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Alstom Grid and Cisco to develop digital substation solutionSep 10, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Alstom Grid, an energy solutions and transport company, and Cisco have announced the signing of a commercial and technology agreement to develop the next generation of digital substation solutions for electrical grids. This collaboration utilizes Alstom's smart grid expertise in digital substation solutions with Cisco in connected grid solutions and internet protocol (IP) communication technologies; together providing a solution that further supports the industry's grid modernization efforts. The solution, which integrates Cisco's ruggedized substation-grade Connected Grid routers and switches with communications and cyber-security functions along with Alstom's DS Agile control system for substation automation, will create a new level of IP-based communication performance for integrated cyber security, distributed monitoring and controls. This will provide key energy and information transfer hubs within modern grid architectures. The benefits for electric utilities and substation operators include; enhanced security in smart grid-enabled digital substations; enhanced operational efficiency through optimized automation architecture; and reduced operations and maintenance costs. The Alstom-Cisco solution can enable utility operators to provide comprehensive protection to address security policies, manage user access to critical resources, and the ability to detect and mitigate possible cyber attacks across the entire grid infrastructure. The digital substation architecture incorporates comprehensive security controls based on NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) recommendations. Enhanced operational efficiency through optimized automation architecture approach can provide optimal deployment for substation automation and the design phase of technology implementation. It also allows design and integration of communication infrastructure with the critical protection and control, asset monitoring and grid management equipment. The intelligence within the validated digital substation schemes can allow close monitoring of the load capacity of plant equipment and permits operation of grid equipment closer to their limits. Additionally, the substation network supports existing and new communication standards such as IEC 61850, as well as the prioritization of control data traffic over non-operations data traffic. The digital substation solution, based on Cisco's multi-service network and Alstom's next generation IEDs, will provide utilities the flexibility to deploy multiple applications over a common network infrastructure. The solution uses a layered architecture approach, enabling it to support both wired and wireless communications over the same converged network. The solution allows asset managers to implement preventive maintenance programs resulting in longer asset life and lower maintenance costs. The solution also provides intelligent systems for substation operators to monitor and control all substation assets for optimizing operations costs. "Cisco has always recognized the need to develop sustainable agreements in the effort to achieve a smarter grid. Cisco's collaboration with Alstom makes available two sets of complementary technologies that will help our customers to secure their operations, achieve cost savings and extract greater value from existing technology infrastructure. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Alstom in developing the most effective substation solutions for the industry," declared Lionel Chocron, vice-president and general manager, Connected Energy Networks, Cisco. http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon |