A Proposed Framework For Integrating Mobile Edge Computing In Smart Grid

Abstract

The increasing demand for power across the globe has necessitated various power generations especially, the renewables. The acquisition, analysis and utilization of massive data from energy producers and consumers must be efficiently handled by Smart Grids (SG). The reformation of SGs to handle this new role requires Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) which is an evolving novel computing phenomenon with potential to support big data analytics in the SG digitization drive. The aim of this study was to propose a comprehensive framework that will integrate MEC technology into SG systems, focusing on architecture, use cases, benefits, challenges, and future directions. The findings show that leveraging MEC, Smart Grids can achieve real-time data processing, reduced latency, improved efficiency, reduced bandwidth use, improved resource management, and predictive maintenance. The results further reveal that the framework can be robust when challenges like scalability, interoperability, security vulnerabilities, and infrastructure cost are resolved. Additionally, standardization, integration of advanced AI, and sustainability initiatives can boost the proposed framework.