Virtualizing Substation Workloads to Simplify Digital Grid Operations

Modern substations are under growing pressure to support more intelligence, tighter security, and faster response times—often within the same physical footprint. Traditional architectures, built around single-purpose devices for protection, control, and monitoring, make it difficult to scale, update, or integrate new capabilities without adding complexity.

Virtualization offers a practical path forward. By shifting substation functions from dedicated hardware to software-based workloads, utilities can modernize operations while maintaining the reliability required for mission-critical grid infrastructure. The key requirement, however, is a computing platform designed specifically for substation environments—not adapted from the data center.

A Purpose-Built Platform for Virtualized Substations

The Lanner ICS-P770 is purpose-built as a centralized compute platform for digital and virtualized substations, enabling utilities to replace multiple proprietary devices with a single rugged industrial server. Designed to meet IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 requirements, it provides a reliable foundation for hosting diverse substation applications within a standards-compliant environment.

By supporting multiple isolated virtual machines, the ICS-P770 enables software-based deployment of critical substation workloads while maintaining operational separation. This unified architecture reduces hardware footprint and cabling complexity, simplifies system expansion, and allows applications to be updated or scaled remotely—while supporting a broad range of virtualized substation functions on one platform, including:

Software-Based Monitoring and Measurement

Core grid functions such as RTU and PMU can be implemented as virtualized applications. Running these services on a shared compute platform removes the dependency on individual hardware devices, helping standardize deployments across substations and easing long-term maintenance.

Integrated SCADA and Local HMI

Hosting SCADA components and Human-Machine Interfaces directly at the substation edge improves system responsiveness and situational awareness. Operators gain local visibility into grid conditions while maintaining centralized management across the network.

Embedded Cybersecurity at the Substation Level

Virtualized firewall (vFW) and security services can be deployed alongside operational workloads, allowing cybersecurity protections to reside directly within the substation infrastructure. This architecture strengthens defense against cyber threats without introducing additional standalone security appliances.

Local Analytics with AI and Machine Learning

With ample processing headroom, the ICS-P770 can support AI- and ML-based analytics at the edge. Local data processing enables early detection of anomalies, equipment degradation, or abnormal operating patterns—helping utilities act before minor issues escalate into service disruptions.

Industrial-Grade Hardware for Digital Substation Demands

The ICS-P770 combines high-performance computing with the durability required for harsh electrical environments:

High-Density Compute: Powered by the Intel® Xeon® 6 6710E processor with up to 64 cores, supporting multiple compute-intensive virtual workloads concurrently.
Security Acceleration: Intel® QAT and SGX technologies provide hardware-assisted encryption and secure execution for virtualized applications.
Flexible Networking and Legacy Support: Multiple PCIe expansion slots allow integration of HSR/PRP cards and industrial-grade ethernet modules, while configurable Ethernet options (2.5GbE to 25GbE) support modern substation networking.
Certified Rugged Design: Fully compliant with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613, and designed for continuous operation across a wide temperature range from -40°C to 55°C.