Standard Data Exchanges for Distribution System Management

Individual electric companies do not have a holistic view of the U.S. electric grid. These companies cannot see problems that neighboring electric companies might be having because the software that electric companies employ is incompatible with other proprietary software. As a result, the electric grid is fraught with blackouts and outages that cost the U.S. $80-$180 billion per year. This project will develop a Common Data Translation System (CDTS) to translate data from proprietary formats to a standard extensible markup language (XML) format. The solution will be web-based and will enable: (1) the distribution of near-real-time data to electric utilities across the nation that subscribe to a data feed; and (2) users anywhere in the world to translate one data format into another. Phase I will design the CDTS system architecture and identify its requirements, identify use cases and operational scenarios of CDTS, design a common XML data format, design a Web portal to support the exchange of standard XML format data, and develop and test a proof-of-concept demonstration of CDTS. In addition, security protocols will be designed, along with a feature to alert distribution centers to an imminent or potential problem. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The web-based CDTS should provide the electrical distribution and transmission industry a holistic picture of the electric grid, allowing for the prevention of cascading blackouts.