OpenDSO High Level

Open Distributed Systems Operations (OpenDSO) is designed as a containerized, distributed and micro-service oriented platform. The actual composition of the platform depends necessarily on the use cases and needs of its deployment. But we can attempt to break down the overall OpenDSO architecture into 3 main parts. Please note, this is not to trivialize the distributed nature of the platform, but is very helpful in easing communication and learning the OpenDSO platform.

These layers (as seen on the right) are: Equipment/Deployment, OpenDSO Services, and Applications

The Applications (and Algorithms) is the top most part of the OpenDSO framework. This layer is composed of equipment-coordination applications, distributed (intelligence) algorithms and even some end-user facing OpenDSO applications (like the GMS Suite). This layer is where most development is done by electrical and software engineers who are utilizing OpenDSO services for their DI and Algorithm solutions.

The OpenDSO Services are the core services of the OpenDSO framework. They provide abstraction and utility to help maintain and manipulate the physical or simulated electrical systems. The OpenDSO Services are oriented towards the engineer, implemented as RPC protocols and NATs messages, providing real-time state data, history, and custom-event generation.

The Equipment & Deployment layer contains all the configurations and implementation details of the actual electrical grid and computer network. In this layer, you will find container deployments, and the computer and equipment networks. Simulation software (like OpenDSS or HILs) may take the place of actual physical equipment in these networks.