Notes from 071806 conf call

Introduction

This was the third conference call for the EPRI-sponsored harmonization project. Attendees included:

Terry Saxton, Xtensible Solutions

Dave Becker, EPRI

Larry Clark, Alabama Power

Mathias Usslar, OFFIS

DeJim Lowe, TVA

Grant Gilchrist, EnerNex

Christoph Brunner, UTINNOVATION

Frances Cleveland, Xanthus

AlexApostolov, Areva

Andre Maizener, EDF

Status Report on WG19 Harmonization Efforts

SS-CC Communications with 61850 NWIP

Christoph reviewed his PowerPoint presentation previously prepared for the Geneva SPAG meeting last year showing an approach using IEC 61850 as server for both configuration and real-time data. These two aspects are both dealt with as far as harmonization with the CIM. For configuration data, the idea is to create SCL from CIM for creating the configuration files. For real-time SCADA data exchange, 61850 is used with a mapping to the CIM at the CC.

For purposes of the NWIP, Paul in an earlier email stated that we agreed that 'ControlCenter' is really defined as the virtual 'enterprise', and not just a SCADA/EMS. So the scope is intended to include all aspects of substation communications, from planning, asset management, design and engineering to real-time operations to post-event analysis of data.

It was agreed that the scope and objectives of this WG19 effort is the same as the EPRI project, so it would be desirable to collaborate to have one project plan, schedule, and set of deliverables. To help with this, we agreed that we should exchange the SOWs for the projects.

Action – Christoph: Distribute and post to the CIMug web site the SOW for the new funding program from EPRI sponsored by Joe Hughs and the NWIP itself.

Action – Terry: Distribute and post to the CIMug web site the SOW for the funding program from EPRI sponsored by Dave Becker.

Christoph then reviewed the preliminary outline of the technical report that he has put together for the deliverable on the NWIP. This may be revised as work progresses. It originated with the SS-SS report format for another NWIP, which placed more emphasis on communications requirements than on information exchanged.

Related Funding Programs for Harmonization

Mathias Usslar then shared that he has a new 3 year CIM project for 36 months with funding for 1 FTE, which includes 3 months for harmonization work, including CIM to61850 but also 61425 to CIM, which is most familiar. No concrete deliverables or plan have been established yet since this is more pure research oriented. Mathias wants to start with our use case template for harmonizing 61425 with CIM. Harmonization of 61850 to CIM will be worked on by someone else for 6 months, integrating not just data models but also concepts.

Use Cases

Brian Smith submitted 5 use cases based on the Bradley Substation Automation project which involved EnerNex supplying a new WAN called PowerWAN to facilitate the sharing of SS IED data with various applications in the enterprise. It was agreed that these use cases and the applications identified, such as asset monitoring, event analysis, synchro-phasor, and SCADA/EMS, should be analyzed to help with the process of uncovering the areas where both the 61850 and CIM standards are in view and where harmonization is needed.

Action – Terry: contact Brian to develop the Bradley SS use cases using our use case templates for data discovery.

Terry shared that during the London WG19 meeting the Network Extension use case previously defined by WG19 was used to start the process of identifying for each step which standards are in view and the desired format of the outputs at each step for information exchange. It was agreed that this use case analysis is a good approach to develop specific harmonization needs and solutions.

This use case and the other for real-time data exchange from the WG19 Harmonization Issues document will be posted to the CIMug web site in the Harmonization Use Case folder under the Documents heading as separate documents, Use Cases 1 and 2.

In the mean time, Terry encouraged use of both the CIMug web site Documents/Harmonization Use Case folder for collecting use cases and related documents, and to use the Discussion/Harmonization Issues discussion forum for posting comments and collaboration. This area will maintain an archive of all comments listed and email threads can be established here.

The URL for the CIMug is Anyone can access the web site, although you need to be a member of either the UCA International Users Group for 61850 or the CIMug for the CIM to post. If this is a problem for anyone, please bring it to our attention.

Next Conference Call

It was agreed that the continued analysis of Use Case 1 will continue on the next conference call, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 20 at 10:00 AM CDT (5:00 PM Paris). Terry will send out an email announcement for this call.

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