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Substation Automation in Smart Grid
What is Substation Automation?
Substation Automation is a fundamental concept that represents a transition from
traditional electric grid to an intelligent and more efficient electric grid. The substation
automation can be defined as a process of using data from intelligent electronic devices
(IEDs) to control and automate the grid operations.
Substation automation is primarily meant for automating the power system operations
like switching, control, monitoring, protection, etc. so that we can get an electric
substation with high reliability, efficiency, and security.
The core component involved in substation automation to transform this manual
operation to automated one is the digital communication and control system.
Components of Substation Automation
A substation automation system consists of several smart components for real-time
monitoring and automated control of power system operations.
Some of the main components of a substation automation system and their functions are
given here −
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
The IEDs are the core components of a substation automation system. These devices
perform continuous monitoring of the substation equipment in real-time and collect the
data for analysis and decision making. IEDs used in substation automation can be smart
relays, sensors, circuit breakers, etc.
SCADA System
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is a software program used
for remote monitoring and control of substation operations. This system receives data
about grid operation from the IEDs and sends it to a central control center for analysis
and processing. SCADA is the most fundamental elements in the substation automation,
thus without SCADA, the substation automation is almost impossible.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
In substation automation, RTU is a microprocessor-based device used to create an
interface between the hardware components i.e., IEDs and the SCADA system for data
transmission.
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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
PLCs are nothing but microcontrollers used in substation automation to perform a
specific set of operations. The PLCs can be pre-programmed to perform the automation
task.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
HMI is a graphical user interfacing device used to provide a communication medium for
substation operators. Using HMI, the substation operators can interact with the
substation systems to control the operations and monitor the system parameters.
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Configuration of Substation Automation
The configuration of the substation automation in smart grid consists of the following
three levels of equipment function −
Station Level Functions
Bay Level Functions
Process Level Functions
These three functions of substation automation configuration are explained here.
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Station Level Functions
At this level, the substation computer, HMI, and the gateway to control center are the
main devices involved in the substation automation. Here, the message specification
network acts as a communication link between the SCADA system, IEDs, and the central
control center.
Bay Level Functions
This level consists of controllers and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) as the main
substation automation devices. These devices provide protection for different utilities of
the system and performs a real-time evaluation of the distribution network.
Process Level Functions
In this level of substation automation configuration, optical voltage and current sensors
are used as the core element. This level also comprises of current transformers, potential
transformers, sensors, and switchgear control and monitoring system. At this level, the
analog signals received from the CTs and PTs are converted into optical signals using a
merging unit and then transferred to protection and control devices through fiber optic
links.
Advantages of Substation Automation
Substation automation is aimed for automated operation of the power system with
minimal human intervention. It results in the following benefits −
Substation automation improves the reliability of the power system by faster fault
detection and isolation and reduced power outages duration.
Substation automation makes the grid operations faster and less dependent on
human intervention. This results in reduced chances of accidents and fires in the
system and hence improve safety.
Substation automation minimizes the human involvement and errors and results in
enhanced operational efficiency of the power system.
Substation automation also allows for automatic adjustment of grid parameters
depending on the load requirements and provides a stable power supply.
Substation automation uses SCADA system and hence allows to control the grid
operations from a distant location.
Challenges in Substation Automation
The following are some major challenges or barriers coming in the implementation of
substation automation −
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Substation automation involves the use of smart electronic devices and modern
advanced technologies. Hence, it requires a high initial investment.
Substation automation uses digital communication technologies which are
vulnerable to cyber threats and thus requires a robust security system.
The electronic devices used in substation automation can be from different
manufacturers and may have compatibility issues.
Substation automation is a technology intensive task and therefore requires
technically skilled personnel for erection, operation, and maintenance.
Conclusion
Substation automation is an important technological implementation required for
efficient, reliable, and secure power system. Substation automation is nothing but an
integration of power grid with a digital communication network for automated monitoring
and control of power flow.
Substation automation system is essential for achieving desired efficiency and reliability
in the power system. Proceed to the next chapter to learn about Feeder Automation in
Smart Grid.
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