SMB/5190/R

IEC/TC or SC

Secretariat

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN (SBP)

Italy

Date

2013-12

Please ensure this form is annexed to the Report to the Standardization Management Board if it has been prepared during a meeting, or sent
to the Central Office promptly after its contents have been agreed by the committee.

Title of TC
System aspects for electrical energy supply
A Background
IEC formed a task force to look into standardization possibilities as a consequence of the liberalization
of the energy market. IEC decided then to reorganize an existing TC 8 with the purpose to analyze
electricity sector evolution in the IEC member markets and take the necessary initiatives to create and
maintain a system approach covering the whole electricity supply chain from production at various
levels down to the utilization at the customer level.
TC 8 has been chartered to team with other IEC Technical Committees in order to comprehensively
and consistently make a difference regarding the challenges of the electricity supply markets that are
undergoing fundamental changes.
The TC 8 scope is to prepare and coordinate, in co-operation with other TC/SCs, the development of
international standards and other deliverables with emphasis on overall system aspects of electricity
supply systems and acceptable balance between cost and quality for the users of electrical energy.
Electricity supply system encompasses transmission and distribution networks and connected user
installations (generators and loads) with their network interfaces.
The following list contains a couple of examples on system related aspects and elements belonging to
the overall process of electricity supply. The purpose of this non-exhaustive list is to illustrate, in which
fields expertise is required within TC 8, in order to enable the committee to properly fulfil its given task.
It is not meant to be a list of items to be standardised. Examples for main system aspects to be taken
into account are the following:
Terminology
Electrical system reliability
planning,
operating limits (capability),
adequacy,
system security,
Connection practices
generators,
loads,
system characteristics
system planning data (different opportunities for connection),
Operation
load/generation balance,
protection and control,
fault management,
contingency planning,
management of abnormal and emergency conditions (black-out, islanding)
measurement and monitoring
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Network responsibility
operational safety,
security.
Metering
Data exchange and balancing
data acquisition and aggregation,
settlement,
exchange of data, identification schemes,
billing,
load profiles.
Communication
operational safety,
security.
Charging mechanisms for use of public supply systems
Outsourcing of network related services
Characteristics of energy supply
- Nominal values and ranges of variation of voltages, currents and frequencies of generation,
transmission, distribution and utilisation systems.
- Parameters defining characteristics of energy supplied (continuity, voltage dips, over/under voltages,
voltage unbalance, voltage fluctuations, harmonics, inter-harmonics) at the interfaces between HV, MV
and LV networks and their users (system operators, generators and consumers).
TC 8 has been organized as follow, in order to take into account properly the above described aspects:
Basics for system aspects:
WG 1: Terminology
MT 1: Maintenance of the standards IEC 60038, IEC 60059 and IEC 60196
Criteria for planning and operation performance:
WG 2: HV systems and transmission aspects
Requirements for Smart Grid:
WG 5: Methodology and Tools
WG 6: Generic Smart Grid Requirements
WG 7: General Planning, Design, operation and Control of the Micro-Grid
PT 62786: Demand Side Energy Source Interconnection with the Grid
Quality of supply:
PT 62749: Assessment of power quality - Characteristics of electricity supplied by public networks
Since June 2013, following the SMB Decision 147/14 (SMB/5067/DL), a TC 8 subcommittee has been
established. The scope of such subcommittee, coded as SC 8A Grid Integration of Large-capacity
Renewable Energy (RE) Generation, is the standardization in the field of grid integration of largecapacity renewable energy (RE) generation. The secretariat of SC 8A is allocated to Chinese National
Committee.
TC 8 is mostly composed of experts representing the Utilities, the Regulators, and the Users, more
than of technical designers, vendors or integrators.
In order to respond to SMB request (SMB decision 137/10 Geneva February 2010), TC 8 will promote
the system view and system approach based on Use Cases:
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4175e SG3 report to the SMB - Denver 2009-11 recommendation 7 page 9

