CIM Users Group at the UCAI SummitSponsored by Oracle, the Fall CIM Users Group meeting was held in conjunction with

meetings of the other UCAI Users Groups: Green Button, 61850, OpenSG and Test-

ing. The CIM Users Group had an attendance of about 80 people, with representation

from 16 utilities, 21 vendors and consulting companies, 2 universities, 5 research or

standards groups, and 2 test laboratories. Participants came from 11 countries across 5

continents.

The CIM Users Group conference opened with a day-long CIM University, which was

followed by two-and-half days of insightful and interesting presentations on utility proj-

ects and standards development. On Tuesday evening, attendees visited Preservation Hall

to enjoy a bit of New Orleans jazz. A vendor demonstration reception was held Wednes-

day evening. Following the CIM Users Group meeting on Thursday afternoon and Fri-

day morning, a kickoff meeting for the CIM and 61850 Harmonization initiative took

place. The harmonization initiative is sponsored by IEC TC57 Working Group 19

(WG19), which is responsible for the coordination of the CIM, ICCP, 61850 and Cyber

Security standards under TC57.

At the CIM Users Group, presentations featured multiple utility success stories, focusing

on a wide range of topics from centralized network model maintenance, to effective lever-

aging of AMI information, to enterprise-wide integration approaches and model sharing

between companies. Proposed CIM extensions in the areas of dynamics behavior, asset

health, energy storage and DER were covered in presentations from a variety of speakers.

The important role of the CIM in supporting data analytics was a theme of a number of

presentations, while deployment strategies and approaches were focused on in other pre-

CIM Users Group Fall MeetingFall 2012 New Orleans Downtown Marriott–Convention Center, October 22-26, 2012

Sponsored by:

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 2 Fall 2012

sentations. Status reports were given on European Smart Grid initiatives

and IEC TC57 Working Group activities.

Slides from CIM University and the CIMug sessions can be downloaded

from CIMug website using the following link: New Orleans CIMug

Meeting Presentations (or click Previous Meetings on the left quick

launch menu on the CIMug website www.cimug.org, then select UCAI

Summit 2012, then Presentations (on the left quick launch menu), then

open the CIMug folder). Viewing requires a UCA International Users

Group website user ID, which can be created for no cost at www.ucaiug.

org.

CIM Extensions and R&DA Critical Comparison of Approaches to Resource Name Management within the IEC Common Information ModelStefan Pantea and Nigel Hargreaves, National Grid UK, discussed

approaches to resource identity supported by the CIM to address the

issue of integrating disparate “proprietary systems each with its own

version of truth about the same network reality.” Issues with the

verbose message payload of the new CIM Naming model were raised

and a solution proposed for better managing multiple identities

given to the same power system resource. OMG’s modelling archi-

tecture was used to help explain the proposed solution strategy,

which involved the use of multiple namespaces to assist in merged

model integrity and alignment. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Smart Grid Interoperability Use Cases for Extending Electricity Storage Modeling within the IEC Common Information ModelNigel Hargreaves, Brunel University, over-

viewed the important role that energy storage is

poised to play in the future smart grid and pro-

posed a set of CIM model extensions to support

it. Storage comes in many forms and sizes, with

differing behavior characteristics and is likely to become economically

viable in the near future. Proposed CIM modeling extensions would

create a new “Energy Storage” package, describing not only pumped

hydro and air, but also other types of storage (like CAES). Energy and

level scheduling, charging and discharging behavior/regulation,

reserves and the variety of physical equipment are addressed by the

proposed model. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

CIM for Dynamics Pat Brown, EPRI, summarized the work of an EPRI project cur-

rently underway to extend the CIM to cover the exchange of stan-

dard generator and load dynamic behavior models. Dynamic model

exchange is useful for transferring data between various transient

applications within a utility and for exchange between TSOs and

regional transmission system coordinators (ISOs). The proposed

Dynamics model utilizes CIM classes to support standard models

for a variety of function blocks. Class attributes are used to define

standard model parameters and the standard models can be

exchanged using identified standard interconnection patterns. The

results of the project have been submitted to WG13 and will be used

by ENTSO-E in its summer 2013 Interoperability Test. Slides under

Tuesday Presentations.

AnalyticsCIM-based Big Data Analytics for

Comprehensive Asset IntelligenceGowri Rajappan, Doble, discussed condition

based asset management and the value of the

CIM in implementing solutions. A new con-

dition based maintenance (CBM) paradigm is

emerging which will leverage current monitor-

ing technologies and integrate multiple data

sources to allow the intelligent assessment of condition, leading to

improved maintenance and operational decisions. The CIM can

form a framework to enable integration of the many sources of oper-

ations and maintenance data needed to draw a comprehensive pic-

ture of asset health. Both WG13 and WG14 models (both Equip-

ment and Asset) are needed and a collaborative approach,

incorporating utility input, is required. Slides under Tuesday

Presentations.

