SGCP

The *Smart Grid Connection Point (SGCP) Functional Profile Category is used within devices that allow a Distribution System Operator DSO gather information and control the power consumption within their network.

The SGCP is a crucial component within a the smart grid (or network) to intelligently monitor and manage the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity.

It allows a power grid operators (DSO) managing the power consumption dynamically in response to supply and load conditions, as described in the following example:

1. The DSO/TSO (grid operator) detects:

   • High demand

   • Grid instability

   • Supply shortage (e.g., low renewable power generation)

2. The Flexibility Manager system of the DSO sends signal to:

   • Network Aggregators

   • Directly to Energy Management Systems (EMS)

   Communication is done over a smart grid communication network.

3. The aggregator or consumer EMS:

   • Evaluates the demand/response request e.g. curtail load, shift usage

   • Decides what actions to take based on:

     • Contracts

     • User preferences

     • Current load and device status

4. The local systems automatically:

   • Turn off or reduce heating, air conditioning, water heaters, EV charging, etc.

   • Shift operation of devices (e.g., delay a washing machine)

   • Possibly export energy from home batteries or solar systems

5. Smart Meter or term:EMS report to DSO and Aggregators:

   • Actual load reduction

   • Timestamped consumption data

6. Based on verified reductions, the participant receives:

   • Financial rewards

   • Bill credits

   • Other incentives

The following chapters describe the SmartGridready Functional Profiles assiciated with the SGCP Functional Profile Category, which is primarily provided by EMS devices:

Unidirectional Functional Profiles

Unidirectional Functional Profiles allow control the device operation mode in just one direction, either the power consumption of the consumer from the network or the power feed of the ‘prosumer’ towards the network.

The related Functional Profiles are: * UniDirFlexLoadMgmt - allows controlling the power consumption of a power consumer. * UniDirFlexFeedInMgmt - allows controlling the power feed limits towards the power network/grid.

Bidirectional Functional Profiles

Bidirectional Functional Profiles allow controlling the power consumption from and the power feed into the network.

Functional profiles are: * FlexMgmt - allows controlling the power power consumption AND the power feed in limits.

Level of Operation 2/2m

The Level of Operation 2/2m allow power control by setting the operation mode through 2 digital inputs (e.g. two relay contacts). The 4 possible operation modes depend on the Functional Profile:

• Level of Operation 2: operation mode can only be set.

• Level of Operation 2m: current operation mode can be read back.

Table 4 UniDirFlexLoadMgmt 2/2m Operation Modes

NORMAL	In normal operation, the load management optimizes power consumption according to the user’s criteria, within the permitted power range.
REDUCED	In reduced operation, the power consumption is decreased by an agreed percentage (curtailment), if possible.
MAX	In maximum operation, the load management allows for maximum power consumption.
LOCKED	In the ‘locked’ operating mode, either no energy or only a defined minimum amount (minLoad) may be drawn from t he grid. This can be achieved by reducing power consumption for a maximum duration (maxLockTimeMinutes).

Table 5 UniDirFlexFeedInMgmt 2/2m Operation Modes

NORMAL	In normal operation, the load management optimizes the power feed in according the user’s criteria.
REDUCED	The feed-in power is reduced by an agreed percentage (curtailment), if possible.
MAX	The load management allows maximum power feed-in.
LOCKED	In this operating mode, either no energy or only a defined minimum amount (minLoad) may be fed into the grid. This can be achieved by curtailing generation or disabling battery discharge for a maximum duration (maxLockTimeMinutes).

Table 6 FLexMgmt 2/2m Operation Modes

NORMAL	No restrictions by the DSO power consumption or feed-in according the user’s criteria.
MAX_LOAD	In maximum operation, the load management allows for maximum power consumption.
MAX_FEEDIN	The load management allows maximum power feed-in.
LOCKED	In this operation mode power consumption or power feed-in is zero or limited to a minimum amount (minLoad).

Level of Operation 4/4m

Functional Profiles at Level of Operation 4/4m enable fine-grained control of power consumption and/or feed-in management. They support the configuration of continuous limitation values for both power consumption and/or feed-in. Additionally, they may allow the definition of time-based limits to be applied during specific periods.

Level of Operation 4m Functional Profiles also support reading back current configuration settings and provide metrics on present operating values.

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