Alternative Database Designs for the Distribution Common Information Model

The Distribution Common Information Model (CIM) offers a means for interoperable distribution system applications. Adoption has been slow in part because of the steep learning curve, and the mismatch between CIM's object-oriented schema and widely-used relational database schemas. We evaluated alternative database technologies, and tested a triple-store database with SPARQL queries on a set of IEEE distribution test feeders. These alternative queries were much simpler to design and use, so they should help lower one of the important barriers to CIM adoption. An open-source platform has been provided for other developers to work with CIM in this way. One goal is to more rapidly develop interoperable ADMS and DERMS applications. Another use is to convert feeder models between commercial CIM-compliant products and research software like GridLAB-D and OpenDSS.