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This paper presents a novel architecture for rural distribution grids. This architecture is designed to modernize traditional rural networks into new Smart Grid ones. The architecture tackles innovation actions on both the power plane and the management plane of the system. In the power plane, the architecture focuses on exploiting the synergies between telecommunications and innovative technologies based on power electronics managing low scale electrical storage. In the management plane, a decentralized management system is proposed based on the addition of two new agents assisting the typical Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system of distribution system operators. Altogether, the proposed architecture enables operators to use more effectively—in an automated and decentralized way—weak rural distribution systems, increasing the capability to integrate new distributed energy resources. This architecture is being implemented in a real Pilot Network located in Spain, in the frame of the European Smart Rural Grid project. The paper also includes a study case showing one of the potentialities of one of the principal technologies developed in the project and underpinning the realization of the new architecture: the so-called Intelligent Distribution Power Router.

Nowadays, 1.2 billion people still lack of access to electricity. Autonomous systems based on renewable energy sources are an appropriate alternative extend electrification, in particular for Ecuadorian Amazon Region (RAE). The objective of this work is to propose a tool to design of autonomous electrification systems for rural isolated communities of RAE, using photovoltaic technology and micro-grid or individual systems, and taking into account technical, economic and social aspects. For this purpose, a mixed integer linear programming model is developed that solves the type and number of equipment to install and where to place each of them, as well as the distribution micro-grids. The tool has been validated in the design of the electrification system of the community of Conambo.

This paper aims to detail and illustrate the experiences for the grid-connected mode during the operational phase of the Smart Rural Grid (SRG) project. The SRG project is focused on DSO's capabilities to increase the interoperability, resilience, efficiency and robustness of the existing rural distribution network by the utilization of new Smart Grid technologies. This project is founded by the European Union and it is constituted by an eight partners consortium mixing their know-how in a hybrid smart solution; therefore, power electronics, control theory, telecommunications, distribution system operator energy managing, supervisory systems and end-users coexist in a pilot network. This pilot network includes four rural secondary substations up to 200 kVA interconnected by means of medium voltage rural overhead lines in Vallfogona, Catalonia, Spain.