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Substation Automation and Integration

Substation automation is a rapidly increasing area of interest and benefit to utilities. Traditional SCADA approaches to monitor and control selected equipment in the substation have been implemented by many utilities. Traditional SCADA has typically centered on a remote terminal unit (RTU) with hardwired inputs and outputs and in some cases, serial protocol communications to a few intelligent electronic devices (IEDs).

Substation automation goes beyond traditional SCADA to provide added capability and information that can further improve operations and maintenance, increase system and staff efficiencies, and leverage and defer major capital investments.

Applications and data of interest may include remote access to IED/relay configuration ports, waveforms, event data, diagnostic information, video for security or equipment status assessment, metering, switching, volt/VAR management, and others.

Newer microprocessor-based relays and other intelligent devices may have network interfaces such as DNP 3.0 over TCP/IP/Ethernet. Additionally, more utilities are gaining access to fiber optic based communications at some substation locations. Even more utilities are implementing IP wireless communication solutions to substations. IP Networks to substations can greatly enhance substation automation possibilities and benefits.

PSE is actively planning, designing, and implementing substation automation solutions. We have an experienced team that knows the vendors, products, design options, Communication solutions, and implementation hurdles. We help our clients find the best approach, while managing costs and risks.

Services PSE can provide include:
  • Develop a business case for substation automation.
  • Evaluate existing systems and develop strategies to migrate to new applications and technologies.
  • Design an overall solution to integrate substation equipment with communication systems and head-end applications.
  • Specify detailed designs and help select all equipment from intelligent devices, to wires, substation servers, RTUs, network switches, firewalls, wide area networks, head-end applications, and others.
  • Estimate impacts on utility staff resources during implementation and post-implementation.
  • Assist with configuration, integration, and testing of the solution.
  • Present and lead a Workshop to educate your team on a technology or address a more strategic objective involving substation automation.
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