PJM Interconnection (PJM) has put into production an advanced energy management system, the PJM Advanced Control Center (AC²) program, based on the Siemens/PJM Shared Architecture integration platform. PJM uses the system to manage North America's largest transmission grid.

This program includes the Siemens Spectrum Power energy management system (EMS) running at two different sites, with each site fully functional and capable of running the grid either independently or as a single virtual control center. A Web-enabled user interface framework provides situational awareness, with capabilities for advanced visualization of data from either site. PJM is the only grid operator in North America, and one of the few worldwide, to have dual primary control centers. The AC² program, through the implementation of two fully staffed primary control centers, better ensures reliability and the uninterrupted operation of markets and grid control if functionality were lost at either center.

"This is a formidable breakthrough for grid operators around the world; we now have proven that innovative IT technology, such as service oriented architecture, can be adapted to high performance mission critical environments for the Smart Grid. It also provides a CIM-compliant and secure model-driven integration platform for PJM's diverse set of EMS, MMS and legacy systems, allowing for improved flexibility, innovation and protection of PJM's IT investment," said Jan Mrosik, chief executive officer of the global Smart Grid Division within the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector.

"From the beginning of system design, PJM sought to integrate security controls, scalability and flexibility into a new generation of systems to enhance grid reliability and sustain wholesale power market innovations," said Terry Boston, PJM president and chief executive officer. "That led us to the idea of a new shared architecture platform so that our systems could easily grow with our members and adapt to new technologies."

The AC² systems are built on top of the Siemens/PJM Shared Architecture platform. The Shared Architecture is a standards-based, secure integration platform for technologically diverse EMS, market management (MMS) and distribution management (DMS) systems.

This open, modern architecture, built on an enterprise services bus (ESB), enables the rapid integration of traditional utility applications and emerging Smart Grid applications, providing flexibility and choices for utilities that had previously been inhibited by their legacy control center application providers. The proven, innovative approach also promises reduced application migration risk, investment protection and enables faster innovation throughout the energy industry.

Siemens and PJM will be seeking other interested industry participants to further advance modern integration smart grid platforms and contribute to the development of integration standards for smart grid architectures.