1. Substation Automation IT
Mladen Kezunovic
Texas A&M University
PSerc Retreat
August 10, 01

2. Problems to be solved (general)
Enhancing Reliability and Security of Network Operation
Making Network Availability ( quick restoration) a major requirement
Introducing Quality of Service as an additional constraint
Enabling operators to act more efficiently and with greater confidence in difficult (sometimes unclear, unexpected or even conflicting) circumstances

3. Substation Automation Functions
Data Acquisition: KHz sampling rate, synchronized sampling,GPS, continuous monitoring,double buffered memory, ample data redundancy, every contact, V and I
Data Processing: computation of phasors, sequence values, sequence of events, P, Q, Energy, harmonics, sags, detection and classification of faults, fault location, equipment diagnostics, synchro-check, out of step, topology processor, breaker failure protection, etc
Local Applications: monitoring, control and protection
Applications requiring coordination with other sites: exchange of information with neighboring substations (protection), exchange of information with EMS functions (switching sequences, LTC control, state estimation,etc)

4. Current approach CFL MS PE EMS LMS FL IS SC RC DFR IED PR RTU SOE A S
LEVEL I
CENTRALIZED LOCATION
LEVEL II
SUBSTATION
LEVEL III
SWITCHYARD INTERFACE

5. Substation Automation IT
UCA: LAN in a substation connected to the corporate WAN; protocols making each substation device directly accessible from any user point (local or remote)
Wireless and optical links: addressing the issues of speed,cost of wiring, and electromagnetic interferences
IEDs: universal, programmable devices, capable of peer-to-peer, master-slave and point-point communications
Sensors: OCT, OVT, temperature, stress, vibration, partial discharges, gas-in-oil, pressure, video image, frequency Software: open architecture, modular design,client- server,mobile agents, internet services, local database
Intelligent Systems: NN, Genetic Algorithms, Expert Systems, Wavelets, DSP, “Smart” GUI, Hybrid systems

7. CHALLANGES
Introducing IT at all levels: EMS, DMS, Substations, Feeders
Developing new applications amenable to distributed processing (power plants, substations, feeders)
Enhancing existing EMS applications using hierarchical processing and decision making
Finding new ways of utilizing the same data for different purposes (engineering, operations and planning, control, protection, maintenance)
Providing the latest IT to the utility industry (retrofitting,step-by-step deployment, upgradeability, portability, modularity, open architectures, etc)