More than mainframes

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · IEEE Spectrum; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/MSPEC.1985.6370786· OSTI ID:6201665

Daniels, H A; Mayor, N

This article describes the mix and match trend that is taking place in computer systems design today. Rather than relying on one mainframe or minicomputer to do all computing tasks, industries are blending microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes. Such a system can excel in manipulating large and lengthy calculations, a job usually done on mainframes, as well as simultaneously and repeatedly processing simple data in real time, work best handled by mini- and micro-computers. The use of such distributed architecture is discussed as it relates to the power utility industry. In the past few years, several developments have forced utilities to demand more from an energy-management system (EMS) than a lone mainframe or minicomputer can handle. Functions of power utility plants require computing power for both massive number crunching and real-time processing of data from many sources. The type of computer combinations in the EMS that best suit each utility are determined by how large or small the utility is. What architecture is best for which application is discussed.

• Research Organization: Ferranti International Controls, Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6201665
• Journal Information: IEEE Spectrum; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Spectrum; (United States) Vol. 22:8; ISSN IEESA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
OPTIMIZATION
PROCESS CONTROL
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REMOTE CONTROL
SIMULATION