Implementation of R&D projects on an energy management system

The problems encountered in transferring the technology of external R&D projects on the energy management systems (EMS) at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation are addressed. The need for a general-purpose external applications support interface to an EMS is argued, and an attempt is made to define the requirements for such an interface, eliminating the recurring need for modifying the EMS software to accommodate external products. The interface would provide transparent access to external applications by the EMS and vice versa as well as the ability to initiate program execution in the peer system. The transparency of access encompasses transparency of data location, data structure, and data organization. These objectives suggest the possibility of a two-component interface, where the communications component handles request and data interpretation.<>