Architecting the Smart Grid Using the Industrial Internet of Things
Other industries are solving similar machine-to-machine interoperability problems as they invest
in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), creating interoperable devices and systems that
previously required enormous, complex, and un-scalable solutions – if it could be done at all. IIoT
leverages Internet protocols, communication networks, cloud computing, componentized
software and device identification to provide a common architecture. This combines to give an
overall solution that can interoperate between systems and devices, bringing richer functionality
and the promise of better resilience and operations that are more effective. In addition, with a
cross industry Internet of Things, these systems could integrate across different industries that
were previously not even considered, such as in a Smarter Cities context.
2.
THE PARTICULAR CHALLENGE OF INTEGRATING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY
RESOURCES
The electric power transmission and distribution system, especially in the US, was not originally
designed and built to manage the large numbers of distributed energy resources