IEC 61968-5:2020

Overview

IEC 61968-5:2020 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on application integration at electric utilities. Specifically, it addresses system interfaces for distribution management related to distributed energy optimization. This standard defines a set of essential functions for enterprise integration of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) with Distribution Management Systems (DMS) and other related enterprise applications.

The core purpose of IEC 61968-5 is to facilitate seamless communication and data exchange necessary for optimizing distributed energy resources (DER) on the electrical grid. It focuses on standardized mechanisms for managing groups of DER and their operational capabilities. While communication with individual DER devices-often involving protocols like IEC 61850, IEEE 2030.5, DNP3, and Sunspec Modbus-is outside the scope, this standard supports managing the complexity by integrating DERMS functions at the enterprise level.

Key Topics

IEC 61968-5:2020 covers a broad range of use cases critical to distributed energy optimization, including:

• DER Group Creation: Mechanisms for creating aggregate groups of DER to enable collective management and optimization.
• DER Group Maintenance: Processes for modifying group membership or adjusting the aggregated capabilities of DER groups.
• DER Group Deletion: Procedures for safely removing entire DER groups from system management.
• DER Group Status Monitoring: Methods to continuously quantify or ascertain real-time capabilities and status of DER groups for operators.
• DER Group Forecasting: Techniques for predicting the future operational capabilities and statuses of DER groups over specified time horizons.
• DER Group Dispatch: Request protocols to instruct DER groups to deliver specified power or ancillary services to the grid.
• Voltage Ramp Rate Control: Controls for managing DER group voltage outputs to follow defined ramp rate curves, optimizing grid stability.
• DER Group Connect/Disconnect: Commands for isolating or reconnecting DER groups to the grid as operational needs dictate.

The standard promotes enterprise integration architectures using technologies like web services or JMS messaging, building upon the foundational application integration framework outlined in IEC 61968-100:2013. It addresses enterprise-level interoperability challenges, ensuring flexibility to connect with a variety of legacy or modern control systems.

Practical Applications

Electric utilities and system operators leveraging IEC 61968-5:2020 can streamline the integration and management of distributed energy resources in power distribution networks. Practical benefits and applications include:

• Optimized DER Aggregation: Grouping DER assets for coordinated control enhances grid reliability and operational efficiency.
• Real-Time and Forecasted DER Analytics: Monitoring and forecasting tools enable proactive grid management and demand-response strategies.
• Standardized DER Dispatching: Utilities can issue dispatch instructions across diverse DER portfolios, supporting grid balancing and ancillary service markets.
• Voltage Regulation and Ramp Control: Improved voltage management helps maintain power quality and reduces operational risks.
• Flexible Connectivity: DERMS can interface with multiple DER communication protocols by handling complexities on behalf of the system operator.
• Scalable Enterprise Integration: Loose coupling via web services or messaging enables adaptable and vendor-neutral solutions.

Adopting IEC 61968-5 supports advanced distribution automation, demand response, and integration of renewable energy sources-key parts of smart grid initiatives worldwide.

Related Standards

IEC 61968-5:2020 works in conjunction with several important standards in the energy and smart grid domains:

• IEC 61968-100:2013: Provides the overall framework for application integration in electric utilities using web services and messaging, foundational to integrating DERMS functions.
• IEC 61850: Standard for communication networks and systems in substations; relevant for DER communication although out of IEC 61968-5’s direct scope.
• IEEE 2030.5 (Smart Energy Profile 2.0): Used for DER device communication, especially for smart inverters.
• DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol): Widely used SCADA communication protocol for DER connectivity.
• SunSpec Modbus: Commonly adopted for solar and storage device monitoring and control.
• Open Field Message Bus (OpenFMB): Emerging framework to enable interoperability between distributed energy systems.

These associated standards cover detailed DER device-level communication, device models, and control protocols that complement the enterprise-level integration functions defined in IEC 61968-5.

By implementing IEC 61968-5:2020, utilities can achieve enhanced interoperability, streamlined DER management, and effective integration of distributed energy resources-key drivers for modernizing power distribution and supporting the transition to cleaner, smarter energy systems.