IST Project Fact Sheet

Distributed Objects Telecontrol Systems and Networks

Funded under 5th FWP (Fifth Framework Programme)

Action Line: Technologies for management of information processing, communications and networks, including broad-band, together with their implementation, interoperability and application - Concurrent systems

The main objective is to establish an open software model, built upon real-time distributed object technologies and emergent tele-control standards, to allow the optimum exploitation of the interoperation capabilities of devices and systems in the distributed context of an electric power grid. The project addresses outstanding problems in this context, and its results would be applicable to several other industrial control systems. In particular, Real-time and Minimum CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), as well as the emerging IEC-61850 standard for "control systems in electrical substations" are the supporting technologies of the proposed development of adequate tools and middleware. Putting into operation a pilot tele-control system is also envisaged within this project in order to demonstrate the validity of the approach under real-world conditions. Finally, promotion and contribution to relevant standardization are core ideas of the project.

Objectives:
The main objective will be achieved through the following specific objectives:
- Definition of a mixed model for distributed telecontrol networks at electric power;
- Mapping of the IEC-61850 abstract communications interface (ACSI) to CORBA;
- Development of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) configuration tool for interoperation of devices;
- Development of a GUI Operator Interface tool to interact with the embedded objects;
- Development of the software to be embedded in a Remote Terminal Unit running at the power substation.