take note
ENERGY + ENVIROFICIENCY
the system and ensures interoperability. Fundamental to the design is
embedded database technology. The core of the solution is a secure
distributed data management system, in which each remote device
stores its own local data in an internal encrypted database. The data
from each device can be configured to flow up to a higher storage
capacity device installed in a substation, operations centre, or other
major node within the grid.
As the technology is based on NI CompactRIO embedded control-
lers, it is natural to use NI LabVIEWsoftware for most of the embedded
development to be deployed on VxWorks and Linux-based operating
systems. Further, many grid operators run Windows, so there is a
need for a cross-platform, highly flexible database solution that also
supports encryption. For this, an embedded database with a native
LabVIEW API–Raima Database API for LabVIEW, implemented with
RDM Embedded 12, is used. This provides a database management
solution, specifically designed for applications deployed on NI Com-
pactRIO and NI Single-Board RIO devices.
Stand-alone operation is therefore possible because the database
resides in the LabVIEW data directory. It offers extended functionality
to share data between multiple targets – whether sharing information
between NI CompactRIO devices or outside computers.
The Raima Database API for LabVIEWprovides programmers with
a way to quickly and easily design data management functionality
into their software applications, using an intuitive and easy-to-use
programming interface that is familiar to them. Rugged and reliable,
with fast, high performance, Raima Database API for LabVIEW is avail-
able on the LabVIEWTools Network and is the first database to deliver
relational data management locally, on real-time NI CompactRIO
devices. One or more NI CompactRIO or NI Single-Board RIO devices
may store and share data without requiring connectivity to external
database servers. Events may be logged and queried, streams may be
captured and configurations may be shared through Raima functions.
The database technology supports VxWorks and support for the
NI Linux Real-Time targeted platforms is now available, which was
important for LocalGrid. Furthermore, its small footprint means it
can run on a variety of embedded systems in field devices that may
have very limited resources.
RDM Embedded is fast, flexible, and designed for embedded
targets allowing the entire system to be based on a single database
product with native support for LabVIEW. This will simplify the design
and reduce errors or unknowns during development. Development of
this innovative platform is moving forward quickly including multiple
field trials. The embedded database has been one of the keys to the
progress of this development project.
Conclusion
LocalGrid provides a next-generation approach to solving one of the
biggest challenges of our time – increasing the reliability of electrical
grids to meet the growing needs of the 21
st
century. It is transforming
power delivery through smart, flexible solutions designed to evolve
in sync with the way we produce and consume energy – today and
in the future. National Instruments equips engineers and scientists
with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation, and discovery
to meet not only grand but also daily engineering challenges in an
increasingly complex world.
Reference
[1] IEC61850. 2013. Communication networks and systems in substa-
tions.
Innovative technology that converts existing grids
into smart flexible solutions that can be implemented
over time is the way forward.
Nigel Rozier began his career as an embedded software
developer at Ericsson. This experience led to him work-
ing as a field application engineer for Telelogic where he
taught high level software languages before moving into
a commercial role. Nigel was UK sales manager at Green
Hills Software for nine years before joining Raima in 2010.
He is the EMEA sales manager - responsible for some of Raima’s largest
accounts. Nigel has a degree in Physics and Computer Science and is a
Chartered Engineer.
Enquiries: Email
.
• Incorporation of renewable energy sources into the grid
poses challenges.
• The requirements of electricity grids of today are
different from those of the past.
• Modern systems can be built up on the existing grid.
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