# Smart Grid Architecture for Rural Distribution Networks: Application to a Spanish Pilot Network
## 3 Electrical Actuations to Evolve the Rural Grid
### New Control and Management Agents
This has been selected because it has high computing power and also an extended temperature range, which means it needs no fans and is thus compact in design, protecting it from dirt, dust and humidity while enduring the harshest conditions. The SCADA is just above the network and there is only one. Thus, it monitors the status not only of the network but also of the system the network is connected to. Eventually, the SCADA will allow remote operation of some network elements like switches, transformers, capacitor banks, etc. for maintenance and the eventual maneuvering of the network. Therefore, the SCADA is the element that delivers commands to the LC via the IEC-60870-5-104 protocol over TCP/IP. These commands are conventionally determined by the network operator at its convenience. The SCADA is not a new element to the management architecture of networks, but, for the innovative approach proposed for the network operation, it offers new functionalities beyond the state of the art. Specifically, these new functionalities are transferring to the GEMS all the system data via SFTP each 15 min and transferring to the LEMS the GEMS setpoints and forecasts via SFTP. Thus, in general terms, the SCADA acts as a secure bridge and filter between inner and outer management agents of the network. In the same way as the SCADA, the GEMS is in an outer environment of the network. The GEMS calculates a series of active and reactive power setpoints for managing the whole network. This means that GEMS provides control setpoints for each IDPR and distributed generation within the network. It is divided into two modules. The first module forecasts the consumer's consumption and distribution network generation, according to the network data that is provided by SCADA, as well as data from other inputs such as meteorological and calendar data. The second module generates the distribution network and IDPR setpoints in order to increase the performance of the network. Data is exchanged between GEMS and SCADA every 15 min via SFTP. The management agents presented above comprise a novel management architecture, which allows for controlling the newly installed Smart Grid technologies, e.g., distribution generation, back-up resources  
Figure 5: The hierarchy of agents. and new protection devices. One remarkable advantage of the architecture is that it decentralizes the operation of the system according to its electrical configuration (e.g., whether the grid is connected or isolated). Another advantage is that it enhances the potential scalability of the system, making it possible to replicate the same architecture throughout the whole network. Furthermore, this decentralization increases the reliability of the system, since not everything depends on the decision of the SCADA. Instead, intelligence is allocated also to other agents that can act even autonomously in case of any malfunction. Such advantages go beyond the typical working practices of grid operators in weak rural systems.