Industry Data Model Solution for Smart Grid Data Management ChallengesTom Eyford, Oracle, and Joe Zhou, Xtensible Solutions, overviewed

the growth of data in utilities, its potential benefits and the need for

an intentional data and integration model to realize the potential.

Data is growing exponentially at typical large utilities. Data quality

and timeliness are crucial to effective analytics. Data management

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 3 Fall 2012

(and meta-data management), common semantics and an integrated

information architecture are important components in solutions

that will provide long-term capability for solving real-world prob-

lems. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Leveraging CIM to Enable Utility Data AnalyticsEric Nelson, Synaptitude Consulting, discussed the business drivers

behind utility analytics, key elements of typical utility analytics plat-

forms and how the CIM helps address the challenges inherent in

implementing analytics platforms. In implementing the smart grid,

utilities need to transform data into actionable information. There is

a need to identify and analyze a wide variety of new data for decision

support, automatic control and operations guidance. Different

kinds of analytics are needed, which will have different solution

technologies. To overcome the issues of scattered and silo’d data and

applications, an analytics platform built on an understanding of

how data is behaving is essential. The CIM provides the basis for

such a platform. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Applications for CIM UseCIM for Asset HealthPat Brown, EPRI, presented the details of a

recent EPRI demonstration project that

implemented a standard-based solution for

integrating transformer asset health data for

visualization to Operators and field personnel.

Both 61850 and CIM were utilized and CIM

modeling covered Equipment, Measurements,

Connectivity, Assets and Asset Information. Data sources included

historic real-time information from utilities and DGA sample test

data in addition to real-time data from a transformer simulator.

Learnings related to CIM instance modeling and profile require-

ments were documented and have been presented to WG13. Slides

under Tuesday Presentations.

Enterprise Model Management in Smart GridAnna Geevarghese, Siemens PTI, summarized the differences

between the network models of operations and planning applica-

tions and the advantages of a unified model maintenance approach.

A solution is needed that takes into account the lifecycle of changes

and the requirement that applications be able to utilize models in

effect at different points in time. The CIM data model, matured

through multiple interoperability tests, provides a strong base for

solution design. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Generalized State Estimation and CIM Rashmi Nagarkar and Mehmet Kemal Celik, Nexant, discussed a

proposal for generalized state estimation designed to more effec-

tively deal with bad data. Generalized state estimation utilizes an

iterative approach that identifies pockets of bad data and performs

rigorous, detailed load flow analysis on them. The CIM with its

wide variety of information (equipment, connectivity, topology,

boundaries, state variables, measurements) provides a powerful data

interface for generalized state estimation. Slides under Tuesday

Presentations.

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 4 Fall 2012

Model Driven TransformationAlan McMorran, Open Grid Systems, reviewed the basic concepts of

model driven architecture and introduced Eclipse as a model driven

architecture implementation tool. Basic building blocks in informa-

tion modelling include structure vs. format, the UML modelling

language and interface components that support transformation.

The Eclipse Modelling Framework (EMF) provides modelling and

code-generation tools for Java and is the foundation of a number of

modelling tools used in the CIM domain that provide validation

and transformation functionalities. Enterprise integration requires

transformations between internal models and the common model

and a model driven approach is the most effective way to implement

transformations. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

CIM Software ToolsCIMDesk as a Web Service, in National Grid UKStefan Pantea and Nigel Hargreaves, National Grid UK, provided a

summary of CIMDesk implementation improvements planned at

National Grid UK. CIMDesk is the model management tool uti-

lized by ENTSO-E and its member TSOs to validate, compare,

merge and edit CIM XML data models. National Grid is proposing

an improved CIMDesk solution that more effectively supports mul-

tiple concurrent users while centralizing model and profile manage-

ment to improve consistency. Its work in this area has allowed

National Grid to develop an understanding of Enterprise CIM tool

requirements. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Tools and TC 57 Framework Jean-Luc Sanson, Zamiren, overviewed an approach to CIM profil-

ing and introduced many of the tools available for use at various

points in the profiling process. A layered view of profiling starts

from a canonical information model, which is restricted into a con-

ceptual profile and further into an assembly profile, which can then

be mapped into a syntactic profile, which guides the creation of data

exchange instances. Syntax alternatives include database schemas,

RDFS (Resource Description Framework Schema), XML instances

and OPC UA instances. Tools exist for model validation, schema

definition, meta-data definition and profile creation. A list of tools

provides information on software products, their functionality and

source locations. Slides under Tuesday Presentations.

