Virtualization in substations. Technologies and applications E. Torres, P. Eguia, O. Abarrategi, D.M. Larruskain, V. Valverde and G. Buigues   2024/07/20

Abstract

The application of digital technologies in electric substations will be a key driver to develop the green transition and leverage the benefits from a smarter power grid. One of those technologies is virtualization, widely used in IT. Substation virtualization will allow the development of more flexible and agile substations and will contribute to a more resilient grid. However, its application in substations poses several issues, as they are critical facilities with real time and high reliability operation requirements. This paper reviews main virtualization concepts and technologies, and their application in electric substations, taking into account the role and functionalities of distribution primary and secondary substations, with special focus on control and protection functionalities.

Authors and affiliations

E. Torres, P. Eguia, O. Abarrategi, D.M. Larruskain, V. Valverde and G. Buigues

Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering of Bilbao, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU. Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo, nº 1, 48013 Bilbao (Spain)

Key Words

Virtualization, virtual machine, containerization, distribution substation

References