# Smart Grid Protection, Automation and Control: Challenges and Opportunities
## 2 Methodology  
A systematic review of electronic resources was performed in order to analyze papers on smart grid protection, automation, and control to ensure replicability. Papers were then chosen to correspond to the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined below. Using the keyword \"Protection system\", 106,695 results were found from an initial search. Several key topics came up in preliminary studies, including \"Protection Methods\", \"smart grid\", \"time synchronization\", \"redundancy\", \"cybersecurity\", and \"Virtualization Technology\". Specific databases were used to refine the results. High-quality peer-reviewed papers were taken from SpringerLink [9], IEEE Explore [10], Web of Science [11], SCOPUS [12], ScienceDirect [13], Specialized Journals [14], and also the report provided by the IEEE PES PSRC WG K15 [14]. Keywords were combined with rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to mitigate potential bias and ensure the selection of the most relevant and highest-quality publications. In addition, the search results were subjected to a detailed analysis incorporating both recent and historical publications, thus reducing any possible bias in the final results. This rigorous review process resulted in the selection of 105 relevant publications for further analysis.  
According to the McKinsey Digital 2023 Technology Trends Outlook report [15], electrification and climate technologies lead us toward a sustainable, zero-emission future. Communication and advanced connectivity technologies, such as 5G and WiFi 6, drive productivity and growth across multiple industries, while advances in generative artificial intelligence mark a new level of business and economic impact. One of the first steps in planning was to brainstorm some research questions, as follows:  
1. What are the current and possible substation architectures for protection, automation and control?
2. What are the general demands during migration from CPAC to VPAC systems?3. Describe the role of time synchronization, redundancy and cyber security in this migration.  
This study will therefore provide the answers to these questions based on the review of relevant literature. To this end, this paper has discussed in detail the needs for protection, automation, and control, and finding solutions to possible shortcomings.  
The structure of this paper is designed to ensure a logical progression from foundational principles to advanced system-level challenges, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of modern substation developments. It begins with an exploration of the evolution of substation architectures, providing historical context and tracing the transition toward digital modernization. Next, it addresses critical technical aspects such as time management, synchronization, redundancy, and cybersecurity, which are fundamental for ensuring reliability and resilience. Building on these core elements, the paper then examines interoperability, emphasizing the importance of seamless integration between diverse technologies and vendor solutions. Finally, it explores future challenges and autonomous network management, outlining the transformative potential of AI-driven systems in shaping next-generation substations.