Utility Case StudiesThe Use of CIM in the AEP Enterprise ArchitectureRandy Lowe, AEP, shared AEP’s experience in utilizing the CIM as

a foundation for its back office enterprise integration work. AEP

made a strategic decision to adopt the CIM in its gridSMART initia-

tive, a customer-focused program designed to improve system effi-

ciency and lower operating costs. Implementation started with strat-

egy and roadmap development and then moved to modeling and

code development. A multi-step process was followed to define a

canonical model and messages prior to interface coding. Use of the

CIM is viewed by AEP as a good long-term strategy for effective

integration and as a buffer against future technology changes. Slides

under Wednesday Presentations.

CIM Based IntegrationCory Chaplin and Sean Teska, West Monroe Partners, reported on

the work that has been done by the Naperville Smart Grid Initiative

(NGSI). The NGSI project, focused on the 57,000 customers in the

city of Naperville, Illinois, included smart meters, HAN devices and

advanced rates with the goal of providing meter reader cost savings

and peak load reductions. At the enterprise level, the project

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 5 Fall 2012

included three new applications (MDMS, LCMS/ePortal, AMI) and

a substantial CIS upgrade. Over 40 integration use cases were iden-

tified, and CIM 61968 was used as the basis for message definition.

A number of ESB design issues were encountered and overcome.

Process definition messages were used to augment standard CIM

messages. Key takeaway: CIM provides multiple benefits to an inte-

gration project, even when dealing with the challenges of non-CIM

compliant systems. Slides under Wednesday Presentations.

Lessons Learned in Centralizing Transmission Network Model Maintenance at Oncor

David Bogen, Oncor, presented on work being

done at Oncor to centralize its network model

maintenance. Drivers for centralized mainte-

nance include the desire to reduce duplication

of effort and the inherent lack of model con-

sistency and the desire to have Oncor’s model

consistent with ERCOT’s. Initial model merg-

ing is a significant undertaking (4 months

with 5 people working plus follow-up cleanup) with a large number

of instance and naming decisions to be made. In the merging pro-

cess, automation is necessary (as is some manual merging), proto-

typing is beneficial and validation “as you go” saves time in the long

run. Oncor is using its centralized model maintenance solution to

populate its Transmission Network Applications and Operator

Training Simulator. Slides under Wednesday Presentations.

How LIPA leverages industry standards as part of its Enterprise Information Management initiativesPredrag Vujovic, LIPA, and Phillip Jones, Xtensible Solutions,

shared how LIPA is using model-driven integration and an enter-

prise semantic model in projects across the utility. Projects ranging

from an energy trading solution to customer outage communica-

tion, from meter data management to outage management have

been implemented with a model-driven semantic integration

approach and have consistently come in on time and under budget.

LIPA has developed a model-driven process, leveraging industry

standards where possible, for designing, developing and deploying

services and persistent data stores. A number of business drivers

related to implementation success and future flexibility led LIPA to

the model-driven process. LIPA utilizes both a centrally managed

semantic model (ESM) and a centrally managed exchange model

(EXM). LIPA’s analytics vision reflects a layered approach with data

sources on the lower layer, integration as the next layer up, then

enterprise data, topped off by analytics/reporting/visualization.

Governance and change management are key components. Slides

under Wednesday Presentations.

Standards UpdateCIM Model Manager Report OutKurt Hunter, Siemens, current WG13 CIM Model Manager,

reported on recent activities in general CIM model management and

provided an update on 61970 CIM 16 model enhancements. Model

managers across all three CIM Working Groups coordinate their

work by cross-participation in weekly WG calls and by face-to-face

meetings at joint WG meetings. There is an organized model assem-

bly process and the current combined version of the CIM UML is

published periodically to the CIMug website. Each model manager

keeps an issues list, a change log and release notes for the UML

package maintained by his/her Working Group. For WG13, major

CIM 16 enhancements will be related to Grounding, Short Circuit,

HVDC, Dynamics and ENTSO-E corrections/refinements. CIM 16

is intended to be frozen following the 2013 ENTSO-E IOP. Slides

under Wednesday Presentations.

CIM AdministrativeFeed Back SessionDean Hengst, ComEd, utility co-chair of the CIMug, moderated a

general feedback session covering a variety of topics. One item was a

quick survey of attendees, where Dean asked who knew the name of:

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 6 Fall 2012

1. The WG13 Convenor–about 50% of folks present did (it’s Terry Saxton)

2. The WG14 Convenor–about 40% of folks present did (it’s Greg Robinson)

3. Your country’s IEC TC57 representative – 5-10% of folks present did

Other topics included:

• Extending the CIM to cover energy storage• Leveraging the CIM in other utility domains: gas, water.• Cyber Security (and the standards coming out of TC57 WG15)• The need for another survey of CIM adoption and usage (the last

one was in 2010)• Feedback on the CIMug Website, including:

1. A vote on the general view of quality of website (thumbs up, down, sideways) – one thumbs up, the rest were sideways or down.

