Erlangen, October 2017 – Today's digital protection devices like those in the Siemens Siprotec 5 series record a multitude of different measured values and network condition quantities. Adding to the devices' actual protection and automation functions, these values can be extremely useful for utilities and grid operators, for example for asset management. That's why Siemens will equip its Siprotec 5 devices with a MindSphere interface, which will be available approximately in the middle of 2018. Through this integrated interface data can be fed, for instance, to a MindSphere application for asset management. Siprotec 5 uses a separate communications path for data read-out and transmission in addition to communications with the power station's automation and control system. There's only one data read access, and it doesn't affect the function of the protection device.

Siemens Siprotec 5 devices with a MindSphere interface

MindSphere, the Siemens cloud-based, open operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT), regulates communications with the connected protection devices and controls data administration. It also makes the data available to MindSphere applications, which is where the value added lies. In addition to standard data exchange formats, MindSphere also offers users a variety of services that makes it possible to create and implement in-house, vendor-neutral applications.

For example, an application could be created to monitor circuit breakers based on data collected from the protection devices. The usual data produced by circuit breakers – including short-circuit energy (I2t) and number of switching cycles – could be processed by a MindSphere application. Using this data in conjunction with values from comparable circuit breakers, grid operators could more effectively plan and optimize breaker maintenance.

MindSphere uses technologies and mechanisms that ensure that only data from the stations and connected devices registered in the operating system are processed. This is possible thanks to a multilayer security concept that's based on modern processes, standards, and services that allow it to provide the necessary data security in line with the current state of the art. This will transform MindSphere into a powerful IoT ecosystem for the energy industry that offers an ever-increasing number of applications for power supply companies and network operators.

At Siemens, the Energy Management Division brings together its extensive IoT-portfolio of software and digital services under "MindSphere for Energy." The portfolio combines the topics of MindSphere and energy. It is designed to enable power utilities and grid operators to benefit from the impact of the Internet of Things on the energy sector. Siemens thus offers an IoT portfolio with a unique depth, breadth, and openness. This special depth of offerings is based on the outstanding domain knowledge of Siemens in terms of the ability to connect all devices, systems, and installations in power grids to MindSphere. Yet it also represents a wide range of industry-specific applications from the established EnergyIP series, with 75 million licenses for intelligent meters sold worldwide. The special range of offerings include end-to-end solutions for sector coupling and cross-industry application fields such as intelligent e-mobility network solutions or the integration into factory automation. Last but not least, an open platform and an open partner ecosystem are available so that, for example, third parties can also develop MindSphere applications.