The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released updated standards guidelines for converting the nation's outdated power grid structure to a modern smart grid operation.
The NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 2.0 outlines the game plan to "integrate information and communication technologies with a power-delivery infrastructure, enabling two-way flows of energy and communications," according to the NIST.
"Making such dramatic changes to the power grid requires an overarching vision of how to accomplish the task, and this updated Framework advances that vision," said NIST's National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability George Arnold.
"Utilities, manufacturers, equipment testers and regulators will find essential information in the Framework that was not previously available," Arnold continued.
The updates include the addition of twenty-two standards to the previously released seventy-five issued in the standard's first edition in 2010.
Other amendments to the guidelines include:
- an expanded view of the architecture of the Smart Grid
- a number of developments related to ensuring cybersecurity for the Smart Grid, including a Risk Management Framework to provide guidance on security practices;
- a new framework for testing the conformity of devices and systems to be connected to the Smart Grid – the Interoperability Process Reference Manual;
- Information on efforts to coordinate the Smart Grid standards effort for the United States with similar efforts in other parts of the world; and
- an overview of future areas of work, including electromagnetic disturbance and interference, and improvements to the SGIP processes.
The complete document can be found here:
NIST is seeking public comment on the new standards until 5:00 PM Eastern time on Nov. 25, 2011. Feedback can be submitted here: