Power system professionals around the globe are working together collaboratively within non-profit electrical engineering societies. Whether it’s Cigré, IEEE, or IEC – they all foster global knowledge sharing among electrical engineers to enable the provision of electricity for all – but does this engagement benefit the companies involved? A few months ago, a colleague from a CIGRE working group started a new job. At one of our meetings, he complained that his new employer did not believe involving him in associations such as these was worthwhile for his company. Therefore, he may no longer be able to participate in our working groups. Non-profit associations like CIGRE are geared towards the common good, and members must put cooperation above competition. What are the benefits of an association such as this? For society, the answer is simple. These associations develop global standards, identify best practices, and propose technical solutions long before most people even realize the need for change. One example from contemporary history is Oskar Oliven, a very active personality in the international electro-technical community. He had proposed a European 400 kV super-grid as early as 1930, about half a century before his vision became a reality (Image 1). A more recent example is a group of engineers around Alexander Apostolov, a colleague of mine. Decades ago, his group recognized that a common communication standard could greatly benefit the electricity industry. Organizing themselves within several Working Groups, they defined all the aspects of IEC 61850. For example, Image 2 shows the members of working groups 10, 11, and 12, which defined the functional architecture and general requirements, the communication within and between unit and station levels, and the communication within and between process and unit levels, respectively. Today, this standard is changing power grids worldwide. If you are interested in the benefits of power system digitalization, I recommend reading Alex’s book „IEC 61850: Digitizing the Electric Power Grid“ (ISBN-13: 978-1630818845). A WORTHWHILE COMMITMENT Why engaging within electrical engineering societies makes sense. 42
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkxNzY=