Wireless data communications offers many benefits in power systems, but it also presents security, reliability and other concerns. In order to help the industry address the potential of this technology, the IEEE has begun work on a new standard to create functional, performance, security and on-site testing practices for wireless technologies in power system operations. The standard, IEEE P1777,™ “Using Wireless Data Communications in Power System Operations,” will focus on newer technologies, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiMAX and cellular phones. In addition to the practical aspects of wireless use, it also will address the dissemination of information on the uses, benefits and concerns of wireless technologies in the industry. IEEE P1777 will evaluate the potential of wireless technologies in power systems to determine where they are viable alternatives to wire systems and what further development they need in order to meet robustness, security and reliability and other requirements. The standard will explore the potential uses of wireless technologies at many levels of power system operations, including substations, underground vaults, transmission and distribution circuits, generation and distributed generation plants, and customer electrical and metering equipment. IEEE P1777 is sponsored by the IEEE Power Engineering Society.
The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standard-setting body, develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of an industry together. These standards set specifications and procedures based on current scientific consensus.
The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of more than 870 completed standards and more than 400 standards in development. For information on IEEE-SA, visit http://standards.ieee.org/.