Analysis of an edge-computing-based solution for local data processing at secondary substations

This paper analyses the technologies proposed in the open Edge Workload Consolidation Architecture (defined by Intel and Minsait) and their main alternatives, considering the specific requirements and perspective of a power distribution utility (i-DE) to implement it at secondary substations. The analysis distinguishes the edge device (hardware and software), communications and the management system. Furthermore, the advantages, challenges and possible functionalities in the LV distribution grid are discussed, as well as the economic impact on the system and on the utility. To support the analysis, a local and a remote test environment are used for technologies comparisons and for the development and testing of a real-time balance computing application.The analyzed architecture is found to be appropriate and the solution, modular and open source based, has the potential to be the new paradigm of how the LV grid is monitored and controlled, providing great benefits to the power distribution’s stakeholders.