Crystal Group, Inc., announced its first VMware validated solution for supporting real-time substation servers. Firstly, the CMS-01171 is a hyperconverged software system and was successfully installed with the ES373S17 substation server . The CMS-01171 is a tightly managed software framework that combines storage, computing, networking and managing virtualisation features. It also consists of real-time automation, remote, management, cybersecurity, auto failover and zero-trust security features. Making it ideal for Utilities. As they pursue significant power grid modernisation retro-fits.
Secondly, in collaboration with Intel and VMware, Crystal Group developed its VMware Validated Solution to consolidate the work of multiple discrete hardware solutions into a single, hyperconverged system. Virtualisation greatly reduces the overall substation control footprint. It also reduces the infrastructure requirements while maximising both physical and cyber protections. Integrating validated hardware and software—based on open standards—gives utilities a comprehensive, ready-now solution. That supports and simplifies their current and evolving development needs, including virtual protection relay applications.
How Substations will benefit
Therefore, updating substations with a software-defined control system will deliver significant benefits. Now and over the long term to both utilities and their customers. By providing the ability to monitor and manage substation performance in real time. Utilities can make system adjustments or issue critical updates on demand to one or several sites from a centralized location. Therefore, saving valuable time, resources and costs, while keeping power generation, transmission and distribution flowing smoothly and without interruption.
Combining proven Crystal Group rugged hardware with VMware Edge Compute Stack. Establishes a rugged, highly reliable, and secure hyperconverged edge platform capable of supporting real-time virtual machines and containers.
Equipped with a VMware Edge Compute Stack and single or dual 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with hardware-enhanced security technologies. This IEC 61850-3-certified server includes critical cyber protections. Including data-at-rest encryption, total memory encryption, software guard extensions and software-defined networking. Intrusion detection services and stateful packet inspection firewalls monitor traffic between virtual servers to identify and prevent cyberattacks. In the event of a failed server, VMware Edge Compute Stack automatically migrates the workload of that server over to other servers without disruption.
Faced with unprecedented levels of demand, intensifying cyber threats, and integrating renewable resources. While maintaining affordability, utilities need smart, multi-faceted technology solutions that enable them to do more—and to do it better—with less
Substation Server
As part of the Crystal Group Energy Series (ES) product line, the substation solution delivers reliable power and performance in a rugged chassis built and tested to withstand the intense conditions. Such as extreme temperatures, weather conditions, moisture, electromagnetic interference, power transients, and dust—inherent to remote locations. Additional ES servers and embedded computers will feature Crystal Group’s industrial design standards for intelligent, virtualisation platforms that provide long, in-field operational life, seamless operation and reliable accuracy inherent to all Crystal Group solutions.
About Crystal Group, Inc.
Crystal Group, Inc., a technology leader in rugged computer hardware. It specialises in the design and manufacture of custom and commercial rugged servers, embedded computing, networking devices, displays, and data storage. Idealy for high reliability in harsh environments. An employee-owned small business founded in 1987. Crystal Group provides the defence, government and industrial markets with in-house customisation, engineering, integration, configuration management, product life-cycle planning, warranty, and support services.