Interoperability Workshop

Dallas, TX April 11-12, 2007

Purpose

The GridWise Architecture Council (GWAC) gathered 45 technical experts at an Interoperability Workshop April 11-12 in Dallas, Texas to discuss and modify a draft GWAC “context-setting framework” on interoperability. This framework document is a step in the direction of enabling interoperability by organizing concepts and terminology so that interoperability issues can be identified and debated, improvements to address issues articulated, and actions prioritized and coordinated across the electric power community (buildings, manufacturing facilities, and electric distribution and transmission systems).

Attendees’ Background and Preparation

The information technology experts attending the workshop represented a broad range of backgrounds including electric utilities, telecommunications, automated manufacturing and automated buildings industries. The attendees were asked to apply the framework categories to a scenario of personal interest and encouraged to submit a 2-page position paper based on one or two questions arising from their review of the framework paper.

Objectives

In Day 1 of our workshop, the attendees discussed the framework document to determine how to improve it for engaging a larger community in advancing interoperation of elements within the electric system. Our objective for this day was to reach agreement on a framework suitable for this interoperability purpose. You can view the raw information from the breakout sessions.

In Day 1 of our workshop, the attendees discussed the framework document to determine how to improve it for engaging a larger community in advancing interoperation of elements within the electric system. Our objective for this day was to reach agreement on a framework suitable for this interoperability purpose. You can view the raw information from the breakout sessions.

On Day 2 of our workshop, the attendees’ challenge was greater: how can we engage all relevant parties to improve the integration of emerging automation systems related to the electric system? The GWAC proposes to hold a symposium to articulate interoperability issues and begin the process of identifying actions (small and large) that will move us in the right direction. The framework is to be used as a guiding map and should serve to identify tracks and priorities. Thus, on Day 2 of our workshop, we will try to set the stage by answering some of these questions: What should such an event look like? Who should attend? How shall it be organized? Who will participate to plan and lead aspects of it? You can view the raw information from the breakout sessions.

Outcomes

A summary of the proceedings was developed and is available for distribution. During the workshop, the group discussed how to integrate all of the systems that must collaborate for our complex electric system to function properly. They suggested improvements to the framework document, identified issues that need further development and prioritized actions for coordination amongst all sectors of the electricity community.

A summary of the proceedings was developed and is available for distribution. During the workshop, the group discussed how to integrate all of the systems that must collaborate for our complex electric system to function properly. They suggested improvements to the framework document, identified issues that need further development and prioritized actions for coordination amongst all sectors of the electricity community.

Downloads

Proceedings Summary

Briefing Keynote and Closing Presentations

Day 1 Summaries

Day 2 Summaries

Position Papers and Scenarios

Interoperability Context-Setting Framework (v1.1)