Distributed Application Architecture and LinkNet Topology Processor for Distribution Networks Using the Common Information Model

Ongoing decarbonization efforts and increasing penetrations of distributed energy resources (DERs) may soon disrupt current operational paradigms, requiring a shift from centralized control and optimization to hierarchical and distributed applications. To support this transition, a distributed application architecture for communication and control of distribution network assets is introduced. The architecture defines a structure of communication and coordination layers based on the Laminar Coordination Framework. The challenge of defining distributed control areas is resolved through definition of switch-delimited topological areas based on the physical topology of the feeder instead of communications network layers. Implementation of the architecture in standards-based platforms is enabled by a robust graph-based topology processor leveraging the class structure of the Common Information Model (CIM), which differs significantly from traditional bus-branch representations by explicitly modeling the nodes and terminals of every type of power system equipment. The topology processor creates a set of LinkNet linked list structures for indexing the nodes and terminals of all CIM class object instances and mapping of the feeder topology in real-time. The data structures and algorithm are computationally lightweight, with performance tests presented for several IEEE distribution test systems.