2. The need for the website to have information on how to join an IEC WG if you wanted to.

3. A way to get an RSS feed. Dean mentioned that there are alerts, but not RSS feeds. RSS feeds could be a good idea from both an education standpoint and from a marketing standpoint.

4. A site-specific search capability, something as easy and conve-nient as Google.

5. The value and feasibility of posting standards at the appropriate time in their lifecycle and soliciting comments from non-WG members..

6. Dean mentioned that the CIMug Process Working Group is looking for folks with interest in helping with website.

• Asset Health Focus Community – Need to look at scope beyond CIM, like 61850-90-3 which focuses on condition-based maintenance.

– Need to ensure that TC8, WG6 Asset Health use cases are included in Asset Health Focus Community discussion.

No slides.

Focus Communities for CIM High Priority Work ItemsTerry Saxton, Xtensible Solutions and Gowri Rajappan, Doble,

reported on the proposal to establish Focus Communities under the

CIMug umbrella to support the participation of interested parties

(utilities, vendors, IEC WG members) in the development of

requirements in areas of urgent interest. Focus communities could

develop use cases and provide a forum for information exchange,

with direct access to IEC WG members to maximize the knowledge

transfer into the CIM standards. An initial focus community on

Asset Health has been formed with Gowri Rajappan as its advisor.

Slides under Thursday Presentations.

DER/DRCIM Extensions and Messaging for the Integration of Renewable Distributed Energy Resources

John Simmins, EPRI, provided an update of

work going on at EPRI related to Distributed

Energy Resources (DER) and the use of CIM

messaging. EPRI and EdF have collaborated

on a utility DER survey to gauge utility plans

(and utility concerns) related to DER and its

supporting technologies. Both the CIM and

61850 models for DER are being considered,

with the CIM architecture reference model assuming the existence

of a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). A

wide variety of use cases from three sources (including a recent

DOE/NIST DER Workshop) have been gathered and the most sig-

nificant use cases identified. Data requirements have been defined

from those use cases. Slides under Thursday Presentations.

European CIM Use UpdateENTSO-E Activities UpdateStefan Pantea, National Grid UK (on behalf of Chavdar Ivanov,

ENTSO-E) overviewed ENTSO-E CIM-related activities that took

place in 2012 and ENTSO-E’s plans for 2013. In July, 2012,

ENTSO-E held both a System Development and Operation IOP

and a CIM for Market IOP. Also in 2012, ENTSO-E launched its

Network Modelling Database project, an initiative to create a com-

mon platform for the preparation and management of network

models. NMD went into use in October, 2012 and reduced work-

load, improved efficiency and model quality improvements are

expected outcomes. ENTSO-E also issued a statement on 61850 in

2012. Plans for 2013 include another round of IOPs, both System

Development and Operation and CIM for Market. Slides under

Thursday Presentations.

CIM Users Group Fall Meeting 7 Fall 2012

Update on European Smart Grid Mandate, CIM Usage in ADDRESS European project, Is CIM still alive at EdF? – EdF Group Expectations regarding CIM

Eric Lambert, EdF, gave an update on European

smart grid activities, the use of CIM in European

projects and EdF’s multi-faceted involvement

with the CIM. The International Energy Agency

is encouraging smart grid initiatives globally as a

means of reaching a clean energy future. The

European Commission is sponsoring a variety of

initiatives focused on the future of energy in

Europe, including roadmaps, strategies and mandates addressing energy

security, renewables, energy efficiency, smart grids and markets. The

European Smart Grid Mandate, M490, is driving work to define use

cases, develop a Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) framework,

locate relevant standards and identify standards gaps. The CIM has been

used heavily in the ADDRESS project and the new Grid4EU large-scale

demonstration project is focused on standards usage, validation and

refinement, which will include the CIM. EdF has been involved in CIM

standards development, R&D projects and interoperability testing since

1998. Current CIM related work is being done by ERDF (Distribution)

and by RTE in its interactions with ENTSO-E. In addition to member-

ship in TC57 Working Groups, EdF is participating very heavily in the

TC8 use case development activities. Slides under Thursday

Presentations.

This CIM User Group Summary was prepared by

Pat Brown, IEC TC57 Working Group 13 member.

Pat works in EPRI’s IntelliGrid Program, which

funded the production of the Summary.

Fall 2012

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