smart grid operation and control enhancement by edge computing

The national electric power grid is being transformed into a smart grid through deploying a huge number of distributed sensors across the network, a two-way communication system, intelligent control and optimization algorithms, and advanced hardware components. An increasing volume of data are collected by the sensing system, and transfer of these data to a central location for centralized processing poses burden to the communication system and the central computing system. Edge computing, a distributed computing paradigm, processes data and makes proper decisions locally, stores data locally and provides selected, processed data to a higher level, and thus may significantly relieve communication burden and reduce response time of certain control applications. This paper explores possible applications of edge computing to enhance distributed optimization and control of smart grid, including power system asset management, distributed charging scheme and microgrid protection.