CIM Issues #7296
Equipment & Asset Definitions
Description
I do not like the existing definitions for these two fundamental classes:
Equipment: The parts of a power system that are physical devices, electronic or mechanical.
Asset: Tangible resource of the utility, including power system equipment, various end devices, cabinets, buildings, etc. For electrical network equipment, the role of the asset is defined through PowerSystemResource and its subclasses, defined mainly in the Wires model (refer to IEC61970-301 and model package IEC61970::Wires). Asset description places emphasis on the physical characteristics of the equipment fulfilling that role.
Proposed Solution
Here are my suggestions:
Equipment: The representation of the role played by a device which is, was, or is proposed to be connected into an electrical power system. Note that instances of Equipment are generally created before construction begins so that the behaviour of a proposed change can be studied and additional details can be created during engineering design. See "Asset" for the representation of the physical device.
Asset : The representation of a physical device including both electrical devices and non-electrical (typically structural devices). Assets may be owned by the grid operator or any other party including electrical customers. When installed in the field and connected to other Assets as a part of the electrical system, the Asset fulfill the role described by an associated Equipment.