A Tool for Converting CIM Data Model to IEC 61850 Substation Specification, Thesis

Company Description

We have been electrifying industries, lighting up homes, and changing lives through innovation and collaboration for over a century. Guided by our ambition, we are determined to achieve fossil-free living within a generation. To make this a reality, we, as one of Europe's top energy companies, must ourselves be free of fossil fuels.

However, that's not sufficient. Thus, we're looking beyond our industry to understand where we can truly make a difference.

Would you like to become a part of our quest for a fossil-free life within one generation?

Want to know more about what we do? Visit .

As Vattenfall is part of Swedish critical infrastructure, many of our services fall under the security category. Hence, successful candidates might be subjected to a security vetting process, conforming to Swedish legislation.

Job Description

Vattenfall Eldistribution is among the largest DSOs in Sweden. The aim for Vattenfall Eldistribution is to double its power delivery capacity and to increase its power delivery reliability to 99.99% by 2030. Boosting the efficiency of power grid operations and expanding its distribution network are critical to achieving this goal. This usually involves several phases from grid planning to implementation, which require different team members using different tools and sharing different types of documents. These conditions necessitate manual data input and output or system model to the tools used, which could increase certain risks such as human errors, inefficiencies, and redundancy. However, it is unavoidable given that input and output files from different tools are not compatible with each other.

The Common Information Model (CIM) was introduced to offer a standardized basis for information modelling in electric power utilities. The CIM provides an extensive canonical model that includes modelling the power grid, assets, functionalities, etc. Additionally, the IEC 61850 has been introduced focusing on substation automation systems' information and data modelling. This facilitates standardized communication within the substation.

It can be observed that the CIM is mainly used for grid planning and management, while the IEC 61850 is mainly used for engineering and documenting substation configuration. There exists some overlap between CIM data model and IEC 61850 data model, hence it is feasible to convert the CIM data model into an IEC 61850 substation specification.

Therefore, this project aims to demonstrate the ability to automatically convert CIM-based network data models into IEC 61850 substation specification files using a supportive tool.

About the thesis

• The master's thesis will be carried out at Vattenfall R&D in consultation with experts from Vattenfall Eldistribution
• The main goal is to validate the concept that files following CIM standards can be seamlessly converted from planning phase to substation specification phase in IEC61850 standard using a supporting tool.
• Main activities of the thesis project encompass understanding how systems and substations are modelled in CIM and IEC 61850 respectively, prototyping a tool to automate the conversion, and producing a technical report and source codes for the tools as the project's deliverables.
• The master's thesis project should be completed by one student

Qualifications

We are seeking a student ready to join us on our journey towards a fossil-free future. You are on the verge of graduating from your academic studies and identify with our principles: proactive, open, positive and safe.

We are looking for a master's thesis student specialized in electrical power systems or computer science with:

• Basic knowledge of CIM for power grid data modelling
• Basic knowledge of IEC 61850 for SCL substation data modelling
• Good knowledge of UML
• Basic ability to handle XML file programming
• Desire to gain in-depth knowledge of relevant standards
• Self-motivated to undertake the project
• Understanding of Web Ontology Language (OWL) and Object Constraint Language (OCL) is advantageous.

Additional Information

• Commencement of assignment: planned for February 1, 2023 or by mutual agreement
• Location: Solna

• Application – a single document comprising your CV, cover letter, and grades, is to be submitted during the application process.
• The application deadline is February 1, 2022, or until a suitable candidate is found.
• Contact person and supervisor at Vattenfall is: , 0761368885, Yiming Wu

Diversity & inclusion — integral to all we do

At Vattenfall, we believe that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones. But, the true potential of diversity can only be tapped when everyone feels included. More about our critical efforts on diversity & inclusion can be found here: