Green Energy incorporates MultiSpeak standard to ensure common platform for utilities

Green Energy Corp. has joined the MultiSpeak Initiative for software application integration and interoperability to assist utilities in ensuring a common communications platform.

Utilities run many operational and back office applications that do not have an easy or scalable way to interconnect and share data or resources. For example, a utility SCADA application is the main monitoring and control system that will require a custom software patch just to be able to share grid field data with another application, such as an Outage Management System (OMS). This OMS application needs important field voltage, current and other data to make proper restoration decisions. Without the software patch, the OMS would require its own telemetry network, including wireless WAN to power distribution substations. The software patch method is a workable stop-gap measure, but creates new issues.

If the SCADA application gets a version upgrade, it is likely that the custom patch will require modifications and potentially the OMS application from a separate vendor. If another application requires use of SCADA data, then another customized software patch would be required. The reality of the utility IT structure is that there are many silos of information. As utilities move to a more adaptive grid and desire to implement smart grid projects they will be required to modernize their IT systems.

Other industries have modernized their IT infrastructures by standardizing protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet, Wi-Fi) and providing common platforms for applications (Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Enterprise Service Buses). The Green Energy Corp GreenBus provides utilities a common secure operating platform that allows applications to easily share data.

"There are Enterprise System Buses (ESBs) in the utility sector, but we have not seen any that are open source derived, have this scale of messaging, database, security and now, MultiSpeak," said a spokesperson for Green Energy Corp. in an interview. "Utilities can now implement smart grid projects such as smart meters and meter data management applications without being shy about how often they poll for data. Utilities can integrate renewable energy sources in a much easier way."

With better information, the utility is able to offer time-of-use pricing based on grid and load conditions. With the use of home area networks, customers can make intelligent choices on power consumption based on this time-of-use pricing. Customers can also get much faster restoration of power when an outage occurs if the utility is using a data-sharing platform. Rather than rely on customers calling the utility to report an outage, the utility can use real-time grid data to determine if there is an outage, pass the data to an outage management system, and deploy the proper personnel for repair.

Even with custom software patches or ESBs, operators are required to view one monitor, manually write down status, swivel chair to next monitor, and then input data. This is a slow, tedious, manually-intensive process that is prone to human errors. Current applications and databases are not designed for the high volume of new smart grid data from smart meters and new instrumentation on the grid and in substations.

The use of GreenBus technology and MultiSpeak affects a trend in the industry to break down the silos of applications. Similar to seeing a dedicated word processing workstation and dedicated printer 20 years ago, the industry is moving to common platforms, common protocols and the sharing of field resources.

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