User Specifications for Operational and Switching Procedures, a Working Group Report

In general, power software lacks lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and transfer/switching procedures-both critical shortcomings. In 2008, this Working Group (WG) was created to develop methodology for software programs addressing operational procedures, switching procedures including LOTO, and transfer procedures. The “User Guideline Specification” provides this methodology. Software itself will be developed by software vendors. Related was a goal to present a clear, simple, mathematical, and graphical language to promote rigorous analysis and virtual verification of the applicable software; a unified suite for an operational, mathematical, and graphical language. Referenced papers provide a sound basis for work toward achieving this goal, a task which the WG commends to future authors and Working Groups. Although it is outside the defined scope, the WG notes that these basic concepts apply to other energy systems. The WG encourages interested parties to develop similar approaches for other energy systems.