An IEEE 2030.5-Based Legacy Protocol Converter for Interoperable DER Integration

Interoperability among diverse devices, from traditional substation control rooms to modern inverters managing components like Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), is a primary challenge in modern power systems. It is essential for streamlining decision-making and control processes through effective communication, ultimately enhancing energy management efficiency. This paper introduces the open-source Legacy Protocol Converter (LPC) grounded in the IEEE 2030.5 standard, which incorporates advanced features for improved adaptability. The LPC bridges legacy equipment using standard protocols such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and Modbus with a light-weight asynchronous Neural Autonomic Transport System (NATS) communication system. In light of the limitations inherent in traditional synchronous RESTful systems—specifically those compliant with IEEE 2030.5 that are incapable of facilitating multiple endpoints—the adoption of asynchronous NATS is implemented. This approach can notably enhance communication flexibility and performance. The implementation is containerized for efficient service orchestration and supports the reusability of solutions. The LPC is engineered for seamless integration of DERs with Energy Management System (EMS), aggregation platforms, and Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments. In this paper, the LPC has been tested and further developed in various use cases such as multi-physics optimization involving HIL and fast frequency services, e.g., virtual inertia and load shedding, each in a different architectural setup. The findings validate the applicability of LPC not only for devices within modern power systems, but also for heat pumps in the thermal energy sector, facilitating sector coupling. Moreover, the paper provides additional insights into LPC’s functionality, reaffirming its efficacy as a scalable, robust, and user-friendly solution for bridging legacy systems through the enhanced IEEE 2030.5 standard designed for the monitoring and control of DERs.