SeMo-TS: Testing OPC UA server models in simulated environments

The advent of the OPC Unified Architecture (UA) extends the scope of standardized (industrial) automation. Until now, OPC standards have only been applied in the context of industrial automation. The OPC UA however, enables applications in various domains, e.g., the power domain aiming at the implementation of smart grids. Among other things, smart grids pursue the goal of realizing an automated overall energy system. Referring to the OPC UA standard, which has been identified as a suitable solution, the power domain can benefit from the experiences in industrial automation. Deploying an OPC UA architecture in the field, previously requires extensive testing in simulative environments. In this contribution, a test suite for simulated OPC UA servers and clients is introduced. Investigating the state of the art motivates the need for a software tool fostering the validation of developed OPC UA server models in order to ensure their reliable operation in the field.