About the Use Case Repository

Use cases are a valuable method of documenting applications and processes for purposes of defining requirements. The EPRI IntelliGrid program developed architecture for the Smart Grid that includes initial definition of many use cases across different domains that can be part of the Smart Grid. Many utilities have continued to use this method of defining processes and applications for their own Smart Grid requirements development efforts. EPRI has initiated a major Smart Grid demonstrations initiative that involves demonstration of distributed resource integration with all aspects of the power system operation. These demonstration projects will each involve formal use case development for the demonstration initiatives. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is also funding a number of demonstrations and projects related to Smart Grid developments and these may also involve development of use cases and other information that will be valuable for the industry-wide Smart Grid development efforts. The IEEE Intelligent Grid Coordinating Committee can provide coordination with IEEE PES efforts that can contribute to the use case repository.

Objective

Develop an industry-wide repository for smart grid use cases that can be used as a foundation for smart grid process definition and requirements development.

Basic Approach and Requirements for the Use Case Repository

• EPRI, a 501(c)3 non profit company, proposes to manage the use case repository in terms of organizing the web site for hosting the use cases, managing the content on the web site, coordinating a committee of experts to review content.
• The repository is publicly accessible
• The repository supports a variety of Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome)
• The repository is searchable
• Use cases and related documents are easily downloadable
• Use cases can be easily uploaded to the repository
• Use cases will be uploaded as non-alterable PDF documents toprevent altering of documents (version control and time/date stamp of documents is inherent in the web site)
• Users are encouraged to use the EPRI/DOE/NIST template and coversheet for documenting use cases
• Users must register before uploading documents to the repository. To upload use cases, a user must be invited. To request an invitation, email Matt Wakefield and include your name, title, company name, address, email address and phone number.
• EPRI will organize a group of representatives from industry, IEEE, DOE, NIST to provide input on site organization as well as review of documents for applicability. The review committee will have authority for decisions related to document and information retention and management.
• EPRI will maintain a backup of use cases submitted with associated dates and times.