New approaches for smart device integration and maintenance of power system models utilizing a unified data schema

A `green button´ concept was recently proposed to challenge the energy industry to provide customers with immediate access to real-time energy usage. This challenge was just the latest in a series of government initiatives that require vast amounts of data (both static and real-time) to be integrated into the operational decisions of those who control the electric grid. Due to decisions made during a 2004 market redesign, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the independent authority for most of the electric grid in the state of Texas, began development of a centralized data warehouse with an overarching model schema to contain, maintain and deliver consistent model data representative of the Texas electrical grid. This paper describes the implementation of the ERCOT operational data management systems for the nodal market, and specifically, the development of the Common Information Model (CIM) for ERCOT and the development of the Network Model Management System (NMMS) used to maintain the CIM representation of the Texas electric grid. This methodology of using CIM and the built-in flexibility inherent with its implementation are the key to providing ERCOT with low-cost/low-risk strategies for meeting future data requirements such as those associated with the `green button´ challenge.