Maturity Model for Advancing Smart Grid Interoperability

Conference · Mon Oct 28 04:00:00 EDT 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/ISGT.2013.6497915· OSTI ID:1111219

Knight, Mark; Widergren, Steven E.; Mater, J.; Montgomery, Austin

Abstract—Interoperability is about the properties of devices and systems to connect and work properly. Advancing interoperability eases integration and maintenance of the resulting interconnection. This leads to faster integration, lower labor and component costs, predictability of projects and the resulting performance, and evolutionary paths for upgrade. When specifications are shared and standardized, competition and novel solutions can bring new value streams to the community of stakeholders involved. Advancing interoperability involves reaching agreement for how things join at their interfaces. The quality of the agreements and the alignment of parties involved in the agreement present challenges that are best met with process improvement techniques. The GridWise® Architecture Council (GWAC) sponsored by the United States Department of Energy is supporting an effort to use concepts from capability maturity models used in the software industry to advance interoperability of smart grid technology. An interoperability maturity model has been drafted and experience is being gained through trials on various types of projects and community efforts. This paper describes the value and objectives of maturity models, the nature of the interoperability maturity model and how it compares with other maturity models, and experiences gained with its use.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1111219
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-91145; TE1201000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

IEEE
Maturity Model
Smart Grid Interoperability