1. European CIM User Group Meeting Ljubljana, Slovenia June 7, 2018
Developing a CIM-Based Architecture for Distribution Grid Model Data Management
European CIM User Group Meeting
Ljubljana, Slovenia
June 7, 2018
Pat Brown
Technical Executive, EPRI

2. Distribution Grid Model Data Management
It’s…
All about cases
More than ‘as-built’
And we believe that the intersection of those two areas of research can help distribution utilities deal with the major changes occurring in the planning and operation of the distribution grid.
Let’s take a quick look at those changes:
In the good old days, the electric grid had a network transmission, grid with one-way power flows to customers at the end of the distribution system. And wholesale markets interacted with ttransmission-connected generation.
But the world is changing.
CLICK
We have new distribution grid –connected equipment that makes the feeder a two-way energy highway.
We have new entities participating in markets using assets not owned by the utility. CLICK
There are shifting expectations both on the part of regulators and consumers.
And all sorts of new technologies provide both opportunities and challenges.
It’s clearly not your grandfather’s distribution grid any more. .

3. Distribution Grid Model Data Management A Changing Distribution Grid
The Distribution grid is changing
Networked Transmission
Markets
Distribution
New Players
New Grid-Connected Equipment
New Expectations
And we believe that the intersection of those two areas of research can help distribution utilities deal with the major changes occurring in the planning and operation of the distribution grid.
Let’s take a quick look at those changes:
In the good old days, the electric grid had a network transmission, grid with one-way power flows to customers at the end of the distribution system. And wholesale markets interacted with ttransmission-connected generation.
But the world is changing.
CLICK
We have new distribution grid –connected equipment that makes the feeder a two-way energy highway.
We have new entities participating in markets using assets not owned by the utility. CLICK
There are shifting expectations both on the part of regulators and consumers.
And all sorts of new technologies provide both opportunities and challenges.
It’s clearly not your grandfather’s distribution grid any more. .
New Technologies
Grid planning & operation requires new analytics & simulations

4. Distribution Grid Model Data Management New Analytics and Simulations
Short-term
DER & Load
Forecasting
DER
Monitoring/
Control
Situational
Awareness
T &D
Reliability
Planning
Planning
Models, methods, and tools to support asset and resource planning functions to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient modern system.
Planning
Models, methods, and tools to support asset and resource planning functions to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient modern system.
Operations
Monitoring, controls, automation technologies and tools to optimize and ensure the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the modern system.
Operations
Monitoring, controls, automation technologies and tools to optimize and ensure the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the modern system.
Hosting
Capacity
Analysis
Volt-VAr
Control
Outage
Management
& Scheduling
Non-Wires
Solution
Evaluation
Protection Design
Expansion
Planning
Training
Simulator
Adaptive
Settings
Load
Shedding
DER & Load
Forecasting
Interconnection
Evaluation
Demand
Response
FLISR

5. Distribution Grid Model Data Management New Analytics and Simulations
What do those ‘future applications’ do?
Execute power flow-based simulations (network analysis functions)
What do those ‘future applications’ need?
Network (grid) model data:
Data representing a simplified view of the electrical grid, including equipment, its electrical behavior and its connectivity, as well as its operating state at a moment in time, that is sufficient to describe a starting point for network analysis.
And why is managing these types of data such a challenge?
CLICK
Again starting with grid model data, because:
It’s big – both in the variety of data it encompasses and in the sheer volume especially when the need for grid history and future are factored in
Simulation tools (the most heavy-duty consumers of grid model data) require cohesive sets of data – they require collections of data that have internal integrity and accurately define the grid at a moment in time
Grid models are made up of multiple types of data which call for different data management strategies. One simple example of this is the difference between physical network model data (which changes only with field activity) vs ‘grid state’ data which varies constantly and which could be different for every study
In both Transmission and Distribution, grid model data comes from multiple sources. Just thinking about physical network model data, GIS systems often can provide feeder topology, but other engineering tools provide substation device connectivity
And lastly, there is the need for grid model data over time. Studies are often done on the past grid state or on one of many possible future states.
So managing grid model data is difficult.
And the issues with GIS data are something that most folks find much more familiar. It is all too common for utilities to struggle with missing or inconsistent GIS data, launching initiatives to clean up the data, only to find that over time data quality ‘naturally’ seems to deteriorate.
There is an additional issue regarding the data typically housed in GIS systems when we think of using it for the creation of grid models… and that is the fact that usually GIS data was initially populated for a main purpose other than creating grid models.

6. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Challenges to Managing Grid Model Data
Distribution grid model data is complex to manage because it:
Is big
Is made up of different types of data with different update cycles coming from multiple sources
Represents one grid past & multiple grid futures
Typically is viewed as coming from a primary source:
With major consistency / completeness issues
That serves primary purposes other than providing grid model data
Must be assembled into internally consistent, ‘electrically logical’ cases

7. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Challenges to Managing Grid Model Data
There is only one grid
But…. different consumers want cases with
Different parts of the system
Different types of data
Different levels of detail
Different system states
Different points in time

8. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design .
………..…………….. …………...... …
………………………….

9. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design .
………..…………….. …………...... …
………………………….

10. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design .
………..…………….. …………...... …
………………………….

11. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design .
………..…………….. …………...... …
………………………….

12. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design .
………..…………….. …………...... …
………………………….

13. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Messy Eco-System
Targets & cases
Sources
Physical network model data
Case assumptions
Engineering design
Data flows
Wide variety of tools
Many deployment patterns
No overarching
data management architecture

14. Distribution Grid Model Data Management To Summarize So Far…
Distribution utilities will deploy new analytics and simulations
Many of which require accurate grid model data
That is difficult to manage
We have a messy starting point
With drivers that are increasing and increasingly urgent
So…. the time to do something is now
So, to summarize, distribution utilities are facing a future where they
Good news - silos have not yet solidified
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.“
- Chinese proverb

15. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
Goals
Define industry architecture for Distribution grid model data management
Promote industry understanding of grid model data management and vendor product support for it
Provide participating utilities with actionable strategies for improving GIS data and grid model data derived from it
Advance the data exchange standards to fully support Distribution grid models
So , in light of that, we are proposing some similar work in the distribution domain.
Not that the solution vision will be the same, but we think we can utilize the same collaborative sort of process we used in Transmission to arrive at a solution vision in the Distribution domain that will have the same sort of industry value and impact.
CLICK
So we are proposing a multi-year, multi-utility collaborative project which will
Define an architecture for Distribution grid model data management
Promote industry understanding of and vendor product support for effective Distribution grid model management
Provide participating utilities with actionable strategies for improving their GIS data accuracy, their mobile solutions and their grid model data management
Advance the CIM data exchange standard to effectively support grid data management inside the Distribution utility

16. Distribution Grid Model Data Management Leverage What We’ve Learned In Transmission
EPRI Network Model Management Reports (no cost)
Network Model Manager Technical Market Requirements
(Product ID )
Overview of consolidated model management tool requirements
Using the Common Information Model for Network Analysis Data Management: A CIM Primer Series Guide
(Product ID )
Introduction to the use of the Common Information Model (CIM) for efficient handling of information required by network analysis applications
Network Model Manager Technical Market Requirements
(Product ID )
Overview of consolidated model management tool requirements
Using the Common Information Model for Network Analysis Data Management: A CIM Primer Series Guide
(Product ID )
Introduction to the use of the Common Information Model (CIM) for efficient handling of information required by network analysis applications

17. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
Status
30-month initiative
Launched late 2017
8 utilities
Arizona Public Service
ConEd
Duke
ESB (Ireland)
FirstEnergy
Great River Energy
Pacific Gas & Electric
Salt River Project
…and seeking more…
Doing utility deep-dives
So , in light of that, we are proposing some similar work in the distribution domain.
Not that the solution vision will be the same, but we think we can utilize the same collaborative sort of process we used in Transmission to arrive at a solution vision in the Distribution domain that will have the same sort of industry value and impact.
CLICK
So we are proposing a multi-year, multi-utility collaborative project which will
Define an architecture for Distribution grid model data management
Promote industry understanding of and vendor product support for effective Distribution grid model management
Provide participating utilities with actionable strategies for improving their GIS data accuracy, their mobile solutions and their grid model data management
Advance the CIM data exchange standard to effectively support grid data management inside the Distribution utility

18. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
Vision
An electric distribution industry grid model data architecture that enables
vendors to implement reusable product interfaces and
utilities to implement effective data management solutions
Approach
Real-world grounding from deep-dives
Informed by the IEC CIM with insight from previous work
Leverage enterprise architecture principles & tools
Vetting by utilities and vendors
Shared data
Application A
Application B
So , in light of that, we are proposing some similar work in the distribution domain.
Not that the solution vision will be the same, but we think we can utilize the same collaborative sort of process we used in Transmission to arrive at a solution vision in the Distribution domain that will have the same sort of industry value and impact.
CLICK
So we are proposing a multi-year, multi-utility collaborative project which will
Define an architecture for Distribution grid model data management
Promote industry understanding of and vendor product support for effective Distribution grid model management
Provide participating utilities with actionable strategies for improving their GIS data accuracy, their mobile solutions and their grid model data management
Advance the CIM data exchange standard to effectively support grid data management inside the Distribution utility

19. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
Architecture Development
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Object
Business Object
Business Object

20. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
Architecture Development
CIM IRM
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Process
Business Object
Business Object
Business Object
CIM model/profiles

21. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project

22. Distribution Grid Model Data Management EPRI Distribution GIS & Grid Model Data Mgmt Project
We invite you to join us on the journey…
As a active project participant and collaborator
As an interested vendor
As a reviewer/commenter
As an interested observer…
Pat Brown
So , in light of that, we are proposing some similar work in the distribution domain.
Not that the solution vision will be the same, but we think we can utilize the same collaborative sort of process we used in Transmission to arrive at a solution vision in the Distribution domain that will have the same sort of industry value and impact.
CLICK
So we are proposing a multi-year, multi-utility collaborative project which will
Define an architecture for Distribution grid model data management
Promote industry understanding of and vendor product support for effective Distribution grid model management
Provide participating utilities with actionable strategies for improving their GIS data accuracy, their mobile solutions and their grid model data management
Advance the CIM data exchange standard to effectively support grid data management inside the Distribution utility

23. Distribution Grid Model Data Management
It’s…
All about cases
More than ‘as-built’
And we believe that the intersection of those two areas of research can help distribution utilities deal with the major changes occurring in the planning and operation of the distribution grid.
Let’s take a quick look at those changes:
In the good old days, the electric grid had a network transmission, grid with one-way power flows to customers at the end of the distribution system. And wholesale markets interacted with ttransmission-connected generation.
But the world is changing.
CLICK
We have new distribution grid –connected equipment that makes the feeder a two-way energy highway.
We have new entities participating in markets using assets not owned by the utility. CLICK
There are shifting expectations both on the part of regulators and consumers.
And all sorts of new technologies provide both opportunities and challenges.
It’s clearly not your grandfather’s distribution grid any more. .

24. Distribution Grid Model Data Management
Questions?
Comments?
And we believe that the intersection of those two areas of research can help distribution utilities deal with the major changes occurring in the planning and operation of the distribution grid.
Let’s take a quick look at those changes:
In the good old days, the electric grid had a network transmission, grid with one-way power flows to customers at the end of the distribution system. And wholesale markets interacted with ttransmission-connected generation.
But the world is changing.
CLICK
We have new distribution grid –connected equipment that makes the feeder a two-way energy highway.
We have new entities participating in markets using assets not owned by the utility. CLICK
There are shifting expectations both on the part of regulators and consumers.
And all sorts of new technologies provide both opportunities and challenges.
It’s clearly not your grandfather’s distribution grid any more. .

25. Distribution Grid Model Data Management To Summarize So Far…
Distribution utilities will deploy new analytics and simulations
Many of which require accurate grid model data
That is difficult to manage
So, to summarize, distribution utilities are facing a future where they
Good news - silos have not yet solidified

26. Distribution Grid Model Data Management To Summarize So Far…
Distribution utilities will deploy new analytics and simulations
Many of which require accurate grid model data
That is difficult to manage
We have a messy starting point
So, to summarize, distribution utilities are facing a future where they
Good news - silos have not yet solidified

27. Distribution Grid Model Data Management
It’s…
All about cases
More than ‘as-built’
And we believe that the intersection of those two areas of research can help distribution utilities deal with the major changes occurring in the planning and operation of the distribution grid.
Let’s take a quick look at those changes:
In the good old days, the electric grid had a network transmission, grid with one-way power flows to customers at the end of the distribution system. And wholesale markets interacted with ttransmission-connected generation.
But the world is changing.
CLICK
We have new distribution grid –connected equipment that makes the feeder a two-way energy highway.
We have new entities participating in markets using assets not owned by the utility. CLICK
There are shifting expectations both on the part of regulators and consumers.
And all sorts of new technologies provide both opportunities and challenges.
It’s clearly not your grandfather’s distribution grid any more. .