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2011International Conference On Advances In Engineering

Design of IEC-61968-based Distribution Network

Information Exchange Interface
Li Guo a, Gao Li-keb, Chen Boa, Huang Hai-longc, Li Yong-gangc, Xing Zhi-
gangc, Li De-junc, Xu Wenc, d,Lu Tian-jian e
Electric Power Research Institute, CSG
b
Guangxi Power Grid Electric Power Research Institute
c
Nanjing Skypower Electric Automation Co., Ltd
d
School of Automation, Southeast University
e
China Electric Power Research Institute

Abstract

To build a scientific and efficient Distribution Management System (DMS), it is necessary to achieve sharing of data
and avoid information silos. The IEC61968-based information exchange platform, which adopts IEC61968
Information Exchange Model (IEM) and interface specification, is an effective means to resolve the above problem,
realizing seamless data exchange and sharing of data between various subsystems. It is shown by applications that,
the adapters for multi-system interfaces are simple and practical, ensuring efficient communication for data exchange,
and meeting requirements for data exchange and sharing of data between various subsystems. This
platform effectively solves the problem of information silos, laying a solid foundation for development of smart grid
information technology.

© 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of ICAE2011.

Keywords: IEC61968; DMS; USB; Information Exchange Interface; Application Integration *

1. Introduction

The smart grid is new modern power grids highly integrated with power infrastructure, integrating the
following technologies: advanced sensor measurement, information & communication, analysis and
decision-making, automatic control and energy and power. The smart grid is an advanced green grid to
enhance energy efficiency, reduce impact on the environment, enhance supply security and reliability,

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +0-138-140-41616

E-mail address: xuwenyh@163.com/xingzhigang_tn@163.com

1877-7058 © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2011.11.2604
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and reduce power transmission loss 1. It is the development trend of China's future power grid. Building
of a scientific and efficient DMS is an important part for construction of smart grids2.
The DMS system is used to monitor and manage the distribution and electric equipments of the user
using electronic technology, computer technology, automation technology, so as to improve the
management and operation of distribution network. To meet the requirements for construction of smart
grids, the DMS shall be integrated with various subsystems or components. The following components
are defined for the interface of IEC61968 DMS: power transmission equipment monitor, voltage
management, demand side management, interruption management, operation management, automatic
mapping, personnel management 2 and other functions. To realize the functions via the network,
transmission of information must be taken into consideration. For the above components need different
information, the network consists of various subnets. Subject to the importance and complexity of DMSs,
a number of advanced software applications are necessary to support normal operation of the system.
These advanced applications may be supplied by different manufactures, so the DMS is a heterogeneous
system 3.
IEC 61968 is followed for integration of various distributed software applications under utility DMSs,
rather than integration within the applications, and the data is exchanged on event-driven basis. The
current DMSs shall co-operate with various systems, which are usually developed by different
manufacturers. One difficulty for current power information system is sharing of information among
various systems and ensure unique and common data source for integration of heterogeneous
systems. The introduction of IEC61968 accelerates the development and application of USB, providing
an effective way and means for integration and data-sharing among subsystems of DMS.

2. Advantage of IEC61968-based USB

As mentioned above, it is a common problem of utilities to realize integration and data-sharing

between different systems, as well as DMS functions, so as to enhance performance of the overall
network. The IEC61968 standard provides an ideal solution to this problem.
The models for DMS interfaces are clearly defined in IEC61968, including eight functional modules:
distribution network operation, records and asset management, operation planning and optimization,
maintenance and construction, distribution network expansion planning, customer support, meter reading
and control, as well as other modules such as enterprise resource planning 4. The standard IEC61968
supports enterprises or institutions connected with disparate applications5. These applications may be
existing or newly added one running in different runtime environment. Therefore, IEC61968 applies to
systems with weak links and applications based on event-driven data exchange 3. The languages,
operating systems, protocols and management tools for these applications may be different. Meanwhile,
IEC61968 complements the enterprise data warehouse and database gateways instead of replacing them.
In summary, the USB is developed for data exchange between different business function modules. The
structure of IEC61968-based DMS interface is shown in Figure 1 5:
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Fig. 1. Typical applications of Interface Reference Model

