Intelligent devices simplify remote SCADA installations in substations
- Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc., Reading, PA (United States)
Utilities are increasingly relying on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems for the effective and economical management of electric transmission and distribution systems. Now, advances in equipment and design technologies have created opportunities for an increased level of monitoring and control at electric power substations. In the past, prohibitive factors, including complicated equipment and wiring retrofits, protocol compatibility, and hardware installation and maintenance costs have impeded electric utilities in their attempt at broad based application of SCADA systems in electric substations, particularly at distribution voltage levels. These advances in equipment technologies have provided utilities with the opportunity to install and operate SCADA systems at lower cost, while providing flexibility for system expansion over longer periods. The development of intelligent microprocessor controlled devices and integrated communications has facilitated the use of a distributed design approach to installing SCADA monitoring and control in substations. This approach offers greater hardware flexibility and reduced installation costs while increasing reliability, making the addition of monitoring and control to electric substations increasingly practical. This paper will examine current trends in the application of intelligent microprocessor controlled and electronic devices, in stand alone and distributed applications, and the simplification of techniques for installing SCADA systems in substations. It will also consider the potential advantages to be realized in cost and reliability, and examine the necessary changes in design and operation philosophies required to effectively implement the new technology.
- Research Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), Seoul (Korea, Republic of)
- OSTI ID:
- 81442
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941089--Vol.1; ON: DE95011612
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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