Simplifying Smart Grid Development with Intel® Intelligent Systems Framework Phasor measurement unit (PMU) solution reduces cost and complexity, increases scalability, and lowers risk

ChallengeS

• PMU solutions and associated data management solutions are still evolving and can be expensive, non-standard, and non-real time.

• Additional investment in telecommunications technology and networking infrastructure may be needed to accommodate the large amounts of accumulated data.

• New data management expertise is needed to aid in collecting, analyzing, storing, and providing data to users and applications.

• New applications on interoperable and high performance systems using synchronized data are needed, and they must work on legacy systems and existing devices, as well as yet-to-be established devices, systems, and domains.

SolUtionS

• The synchrophasor data management solution built on Intel® Intelligent Systems Framework-based platforms employs high-volume, standard computing systems used across many industries in order to reduce deployment cost and complexity.

• Synchrophasor solutions built on an Intel Intelligent Systems Framework foundation are designed to improve energy transmission and distribution (T&D) system efficiency.

• The solution uses sensors, called phasor measurement units (PMUs), to measure voltage and current on power lines.

• Phasor data concentrators (PDCs) consolidate and store the data from PMUs. Sophisticated analytics and visualization software help convert this data into actionable information for grid operators.

• Systems integrators or grid operators can identify trends and build predictive models to deliver future-focused products and services.

The key to the smart grid opportunity is using data management to improve power management. Thus, the energy industry is transforming, and at the core of the transformation is a flexible and efficient smart grid that helps manage transmission and distribution (T&D).

A device has emerged—the phasor measurement unit (PMU), which is used to access transmission line conditions and load lines closer to their limits, improving customer service by minimizing and potentially avoiding outages. But this solution has come with barriers, including cost and complexity.

SolUtion BRieFintel® intelligent Systems FrameworkEnergy

The synchrophasor smart grid data management solution,

using Intel® processor-based systems, can help system

integrators identify trends and build predictive models

to assist utilities in delivering the products and services

envisioned for the future.

Intel, Dell, National Instruments, and OSIsoft have come together to address these issues by developing an end-to-end synchrophasor data management solution. This solution combines high performance computing, networking, and storage based on open standards and Intel Intelligent Systems Framework components providing connectivity, manageability, and security. The end result is real-time, actionable data that allows for quick decision making. In addition to helping utilities improve efficiency, this cost-effective, scalable solution increases compatibility and speeds up integration with legacy systems.

In the power and energy industry, this specification can be used by developers designing a wide range of intelligent systems, including PMUs, embedded computers, servers, and HMI, among others. The National Instruments PMU and the Dell PDC used by the end-to-end synchrophasor data management solution implement design suggestions found in the specification, and consequently, the solution is significantly easier and faster to integrate.

adopting Smart grid technologiesSynchrophasor technology plays a critical role in developing a smart grid because it provides utilities greater insight into the state of T&D systems. For instance, PMUs measure the amplitude, frequency, and angle difference of voltages and currents on power lines; add time stamps; and send the data to a phasor data concentrator (PDC) or control center for further processing. As control room operators monitor multiple power lines over wide areas, these synchronized phasor measurements—up to 120 samples per

second per line—can more quickly identify potential issues and alert the operator, enabling them to quickly react to issues that could trigger service disruptions.

While advanced monitoring technology is a critical component, it is also equally important to derive insights that enable organizations to build successful strategies and initiatives. Advanced analysis tools, such as the synchrophasor smart grid data management solution, can help grid operators identify trends and build predictive models to deliver the products and services envisioned for the future.

Data acquisition and ConsolidationThe end-to-end synchrophasor data management solution determines the state of the power lines by making current and voltage measurements with a National Instruments PMU based on the Intel® Core™ i7 processor. The system can also be configured as a power quality analyzer (PQA), and performs various intelligent control and protection functions. National Instruments equipment, housed in substation racks, pole-mounted installations, or in portable ruggedized cases, can measure power on the grid at any location, and is in-field upgradeable and capable of remote management.

A Dell 19-inch server rack runs phasor data concentrator (PDC) software that combines, time-aligns, and streams phasor data from multiple PMUs to the data management system. These servers are Intel Intelligent Systems Framework-ready, based on the Intel® Xeon® processor E5 family.

eneRgy innovation anD the intelligent SySteMS FRaMewoRk

The Intel® Intelligent Systems Framework helps simplify the deployment of intelligent systems and enables equipment manufacturers to shift their investments from achieving interoperability to unlocking the value of data for their energy clients. The framework features fundamental capabilities, delivered by components that address connectivity, manageability, and security, including software and middleware from Wind River and McAfee. More information on the Intel Intelligent Systems Framework can be found at www.intel.com/intelligentsystemsframework.

the SynChRoPhaSoR SolUtion

Synchrophasor technology helps utilities overcome several key problems in the energy industry, such as:

• Energy loss over long distances

• The impact of changing variable renewable energy sources on today’s distribution grid

• Increased household electrical usage by owners of electric vehicles

• Customer engagement to manage their energy consumption

• Outage detection, instability detection, and safety

Increased Compatibility, Integration Speed, and Interoperability with Legacy Systems

Data Storage and ProcessingUtilities need tools for collecting, processing, and storing the wealth of data produced by PMUs. Working with OSIsoft, Dell developed a data-management solution with three tiers of storage that can manage data at the right level of performance and cost for each use case. At tier 0, PCIe-based solid state drives (SSDs) provide a very high throughput in support of visualization and real-time decision support. At tier 1, SSDs on Compellent Storage deliver fast response for frequently run analytics; and at tier 2, Compellent Storage incorporates traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) for cost-effective archiving. It can also be expanded to meet future needs.

The foundation for the solution brings together high performance computing, networking, and storage to allow utilities to manage their data and get actionable results in real time. The software runs on servers powered by the Intel Xeon processor E5 family, providing powerful, flexible performance.

Data analysis and visualization SoftwareThe big data collection and management infrastructure is provided by OSIsoft, a leader in real-time data and events infrastructure for smart grid solutions. In particular, the OSIsoft PI System* collects, analyzes, and archives the vast amount of data generated by the PMUs and associated sensors. In addition, the PI System can be used for advanced visualization, advanced analytics, and early warning mechanisms for situational awareness. Using the PI System, utilities can detect evolving disturbances and take actions to avoid widespread blackouts.

Energy transmission and distribution systems are constantly evolving, which presents a big challenge for utilities that are responsible for reliable power delivery. Using the Intel Intelligent Systems Framework, Dell, Intel, National Instruments, and OSIsoft have come together to provide the tools and infrastructure solutions utilities need to precisely manage their T&D systems. This integrated solution combines the expertise of well-known and trusted vendors from the IT and energy sectors.

To learn more about using the Intel® Intelligent Systems Framework, visit www.intel.com/intelligentsystemsframework.

To learn more about developing solutions based on Intel® technologies for energy clients, visit www.intel.com/energy.

To learn more about Dell’s solutions, visit www.dell.com/smartgrid.

To learn more about National Instruments’ solutions, visit www.ni.com/power.

To learn more about OSIsoft, visit www.osisoft.com/value/industry/PowerUtilities.

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With the Intel® Intelligent Systems Framework as a foundational building block, utilities can cost-effectively deploy information technology to precisely manage transmission and distribution systems, based on a steady stream of data from hundreds to millions of endpoint measurements.