3. Design principles for USBs

To develop IEC61968-based information exchange system, it is necessary to provide the Utility

Service BUS (USB) as the backbone of the integrated data platform, which is middleware-based
Enterprise Service Bus (USB)6, so as to meet requirements for various utility application integrations via
configuration. It provides plug-ins for easy integration of heterogeneous applications and services in a
frame via multi adapters, which are used to connect heterogeneous systems with ESBs7.
(1) ESBs are distributed middleware used for integration of enterprise IT assets using a service-oriented
approach. In general, ESB provides an abstract layer in Enterprise Message System, so that
integration architects can complete integration via the value of information instead of coding. The
following principles should be followed for design of USBs:
(2) Follow IEC61968 data interface standard5, establish an open, scalable data access platform, so that
other applications can access the standardized data integrated on the bus conveniently;
(3) SOA-based8 common data access services subject to CIM object model, providing a unified data
integration via ESB; security mechanism for common data access services to effectively control
privilege for access of objects and properties;
(4) Unified naming and coding specification for distribution network equipments;
(5) Establish IEC61968-based DMS Interface Reference Model (IRM), define formats and
implementation of various message (IEM), e.g., records and asset management message;
(6) SVG-based common graphics exchange standards and components for distribution networks12: get
the graph of each feeder from the geographical distribution map in GIS, transmitting it to the
distribution/dispatching master station system in red and black graph format (XML-based text file)
through the reverse isolating device; getting the substation model from the dispatching system; after
successful integration and updating of present model of the distribution network, the model is fed
back to GIS through the forward isolating device via the message exchange bus, so as to ensure
unified source for maintenance of distribution network models;

4. Key technologies

For design and development of IEC61968-based ESBs, at least the following key technologies shall be
adopted:
(1) Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)8
SOA is a software integration architecture using loosely coupled software services to support business
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process, accelerating enterprise application integration. All resources in SOA environment are
encapsulated as independent services that are invoked without knowing the platform for development.
SOA can be developed using multi technologies, including the Common Object Request Broker
Architecture (CORBA)10-11, Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Web services,
middleware technologies such as ESB etc.;
(2) IEC61968-based information exchange model13
The main content transmitted via ESB is message, therefore it is necessary to analyze and master the
mechanism of message. Each message must contain a verb and a noun. The noun shows the types of
message body, indicating the type of exchanged information.
(3) Service interfaces
Considering characteristics of cross-platforms, and to adapt to various development languages, it is
recommended to use Web Service to define the service interfaces.

5. Instance for IEC61968-based ESB application integration

Take the DMS for certain power company in Hubei as an example, DMS monitoring system (SCADA),
PMS10 and GIS11 etc have been successfully implemented in the company at present. To achieve data
sharing, PMS, GIS and other adapters are developed. The following functions shall be realized: When the
GIS graphic changes, the GIS will actively send the changed CIM model and GIS graphics to DMS; at the
same time, the DMS shall send the real-time monitoring information to GIS for updating; when PMS
equipments change, PMS will initiate sending of relating change information to DMS and GIS, in order to
achieve consistent operation of grids reflected by different sub-systems.
The above systems are developed by different manufacturers. DMS is in Level-1 and 2 security zone,
and other systems are in Level-3 security zone. Before the integration, the exchange of data between
various subsystems is fulfilled manually. As the data of one subsystem changes, the other subsystems
must be notified manually, and the maintenance person will change the corresponding data manually. It is
laborious and time-consuming in this way, difficult for timely update and will cause many errors. In
addition, for different manufacturers, it is difficult to co-operate. In order to achieve automatic exchange
of data, it is necessary to eliminate information silos and reduce working amount of the staff, accelerating
data exchanging between systems, so as to ensure timely data updating and accuracy of data exchanging,
enhancing efficiency of DMS with low cost, reaching the economic goals.
The ESB adopts IEC61968-based interface for data exchange, using the Unified Modeling Language
(UML) to define interfaces between different applications, following the Interface Reference Model (IRM)
and adopting IEC61968 information exchange model. The information exchange interfaces are
independent of the middleware, implementation methods and programming language. Whether .Net or
java is used for programming, as long as the IEC61968 interface standard is followed, the data can be
exchanged successfully. Taking the application into consideration, it is decided to use WebService to
implement the service interface. The specific implementation is as following:

