IEEE has announced the ratification of the 1815 Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) standard for electric power systems communications. The new standard, which improves device interoperability and strengthens security protocols, was fast-tracked for completion and was delivered in only seven months. Scheduled for final publication in July 2010, IEEE 1815 is expected to play a significant role in the development and deployment of Smart Grid technologies.

IEEE 1815 is a collaboratively developed, adaptable framework that is the groundwork for achieving greater device interoperability and security. The robust, multi-layered protocol specifies an agile, forward-looking architecture enabling better optimized and more secure information gathering, exchange, and use, particularly in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Expanding on widely used industry protocols, the comprehensive standard also preserves previous significant infrastructure investments by remaining backward compatible with existing object models, while incorporating emerging Smart Grid and other new technologies. Newly ratified as IEEE 1815, the protocols will benefit from the broad support, expertise, and resources that IEEE offers, providing a foundation for the continued deployment of Smart Grid technologies.

The accelerated deployment of Smart Grid technologies, as well as thousands of new and legacy device installations in process automation settings like the electric utility, energy, and water industries, dictated the need for IEEE 1815. IEEE, in conjunction with the DNP Users Group, fast-tracked the protocol’s continued development and approval. The standard passed rigorous evaluation by each organization before being submitted to a diverse pool of more than 100 IEEE balloters.

IEEE 1815 has also garnered strong backing from organizations and institutions like the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). In August 2009, NIST established an initial set of priority actions plans (PAPs) for developing standards necessary to build an interoperable Smart Grid. IEEE 1815 supports NIST PAP12 DNP3 Mapping to IEC 61850 Objects.

IEEE 1815 was co-sponsored by the IEEE Power &amp; Energy Society (PES) Transmission and Distribution Committee and IEEE PES Substations Committee, with additional input from the DNP Users Group. Collaborative efforts between IEEE and the DNP Users Group will continue after the standard’s publishing in July 2010. <