Abstract
The present paper presents the implementation of next-generation centralized Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) solution for Medium Voltage (MV) power grids, developed in the scope of the SCALE project [1]. The main goals of the project are the development, testing, and field pilot deployment of an innovative, fully digital PAC system for Substation Automation (SAS), centralizing in a single device the functionalities of several bay-level Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED). The envisioned system, comprised of a Centralized Protection and Control (CPC) device and Merging Units (MU)/Process Interface Units (PIU), constitutes a highly flexible, resilient, future-proof solution that relies both on modern IEC 61850 standards and on legacy industrial protocols to guarantee multi-vendor interoperability and continued integration with multi-generation devices inside and outside of the substation. Centralizing SAS functionalities in a single device provides access to a wide range of data and measurements that unlocks technologically advanced substation-centric network automation applications. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2023.

Abstract
Power systems rely on ancillary services (ASs) to ensure system security and stability. Until recently, only the conventional power generation resources connected to the transmission grids were allowed to provide these ASs managed by the transmission system operators (TSOs), while distribution system operators (DSOs) had a more passive role, focused on guaranteeing distribution capacity to bring power to final consumers with enough quality. Now, with the decarbonization, digitalization and decentralization processes of the electrical networks, the growing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution grids are displacing conventional generation and increasing the complexity of distribution networks' operation, requiring the implementation of new active and coordinated management strategies between TSOs and DSOs. In this context, DERs are becoming potential new sources of flexibility for both TSOs and DSOs in helping to manage the power system. This paper proposes a systematic characterization of both traditional and potentially new ASs for TSOs, and newly expected DSO local system services to support the new distribution grid operation paradigm, reviewing, in addition, the main TSO-DSO coordination mechanisms.

Abstract
The growing digitalisation, grid complexity and the number of digitally connected devices that communicate with systems in the distribution grid are enabling the continuous development of automation and intelligence, acquisition of data from sensors, meters and devices for monitoring and managing the distribution network, to achieve an enhanced, preventive, resilient and flexible network operation philosophy. This study presents a set of use cases towards the demonstration of the benefits of implementing a platform that collects, aggregates and facilitates horizontal integration and data correlation from various sources, enabling these use cases across the distribution grid. The adequacy analysis of current distribution network architecture considered derived requirements on the characterisation of its evolution taking advantage of key digital technologies, towards the implementation of distributed control and management strategies. It is also presented a benefit analysis of implementing a centralised common data and service platform, i.e. an internet of things (IoT) platform, regarding new functionalities and applications.