SMB_4204e_DL

Most Use Cases cut across the Application Domain TCs fields, and therefore need the temporary
involvement of their experts to this IEC general interest challenge, by the active participation to the
work of WG5 and WG6. The Application Domain TCs need those resulting Use Cases to further
develop their own Data Models.
TC 8 must provide the generic Use Cases for all applications associated with electrical energy supply,
and make the best use of the PAS process if strong technical references already published elsewhere
can be identified. The specific Use Cases provided by the Application Domain TCs, shall be based on
the generic Use Cases structure defined by TC 8.
B Business Environment
B.1 General
The electricity supply market is undergoing rapid changes, with many new actors and fundamental
changes in processes, replacing a market with vertically integrated monopolies.
The relations between various parties are increasing in complexity. On another hand, in many parts of
the world the infrastructures need to be renewed, and generally will grow to meet the demand and the
fast growing phenomena of distributed generation
There are many good ideas throughout the world but little or no application. This is due in part by the
uncertainty inherent to re-regulation, and the daunting explosion of complexity. Developments are
happening quickly but separately in many technology areas, including communications, computing and
sensing. Many types of equipment are becoming standardized.
This is a necessity, but it is not sufficient. Putting them together need specific system approaches so
that the entire chain provides the expected services. And it is necessary to deal with the electrical
aspects together with the intelligence aspects at the same time.
B.2 Market demand
There is a need for standards to support opening the market to new actors, for new forms of business
and better conditions for consumers, but at the same time increase the quality and availability, and
more generally the dependability of supply. Although a lot of standards are in place or under
development, it is necessary to improve the coordination between the existing committees involved
and ensure that all necessary system aspects are covered, and develop the flexible framework.
Regulation authorities are interested in consensus documents that assist them to organize their activity,
supervise the evolution of the market and make comparisons between operators and between
countries. Consensus standards giving clear definitions of the essential characteristics and methods of
measurement of the relevant parameters are desirable tools. Clear and equitable definitions for the
connection conditions are needed, for example, for the new forms of power generation and transfer. At
the same time, the different regulatory and legislative framework between countries, requires an
additional effort for the international standardization, which represents a great challenge in particular
for the system aspects.
There is a general demand for consensus documents and standards that can be a reference to:
- implement harmonized regulatory frameworks;
- specify and design flexible solutions that enable technical and commercial innovation;
- define the essential technical and economical characteristics, and methods of assessment and
measurement;
- clarify the conditions to be respected by the different involved parties for fair sharing of responsibilities,
and proper operations (power producers, grid operators, distribution network operators, system and
equipment manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, authorities, industrial and private users...).
Active participation of representatives of regulating authorities and more generally from all concerned
parties including consumers is expected.
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B.3 Trends in technology

Many energy markets have evolved from monopolistic environment to one with many actors.
New form of generation primarily based on renewable form of energy sources are being developed and
are now being massively introduced into the electricity networks.
Allowing a better connection of the end user to markets will allow new services and benefits. It will also
allow new operating margins for example implementing demand response mechanisms, and enable
energy efficiency to better respect the environment. Standardization will also foster markets of needed
advanced commercial solutions (networks automation, meters) for the benefits of users.
B.4 Market trends
Increasing interest of new investors in electricity market opportunities and rising diffusion of distributed
generation are changing the way electricity networks have been planned and operated up to now.
Willing of TC 8 is to develop standards and recommendations which support network behaviour
changes.
B.5 Ecological environment
The definition of connection standards for distributed generation, particularly from renewable energy
sources, and definition of standards supporting the opening of the market will help to reach the Kyoto
protocol targets related to CO2 emissions and will promote the efficient use of energy.
C System approach aspects
TC 8 is developing standards at the Utility needs and requirements level, and collaborates with the
other TCs that are developing technical specifications standards. TC 8 is more composed of Utilities,
Users, Regulators stakeholders, while the other TCs are more composed of designers and
manufacturers stakeholders.
Use case driven approach is necessary for a top down development of standards. From a use case
perspective, actors and deliverables are identified and requirements are derived. This is the base for
future standardization.
Smart Grid requires such an analytic approach in order to identify gaps and necessities for
standardization.
Use cases are defined in the IEC/PAS 62559 Methodology for Developing Requirements for Energy
Systems.
TC 8 has proposed to start with the following:
Generic Use cases for Advanced Metering projects
Generic Consumer/Prosumer Use cases projects
Generic Use cases for Advanced Distribution Automation projects
Generic Transmission Synchro-Phasor Use Case
TC 8 is taking a position of coordinator of the development of Generic Use Cases in collaboration with
the relevant TCs. It promotes a system perspective and avoids conflicts between the individual use
case definitions.
TC 8 must keep a close contact and observe the major market developments in the different use case
areas. A close connection must be ensured in order to optimally align future standardization work,
under the coordination of IEC SMB SG3.
The object and scope of TC 8 deals with general aspects of electricity supply and this influence many
stakeholders. For this reason, several Technical Committees and international organizations are
requested to participate in TC 8 work. Current liaisons and cooperation activities are below described.
Liaisons:
Internal IEC Liaison:
CISPR
International special committee on radio interference
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PC 118
TC 1
TC 105
TC 108
TC 109
TC 115
TC 120
TC 13
TC 17
TC 17/SC
17C
TC 28
TC 57
TC 64
TC 73
TC 77
TC 77/SC
77A
TC 82
TC 88
TC 95
SMB SG3

Smart grid user interface

Terminology
Fuel cell technologies
Safety of electronic equipment within the field of
audio/video, information technology and communication
technology
Insulation co-ordination for low-voltage equipment
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission for DC
voltages above 100 kV
Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Systems
Electrical energy measurement and control
Switchgear and controlgear
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Insulation co-ordination
Power systems management and associated information
exchange
Electrical installations and protection against electric shock
Short-circuit currents
Electromagnetic compatibility
EMC - Low frequency phenomena
Solar photovoltaic energy systems
Wind turbines
Measuring relays and protection equipment
Smart Grid Strategic Group

