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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