5.1 DMS request data from GIS

The request of data by DMS from GIS is processed asynchronously. The IEC61968 information
exchange model is used to define the structure of exchanged data, including content, syntax, semantics
and so on. The GIS returns the standard CIM models and SVG12 graphics. The DMS explains CIM
models and SVG graphics via specific procedures, and store the final structure into the database. The
flowchart is as following:
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DMS Request

Adapter

Interface

Message Bus

Isolation Device GIS Response

Fig. 2. DMS requesting data from GIS

The request process is explained in Table 1:

Table 1 DMS requesting data from GIS
Step Description Remark
1 DMS initiates request DMS client initiates the request, which is sent to the adapter

2 Adapter forwards the request after receiving After receiving the request, the component adapter forwards the request
it to the bus
3 The bus processes the request After receiving the message, the bus analyzes and processes it, and
forwards it to GIS through physical isolator.
4 GIS responses the request After receiving the message, GIS analyzes and processes it, and returns
the result to the bus
5 The bus forwards the request result The bus receives the result via physical isolators, and forwards the result
to adapter
6 The adapter returns the result to client The adapter returns the result to client

In above figure, the adapter and the bus are parts of the interface, which complies with following
IEC61968 standards:
(1) Adopting IEC61968 data exchange model3-4, including request condition, properties, methods, and
parameters etc;
(2) Complying with IEC61968 interface frame service;
A.Message Publish/Subscribe Service. Allow synchronous/asynchronous messaging between anonymous
components; which is achieved mainly via the bus;
B. Request/Answer Service. Allow reliable synchronous or asynchronous messaging between connected
components;
C. Publish/Answer Service. Allow wireless Initialization of Transmission of information (publish), and
wire End Of Transmission (answer).
D. Adopt IEC61968 adapter;
F. Adopt IEC61968 interface criteria.
For above interfaces, the bus can be deployed in Level-1 and 2 security zones or Level-3 security
zones, so as to realize cross-zone transmission of message. The following flowcharts are similar, which
will not be explained additionally.
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5.2 PMS sending data to DMS

As the equipments of Production Management System (PMS) are updated, it is necessary to send data
asynchronously to DMS via PMS adapters, complying with IEC61968 information exchange model and
IEC61968-2 (File and Asset Management) interface frame specification. The flowchart is as following:

PMS Send Data

Adapter

Interface
MessageBus

Isolation Device DMS Response

Fig. 3. PMS sending data to DMS

The data exchange process is as explained in Table 2:

Table 2 PMS sending data to DMS
Step Description Remark
1 PMS initiates data transmission request PMS client initiates request, which is sent to the adapter

2 The adapter forwards the request after receiving it The adapter forwards the request to the bus after receiving it
3 The bus processes the request After receiving the message, the bus analyzes and processes it, and
forwards it to DMS through physical isolator.
4 DMS responses the request After receiving the message, DMS analyzes and processes it, and
returns the result to the bus

In above interface, IEC61968 data exchange model and interface frame standards are followed.

5.3 DMS sending data to GIS

DMS sends real-time data to GIS in two ways: one, DMS initiates the transmission; the other, DMS
adopts request/answer method, sending the real-time data to GIS after receiving data request from GIS.
The IEC61968 information exchange model is adopted.