Liaison A:
EURELECTRIC International Union of Producers and Distributors of
Electrical Energy
Liaison D:
TC 8/WG 2

EPRI

Electric Power Research Institute

Co-operation via TC 8 WGs or PTs experts with others organizations:

NIST, CENELEC, CIRED, IEEE, IEEJ, NERC, ORGALIME, NAESB, EFET, EICTA, ETSO, Electric
Power Research Institute and others including in particular consumers and regulators.
Formal liaisons could be established when needed.
D Objectives and strategies (3 to 5 years)

To develop and keep up to date the terms and definition of International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary
To deliver guidelines on network planning and operation, taking into account new challenges from
deregulated electrical market and new actors on the network.
To deliver methodology and generic Use Cases for Smart Grid project managers
To provide inputs on Smart Grid development to other TCs
To maintain major reference standards (IEC 60038, IEC 60059 and IEC 60196)

E Action plan
WG 1 will work on definition of Smart Grid and all related terms, with the target date for amendment to
IEV of 2012
WG 2 will provide New Work Items to TC 8 on planning and operation for High Voltage system aspects.
SMB decided that TC 8 will put in place Smart Grid Requirements working groups (Geneva meeting 9
February 2010 decision 137/10), in order to follow up after the publication of IEC/PAS 62559 IntelliGrid
methodology for developing requirements for energy systems and to publish a series of generic use
cases pertaining to specific smart grid applications. A task team for each of those generic use cases
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projects will be established. Relevant experts from application domain TCs or from outside will be
recruited on short term basis (8/1282/RM 2010-05-07) . TC 8 will use extensively the INF channel
providing information on the launch of new projects, in order to make sure that any NC who would be
willing to participate can appoint in time a representative. This SMB assignment has started with a
temporary TC 8 AHG4 to define, organize and jumpstart the activity. TC 8 AHG4 has issued call for
experts, and organized 3 workshops (Paris-March 2011, Los Angeles-June 2011, Tokyo-Feb 2012).
Then TC 8 AHG4 has been transformed (Oslo meeting Oct 2012) into the operational WG 5 and WG 6:
WG 5 will provide Methodology and Tools for the Use Case Approach in Standardization:
Part 1: Use Case Approach Motivation and Processes
Part 2: Definition of Use Case Template, Actor List and Requirements List for Energy Systems ->
8/1307/NP
Part 3: XML schemes related to the use cases template in order to support tools which can
provide a better import and export of use cases to UML tools
Part 4: update of the general methodology for Use Cases development, organization &
management of teams (initial PAS62559 Intelligrid Methodology for Projects)
WG 6 will provide Generic Smart Grid Requirements:
Part 1 Specific application of Method &Tools for Smart Grids Use Cases and requirements
Part 2 Business Process Generic Use Cases (with options) : to publish about 100 Use Cases
representing the enveloppe of generic needs of the Users in the global sense (Utilities,
Regulators, etc) [ black box approach]
Part 3 Smart Grid Technical Functions Generic Use Cases: distilled from the Business
Process Generic Use Cases in order to support them. [ transparent box approach]
Part 4 Annex: Domain Core Teams reports for traceability. The eleven Domain Core teams have
been chosen arbitrarily in order to get started the gathering of Use Cases pet theme/expertise,
After that, there is a consolidation process of the Use Cases across the Domains in order to come
up with a consistent set of Use Cases (Whatever the initial choice of Domain Core Teams, the
consolidated result should be the same).
MT 1 began on 2011 the maintenance of IEC 60038, with the target date of 2015.
PT 62749 will develop a Technical Specification on the assessment of the power quality of electricity
supplied by public networks.
PT 62786 will work on the standardization of technical aspects for demand side energy source
interconnection with the grid. It mainly includes general requirements, power quality issues, power
control, voltage regulation, response characteristic of voltage and frequency, maximum current of short
circuit, safety and relay protection, communication and information exchange, metering, operation and
testing. In its activity, PT 62786 has to duly take into consideration the practices of the different
Countries and it has to be bound by laws and standards already developed driven by local Regulators,
Authorities and Governments.

WG 7 will develop guidelines for:

the general planning and design of the micro-grid;
the technical requirements for operation and control of the micro-grid
SC 8A will work on the standardization in the field of grid integration of large-capacity renewable energy
(RE) generation.

F Useful links to IEC web site

TC 8 dashboard giving access to Membership, TC/SC Officers, Scope, Liaisons, WG/MT/PT structure,
Publications issued and Work and Maintenance Programmes and similar information for SCs, if any.
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Name or signature of the secretary

Simone Botton (IT)
Nicola Cammalleri (IT) (Assistant Secretary)

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