The Dell Validated Design for Energy Edge is ideal for substation-based applications like data aggregation and substation/distribution automation, as well as sending data to a control center to aggregate data from multiple substations into an advanced distribution management system (ADMS) or energy management system (EMS).
With this solution, the concept of fail-safe operations can now be applied to IT/OT architectures. This helps to keep aging systems up to date with new technology while mitigating significant vulnerabilities due to: legacy issues, siloed data, multiple IT assets management, and disconnected applications.
Overall, this solution provides a comprehensive approach for enhancing substation virtualization by incorporating layers of cybersecurity and high availability. By adopting this approach, utilities can ensure the security and reliability of their virtualized substations and minimize the risk of cyberattacks that could cause significant damage to the power system. The proposed approach can also serve as a guideline for utilities that are considering virtualizing their substations, ensuring that they do so securely and with high availability.
To demonstrate the effectiveness this approach, a virtualized substation is presented as a solution. This Dell Validated Design shows how this approach can enhance the security and reliability of the substation by providing secure isolation, layered cybersecurity controls, and high availability.