Crystal Group ES373S17 substation server

Crystal Group has announced its first VMware-validated configuration of virtualisation-enabled servers. The ES373S17 substation server is a software-agnostic, hyperconverged system that combines real-time automation, remote management, cybersecurity, auto failover and zero-trust security features for utilities as they pursue power grid modernisation efforts.

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 reduces the overall substation control footprint and 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.

Updating substations with a holistic, software-defined control system should deliver benefits now and over the long term to both utilities and their customers. With 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 centralised location, while keeping power generation, transmission and distribution flowing smoothly and without interruption.

Combining Crystal Group rugged hardware with VMware Edge Compute Stack establishes a rugged 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, the 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 cyber attacks. In the event of a failed server, VMware Edge Compute Stack automatically migrates the workload of the server over to other servers without disruption.

The substation solution delivers 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.