A robust architectural approach based on Layered DecompositionA formally established mathematical technique employed in ma..., is widely applied in highly complex computing and communication networks, and key to avoiding the propagation of Architectural IssuesFollowing are seven important structural issues that System ... in transforming Power SystemsA critical societal System that, in the case of GW-scale gri....
In conventional Power Systems, however, core functions have been arranged in ‘vertical’ structures and siloes. When experiencing significant change, these vertical structures exacerbate integration issues, compromise solution ScalabilityAn architectural characteristic that takes the future scale ... and ExtensibilityAn architectural characteristic that takes the future extens... and result in more brittle, less resilient and higher cost outcomes.
The intrinsic properties of a Layered Future ArchitectureA vision of the future Power System that is informed by the ... make it fit-for-purpose in a context where the Power Systems is moving from a few hundred to tens of millions of participating Energy ResourcesA universal term for all technologies that provide one or se.... These include:
a) End-to-end system VisibilityThe degree to which information on Energy Resource character..., Operational CoordinationThe systematic operational alignment of Utility assets and n... and OperabilityThe ability to operate the Power System in a manner that ens... outcomes are significantly enhanced;
b) The relatively stable core Power Systems functions are kept entirely separate from Applications, which be changed or upgraded more frequently without impacting the critical core functions;
c) Each vertical Tier/LayerThe vertical layers of a GW-scale Power System including the... of the Power Systems can insulate the Tier/Layer immediately above from changes in the Tier/Layer immediately below, and vice versa (i.e. preventing changes at one level from being propagated through the entire SystemA set of Components that are formally related together by a ...);
d) The ability of third parties to create applications that leverage the platform via open standard interfaces is enhanced; and,
e) Changes or upgrades in end-use or third-party applications are decoupled from impacting underlying core functions and capabilities.
Refer also to Centralised Future ArchitectureA vision of a future Power System that is a logical extensio....