How Protocol Gateways Enable Digital Transformation of Smart Grids

The Moxa MGate 5119 industrial Ethernet gateway features 2 Ethernet ports and 1 RS-232/422/485 serial port. It supports Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-104, and IEC 61850 MMS Protocol Traffic Monitor for easy troubleshooting, especially during the installation stage

January 8, 2024

By Kuru Kuruvilla, Industry Marketing Manager, Moxa

Digital transformation is converting outdated utility infrastructure into smart grids as the race to achieve net zero carbon emissions picks up speed. This model aims to improve energy management by collecting and analyzing data in real-time. However, maintaining a smart grid’s smooth operation is no easy feat, which has engineers scrambling for ways to enable timely notifications, data analysis, and acquisition among complex subsystems.

Smart grids are highly complex systems made up of multiple subsystems with unique requirements

Challenges and Solutions

A smart grid is a vast system comprising multiple subsystems, ranging from traditional power generation, renewable energy sources, and transmission and distribution networks to digital substations, microgrids, and energy storage systems. Each subsystem has its own characteristics and requirements, including power distribution control, power monitoring, energy storage management, and more.

The challenge arises from the diverse communication protocols used among these subsystems. For instance, feeder lines commonly use IEC 61850, DNP3, or IEC 101/104, while meters rely on Modbus, renewable energy systems utilize CANbus, and backup power employs J1939. Unifying all this data poses a complex problem.

In this scenario, effective protocol conversion and data integration become crucial. This is typically done with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), but it is more costly and complex because PLCs require extensive programming. Industrial computers are another option, but such a solution demands expertise in numerous communication protocols. Even after the system has been operating for a while, potential problems can still occur, so installing diagnostics and troubleshooting tools on location is required. Furthermore, the solution must comply with cybersecurity requirements and the hardware robust enough across various environmental conditions.

Protocol gateways have proven to be an effective solution. They facilitate protocol conversion through simple configuration, eliminating the need for complex programming. Therefore, it is possible to accomplish data integration and system communication even without extensive programming knowledge. Here are a few features to look for:

Remote Troubleshooting

In a smart grid, many devices are in remote locations. Remote access and troubleshooting are crucial to minimize the time spent sending out staff to resolve issues on-site. Protocol gateways provide built-in tools for troubleshooting, significantly reducing the time needed for fault diagnosis while also cutting the cost of external debugging tools.

The Importance of Security

Because remote connections to protocol gateways are possible, security becomes paramount. Protocol gateways need to provide secure connection features, including HTTPS and SSH connections, strict account and password management, and event log recordings. These features can mitigate potential risks of hacker attacks and ensure system security.

Reliability in Harsh Environments

Equipment in smart grids typically operates in harsh environments. Therefore, protocol gateways need to be designed for ruggedness. This includes resistance to wide temperature ranges and electromagnetic interference to ensure the overall reliability of the system. You can consider adding something about fiber options as well as dual redundant power inputs and relay outputs provide added flexibility in challenging applications.

Easy Configuration via Web Console

Quick setup guides make configuration faster and more cost efficient. With Quick Setup, like that featured on the Moxa MGate Series of Ethernet Gateways, you can easily access protocol conversion modes and finish the configuration in a few steps. These gateways also support Auto Detection for DNP3 serial outstations, allowing the protocol gateway to automatically acquire all outstation objects when configured as a DNP3 master.

Modbus and DNP3 Protocol Traffic Monitor

Troubleshooting, especially during the installation stage, is crucial to minimizing downtime. Communication issues are frequently caused by incorrect software parameters such as slave ID and register address or incorrect command configuration. If your gateway supports Modbus/DNP3 Protocol Traffic Monitor, you can check the captured data and easily identify the root cause.

Remote Maintenance Functions

Protocol gateways should provide a web and Telnet console for remote maintenance. Support for encryption communication functions, including HTTPS and SSH, ensure better network security. In addition, look for gateways with firmware log functions that can record connection events and Modbus maintenance events.

Conclusion

In the era of smart grids, protocol gateways play a pivotal role in facilitating smooth data flow between different systems. Because of the various communication protocols used among the different subsystems that make up the electrical grid, effective protocol conversion and seamless data communication are essential to fully realizing smart grid potential.

Protocol gateways allow for easy protocol conversion through simple configuration, remote troubleshooting, and system security. The application of this technology will contribute to achieving smarter, more efficient energy management, transforming the way electricity is delivered around the world.

Smart grids optimized with protocol gateways

Learn more at www.moxa.com/en/spotlight/protocol-gateways/iec-61850-gateway/index

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Wesco Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Eastern Canada to Support Influx of Megaprojects in the Region

    Wesco Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Eastern Canada to Support Influx of Megaprojects in the Region

    Wesco International has recently announced the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art facility on Higney Avenue in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, making this the largest facility of any distributor in the Atlantic region. The new building, facilitated by Touchette Real Estate, a division of Groupe Touchette, will feature Wesco’s comprehensive suite of services and solutions including… Read More…

  • PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    PataBid Nominated for Canadian Choice Award in Software Services

    PataBid is proud to announce its nomination for a Canadian Choice Award in the Software Services category. This recognition highlights PataBid’s commitment to supporting the electrical contracting community across Canada by providing innovative estimating software solutions that streamline estimating processes and ensure predictable and profitable projects. Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing

    How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing

    Explore how Omron’s latest X-Ray machines and AI-driven solutions are setting new standards in manufacturing efficiency and quality control. The manufacturing landscape is swiftly evolving, and Omron is at the forefront with its innovative PCB inspection machines. These systems offer profound insights into SMT production process, enhanced quality control, and can significantly reduce labor costs. Advancements… Read More…

  • KUKA Establishes New Software and Digital Business Segment

    KUKA Establishes New Software and Digital Business Segment

    Software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. What used to be mostly solved mechanically is now done by electronics and the associated software. “With KUKA Digital, we are expanding our offering in order to position ourselves broadly for a market with strong growth potential. Our customers need products, solutions and consulting approaches to digitalize… Read More…