NIST Smart Grid roadmap calls for common data semantics
The news account reads in part:
Smart Grid implementation requires a common semantical understanding of data elements, says the National Institute of Standards and Technology in a draft version 2.0 of its framework and roadmap for Smart Grid interoperability standards.
NIST posted the document, dated Oct. 17, online on Oct. 25. It proposes a conceptual model of the Smart Grid as defined by electrical flows and secure communications running between seven main domains: bulk generation, transmission, distribution, markets, operations, service providers and customers.
….
A Smart Grid truly operating as envisioned–as an electrical grid system whose management and use is driven by data produced by all domains–is heavily dependent on the consistency of semantic models, the draft says.
This article is a good reason for not jumping to conclusions based on news reports. The draft V.2 NIST framework and roadmap for Smart Grid interoperability standards (linked to from the article), makes it clear that while common data semantics maybe necessary for a “Smart Grid” implementation, NIST isn’t insane enough to think that is happening. At least any time soon.
From page 8 of the draft:
NIST supported the Commission’s order, which notes that ―In its comments, NIST suggests that the Commission could send appropriate signals to the marketplace by recommending use of the NIST Framework without mandating compliance with particular standards. NIST adds that it would be impractical and unnecessary for the Commission to adopt individual interoperability standards.
Although the NIST framework and roadmap effort is the product of federal legislation, broad engagement of Smart Grid stakeholders at the state and local levels is essential to ensure the consistent voluntary application of the standards being developed. Currently, many states and their utility commissions are pursuing Smart Grid-related projects. Ultimately, state and local projects will converge into fully functioning elements of the Smart Grid ―system of systems. Therefore, the interoperability and cybersecurity standards developed under the NIST framework and roadmap must support the role of the states in modernizing the nation‘s electric grid. The NIST framework can provide a valuable input to regulators as they consider the prudency of investments proposed by utilities.
We are going to “suggest” to people that they adopt a common data semantic?
Just a sip of the one indication of the complexity of the task ahead:
Establish a Smart Grid Interoperability Panel forum to drive longer-term progress. A representative, reliable, and responsive organizational forum is needed to sustain continued development of the framework of interoperability standards. On November 19, 2009, a Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) was launched to serve this function and has now grown to over 675 organizations comprising over 1790 members. (NIST objective, page 15)
The objective of this NIST effort isn’t to create a common data semantic, which most data people in the trenches would acknowledge isn’t possible, but rather:
A key objective of the NIST work is to create a self-sustaining, ongoing standards process that supports continuous innovation as grid modernization continues in the decades to come.
So, no common data semantic. A process to talk about what it might be like if a common data semantic existed, assuming it was scoped to even be a sensible thing to talk about.
My heart rate, breathing have returned to normal. How about yours?