ANALYSIS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES FOR MONITORING AND CONTROL OF MICROGRIDS

Abstract

The article examines computer system architectures designed for the monitoring and control of microgrids. The relevance of the study is driven by the fact that the growing deployment of microgrids is accompanied by the transformation of modern electric power systems into complex cyber-physical infrastructures, whose efficiency and operational reliability are largely determined by the architecture of computer systems and communication networks. The paper analyzes the multi-level organization of such systems, including field devices, edge nodes, data processing and management subsystems, and operator interfaces. It considers communication infrastructure, approaches to data acquisition and processing, software platforms supporting energy management functions, edge computing, and cybersecurity mechanisms. The features of centralized, decentralized, and hybrid architectures are summarized, and the role of communication-aware design in ensuring system resilience and scalability is identified. A generalized classification-based characterization of microgrid computer system architectures is proposed, typical architectural approaches are identified, and the main design features and constraints are outlined. As a result of the review, key research gaps were identified, including the lack of unified reference architectures, insufficient development of edge-oriented solutions, interoperability issues, and the fragmented integration of cybersecurity mechanisms. A generalized multi-level architecture of a computer system for microgrid monitoring and control is also proposed. The obtained results may serve as a basis for further analysis and design of resilient, scalable, and interoperable monitoring and control systems for microgrids.