5.3.1 DMS initiates sending real-time data

When the DMS real-time data changes, it is necessary to send the changed data to GIS asynchronously.
To send much real-time data to GIS in time, plain language is used in the message body as data carrier,
and a large number of data can be transmitted one time. The flowchart of data exchanging is as shown
below:
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DMS Send Data

Adapter

Interface
Message Bus

Isolation Device
GIS Response

Fig.4. DMS sending data to GIS

The data exchange process is as explained in Table 3:

Table 3 DMS sending data to GIS
Step Description Remark
1 DMS initiate real-time data transmission request DMS client initiate request, which is sent to adapter

2 The adapter forwards the request after receiving it The adapter forwards the request to the bus after receiving it
3 The bus processes the request After receiving the message, the bus forwards it to GIS

5.3.2 GIS requesting DMS data

As CIM models or graphics in GIS change, it is necessary to notify DMS promptly to update the data.
DMS shall initiate data request to GIS. The interface complies with IEC61968 information exchange
model.
The flowchart is below:

GIS Requset

Adapeter

MessageBus

Isolation Device
DMS Response

Fig.5.GIS requesting data from DMS

The data exchange process is as explained in Table 4:

Table 4 GIS requesting data from DMS
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Step Description Remark

1 GIS initiates request GIS client initiates request and sends it to the adapter

2 The adapter forwards the request after receiving it After receiving the request, the adapter forwards it to the bus
3 The bus processes the request After receiving the message, the bus analyzes and processes it,
and forwards it to DMS through physical isolator.
4 DMS responses the request After receiving the message, DMS analyzes and processes it,
and returns the result to the bus
5 The bus forwards the request result to the adapter The bus receives the result via physical isolators, and forwards
the result to adapter
The DMS explains CIM models and SVG graphics via specific procedures after receiving GIS data
After initial establishment, the data exchange interface of above subsystems reached the expected
requirements after a period of trial operation, improving efficiency of DMS. The efficiently before and
after application of the interface is compared as the following:
Table 4 Results contrast
Content Before application After application
1, GIS Any change to GIS graphics shall be notified to DMS Any change to GIS graphics will be notified to
graphics maintenance person manually, and the maintenance person will DMS automatically via the interface. DMS will
change change the corresponding graphics and parameters manually. It automatically modify the graphics and
is laborious and time-consuming with many errors. parameters, and return the result to GIS.
2, PMS Any change to PMS parameters will be notified to GI manually, As the PMS parameters change, the system will
parameters and the maintenance person of DMS and marketing system automatically modify corresponding parameters,
change shall modify the corresponding data, time-consuming and and return the result to PMS.
labor- consuming.
3, DMS The operators of other systems will view the real-time data of The latest real-time data will be published the
real-time DMS. Due to different security zones, only the history database request party via the interface, ensuring
data of DMS can be accessed, resulting in delayed real-time data, timeliness of real-time data.
published difficult to reflect the operation of equipments in real-time.

6. Conclusions

In summary, for the above application, the exchange of integrated data of various systems is
implemented complying with IEC61968. The interfaces of all systems comply with the standard. The
message can be transmitted smoothly between all systems without problems failing to transmit or resolve;
taking the secondary security protection in power system into consideration, the interface adopts
forward/reverse physical isolating devices for data exchanging, achieving transparent access to upper-
layer applications, but meeting requirements for secondary security protection.
In one word, the IEC61968 standard can be used for utility application integration. The interfaces
complying with this standard can be used to solve information silos and achieve information sharing, and
is an effective means for integration of utility information systems. Convenient data exchange and
expansion of new functions can be implemented for various subsystems complying with this standard,
featuring good dynamic scalability, easy implementation of modular software and plug-ins, low cost, and
is a good trend for integration of utility information systems.

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