SCADA » Operator Decision Tools ready for the Smart Grid Migration

The emphasis of the IncSys Smart Grid initiative is on development of Smart Grid functions that require integrated control of generation, transmission, distribution and customer premises.

The Smart Grid will require improved interfaces and analytical methods, to support operator decision-making. System operators will play an even more vital role as they supervise more sophisticated control systems that actively manage systems with tighter transmission and generation reserve margins.

However, Energy Management Systems have evolved slowly over the last twenty five years. The core specifications for functions such as SCADA, alarming, state estimator and contingency analysis have not changed significantly. These functions now run on much lower cost computers and use higher resolution displays for showing system maps and station diagrams. Many application codes written in the early 1980s are still running today. The rate of evolution of Energy Management Systems has to accelerate if Smart Transmission Grids are to be deployed by 2020.

The Solution

The way to make advanced applications a reality for all companies is to provide a solution which does not require the overhaul of the existing EMS. The innovative software of IncSys and PowerData makes this a reality.

IncSys third-party apps now run in parallel with the existing EMS; bringing cutting edge decision-making tools to the operators fingertips.

SCADA » Product Highlights

There are a large number of suppliers of software that can perform basic SCADA functions. These basic SCADA systems are not smart in the sense that they have the power network model intelligence to accurately and reliably show the energized state of network components and network islands.

The number of suppliers that can include an integrated set of Transmission and Distribution network analysis applications is much more limited and these software packages are not generally available for licensing by independent software vendors. The IncSys SCADA software has been developed as an application running under the PACE – Power Application Computing Environment. These same components except for the Data Acquisition Component are also used by industry leading PowerSimulator. The unique PACE software makes available to any company the advanced SCADA features which are not typically seen from other suppliers.

The SCADA system will have the functions described below.

» Data Acquisition

The power system will be monitored and controlled via a SCADA front end processor. TCP/IP based communication protocol shall be used between the Distribution SCADA Server and the front end processor. Internet connections will be provided by the ME. The SCADA front end processor controls the scanning of the remote terminal units (RTU). It may also handle communications with external sources using ICCP protocol.
The SCADA front end processor will update the values in the real-time data base.

»Data Processing

»Measured Values
»Indications
»Alarm and Event Processing

»Supervisory Control

»Control Command
»Control Permissive Check

»Operational Responsibilities

»Modes of Operation
»Password Security
»Historical Information Data Recording

»User Interface

»System Maps
»Substation Diagrams
»Dialog Boxes
»Display Call-up Procedures
»Monitoring System Conditions
»Device Control Functions
»Violation Summaries
»Topology Processing: “Smart Diagrams” shall provide enhanced system safety
» Multiple Console Monitor Arrangements