For standard smart grid, NEMA publishes protocol specification

NEMA published ANSI C12.22 Protocol Specification for Interfacing to Data Communication Networks. NEMA says smart grid success depends on advancing interoperability among communications modules and meters.

By Control Engineering Staff April 20, 2009

Smart grid reading: more control for electrical transmission, distribution

Control Engineering provides information about developments of the smart grid, more responsive and controlled electrical transmission and distribution technologies.

Rosslyn, VA– The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI C12.22 Protocol Specification for Interfacing to Data Communication Networks. This new application-level standard describes the process of transporting C12.19 table data over a variety of networks. The wide variety of information that it covers will be necessary in the implementation of the smart grid, NEMA says, advancing interoperability among communications modules and meters.C12.22 uses AES encryption to enable strong, secure smart grid communications, including confidentiality and data integrity, and it is also fully extensible to support additional security mechanisms the industry may require in the future, NEMA says. Multiple vendors reportedly offer communication technologies that work in conjunction with C12.22, allowing utilities to choose options that make the most sense for their budget, objectives, and service territory. Open standards like C12.22 help utilities evolve their systems over time by enabling new technology to interoperate with existing infrastructure, the standards organization says.“As a standard protocol used for the smart grid, ANSI C12.22 is the latest in a series of extremely successful and widely implemented standards,” said Ed Beroset, chairman of the committee that produced the standard.Said Ed May of the Electrical Metering Section, “Interoperability allows utilities to utilize multiple communication networks or change communications technologies while maintaining their investment in the meter. In this way, we believe that open standards in general, and ANSI C12.22 in particular, help protect the investment that utilities, ratepayers, and shareholders make in advanced metering.”Contents and scope of ANSI C12.22 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased for $160, NEMA says, at https://www.nema.org/stds/c12-22.cfm or from IHS at https://global.ihs.com .NEMA says its member companies are the energy solution leaders for smart grid and energy storage technologies . – Edited by Mark T. Hoske , editor in chief Control Engineering News Desk www.controleng.com Register here to select your choice of free eNewsletters.